New equipment

Vol. 224 No. 4

 Simulation software

 Walkinside 3.0 is a 3D, CAD visualization and simulation software that represents large projects, such as offshore platforms, in real-time with full collision detection and gravity simulation. It is able to directly explore models by emulating interactively and intuitively a virtual, human character, without any complicated pre-programmed manipulation. Walkinside is useful for project review, multimedia presentations, manufacturing, plant maintenance, safety training and security program. It is provided in LAN, Intranet and Internet. (VRcontext)

 Laser cladding technology

 Lasercarb is a hardsurfacing process that uses a continuous CO₂ laser beam to supply the energy for applying surfacing. A patented, coaxial nozzle delivers the spherical cast tungsten carbide powders and the matrix for bonding the substrate. The combination of a CNC work station with the CO₂ laser produces a very precise reproducible coating. Lasercarb coatings are metallurgically bonded and result in a low dilution of the base metal. The localized fast heating minimizes heat-affected zones. Moreover, the carbides are not adversely affected by heat, and thus maintain all their intrinsic properties, in particular their extreme hardness. This gives the surface excellent abrasion resistance. (Technogenia SA)

 Salt-in-crude analyzer

 Precision Scientific Petroleum Instruments’ salt-in-crude analyzer is a self-contained unit built with rugged, standard components for long life and easy maintenance. Stainless steel electrodes and modern circuitry make for safe, simple operation. Up to 4 voltage presets can be programed into the instrument and voltage level keyed in manually or selected from preset values. Voltage and milliampere values are digitally displayed for recording and evaluation. A blank value offset may be entered so the milliampere display automatically subtracts current value of blank sample. Desalting operations are improved by rapid analysis to prompt corrective action. (Precision Scientific Petroleum Instruments)

 Sealing system

 The U-PAK 100 SuperGold Kit is a low-maintenance, virtually leak-free sealing system developed by UTEX Industries, Inc., to move drilling or completion fluids in centrifugal pumps found in well servicing, drilling, and production industries. The U-PAK 100 SuperGold kit is bulk-packing that can be injected. It is combined with containment rings and includes special fittings for injecting additional packing. This system is easy to install with minimal maintenance, which reduces or eliminates downtime. It is able to function in extreme conditions found in drilling muds and well-servicing fluids. (UTEX Industries, Inc.)

 Intelligent completions

 AnTech Limited offers a simple, safe solution for companies using intelligent completion systems that helps control challenges posed by splitting and stripping encapsulation from multiple lines. The company’s splitters and strippers are able to split and strip encapsulated multiple control lines without damaging the internal metal-line surface. This is necessary to maintain the integrity of the line. It does not require hacksaws or knives and can be used on electric, hydraulic, single or multiple lines. Encapsulation may be removed from flat-packs to 65 mm from 11mm. (Antech Limited)

 Hydrocarbon sensor

 TX Technology Corp. introduces the Whiteknight, a patented hydrocarbon sensor that remains active 24 hours a day and is self-restoring after an alarm condition has been cleared. The sensor has a 15-year life expectancy. It is a “belt” type sensor that can wrap around objects and take odd shapes. It can be used above or below ground to detect hydrocarbons and to notify a monitoring system of a problem. It is unaffected by water and can be used to detect a floating oil sheen in a collection zone or in run-off areas. Virtually all petroleum or carbon-based liquids are hydrocarbons. This sensor can be used to detect seepage and hydrocarbons as part of a low-cost, quick-reporting and non-intrusive management, monitoring and control strategy. (TX Technology Corp.)

 Flowmeter

 The FloCat C-YD50-C flow meter uses flight-time, ultrasonic technology to measure most any liquid containing less than 40% total suspended solids or aeration. The unit provides easy and low-cost installation by clamping on the outside of existing pipes, ranging from 12-in. to 2-in. It is designed to replace mechanical flowmeters in applications where liquid conditions tend to damage or impede mechanical flowmeter operations. All C-YD50-C meters provide two flowrate outputs, 4-mA to 20-mA analog, and a choice of simulated turbine-meter or TTL-pulse frequency, allowing direct interface with data collection systems. The meter is compatible to PCs and supplies a local display, featuring rate and total flow in several engineering units. (FloCat)

 Liquid, slurry density

 Dynatrol Density Systems measure density, specific gravity, API gravity, percent solids and percent concentration of liquids and slurries. These systems use unique vibratory principles to provide continuous measurement at online process conditions. The system consists of a density cell and digital converter. It is available in a full spectrum of corrosion-resistant materials. The cell is both weather-tight and explosion-proof. It meets broad temperature and pressure-rating needs. With no moving parts, it is virtually wear-free – ensuring a long operating life. It incorporates an onboard microcontroller and liquid-crystal display of the measured variable, temperature, frequency and other calibration data. It has 4-mA to 20-mA standard output and an RS-232, two-way communication. These systems are accurate, yet rugged enough to withstand harsh environments. (Dynatrol Density Systems)

 Pressure gauge

 The SWICHGAGEMitter model SGM45 by FWMurphy is a panel-mounted 4-12 in. pressure gauge with 4-mA to 20-mA output for easy interface with communications equipment, controllers, computers, and Scada systems. This model gives the owner/operator of the monitored equipment four instruments in one package. In this package, the SWICHGAGEMitter provides an adjustable high-level pressure switch, an adjustable low-level pressure switch, an indicating gauge, and an accurate and rugged 4-mA to 20-mA pressure transmitter. Operators can see and adjust the set points, while viewing the monitored pressure. Transmitter outputs and the SWICHGAGE are independent of each other. This design reduces installation costs by saving labor, components and space that is required when compared to traditional gauges with separate transmitter and pressure switch installations utilized in other applications. (FWMurphy)

 Valve trim for offshore valve

 With normal pressure differentials at more than 5,800 psi, pump recycle valves for offshore methanol-injection service generally have a limited life and require continual maintenance. CCI uses its tortuous-path Drag valve trim to provide a valve with extended longevity that requires almost no maintenance. The CCI methanol injection pump recycle valve uses multiple velocity controlling stages to provide precise control while minimizing excess fluid energy. With valves in this application predominantly requiring as many as 32 stages of velocity control, this device provides exceptional control and effectively eliminates the wear problems that were once associated with this type of service. (CII)

 Wellbore cleaning, retrieval 

 Baker Oil Tools’ wellbore custodian cleaning system provides a clean wellbore that results in trouble-free testing, completion and production. It is designed to seek out junk, collect it, and carry it to the surface. The system is primarily used for pre-completion stages of the well’s construction, but can be run any time the wellbore becomes contaminated with debris. When run in the hole, it collects large debris using fluid flow as it passes through the tool. When pulling out, the bypass is closed and the tool diverts fluid through the filter medium, capturing the debris. The company’s tension cut and pull subsea, wellhead retrieval system saves money by reducing the number of trips needed to recover intermediate casing strings and wellhead from the seabed. It can engage any manufacturer’s wellhead, cut conductors in tension, and recover the wellhead from the seabed in a single trip. The system uses hydraulically operated components and does not require motors or explosives, thus decreasing risk and damage to subsea habitat. (Baker Oil Tools)