New products and services

Vol. 234 No. 9

Tool achieves reliable, remote disconnection in under 5 sec

Joint integrity company Hydratight has introduced the Quick Release Nut, which it refers to as a “small, but valuable, subsea tool.” The compact, uncomplicated nut has just two moving parts, and has been used in more than 25 successful subsea projects. As extraction takes place at ever-increasing depths, the need for remote activation of bolted applications has become apparent. The Quick Release Nut uses the latest technology, allowing for quick removal from a tightened stud bolt. It provides a reliable, remote system that can achieve disconnection times of less than 5 sec per stud, dependent on depth, with either umbilical or ROV operation. The Quick Release Nut uses embedded hydraulic cylinders, which enable operation from a tightened stud bolt. It also incorporates a unique, three-segment nut design, set into a cage, to ensure maximum security of the nut, when it is in position, and during application and removal. It requires low pressure for removal, with less than 120 bar actuating the piston rod. The piston rod, in turn, retracts the cage and releases the three segment nuts, immediately releasing the threads, ensuring quick, simple removal, even in the harshest conditions.

Quarterly well count index added to legacy rig count

Baker Hughes has introduced the Baker Hughes Well Count, a new index that provides key U.S. onshore well count data to the oil and gas industry. The proprietary count will be available on a quarterly basis. The Baker Hughes Well Count is an extension of the Baker Hughes Rig Count, which has provided key activity data for more than 70 years. The Baker Hughes Well Count will be published quarterly on the second Friday of January, April, July and October. The index will be presented, by wells spudded for U.S. onshore, as well as by major basin. Users can access the current Baker Hughes Well Count information, as well as historical data that date back to first-quarter 2012, on the Baker Hughes website.

Advanced microseismic data processing improves well completion design

Schlumberger has introduced a new moment tensor inversion service that provides enhanced analysis of the dynamics of hydraulic fracture propagation. This service is expected to improve well completion designs, through an increased understanding of natural- and induced-fracture characterization in reservoirs. The proprietary processing used in the moment tensor inversion service accounts for anisotropy. As the microseismic monitoring industry moves toward quantitative source inversion, the rigorous incorporation of anisotropy in unconventional reservoir models becomes more important to accurately process and interpret the information contained in microseismic signals. The service has been field-tested on projects in North America. Analyses of moment tensor inversion processing during trials in the Permian basin confirm that the incorporation of anisotropy leads to improved interpretation of microseismic data.

Drilling fluid system optimizes circulating pressure

Baker Hughes has recently introduced a drilling fluid system that aims to improve drilling economics by enabling operators to manage circulating pressure more efficiently. The MPRESS drilling fluid system allows operators to reduce their stand pipe pressure, and apply more horsepower to the BHA and drill bit, increasing rates of penetration and decreasing non-productive time. Baker Hughes recently commercialized the MPRESS system to reduce viscosity in the drillstring, while optimizing viscosity in the annulus, for more efficient cuttings transport. The pressure saved in the drillstring can be used to increase flowrate, provide more power to motors and bits, and save wear and tear on surface equipment. Combined with other Baker Hughes technologies, such as the Autotrak Curve rotary steerable system and Talon high-efficiency PDC bits, the MPRESS system enables highly efficient drilling of challenging lateral sections found in unconventional reservoirs.

Biodegradable anti-scalant ideal for reverse osmosis systems

BWA Water Additives has developed Flocon 885, a neutralized aqueous solution of a specialized polycarboxylic acid that is highly effective in controlling the deposition of inorganic scale-forming salts on membrane surfaces. Flocon 885 is readily biodegradable in saltwater conditions, and inherently biodegradable in freshwater conditions. The product is both phosphorus- and nitrogen-free. It can be monitored in the feedwater and concentrate using a fluorimeter, due to its inherent fluorescent properties. The company said Flocon 885 has “excellent” anti-scalant properties for calcium carbonate and barium sulfate, as well as “good” calcium and strontium sulfate, and calcium fluoride inhibition. Flocon 885 is compatible with all major membranes, and has international potable water approvals. It is not affected by chlorine or other oxidizing biocides, under normal conditions of use, and may be used in membrane systems using chlorine and sodium metabisulfite. No special requirements are needed regarding construction materials of dosing equipment. The recommended injection point is into the feedwater, downstream of any filtration equipment and cartridge filters. The additive is miscible with water in all proportions, and may be applied as the neat product, or as a solution in permeate. Computer software is used to calculate scaling indices and optimum system recovery.

Integrated MWD technology solution unveiled

Enteq Upstream, a provider of upstream technology and products, has launched an integrated measurement-while-drilling (MWD) solution, based on proven technologies from Extended Exploration Technology (XXT) and KM Services (KMS), two companies acquired by Enteq in 2012. Enteq’s new development supplies an integrated MWD solution for directional, vibration monitoring, gamma and data transmission. The new MWD technology is based on the next-generation XXT downhole interface module, drivers and interfaces, optimized to work at the highest pressures and temperatures.

Resin-coated proppants for low-temperature wells

The Oilfield Technology Group (OTG) of Momentive Specialty Chemicals has released a new resin-coated proppant technology for fracturing service companies and operators in the Canadian oil and gas industry. Momentive’s Yukon Black proppants are a next-generation resin-coated sand that bonds at low temperatures. These proppants are ideal for fracture treatments in the low-temperature reservoirs in Canada, where flowback control is necessary.  Low-temperature bonding, down to 70°F bottom-hole static temperature, is achieved without the use of a consolidation aid.

New 3D product brings complex rig mechanics, inner workings to life

The Petroleum Extension Service (PETEX), at The University of Texas at Austin, has launched its new Interactive Offshore Oil Rig. The 3D e-product provides a unique learning perspective on the inner workings of a semisubmersible rig. The Interactive Offshore Oil Rig gives users an inside view to see and hear about each component of the rig, and what it does and where it is. Users can even zoom in for expanded views. Options include visuals and detailed audio describing 10 different areas of the rig, including a 360° rig view, power and hoisting equipment, circulating and cementing equipment, and more. The product includes an online assessment that tests the learning progress of the user. A passing score earns users a Completion Certificate from PETEX and The University of Texas at Austin. The product was developed by Itzel McClaren, a PETEX learning specialist, with assistance from the university’s Faculty Innovation Center at the Cockrell School of Engineering.

Natural gas engines certified for mobile use

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has certified two of GE’s Waukesha natural gas-fueled engine models for mobile, non-road applications. GE is able to offer a new, lower-cost, lower-emission choice for powering drill rigs and oilfield equipment, in place of older diesel units, as producers seek to meet the country’s increased demand for cleaner natural gas. As GE awaited the EPA’s decision to grant the mobile certification for its VHP engine family, client Patterson-UTI Drilling replaced existing diesel systems with three Waukesha VHP L7044GSI gas engines at a well site in Harrison County, W.Va. Patterson-UTI and GE are also working to replace additional diesel units with EPA-certified Waukesha L7044GSI-EPA engines in other locations in Ohio and Colorado. With performance ratings at altitudes up to 8,000 ft, with no de-rate, the L7044GSIEPA and L5794GSI-EPA models use Non-Selective Catalyst Reduction (NSCR) technology, achieving very low NOx, CO and VOC values.

Connections designed for HPHT wells

Tenaris introduced three new TenarisHydril Blue series premium connections. The new items are derived from the Blue premium connection, which has been employed in the industry for the last 10 years. Now, this design has been adapted to deliver the same performance in a wider range of drilling and completion applications. The TenarisHydril Blue Max is designed for high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) applications that demand 100% pipe body performance on heavier wall pipe, and tested in accordance with the forthcoming revision of the API RP 5C5 CAL IV. The TenarisHydril Blue Heavy Wall is designed for deep well and HPHT applications that demand heavy wall pipe with 100% pressure rated seals, and enhanced performance. It has the highest compression ratings for this type of connection, and has been successfully certified in accordance with the ISO 13679 CAL IV standard.

Product serves as proppant, scale inhibitor

CARBO Ceramics has introduced SCALEGUARD, a ceramic proppant infused with scale-inhibiting chemicals that is placed throughout the entire fracture, as part of the standard fracturing process. In a single treatment, it will safeguard the entire production system: from the fracture, through the wellbore to the surface processing equipment. SCALEGUARD serves as both a scale inhibitor and proppant that has no impact on fracture conductivity. It does not compromise proppant pack conductivity, nor create excessive fines that restrict or block hydrocarbon flow spaces, a risk associated with lower-strength particulate-based carriers. It stays in place within the fracture, to deliver long-term protection from scale build-up. The company said that its scale-inhibiting chemicals are released only on contact with water, and that SCALEGUARD is available in a range of proppant sizes and types. It is compatible with all types of frac fluids, and may be premixed with CARBO proppant or added on the fly.

University unveils drilling, rig training services on campus

Robert Gordon University (RGU) has unveiled industry-leading drilling and rig training services on its Garthdee campus (Aberdeen, Scotland), as part of a strategic alliance with international drilling and engineering contractor KCA Deutag. KCA Deutag’s DART training facility is now in a new complex within the university’s Energy Centre. Through the partnership, the training services at RGU will be available for use by external clients and KCA Deutag employees, as well as postgraduate students at the university. The facility presents an excellent opportunity for KCA Deutag and RGU to work together to provide tailored courses to suit oilfield drilling industry requirements.

Advanced subsea insulation training course introduced

Wood Group Kenny’s all-of-facility, asset integrity management business, Wood Group Integrity Management (WGIM), has created a new subsea insulation training course. The International Registered Marine Insulation Inspectors (IRMII) course has been designed to maximize the technical knowledge of advanced thermal insulation systems and inspection regimes for engineers and inspectors. The first session of the course took place in July 2013, and more sessions are planned for later in the year, as well as in 2014. The increase in deepwater HPHT development has resulted in greater demands being placed on thermal insulation technology. Where there have been failures in these systems, the root cause has often been attributed to mistakes in the selection and application processes. These industry failures, combined with technological advances, highlighted an urgent need for a common, independent and recognized form of training and certification for subsea thermal insulation, WGIM said. The course is independently accredited through the Institute of Marine Surveyors, and offers successful participants an industry-recognized qualification that is renewable every five years.

Composite wrap solutions for piping, infrastructure

Stork Technical Services, a provider of knowledge-based asset integrity management services, has launched a new, innovative range of composite wrap solutions. Aging asset infrastructure, like that found in the North Sea, requires expensive maintenance and repair.  Pipe corrosion, in particular, is a major industry challenge, to which Stork has responded by developing and extending its range of technologies and solutions.  As part of the organization’s advanced asset integrity portfolio, Stork now offers composite wrap solutions that are specifically designed to provide flexible, efficient and cost-effective repairs to piping and infrastructure components. The new technologies include Stork PowerSleeve and Stork AquaWrap.

Fluid system aims to reduce freshwater usage

Halliburton has commercialized its UniStim service, the latest advancement in the H20 Forward service and suite of products aimed at reducing freshwater usage in completions. UniStim Universal High Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) cross-link fracture fluid can enable operators to use 100% produced or flowback water. The cross-linked gelled water system has the ability to tolerate salt concentrations in excess of 300,000 ppm, as well as other contaminants. Additionally, the high-performing, hydraulic fracturing fluid system allows customers to utilize waste streams to negate fresh water used in completions, with economic and environmental benefits. The company said the UniStim service also features good viscosity development, and a low-residue FDP-S1096-13 gel.