New equipment

Vol. 224 No. 7

Weld-less connector

Britain’s Hydratight Sweeney has developed Quik Flange, a low-cost, high-performance, reusable weld-less connector. For use in offshore situations where the firm’s Morgrip coupling systems would be over-specified, this connector meets 900 class requirements. It is assembled onto subsea pipe as a complete unit, with segments spaced correctly and ball-gripping mechanism retracted. Drivers will find the item lighter in weight and easier to install. (Hydratight Sweeney)

Blowout preventer

A newly designed BOP from Hydril called Quik-Loq provides easier and faster ram and ram operator changeout, with reduced risk to personnel and the environment. Total changeout time can be cut to about 10–15% of the time conventionally required, thus avoiding exposure of personnel to potential harm for an extended time. Key design features are a segmented lock ring and a slide/rotate mounting. Quik-Loq is suitable for land, platform and subsea applications. It is initially offered in 13-5/8-in., 15,000-psi configuration. (Hydril)

Ram changing system

Varco International Inc. has introduced Shaffer’s ARC Automated Ram Changing System, which features a ram-changing arm that quickly and accurately retrieves and replaces ram blocks in minutes from a simple removable ram storage magazine. Tests indicate a traditional ram change today can take 230 min., or almost 4 hr, while the Automated Ram Changer reduces that to 36 min., while increasing safety. The ARC may be adapted to a remotely controlled vehicle for subsea applications, potentially saving several days of a well program. On surface applications, automation helps reduce safety-related incidents. Manpower requirements can be reduced by up to 50%. (Varco)

Communicator for fieldbus

Emerson Process Management has introduced the 375 Field Communicator. Designed to support all devices using the HART or FOUNDATION fieldbus digital communication protocols, the 375 enables users to configure and maintain all of their instruments and valves with one intrinsically safe, ATEX-compliant handheld communicator. Users are able to quickly update the communicator on-site as new fieldbus devices become available. (Emerson)

Pneumatic magnetic drill

Although lightweight, the AIRBOR Pneumatic Magnetic Drill from CS Unitec has a powerful 1.6-hp air motor and a magnetic holding strength of 1,600 lb. The Model AB-4300-2R is equipped with an extra rack, extending the stroke length from a standard 4-7/8 in. to 10-1/4 in. This versatile drill has an annular cutter capacity of up to 2-1/16-in. diameter. With a geared chuck adapter, it easily converts to a standard drill press for twist drilling up to 1/2-in. diameter. The motor and magnet of this portable magnetic drill are powered completely by compressed air, making it inherently safer for applications where electricity requires hot work permits or special precautions. (CS Unitec) 

Explosion-proof TV camera

For video surveillance in an explosive environment, such as offshore platforms and drilling rigs, the DTR 100 Z ADF surpasses the traditional external camera mounted on a pan/tilt unit. This color camera is very compact, with a 4.72-in. OD and a 10 X optical zoom plus a tilt/rotate viewing head. The camera is waterproof and highly tolerant to harsh environments and chemicals. Zoom and focus have 64 preset positions available. (HYTEC) 

Cable stripper

The Model 45-349 from IDEAL is a versatile, ergonomic stripper capable of removing the jacket from both simplex and duplex, 3-mm fiber optic (zip cord) cables. The tool is designed with precise knife-type, form-ground blades that cleanly penetrate outer jackets. The underlying Kevlar strength member and the fiber are left undamaged to assure the best connections. (IDEAL)