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Vol. 230 No. 4 |
Heavy-duty tensioning system
AquaMaKKs water-cooled clutches and brakes from Wichita Clutch are air, hydraulic or spring-set actuated and feature superior heat-dissipating copper wear plates and non-metallic composite water jackets. These are optimized for heavy-duty continuous slip tension applications in the oil and gas industry and for marine deck machinery. Available in sizes ranging from 19 to 36 in. (friction lining OD), the units provide up to 3,400-hp heat absorption, 35% higher than the most robust units previously available to the energy industry. The clutches and brakes are suited for tension control in traditional draworks control systems, for integration into electronic drilling systems and for accurate tension control of positioning and mooring winches that require high heat dissipation. Designed with a series of alternating friction discs and water jackets, AquaMaKKs transmits torque by applying axial force from the pneumatic, hydraulic or spring-set actuator, providing accurate torque control for constant tensioning.
Rupture discs
Continental Disc Corp. has released new versions of its STAR X and ULTRX rupture discs, each featuring a 95% operating ratio. The Reverse Acting family of discs now includes the ULTRX HP and STAR X HP, which utilize a precision manufacturing technology to achieve and control burst pressures at tight tolerances. This high-precision version of these products allows them to be pressurized up to 95% of the rated (marked) burst pressure under normal operating conditions for ratings above 40 psig. The ULTRX HP excels in fully liquid systems as well as gaseous or partial gas/liquid systems, while the STAR X HP is designed to provide protection at burst pressures as low as 13 psig.
Maximize chemical cost-effectiveness
Multi-Chem, a provider of oilfield production chemicals, has launched a new chemical cost-performance program called SafeSpend to help operators review and personalize their account for maximum cost-effectiveness. Flexible pricing incentives include tiered discounts, rebates, early pay discounts and price protection indexing to customize each chemical program. The program is also designed to help operators maintain more predictable operating costs by approaching chemicals in terms of the cost per barrel of production instead of the cost per gallon of chemical and by adapting chemical programs to changes in production needs.
Seismic interpretation
Paradigm has announced the release of SKUA 2009, its 3D modeling software environment that bridges the gap between seismic and simulation. The SKUA 2009 workflow expands SKUA capabilities into the interpretation field by linking the interpreter and modeler roles. SKUA 2009 introduces Interpretation Modeling (previewed as Prospect Architecture), new software containing truly integrated workflows between seismic and geologic interpretation and modeling. Prospect Architecture has been enhanced with new functionality and renamed. It is designed to help interpreters, modelers and reservoir teams merge seismic interpretation and SKUA UVT-based modeling for better interpretation. The 2009 release also introduces Stratigraphic Interpretation Modeling, based on SKUA technology, which provides tools to concurrently perform stratigraphic interpretation, geochronological modeling and to perform 3D seismic paleo-restoration to restore depositional continuity.
Compact thermal imaging camera
LumaSense Technologies, a specialist in infrared thermography and non-contact temperature and gas sensing, announced the release of the Mikron MikroSHOT thermal imaging camera. The fully radiometric thermal imager provides pocket-sized portability with capabilities normally found in larger and more expensive thermal imagers. The MikroSHOT’s Thermal-on-Visible mode allows for radiometric temperature data to be displayed directly on the visible image. The camera weighs 10.5 oz. and uses off-the-shelf batteries. It has a 2.7-in. display and 160 × 120-pixel image resolution. Its measuring range is -4° to 662°F (-20° to 350°C), operating temperature range is 5–122°F (-15–50°C) and autofocus functions at distances of 1.4 yards (1.3 m) to infinity. The SD card, USB and video output allow for quick analysis of the JPEG-format data on a laptop or other mobile device.
ROV pilot training systemGeneral Robotics Limited (GRL) has introduced Version 4.0 of its ROVolution ROV pilot-training and mission-planning simulator, which uses real-time dynamic and hydrodynamic modeling to give pilots a highly realistic experience of subsea operations. The new version includes a comprehensive Pilot Training Metrics module to improve the measurability and consistency of pilot training and assessment. An instructor can use the built-in tools to give an objective measure of key pilot competencies, like the time taken to complete a task, how much the pilot varied from a designated survey path, what force was put on the tether and how much tether was paid out compared to the distance from the tether management system. This allows instructors to identify where additional training is needed. Pilots can use the system for self-assessment as part of their continuing professional development. The system also provides the capability to assess the ability of contract pilots to perform a particular job and their ability to cope with factors such as strong currents or poor visibility.
| www.generalrobotics.co.uk |
Identifying skills gaps
Well Control School has reintroduced the Quiz Maker Program. Now called the Gap Analysis Program, it is a computer program that is capable of generating customized examinations that will identify gaps in the competency skills of personnel. Managers and supervisors can create exams that may be used as training and evaluation tools. The program also helps companies meet the requirements set by the Minerals Management Service’s Subpart O training regulations for continuous testing and on-the-job training. It can be easily used in field locations, offices and training centers.
E&P data storage
Landmark, a brand of Halliburton’s Drilling and Evaluation Division, announced the availability of its PetroStor scalable disk storage platform, which provides customers with petabytes of online capacity. Unlike traditional tape storage devices, the system provides upstream users instant access to all their seismic files and project data archives. Combining enterprise-class storage from NetApp with real-time compression from Storwize, PetroStor lowers storage costs to less than $1,000 per terabyte. It enables storage administrators to increase their storage capacity, along with data reliability and performance, while reducing associated infrastructure footprint, cooling and power costs, as well as administrative costs associated with tape transcription and re-mastering.
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Vol. 230 No. 4 |
Heavy-duty tensioning system
AquaMaKKs water-cooled clutches and brakes from Wichita Clutch are air, hydraulic or spring-set actuated and feature superior heat-dissipating copper wear plates and non-metallic composite water jackets. These are optimized for heavy-duty continuous slip tension applications in the oil and gas industry and for marine deck machinery. Available in sizes ranging from 19 to 36 in. (friction lining OD), the units provide up to 3,400-hp heat absorption, 35% higher than the most robust units previously available to the energy industry. The clutches and brakes are suited for tension control in traditional draworks control systems, for integration into electronic drilling systems and for accurate tension control of positioning and mooring winches that require high heat dissipation. Designed with a series of alternating friction discs and water jackets, AquaMaKKs transmits torque by applying axial force from the pneumatic, hydraulic or spring-set actuator, providing accurate torque control for constant tensioning.
Rupture discs
Continental Disc Corp. has released new versions of its STAR X and ULTRX rupture discs, each featuring a 95% operating ratio. The Reverse Acting family of discs now includes the ULTRX HP and STAR X HP, which utilize a precision manufacturing technology to achieve and control burst pressures at tight tolerances. This high-precision version of these products allows them to be pressurized up to 95% of the rated (marked) burst pressure under normal operating conditions for ratings above 40 psig. The ULTRX HP excels in fully liquid systems as well as gaseous or partial gas/liquid systems, while the STAR X HP is designed to provide protection at burst pressures as low as 13 psig.
Maximize chemical cost-effectiveness
Multi-Chem, a provider of oilfield production chemicals, has launched a new chemical cost-performance program called SafeSpend to help operators review and personalize their account for maximum cost-effectiveness. Flexible pricing incentives include tiered discounts, rebates, early pay discounts and price protection indexing to customize each chemical program. The program is also designed to help operators maintain more predictable operating costs by approaching chemicals in terms of the cost per barrel of production instead of the cost per gallon of chemical and by adapting chemical programs to changes in production needs.
Seismic interpretation
Paradigm has announced the release of SKUA 2009, its 3D modeling software environment that bridges the gap between seismic and simulation. The SKUA 2009 workflow expands SKUA capabilities into the interpretation field by linking the interpreter and modeler roles. SKUA 2009 introduces Interpretation Modeling (previewed as Prospect Architecture), new software containing truly integrated workflows between seismic and geologic interpretation and modeling. Prospect Architecture has been enhanced with new functionality and renamed. It is designed to help interpreters, modelers and reservoir teams merge seismic interpretation and SKUA UVT-based modeling for better interpretation. The 2009 release also introduces Stratigraphic Interpretation Modeling, based on SKUA technology, which provides tools to concurrently perform stratigraphic interpretation, geochronological modeling and to perform 3D seismic paleo-restoration to restore depositional continuity.
Compact thermal imaging camera
LumaSense Technologies, a specialist in infrared thermography and non-contact temperature and gas sensing, announced the release of the Mikron MikroSHOT thermal imaging camera. The fully radiometric thermal imager provides pocket-sized portability with capabilities normally found in larger and more expensive thermal imagers. The MikroSHOT’s Thermal-on-Visible mode allows for radiometric temperature data to be displayed directly on the visible image. The camera weighs 10.5 oz. and uses off-the-shelf batteries. It has a 2.7-in. display and 160 × 120-pixel image resolution. Its measuring range is -4° to 662°F (-20° to 350°C), operating temperature range is 5–122°F (-15–50°C) and autofocus functions at distances of 1.4 yards (1.3 m) to infinity. The SD card, USB and video output allow for quick analysis of the JPEG-format data on a laptop or other mobile device.
ROV pilot training system
General Robotics Limited (GRL) has introduced Version 4.0 of its ROVolution ROV pilot-training and mission-planning simulator, which uses real-time dynamic and hydrodynamic modeling to give pilots a highly realistic experience of subsea operations. The new version includes a comprehensive Pilot Training Metrics module to improve the measurability and consistency of pilot training and assessment. An instructor can use the built-in tools to give an objective measure of key pilot competencies, like the time taken to complete a task, how much the pilot varied from a designated survey path, what force was put on the tether and how much tether was paid out compared to the distance from the tether management system. This allows instructors to identify where additional training is needed. Pilots can use the system for self-assessment as part of their continuing professional development. The system also provides the capability to assess the ability of contract pilots to perform a particular job and their ability to cope with factors such as strong currents or poor visibility.
| www.generalrobotics.co.uk |
Identifying skills gaps
Well Control School has reintroduced the Quiz Maker Program. Now called the Gap Analysis Program, it is a computer program that is capable of generating customized examinations that will identify gaps in the competency skills of personnel. Managers and supervisors can create exams that may be used as training and evaluation tools. The program also helps companies meet the requirements set by the Minerals Management Service’s Subpart O training regulations for continuous testing and on-the-job training. It can be easily used in field locations, offices and training centers.
MWD latching system
Drill-Tek MWD Services has developed a system for Tensor-based MWD strings that will latch the stinger assembly into the Universal Borehole Orientation (UBHO) sleeve while still remaining completely retrievable. Developments in directional drilling technology have resulted in advancements in BHA excitement tools, which are designed to transfer constant shock to the bit and mud motor to effectively reduce or eliminate stick and slip. However, these tools can also cause increased wear and damage to MWD equipment. Sustained shock values of above 40 G have been recorded in the “z axis” along the length of the MWD tools. The most popular MWD tools worldwide are Tensor platform, positive pulse MWD, known for high reliability and retrievability. This retrievability is achieved by “floating” the string in the collar, not fixing or collar-mounting it in any way, so it can be pulled from surface via wireline if necessary. The tool string is stung into a keyed UBHO sleeve. When this type of tool is used in conjunction with a BHA excitement tool, the shock values increase when the tool floats back momentarily and then slams back into the UBHO sleeve. Drill-Tek’s Load and Lock system prevents this excessive axial travel, and the resulting shock values, when a BHA excitement tool is used.
Cameras to monitor subsea cutting
EV Offshore Ltd. has developed a range of custom-designed subsea video cameras for monitoring abrasive cutting operations. The cameras were successfully used by a major oil services company to decommission a large fixed installation in the North Sea. The subsea video cameras played a crucial role in the company’s move to decommission platforms without the use of divers. Success of the operation hinged on proper monitoring of the abrasive cutting so that cuts could be made accurately. Previously, monitoring was difficult to achieve without divers being involved. However, with the video/cutting system featuring strategically placed bespoke-designed SL40 cameras, cutting engineers were able to inspect the operation from every desired angle. For this decommissioning, a total of 17 video camera systems, along with subsea halogen lights, custom subsea cabling and eight LCD video monitors, were supplied for engineers to view the cutting activity in real time. This allowed them to ascertain that cuts were clean and had completely separated from the installation so that recovery to surface could be made without an over-pull from the crane. The camera systems were specially engineered to function in the harsh subsea environment, made more extreme by the cuttings process itself. Special efforts were made to ensure that every camera was Class II insulated in order to meet electrical subsea operational standards and withstand the force of the back-scatter of particulates propelled during the high-pressure jetting. With the system’s powerful halogen lights and high-fidelity color cameras, cutting engineers can see what is happening clearly hundreds of meters below the surface, even in situations where visibility is poor.
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