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Vol. 230 No. 12 |
Packer for openhole annular isolation
Baker Hughes has developed the Baker Oil Tools MPas packer system to provide openhole annular isolation, eliminating many of the operational, production and remedial problems associated with cement jobs. The MPas-e Remote-Set Packer (RSP) system with eTrigger technology allows operators to achieve selective zone isolation in open holes in extended-reach wells. Run on production casing or liner string, the MPas packer—plus the uniform production profile created by the company’s BOT Equalizer inflow-control devices—enables flow in the annulus to be efficiently managed without the limits or risks associated with no isolation or more complex isolation methods. The packer provides improved time-to-seal control and a wider hole-size range than swelling rubber technology. The eTrigger controller technology is a simple method of electronically activating the MPas packer, eliminating the complexity of an inner string run for packer activation. It is computer programmed and, once downhole, the controller activates the packer when the programmed temperature and pressure conditions are reached.
High-temperature UPS with long-life batteries Falcon Electric, Inc., a manufacturer of Uninterruptible Power Systems (UPS) has introduced a new long-life battery in its SSG Series Industrial-Grade UPS Plus product line. For environments with temperatures that typically exceed 40°C, such as a factory floor, a desert setting or any computer rack, the batteries are rated to last at least twice the service life of standard five-year/40°C-rated batteries. The batteries, which are optional on all Falcon UPS units, are rated for 10 years of expected life in a temperature-controlled environment (up to 25°C). Also, because of its true regenerative on-line design, the SSG Series UPS is free from the over-cycling of batteries caused by the “buck-boost” feature of less-expensive switching or line-interactive systems. The series is the only UPS to carry a 55°C (131°F) UL listing for operating at high temperatures. The robust design protects the internal batteries and components from ambient heat more effectively, which leads to a more reliable UPS that is more cost-effective to maintain. Available in models from 1.5 to 3 kVA and in both 120-VAC and 230-VAC versions, the long-life batteries are rated to last seven years at 40°C and four years at 50°C. The SSG Series features a universal battery pack, which fits all SSG 1.5–3-kVA models. Batteries are hot-swappable, which means the server or attached load does not have to be shut down in order to change the battery pack.
Hardbanding for extended wear life
Arnco Technology Ltd. has announced the introduction of their latest crack-free, casing-friendly hardbanding, the 150XT. New technology and chemical composition protects the casing as well as the marine riser pipe and BOPs, offering extended downhole wear life. Additionally the product can be re-applied directly on top of itself multiple times without fear of cracking or premature removal. The design uses a metallurgical composition that, when properly welded, forms a strong fusion bond with the parent metal, but remains pliable enough to withstand extended-reach drilling and turn-and-burn drilling conditions in deep horizontal wells without the danger of spalling or cracking. It is also highly H2S resistant. Extensive testing resulted in a 5.0% casing wear percentage, the second lowest results ever achieved, and the radial wear in open hole was only 0.023 in. It was successfully NACE tested for H2S service with no negative results.
Abrasive cutting tool
InterMoor Inc.’s Scimitar Abrasive Cutting Tool is the only tool of its kind where the abrasive is introduced at the cutting head instead of being mixed at the high-pressure pump. The tool uses ultra-high-pressure water to move the abrasive at transonic speeds to cut virtually any type of material. It was adapted from a pneumatic tool to a hydraulic tool that centralizes inside of the pile or caisson. Cutting tool sizes cover a range of casing outside diameters: 7–16 in., 16–48 in. and 52–72 in. It is available in three sizes with lengths of 12, 15 and 20 ft and weights of 500, 1,000 and 1,400 lb.
Upgraded E&P software GeoGraphix, a brand of Halliburton Digital and Consulting Solutions Division, has launched its Discovery on OpenWorks software, which directly links the company’s Discovery software to Landmark’s OpenWorks system, the most widely used project data management application in the E&P industry. The new technology enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of E&P decision-making processes through better team collaboration and subsurface data management. Geoscientists using the software can directly access OpenWorks data and SeisWorks projects without data transfer or replication. The technology can be deployed to work directly on the native GeoGraphix project database, the OpenWorks project database or the SeisWorks project database.
Tank vapor recovery
The Engineered Concepts, LLC, new Vapor Recovery System Alternative (VRSA) provides a quick return on investment by effectively and reliably capturing tank vapors. The skid-mounted system monitors and controls the compressor, the tank and the process, resulting in a virtual elimination of flaring and venting. The VRSA is scalable and can be used economically on well pads producing as low as 50 bbl of condensate per day. Systems for smaller condensate volumes are under test, as well as a new system that addresses vapor losses through the thief hatch.
Device management displays
Emerson Process Management introduces a family of more than 50 Device Dashboards for its AMS Suite, Intelligent Device Manager, developed from human-centered design practices. The new dashboards are intuitively designed interfaces that provide a clear view of everything users need to evaluate, diagnose, and configure a field device. Each has embedded expert guidance to streamline the most important and frequent tasks performed by plant personnel. The new Device Dashboards are powered by enhanced Electronic Device Description Language (EDDL). They function independent of protocol, including HART, WirelessHART, Foundation Fieldbus, or Profibus, and present data in a similar way regardless of the device. All landing screens follow a similar format, including red-yellow-green device status graphics to alert users and enable a direct link to graphical diagnostic and troubleshooting help. The same screens show graphical display of the primary variable of devices and shortcuts to tasks most often used. Guided setup assists with configuring complex devices, and more experienced users can access manual setup data and more detailed information.
Fracture Diagnostics Service
Hexion’s PropTrac Fracture Diagnostics Service utilizes a non-radioactive resin-coated proppant to measure propped fracture height and width, an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional radioactive tracers. Since the product does not use radioactive materials, it can be used almost anywhere fracture diagnostics are needed. Radioactive tracers can pose serious issues when they are used. In this method, radioactive isotopes are pumped in conjunction with a slurry of proppants and water. After completion of the process, the fracturing fluid is flowed back to the surface into a temporary storage tank. If not properly contained, transported, handled and disposed, it can be potentially harmful to on-site personnel. With its Smart Proppant technology, PropTrac offers a safer, easier, and more accurate method for determining propped fracture height and width. Once the well is fractured, the proppants are temporarily activated downhole with a specialized logging tool that identifies their location. The service does not require any extra equipment and personnel, special safety precautions, permits, certification, or specialized post-job clean-up—the non-hazardous coated proppants can be handled the same way as standard proppants. They are not affected by prolonged exposure to downhole conditions. The proppant has a built-in tag in its coating, providing uniform distribution. This feature provides more accurate information about proppant location within the fracture. Also unlike radioactive tracers, PropTrac is no longer active by the time the logging tool is pulled up from the well. The proppant can be activated during the post-frac logging run, and can be reactivated as needed throughout the life of the well. It can also be used to analyze refrac options and unexpected well response.
Chemical-free stimulation of underproducing wells
BJ Services Company has launched a new technology to boost production in underproducing and plugged wells using a combination of electromagnetic wave frequencies to affect downhole molecular bonding. The EcoWave treatment service transmits high-frequency radio waves and microwaves into the wellbore at low power to remove and inhibit organic deposition and improve reservoir wettability. Results from more than 60 applications in the US indicate near-wellbore damage removal and increased production for up to three months per treatment.
The EcoWave system includes a frequency generator/amplifier, a portable power source and an antenna. The antenna is deployed inside the tubing or the annulus of the well through the wellhead. As electromagnetic energy is transmitted at low power levels through the antenna and into the wellbore, the proper combination of wave frequencies alters the proton and electron spin cycles of deposits. The directed waves of energy inhibit agglomeration, simplifying the removal of paraffin and related organic deposits from the wellbore. Treatment times range from 30 min. to 2 hr. The technology can supplant more invasive stimulation techniques, such as the need for batch chemicals, continuous chemical treatments, and hot oil and water applications to remediate wells. As related safety and environmental risks are reduced, the well remains free of risks associated with potentially damaging interactions between incompatible formation fluids and downhole chemical systems.
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