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Vol. 232 No. 5 |
High-efficiency triple-deck shale shaker
M-I Swaco’s MD-3 triple-decker shaker offers a combination of high efficiency, flexibility and space optimization. Changing drilling conditions require immediate and flexible solids control solutions. At the same time, environmental restrictions demand up-to-date compliance. High drilling costs necessitate the recovery of expensive base fluids. In addition, offshore and some onshore locations have limited space available. The MD-3 shale shaker is a small-footprint, high-efficiency solids control option adaptable to changing drilling conditions. The system generates drier cuttings than other shale shakers at reduced volumes, cutting the environmental footprint and associated costs.
The shaker features progressive and balanced modes of elliptical motion. The feeder assembly presents fluid to the scalping screens as a uniform, low-impact curtain. The feeder can be configured easily into a variety of connection points for installations with limited space. The system’s high-capacity operating mode provides increased capacity and conveyance rate, while the efficiency operating mode increases fluid recovery, discard dryness and screen life.
With vibratory motion drive in two modes (6.3 and 7.2 Gs), it produces an extremely dry cuttings discharge, resulting in high separation efficiency. The operating modes can be switched while the shaker is in motion. The MD-3 is constructed of heavy-gauge carbon steel and 316-L stainless steel on high-wear areas to reduce maintenance costs and ensure long service life. The fluid distribution is designed to utilize all available screen area, regardless of drilling conditions.
A fume-extraction hood reduces operator exposure to vapors associated with drilling fluids and prevents fluid splashing outside the shaker boundaries. The standard spray bar assists conveyance of heavy and/or sticky solids on the scalping deck during various formations.
Plug-in for geophysical software suite LMKR has released a plug-in for its GeoGraphix Discovery Suite that integrates with Convofy, a private social network. Convofy is from Scrybe, a technology company that has been funded by Adobe Systems Inc. and LMKR. The plug-in brings real-time, in-context collaboration features of Convofy to E&P asset management teams by enabling users of GeoGraphix to push images, files and content, share the information and discuss options.
Wireless downhole reservoir testing system
Schlumberger announced the release of the EnACT wireless downhole reservoir testing system for land operations. With this latest downhole testing system, operators can optimize reservoir tests by detecting changes in bottomhole conditions and adjusting test designs in real time. Two-way communication between surface and downhole tools permits the control of downhole tools and the transmission of bottomhole pressure and temperature data to the surface. Data streamed from the reservoir to the surface, combined with the surface data, can be transmitted to a company’s operation center and asset team. The centerpiece of the downhole wireless system is the hub, which contains four independent quartz gauges that provide redundancy and safeguard data capture. The system has been designed to use the hub with one or more repeaters to extend depth range.
During field testing, the system proved successful in a variety of conditions in the Middle East and North Africa and direct wireless data transmission was achieved with the hub deployed as deep as 11,200 ft.
Metallic sealing couplings for subsea applications Stäubli Corp., a manufacturer of quick connector systems, has introduced its HMO line for subsea applications. The HMO coupling is designed to handle working pressures of up to 22,500 psi and temperatures from –22°F to 350°F, making it an ideal choice for HPHT applications for flying leads, stab plates, control modules or fluid injection. The HMO coupling has a floating mount design, with a built-in double-stage guiding system, allowing it to fully align before engaging the seal area. The floating design allows for a maximum axial misalignment of 0.026° and maximum radial misalignment of 0.046 in., without additional guidance. This reduces stresses on both the coupling and seals, minimizing galling and scratching that could reduce the leak tightness. The coupling allows make and break with full residual pressure, since no sealing element is positioned in the flowline. The seal has an outer layer of Inconel 600 encapsulating a Nimonic spring. This design creates a highly resilient sealing surface, adjusting to imperfections and compatible with axial motion between plug and socket. The HMO subsea coupling is available in 1/4-in., 3/8-in., 1/2-in. and 1-in. sizes.
Drilling reamer with pressure-controlled on/off mechanism
Paradigm Oilfield Services has introduced a drilling reamer with a pressure-controlled on/off mechanism, enabling operators to drill ahead without having to pull the tool out of the hole to reset it. The hydraulic Real Time Activation Drilling Reamer is triggered by standpipe pressure changes, allowing continuous drilling. The reamer’s on/off mechanism can be instantly activated even when drilling thousands of feet down. Other tools with on/off features still depend on the operator feeding either a tag or a ball down the hole.
Paradigm has also unveiled its new circulation sub with the same internal mechanism as the drilling reamer. It can be used on drillstrings to aid cuttings transport, hole cleaning, increase circulation rates and for tripping dry pipe. The repeatable system means the circulation sub can be opened and closed as many times as required downhole without waiting for a ball to land on a seat.
Portable rock properties analyzer
Fugro Robertson, in collaboration with optics pioneer Carl Zeiss, has introduced RoqScan, a portable rock properties analyzer. The instrument consists of a ruggedized base scanning electron microscope equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray detectors, a microanalyzer and an electronic processing unit. The system analyzes wellbore cuttings in high resolution and generates fully intuitive, highly quantitative mineralogical and textural data sets within one hour of cuttings delivered to the RoqScan rigsite unit. For each sample, data provided include bulk mineralogy, lithology, grain size, mineral types and ratios–all measured against depth. For hydraulic fracturing of unconventional oil and gas wells, the data can be used to support the location of fracing stations for artificial reservoir stimulation. For improved positioning of lateral wells, the data can be used to help keep the drill bit in its target zone. Similarly, for improved drilling management and safety performance, RoqScan’s data sets can facilitate decision making at the wellsite.
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