New products and services

Optical fluid analyzer designed for HPHT environments

Weatherford, and opto-electronic design and production specialist Avo Photonics, have collaborated on the design and development of a new downhole, multi-channel photometer to analyze formation fluids in high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) wells. Known as the Reservoir Fluid Analyzer (RFA), the technology comprises a sensor that conforms to a 4.5-in. diameter space, and is capable of performing downhole fluid analysis down to 3 mi below surface. The wireline-deployed RFA performs real-time, in-situ characterizations of reservoir fluid type and composition. The new analyzer obtains these measurements at operating temperatures from -4° to 351°F, and total differential pressures up to 30,000 psi. Weatherford’s Wireline R&D optical sensor group spearheaded development of the tool, with Avo providing optical and opto-mechanical design and manufacturing input for harsh environment operations. The successful design has been deployed in several field trials.

Interoperability test kit now available

The Fieldbus Foundation has released the FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1 Interoperability Test Kit (ITK) 6.1.1. The latest version of the test kit follows previous enhancements to the ITK, which aims to make it easier for end users to replace “like for like” devices. The procedure for replacing a device with a newer revised level of the same make and model is automated, to allow the configuration in an existing field instrument to be restored in a newer version, without manual intervention. ITK Version 6.1.1, a maintenance release, includes 64-bit Microsoft Windows support. The H1 ITK consists of a test engine, communication stack and function block interface card. By using the kit, instrument manufacturers can test their devices prior to submitting their product for official registration with the Fieldbus Foundation. 

New turbine meters handle high-pressure situations

Turbines Incorporated has introduced specialized, High-Pressure Series turbine meters that are engineered to deliver accurate measurements in high-pressure oil and gas applications. In areas, such as the Permian basin, where oil and gas metering is subject to viscous, high-pressure liquid flows, the need for a durable, accurate metering solution is critical. Built to withstand temperatures ranging from -100°F to 300°F, and providing an accuracy of ± 1.0% over flow range, the new turbine meters feature a standard stainless steel construction, while handling flow ranges from 40 to 400 gpm. This, combined with 1502 WECO end connections, enables them to deliver accurate results under pressures up to 15,000 psig.

Dashboard displays identified risks offshore

DNV GL has developed a highly graphical, web database-driven Verification Scheme Dashboard (VSD) to show the offshore risks identified by verification findings, and how they are managed to reduce accident risks. The company offers the VSD to its customers as part of an independent verification service. The VSD gives a live summary of all the findings, where action is required of the duty holder. The dashboard shows a list of all safety critical elements (SCEs), and the number of findings relating to each SCE.  The SCEs are also grouped into barrier types, to allow the cumulative risk from related findings to be visible.  The tool will be expandable to cover the requirements of environmental critical elements, as required by a recent European offshore safety directive. Each finding associated with an SCE can be mapped to a specific location on the installation, as shown on the relevant plot plan. This display allows the user to see the potential, cumulative effect of these degraded SCEs.

Transportation solutions for North American E&P equipment unveiled

The TII Group, a manufacturer of heavy transport vehicles, has unveiled two new products for transport on public roads and beyond.  The super-lightweight SCHEUERLE HighwayTrailer’s special central middle frame construction provides the vehicle with a high degree of stability and load-bearing capacity. The trailer is available in a telescopic version. It includes hydraulic suspension and the lowest tare weight of its class, capable of moving payloads up to 235,000 lb, at loading lengths of up to 100 ft. Additionally, the company has introduced the four-axle WideCombi PowerBooster, designed to suit American legislation and road conditions. The vehicle’s width can be adjusted to match the width of the load, to achieve an optimized distribution of the load on the ground below. The WideCombi is built in rigid and light-split variations, with a gooseneck or a towbar serving as a connection to the tractor. The vehicle uses SCHEUERLE pendulum axle technology, which employs hydraulic cylinders for suspension. This technology provides, in combination with precise steering, improved maneuverability and a steering angle of up to 60°.

Surface multiphase flowmeter introduced

Schlumberger has released the Vx Spectra surface multiphase flowmeter, the latest generation of such equipment for offshore and land applications. The device enables operators to obtain flowrate measurements during production testing and permanent monitoring, and uses full gamma spectroscopy for multiphase production measurement. The flowmeter introduces two new venturi throat sizes, adapted to an extended range of flowrates. The 19-mm Vx Spectra monitors low-rate producing wells, down to 30 bpd, and the 40-mm venturi version introduces a mid-range multiphase meter with high flexibility. Modular design configurations offer easy integration with operator production facilities. 

New casing stabilizer arm automates onshore, offshore tubular handling

Aker Solutions has developed the Casing Stabilizer Arm (CSA), which eliminates the need for a person to be elevated on a derrick for tubular makeup. The CSA is designed for both offshore and onshore rigs. The stabilizing mechanism is stowed approximately 33 ft above the drilling floor, and includes an internal hydraulic cylinder that extends and closes the padded jaws operated by radio remote control. The CSA uses only three hydraulic cylinders to position and mobilize the pipe jaws, including a lifting, extension and clamping cylinder. The unit is rated for Class I, Division 1 locations, and has double protection for dropped objects. A warning and alarm system is built into the CSA, along with an emergency shut-off control. Additionally, a shear pin is installed on the unit as a safe guard for an unexpected downward clash by hoisting equipment.