New products

Vol. 233 No. 4

New Geoengineering laboratory for core analysis services

Schlumberger has inaugurated its new Houston Geoengineering Laboratory. The 30,000-sq-ft facility features a conventional core analysis laboratory for the measurement of porosity, saturation and permeability. It also houses a special core analysis laboratory for performing tests of a more complex nature covering capillary pressure, relative permeability, electrical properties, nuclear magnetic resonance, enhanced oil recovery evaluations and more. Additionally, the Houston laboratory performs a number of TerraTek rock mechanics and core analysis services, primarily geomechanics, for unconventional reservoirs. Schlumberger also operates core analysis laboratories in Brazil, Canada, Malaysia, Poland, Venezuela and Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

Colfax Fluid Handling announced its new online Energy Savings Calculator for oil and gas industry pump applications. The calculator allows head-to-head comparisons between centrifugal pumps and rotary positive-displacement pumps, in both single-and multiple-pump applications. For example, in calculating energy savings between pumps in a single pump application, the user provides variable inputs, such as total flow, inlet/outlet pressure, viscosity, electricity charge rate, pump type, pump efficiency and pump mechanical input power. Reference charts are provided to assist with data. Once all required fields are completed, the Energy Savings Calculator provides the projected annualized energy cost savings benefit in comparing the chosen pumps. Single pump vs. multi-pump and multi-pump systems may also be compared, with minimal user inputs required.

Cleaning system for critical fire main installations

Paradigm Flow Services has launched Pure-Flow, a system for cleaning safety-critical fire mains in oil and gas installations. The system can be injected into fire main systems while pressurized, making it possible to handle corrosion accumulation without shutting down operations. Corrosion and marine growth in offshore fire mains is an industry-wide issue, particularly in aging assets, where the pipework can be more than 25 years old. The system tackles corrosion caused by bacteria, which can restrict water flow, thin pipeline walls and also cause blockages in deluge nozzles.

Circumferential magnetic flux leakage inspection technology

Baker Hughes has introduced it circumferential magnetic flux leakage (MFL) inspection technology. It enables pipeline operators to identify anomalies in pipeline long seams and more effectively manage the risk associated with cracks in long seam welds and the overall integrity of their pipeline assets. With circumferential MFL inspection technology, the Baker Hughes Process and Pipeline Services group can assist operators with locating specific pipeline seam threats, such as hook cracks, lack of fusion and long narrow-axial corrosion. The circumferential MFL technology will now be produced in the larger-diameter pipeline sizes, complete with speed control and inertial navigation capabilities.

Portable vibration monitoring series

GE’s Bently Nevada product line, a GE Measurement & Control business, has unveiled SCOUT, an intelligent suite of portable vibration monitoring and analysis instruments. The series provides fully-integrated, single-provider solutions that support all plant condition monitoring needs. The instruments offer the power and convenience of dual- or four-channel measurement, and dual-plane balancing to support all plant condition monitoring needs—from route-based data collection to machinery analysis and balancing. The system’s combination of accuracy, intuitive operation and storage capacity ensures that each analyzer delivers a premium return on investment. Additionally, it features field-proven Ascent software that can be programmed with thousands of separate machine definitions covering a number of route choices.

Mega-channel cable-based recording system for harsh environments

INOVA Geophysical has released its G3i mega-channel land recording system, which offers the industry a highly-portable technology that provides support for conducting a wide range of land seismic surveys, including high-density, wide-azimuth acquisition for challenging environments. The system offers advanced ground electronics, power-down-the-line (PDL) technology and high-productivity vibroseis (HPVS) capabilities. G3i supports over 100,000 channels and can be used to capture 2D, high density 3D and time-lapse 4D data. The addition of this new cabled land system will offer seismic players in the industry another alternative for cable-based recording that meets a broad scope of operational demands, allowing contractors to achieve a higher rate of return on their assets.

Drilling riser monitoring system software

Pulse Structural Monitoring, an Acteon company, released its DrillASSURE drilling riser monitoring system software, which consists of three new software modules. The system  provides critical information to support day-to-day drilling operations and longer-term integrity management, through a combination of hardware, software and analytical tools. In utilizing real-time software, in conjunction with inputs from sensors on the topside vessel in the Lower Marine Riser Package (LMRP) and along the length of the riser, the software proides a fully-integrated solution to optimize drilling operators and improve safety. The interfaces are designed to help operators and contractors optimize the usage of their drill joint inventory, identify optimum operating windows and conduct safe campaigns by constantly analyzing conditions in real time.

Multi-role ROV increases platform stability

Forum Subsea Technologies has launched Tomahawk, the latest addition to its multi-role remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). The technology has been built to be fast and agile, and it shares the same 35-kw power system and thrusters as Forum’s largest electric, the Comanche. It is manufactured by sub-Atlantic, a product line of Forum Subsea Technologies, at its facility in Aberdeen, Scotland. The ROV’s open-deck space and payload are supported by a large buoyancy area, which provides a very stable platform. It is rated to a depth of 3,000 m, which makes it ideal for deepwater operations in places like the Gulf of Mexico, West Africa and Brazil. It is also well-suited to a variety of uses, including surveys, well intervention and drilling support tasks.

Integrated reservoir modeling software

Emerson Process Management has released Roxar RMS 2012, the latest version of its reservoir modelling software. The new software is an expansion of Roxar RMS into the geophysics domain through a completely integrated reservoir modelling workflow which includes seismic interpretation, reservoir simulation, reservoir behavior predictions and uncertainty management. The key new features of RMS 2012 include seismic inversion, seismic attributes, and field planning. Other features include new importing tools for SEG-Y data sets and the fast and accurate visualization of seismic data sets of any size through interactive opacity control and color manipulation capabilities.

Smartphone application for drilling analysis

Halliburton has launched its eRedBook Mobile application, bringing a widely-used mathematical tool in the oil and gas industry to two of the most popular technology platforms in history. This free smartphone application is available for Apple and Android devices in both the Apple iTunes store and Google Play. It provides pumping and displacement volumes, and API standards for tubing/casing dimensions and strengths.

New deepwater well control training course

Well Control School and AXON Energy Products announced the newly-developed Deepwater Well Control Drilling Course, which is IADC Wellcap Plus-accredited. This competency based training course facilitates a highly effective learning approach to critical thinking along with improving problem-solving skills. Each student works within a team structure to analyze and address major decision points in several case studies. Facilitatorled training enhances effective decision-making skills for well control in deepwater drilling operations. Additionally, AXON Energy Products will provide an Intellectus hiDRILL integrated drilling simulator, and drilling software technology, from its subsidiary, Oiltec Solutions and affiliate eDrilling Solutions.

Stainless steel enclosure with IP66 rating

Adalet has introduced a new line of stainless steel enclosures, which feature a continuous one-piece silicone gasket, that provides an IP66 ingress rating for dust-tight and water-tight locations.  Available in 304 or 316L stainless steel, the VC4X & VH4X enclosures include a standard lift-off door hinges that allow easy removal of the cover.  The standard quarter-turn door latches are designed with security in mind and include a double-bit insert.  Mounting feet can be oriented in either horizontal or vertical directions, and an internal / external earth stud is included as standard. The enclosures can be drilled to match customer modification specifications and can be equipped with mounting DIN rail and terminal block assemblies. 

Emergency response package rental program

Clean Harbors has introduced its Emergency Response Package Rental Program that provides mobile trailers or onsite containers that come pre-loaded with equipment and materials necessary to immediately contain and control releases in remote locations while outside responders are en-route. The packages enable operators to quickly contain and control an initial release, and recover lost material to minimize the environmental impact of a spill. This immediate response often reduces costs, while avoiding fines and minimizing future remediation requirements. The program also helps companies meet regulations and remain compliant as new regulations are released.

Real-time mooring line monitoring system

Pulse Structural Monitoring, an Acteon company, has introduced its real-time mooring line monitoring system MoorASSURE, which was developed for an FPSO unit now deployed offshore Brazil. The system uses inclinometers to measure the angle of the mooring line, then uses the measurements to calculate the tension experienced by the mooring line. Acoustic communication connects the system to the vessel, which enables the measuring devices to be positioned outside the load path of the mooring line and eliminates the risk of damage to cables. The system provides a reliable indication of the tension a mooring line is experiencing that can help to inform the operations team about the line’s performance.

Double-loop cable tie

Hayata has introduced a new, double-loop cable tie, which features twice the strength of a regular cable tie, without the cost and time associated with installing two individual ties. The added strength of the new double-loop cable tie is ideal for withstanding strong cable movement, especially that which occurs as the result of short circuits.  These cable ties are available in 350-lb, 600-lb and 1,050-lb strengths, in coated or uncoated styles.  Widths range from 0.31 in. to 5/8 in., and lengths range from 18.5 in. to 53.5 in.  As an indication of the strength of these double-loop cable ties, the 5/8-in. wide version (rated at 1,050 lb.) can be used to replace conventional banding.

Web app for environmentally-friendly drill site production

The Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC), manager of the Coastal Impacts Technology Program (CITP), has awarded a contract to the epic software group, inc. to create a multimedia web application, which is designed to help engage the public, the workforce and government officials by showcasing many of the new environmentally sustainable technologies now available or being developed in the energy industry. The application demonstrates the conventional way of drill for oil and gas, then contrasts it with videos and 3D animations of a host of new tools and techniques designed to reduce the impact of energy production on the environment. Some of the new environmentally-friendly technologies include closed loop mud systems, small footprint rigs, advanced hydraulic fracturing systems, high-efficiency water handling and processing systems.

High-pressure pumping technology for shale fracturing

Halliburton has introduced the first production unit of its new Q10 pumping trailer. The Q10 pump, the heart of the pumping unit, is a complete redesign, focused toward providing significantly enhanced performance while reducing total pumping assets at the well site. Mono-block fluid ends to handle the demanding duty cycle required for shale fracturing. Testing and modeling have indicated that under identical conditions, the pump provides up to 14 times the fluid end life of other commercially available pumps. In-line five-cylinder (quintuplex) design, which provides maximum durability and contributes to enhanced fluid delivery. Performance specifications include a maximum pressure rating of 20,000 psi, a range of rates between 2.7 and 18.9 barrels per minute, and a power rating of 2,000 hydraulic horsepower.

High-performance elastomer for oil-based muds

National Oilwell Varco Downhole has introduced the latest in its Power Section elastomer technology. PowerPLUS OB (POB) is a high-performance NBR elastomer designed to excel in oil-based muds, while delivering 50% extra power, and maximizing rate of penetration, when compared to standard elastomers. With 30,000-plus hours logged, POB has been proven to outperform existing elastomer technology with hours in hole, ROP and durability in demanding conditions, including high temperature and high pressure environments. In a recent horizontal extended reach well in South Texas, a POB equipped power section delivered 67% higher interval drilled and 25% higher ROP while drilling 60% longer in the hole compared to the average offsets, saving the operator a considerable amount of both time and money. This line of elastomer technology is available globally and in all configurations produced by NOV Downhole.

High-speed reaming technologies

Deep Casing Tools has released its Turbocaser Express and Turborunner suite of high-speed reaming technologies. Turbocaser Express is a high-speed drillable reaming system that enables casings and intermediate liners to be landed at target depth first time. The unique internal assembly can be drilled through in minutes after normal cementation in one cost effective operation, which reduces non-productive time in demanding wellbore conditions, increases wellbore integrity and decreases operating costs. Several recent runs have been successfully completed in Saudi Arabia. The Turborunner is a unique completion-compatible reaming tool that aids first time placement of the completion or liners at target depth. Suitable for all rigs and easy to deploy, it reduces risk at depth, time and costs. Recent successful runs have been in the UKCS & Kuwait, with more planned in the Middle East and the U.S. A special tool, Shalerunner, is being launched for the growing shale drilling market, initially in the U.S., and is another technology eliminating costly wiper trips.

Fanless video wall controller boards

Matrox Graphics Inc. has introduced three new fanless Mura MPX Series video wall controller boards. Mura is the first PCI Express (PCIe) x16 Gen 2 board class to feature both HD resolution inputs and outputs. The new fanless SKUs make use of the same high-performance, single-slot design with 64 Gbit/sec duplex data transfer and feature four HD outputs and either zero, two, or four HD inputs for maximum I/O flexibility. The fanless Mura boards have no moving parts, helping to further increase Matrox’s industry-leading reliability. With the ability to create quieter systems and a jump to three-year warranties, Matrox expects a relatively quick OEM adoption of these new Mura cards.

Compact mud pump for Marcellus, Utica shales

Based on the need for a mud pump that combines both high performance and a compact design for use in the Marcellus and Utica shales, White Star Pump Company designed the new Quatro 1600L pump.  This unique quadraplex mud pump delivers 1,600 hp and a 1,109-gpm flowrate, yet offers the industry’s most compact footprint. The pump is only 82 in. in width, and a unitized version can be transported within a 20-in. container.  Whether containerized or not, the technology can be easily transported by conventional trailer – no costly large-load permits required. The Quatro 1600L weighs just 39,500 pounds. Because the pump features White Star quadraplex 4-piston design, it delivers a smooth, continuous flow, with virtually no pulsations.  In addition, the 1600L is easy to service—fluid modules can be replaced in less than one hour.