Tesco Corporation introduces two innovative products for extended reach consistent with its evolving Rig Mechanization strategy

HOUSTON, May 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Tesco Corporation (TESCO), the leader in top drives and rig mechanization, has completed the testing phase of two innovative products, the HXI 150 ton top drive and Hydraulic Compact CASING DRIVE SYSTEM ™ (HCCDS™), Julio Quintana, Tesco Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer, announced today.

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The HXI 150t, the 12^th of TESCO's high-tech top drive line, features the same benefits as the HXI 250t, but is lighter and smaller and allows operators to move the top drive between mobile rigs.  Generating 24,000 ft/lbs of drilling torque, the HXI 150t is designed for the horizontal value stream as well as the vertical stages of the well, including drilling sections, rotating casing to total depth and cementing the casing. Its integrated safety interlock of the process logic controller system and driller's control panel maximizes operating efficiency while minimizing risks.

"Consistent with our customer intimacy culture, we asked our customers what attributes of the top drive were critical to their operations and they told us: rig integration, smaller footprint and mobility," said Jeff Foster, Vice President of Top Drives.  "We designed the HXI 150t to meet all of those demands and after a year of field testing we are confident that it is the most versatile and dynamic top drive to meet those challenges."

Complementing the HXI 150t is TESCO's HCCDS™, a compact, lightweight version of the company's 500 ton CASING DRIVE SYSTEM™.  Replacing conventional power tongs, traveling elevators and removing the need for a stabbing board, the HCCDS™ allows circulation, rotation and reciprocation of the casing to ensure it reaches casing point and in conjunction with TESCO's Dynamic Cementation System improves the cement bond and wellbore integrity. 

"By eliminating traditional equipment, the HCCDS™ is cost-efficient and maximizes safety by eliminating risks associated with conventional casing running equipment," said Nick Mawford, Vice President of Tubular Services.  "The HXI 150t top drive, coupled with TESCO's HCCDS™ provides operators and end-users a compact rig solution for any drilling environment."

About Tesco Corporation
Tesco Corporation is a global leader in the design, manufacture and service of technology-based solutions for the upstream energy industry.  TESCO seeks to change the way people drill wells by delivering safer and more efficient solutions that add real value by reducing the costs of drilling for and producing oil and gas. For more information, visit www.tescocorp.com.

SOURCE Tesco Corporation