New products

Vol. 233 No. 8

Web-based training course on E&P

The Oxford Princeton Programme, which provides energy business professionals with world-class commercial education and training on the energy markets, now offers an online course on the fundamentals of, and trends in, hydrocarbon exploration and production. While the program offers over 50 web-based training course titles as industry overviews on various energy markets, as well as midstream and downstream topics, this is the first upstream title. The self-paced online course examines such topics as how oil, natural gas and coal were formed, the geological structures where hydrocarbons are found, and the different methods of exploring for hydrocarbons.

Agitators enhance mixing in oil sands extraction

Chemineer, a unit of Robbins & Myers, Inc., has introduced its newest agitators, which offer performance, efficiency and reliability in oil sands extraction. Rugged by design, the agitators provide long, trouble-free service in harsh, demanding conditions, such as those found in oil sands suspension applications. The advanced XE-3 impeller technology enhances mixing performance and provides axial flow to suspend sand for oil extraction. Proprietary analysis software is available to evaluate process parameters and ensure proper impeller selection for oil sands applications. A variety of sealing and lubrication features to improve personnel safety and lower maintenance costs.

Cloud computing asset performance management system

M.G. Bryan Equipment Co. is using cloud computing for remote asset management of high-tech fracturing equipment. Designed and integrated with Rockwell Automation, the new equipment’s control and information system leverages Microsoft Corp.’s Windows Azure cloud-computing platform to help provide secure, remote access to real-time information, automated maintenance alerts, and service and parts delivery requests. With Rockwell Automation, M.G. Bryan designed a simple, user-friendly system, using the cloud to improve productivity and business intelligence.

Valve for remote shale gas extraction operations

One-half (0.5) watt is all the energy required to operate the new low energy Maxseal ICO 3S solenoid valve from Norgren. Used as a control valve or to
pilot the larger valves that open or close pipelines, the valve has a 5-kg return spring (three times the force of the industry average) to assure that it will shift in 60 milliseconds regardless of how long it has remained in one state. The manual reset and the leak tight performance assure the new valve reliably meets the rigorous demands of shale gas extraction, including operating at pressures ranging from 0-175 psi (0-12 bar) and temperatures from -67° F to 194° F (-55°C to 90° C), The full Maxseal range is certified to ATEX Ex d IIC T6-T4 (-55°C to +90°C) and has an IP66/X8 rating.

Expansion of continuous circulation system

Managed Pressure Operations International is expanding its delivery of the innovative non-stop driller (NSD) continuous circulation system. By maintaining constant bottomhole pressure and enabling continuous hole cleaning during connections, the NSD system prevents wellbore ballooning, stuck pipe incidents and connection gas buildup significantly reducing non-productive time. The system sub consists of a ball valve and custom-designed, high-pressure side entry connection valve and can be rapidly prepared to accommodate all drilling pipe connection sizes and types. As a cost-effective continuous circulation system, the system can be used in a wide range of applications including: conventional overbalanced drilling, deepwater operations, extended reach drilling of long high-angle or horizontal sections; high-pressure, high-temperature wells, and air and foam drilling as well as managed pressure and underbalanced drilling operations.

Formation evaluation software with user-friendly interface

Paradigm has introduced the newest version of its formation evaluation solution, Paradigm Geolog 7. The system features a modern, user-friendly interface that is consistent across multiple platforms. The easy scalability of Geolog means that it can be used for any number of applications, from log drafting to high-end petrophysics. Furthermore, technology offers the freedom to use a preferred logging vendor and seamlessly link to third-party well data stores.

Modular evaporator technology reduces life cycle cost

Aquatech has introduced its SMARTMOD modular evaporator technology for the oil sands market. Modular, flexible and redeployable, SMARTMOD is the lowest CAPEX and life cycle cost evaporator system available today. It utilizes a vertical tube, falling film evaporator design, a proven technology for treating difficult produced water sources. Benefits of the technology over conventional evaporator systems include 10% lower power consumption. Its multiple section design ensures ASME distillate quality, and on-line washing allows for continuous distillate production at >70% of design capacity during washing. The evaporator is also engineered to minimize field installation labor and costs. With a dramatically reduced center of mass and evaporator weight, the module and vessels eliminate the need for building a large evaporator building or for expensive foundation labor and materials. Its design also reduces freight costs for transportation of the complete system to site.

Cordless, brushless torque screwdrivers

Mountz, Inc. introduced its new line of cordless brushless torque screwdrivers to the FlexPower brand. Portable and lightweight, the FlexC II cordless brushless torque screwdrivers feature the flexibility to easily adjust and program the speed setting. These rugged cordless assembly tools increase productivity and enhance product quality through precision torque control and user comfort. These battery screwdrivers are ideal for applications where air or electric power is not easily accessible. Built for torque control and durability, the tools are built around a 18V high-capacity lithium-ion battery platform. The screwdrivers automatically stop when the preset torque has been reached. Designed with a precision auto shut-off clutch the battery torque tools provide accurate torque repeatability. The cordless screwdrivers are built with LED indicators that provide an audible and visual alarm signal for the operator as he/she achieves the preset torque value. The LEDs will provide a signal to the operator if the preset torque was not achieved, as well as provide an early warning of a low battery.
The speed setting of the screwdriver can be adjusted by connecting the “programmer” device into the back end side of the cordless brushless screwdriver. An operator can quickly and simply program the speed setting and adjust the audible alert volume for the FlexPower cordless brushless torque screwdrivers. Mountz cordless brushless torque screwdrivers are designed for precision torque control. Controlling torque is essential for companies to ensure their product’s quality, safety and reliability isn’t compromised.

Large-scale, multifunctional video walls

Matrox Graphics Inc. has announced a partnership with American Portwell Technology Inc. to launch the new Portwell M9020B 4U rackmount system for large-scale, highly-functional video walls. The Portwell M9020B has been jointly validated for use with up to 10 Matrox Mura MPX input/output display wall controller boards, to support up to 40 full 1080p HD inputs and up to 40 full 1080p HD outputs from a single system. The system conveniently enables OEMs and system builders to create high-density video wall solutions for various markets, including digital signage, mission critical control rooms, security & surveillance, and large public venues.

2012 release of deepwater Gulf of Mexico knowledge base

Knowledge Reservoir announced the 2012 release of its deepwater knowledge base, ReservoirKB. The knowledge base is the most comprehensive knowledge base for exploration and appraisal geoscientists and engineers in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico region, covering all deepwater productive reservoir sands discovered, in production, sanctioned for development, or bypassed.  The system provides a unique combination of reservoir engineering data, geological description, production data analysis, reservoir performance metrics, analogs, lessons learned and regional knowledge. The new release features the new Microsoft Silverlight version of ReservoirKB. Silverlight is a powerful tool for creating and delivering rich Internet applications and media experiences. The Silverlight version provides useful features such as an auto update legend, better symbology, a heat map feature with filters, tables with an Excel-like feel, a map measure tool, and map tips.

Clean resin-coated proppant line

Preferred Sands has announced the development of the first clean resin-coated proppant line in full production, Preferred RCS. The line of proppants was created in response to environmental issues surrounding contaminated frac water. Partially curable phenolic resins, commonly used in wells, compound these environmental issues by leaching chemicals, including levels of formaldehyde of up to five times the drinking water limit. The proppants emit less VOCs in the manufacturing process, diminish chemical leaching and dusting, therefore minimizing environmental impact. The line includes both low and intermediate temperature cures as well as numerous other products in the final stages of development. 

New rigless intervention system

EFC Group has delivered a new Rigless Intervention System The Mastiff RIS system was initially conceived for wellbore tubular extraction during well abandonment and conductor pre-installation activities. It is useful as well for other offshore well servicing and construction activities. The system supports pulling and cutting of 15-m sections of 36-in. (and larger) conductor pipe, inner casing and cement, a significant improvement over casing jack systems, which usually work with 1.5-m sections. The substructure has also been designed to accommodate a wide range of platform layouts to achieve a ‘turn-up and assemble’ capability, without the need for platform modification.

Rough terrain bed truck for heavier, challenging rig moves

Camex Equipment Sales & Rentals has introduced the CAT R/T 444 rough terrain big bed truck for use in extreme rig moving operations. This bed truck utilizes 66X25 floater tires to easily handle soft, muddy and challenging off-road conditions. The CAT R/T 444 features a single hydraulically operated octagonal lifting pole, the first of its kind in the world, with an electronic weight indicator. This lifting pole is rated at 134,000 lb. It is rated at 65 ton, making the winch line the weakest link for a 41/2-to-1 safety factor. The pole has a working height of 31 ft with the load centered 61/2-ft behind the tail roll. The second winch line that threads through the tail skirt allows the operator to use that line to suck over and maneuver rig components. The truck’s extra-long 420-in. bed with a 123/4-in. live tail roll accommodates the largest and heaviest of rig components with ease. The bed is 10 ft by 6 ft wide. Articulated steering offers an unparalleled turning radius compared to standard bed trucks giving the operator greater maneuverability and efficiency in tight areas.