The primary function of the drawworks is to raise or lower the drill string and provide proper weight on bit. Modern drawworks and winches also can operate Active Heave Compensation (AHC), designed to compensate for the wave motions on floating rigs. The resulting rapid load cycles require an extremely rigid system.

The solution: Schaeffler provides a range on bearing products including Spherical roller bearings for the main bearing on hoisting drum. These bearings can compensate for misalignments while providing high load capacity. Additional bearing positions can be found in the drive motor and gearboxes used to operate the hoisting drum. All work together as a system to ensure reliable operation.