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Vol. 226 No. 6 |
Crude oil demulsifiers
GE Advanced Materials has launched the Silbreak silicone product, a new demulsifier technology to help the oil industry exploit sources of crude that were previously considered unprofitable. Silbreak demulsifiers offer benefits to end users, such as: a higher separation speed; more complete separation, reducing the salt content of separated crude; leaner, sharper interface between the crude and water phases, resulting in drier crude oil and cleaner water; and durable, long-lasting performance.
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Powerful, low-cost visualization system
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Silicon Graphics has extended its family of Prism visualization systems with a new deskside model. The Silicon Graphics Prism deskside system carries up to 24GB of memory and two full-bandwidth graphics pipelines. The new model allows users to tackle problems that generate massive data sets. Seismic analysts can view 20GB of data in a single session. Suited for multiple-attribute tasks, the new system enables faster and more quantitative analysis of potential reservoirs, and speeds memory-intensive tasks like core tracing. The deskside system puts many of the advantages of rackmount systems into a deployable package that can be taken on the road. Engineers and researchers can drive displays with up to 10 million combined pixels, as the system’s dual ATI FireGL graphics processors offer the ability to simultaneously serve four full-bandwidth channels. Utilizing single or dual Intel Itanium 2 processors, the system allows complex calculations to be handled locally, easing the burden placed on servers. Larger workgroups can use the system in a visual area network (VAN) environment to share data and resources. Additionally, the Prism deskside system can be used for low-cost SGI Reality Center implementations.
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Top-drive casing alignment tool
 BJ Tubular Services introduced the Top-Drive Casing Alignment Tool, a new system that offers a simple, safer approach to running tubulars. The T-CAT tool makes it possible to run tubulars without carrying out hazardous stabbing board operations. By using the tool, tubulars can be made up directly on the rig floor. Operated remotely by one technician, the T-CAT picks up the tubular from the catwalk, then positions it and makes it up in the rotary, in keeping with traditional industry practice. The entire process is achieved without a stabber, and is operated from the rig floor. The T-CAT is designed to handle casings of any size, and virtually any casing can be run directly from the drillfloor, which minimizes manual handling. In addition, the tool is easily rigged up and down, unlike conventional systems that must be permanently installed on the rig’s derrick.
Integral semi-flush connection
Tenaris introduces the TenarisBlue Near Flush premium connection, a new, integral semi-flush connection designed for more demanding environments. The new connection shares the technology and performance characteristics of the TenarisBlue thread and coupled connection, as well as the option of using its Dopeless technology. The Near Flush casing connection offers superior mechanical performance and gas sealability for wells requiring tight annular clearances. Its design optimizes geometry and performance, providing greater compression efficiency (over 50% of pipe body), high tension efficiency (up to 78%), enhanced structural integrity and maximum sealing capacity. All are designed for testing under the standards of ISO 13679 CAL IV. The connection is suited for slim wells, high pressure/ high temperature wells, and wells in complex pore-pressure reservoirs, where multiple casing strings with tight clearances are needed to achieve the optimum hole size at the targeted depth.
Valve to protect ESPs
Pumptools has introduced an automatic diverter valve, the ADV, to protect electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) and enhance their operational lifespan. These valves are suitable for oil and gas provinces where high levels of sand and solids are present in the produced fluids. The ADV is an automatic check-and-drain valve that operates immediately on pump shutoff and startup, preventing solids blockage in the pump’s critical mechanisms when the pump is shut down. The valves protect ESPs from solids, suspended in the produced fluids, falling back into the pump, which can cause jamming, leading to failure. The operating mechanism in the valve activates the instant the customer switches the ESP on or off. Another use for the ADV is allowing a free-flow function to bypass a dormant ESP where two ESPs are installed together.
Dual-chamber level gauge
 K-TEK, a manufacturer of level instrumentation for liquid detection, announced the new MagWave dual-chamber level measurement system. The lightweight, compact, precision-fabricated unit is designed to provide independent, redundant measurements in a variety of oil, gas, petrochemical, and power applications. The new system is designed around a dual-chamber enclosure that provides added flexibility and accuracy. Two tightly integrated but independent chambers include a magnetic level gauge for level indication based on the specific gravity of the process, and a guided-wave radar transmitter for measurements based on dielectric constant. Unlike single-chamber designs, MagWave can be used to measure clean or dirty fluids. A separate chamber for the guided-wave radar eliminates the need for a coaxial cable and allows the system to be used in processes that contain particulate matter that may build up on probes.
Composite-diamond coating
Diamond Innovations has developed a new wear-protective coating that uses the unique properties of diamond for protection on most surfaces exposed to wear, abrasion and erosion. This composite diamond coating (CDC) is a hard metal alloy with fine particles of diamond dispersed throughout the metal matrix. The coating is applied with perfect uniformity to all surfaces of the work piece. Unlike other coating processes, there is no build-up on edges, corners, inner diameters or any other part of the surface. These characteristics make CDC an alternative to electroplating, hardening or thermal spraying.
Spanish-language website
M-I Swaco has launched a new Spanish-language website that provides translated content on solutions for current industry topics, a review of the company’s technologies and comprehensive review of products and services. Also included are lists of technical publications, online issues of the company’s Momentum magazine, press releases, world rig counts and contact information
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