New Products and Services
Wireless, integrated load cell/accelerometer designed for artificial lift
Bright Automation has released its new integrated wireless load cell/accelerometer. Designed for all artificial lift applications involving rod pumps, this device measures load and position in a single wireless unit. Based on its wireless design, this device is not prone to the downtime associated with cable failure or related issues, eliminating the maintenance costs associated with the repair or replacement of cables, according to the company. Because the tool has no cables to manage, installation is also simplified. Solar-powered with battery backup, the device transmits data via a 2.4-GHz digital channel. The Bright Automation line of equipment was designed to provide ease of maintenance and dependable reliability and performance for the monitoring and control of artificial lift operations. The company’s wireless solutions also include load cells, load cell adapters and inclinometers. Image: Bright Automation.
Performance management system improves evaluation of reliability, efficiency
Dover Energy Automation has launched a new enterprise system that was developed to simplify a multitude of challenges that companies face while evaluating equipment reliability and efficiency. Called Windrock Enterprise, the system provides real-time remote visibility of an entire fleet of assets at the same time. Properly credentialed stakeholders will have on-demand access to the system’s dashboard from any computer or mobile device in the world, which will allow them to gain insights about the immediate health of all connected assets, according to Dover. The system utilizes Microsoft Azure IoT and also leverages the Azure Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS). The new system could help companies proactively avoid catastrophic scenarios, cut costs, maximize safety, and increase performance oversight, flexibility and responsiveness, according to the company.
Enhanced oil recovery technique improves flow-rate results
Well Surge Technologies, LLC, has launched its new enhanced oil recovery methods, developed to flush out existing shaped-charge gun perforation tunnels. Production rates in consolidated permeable formations, in low-production wells, can be expected to double or triple, depending on well conditions, according to the company. No toxic intervention or fracing is necessary, and the company offers the service in remote locations. More details, as well as lab results and field trial information, are available online.
New software models real-time data, provides prescriptive guidance
Aspen Technology, Inc., has announced the general availability of aspenONE Version 10 software. The latest asset performance management, engineering, manufacturing and supply chain software release bridges process optimization with asset optimization, according to the company. The software also includes aspenONE Asset Performance Management (APM), a complete suite for site, process and equipment performance management. The new APM suite is designed to increase asset uptime, improve reliability, extend equipment life, and achieve optimal process performance system-wide, to drive increased profitability. The integrated suite of APM analytics provides prescriptive guidance, including site-wide risk analysis, process analytics and equipment performance analytics.
New industrial engineering approach tailored to upstream oil, gas operations
Flat Time Reduction, a Houston-based engineering and management consulting firm, has developed a new system tailored specifically to the oil and gas industry, based on the proven methodology behind lean manufacturing. Called Lean Oilfield Solutions, the system simplifies traditional lean manufacturing and encompasses optimization of large-scale, high-risk operations; simplification of complex repetitive tasks; implementation of effective front-line change; and sustainment of gains and promotion of forward thinking. The system was developed over a three-year span, and is based on actual field data collected by the company’s engineering team. The industrial engineers at the company constructed the system to increase the rate of lean implementation in upstream oil and gas operations.
Pump system transmission designed for robust, lightweight operation
ZF has customized the new 8 TX transmission system to ensure constant and smooth operation, and to avoid unintended speed fluctuations during production. It offers eight gears with stable gear transitions, as well as a high spread of gear ratios. The system’s robust basic design minimizes stress and wear of the components, and it results in a reliable, efficient and durable transmission, with very low life-cycle costs, according to the company. More than anything else, it is designed to ensure precise control of the pumping station. The transmission is equipped for a performance of up to 2,600 hp and an input torque of up to 10,500 Nm. Due to its bus digital communication system and the possibilities offered by modular programming, the transmission operates without a torque converter. Continuous operation is ensured by a flexible coupling with the latest damping technology, which dampens engine vibrations, according to the company. It is also designed to produce less friction torque and, thereby, less heat. ZF integrated the complete control electronics directly into the transmission. It weighs 1,350 kg in a dry condition, and measures 1,490 mm × 850 mm.
