New products

Vol. 230 No. 2

Wellhead outlet to maintain well integrity

AnTech Ltd., a UK-based design engineering and manufacturing company for the upstream oil and gas industry, announced that its Wellhead Outlet has been re-engineered to operate safely in the higher temperatures typically generated by the majority of High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT) wells. The device, which has been ATEX-certified for use in Zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas, connects downhole cable to the surface telemetry system. The downhole cable terminates in a pressure bulkhead and then connects to the surface cable. This ensures that if the downhole cable is flooded for any reason, the integrity of the wellhead is maintained. It is used in permanent completions where pressure and temperature must be continuously monitored.

Concurrent execution of multi-disciplinary processes

Paradigm unveiled Paradigm Higher Order Workflow (HOW), which leverages the company’s complete geophysics, geology, petrophysics and engineering solution set to enabling E&P teams to develop asset knowledge under tight project timelines. The collective, knowledge-building process, enabled by the company’s solutions continuum, builds upon prior workflows and enriches subsequent ones. Unlike isolated point products, HOW accesses an integrated software solution portfolio spanning many E&P domains for subsurface analysis, including seismic processing and imaging, interpretation and modeling, reservoir and subsurface evaluation, reservoir engineering, and well planning and drilling engineering. HOW addresses subsurface challenges by exposing supporting data to a continuum of data operations and transformations while ensuring data integrity using common interpretation and modeling canvases. HOW is based on the Rock & Fluid Canvas and GOCAD/SKUA software suites.

Ultrasonic flowmeter

Krohne has introduced the Altosonic V12 gas flowmeter for custody transfer applications. The V12 has 12 measuring chords, two of which are solely dedicated to diagnostic functions. Once commissioned, it continuously checks the operating status. The positioning of the chords in five horizontal parallel planes compensates for swirl and thus provides reliable measurements even with highly distorted flow profiles. The diagnostics in the meter reliably assess deposits, contamination or changes in wall roughness so that maintenance can be scheduled according to the actual needs. As part of the product development, hundreds of flow profiles in all kinds of applications were analyzed, so that the V12 is the first ultrasonic flowmeter capable of complying with the ISO17089 and AGA9 standards’ 5D straight inlet requirements without using a flow straightener. Applying the proven reflecting technique, the meter is able to detect not only changes in the flow profile, but also changes in the cross-sectional area. The meter is available in sizes DN 100 - 600, an installation length of 3D, and a maximum operating pressure of 150 bar. It is compatible with commonly used protocols and can be integrated seamlessly into any existing infrastructure.

Severe-duty diaphragm seal

Winters Instruments’ D70 Series Diaphragm Seal is designed to withstand severe process applications. It comes with a backing plate that will prevent the diaphragm from rupturing if the pressure-sensing instrument fails. Pressure will be held until the instrument is replaced. The D70 is separable (two-piece construction) for servicing, and is available with a flushing connection for removal of any clogging materials. Diaphragm seals are recommended where process fluids may solidify or clog the internals of pressure gauges, switches or transmitters. Exotic seal materials are available for use with corrosive applications.

Vibration monitoring

SKF Microlog Analyzer AX, with simultaneous triaxial or four-channel vibration measurement capability, speeds up data collection and saves time in monitoring rounds. The 806-MHz
Xscale processor gives faster real-time rate and display updates, all viewed on a 6.4-in. VGA color display. The new Microlog Analyzer AX incorporates the SKF Acceleration Enveloping (gE) technology, and also provides the capabilities of four-channel non-route/two-channel or simultaneous triaxial route analysis and two-channel balancing. The IP65-rated dust- and waterproof design remains reliable in tough industrial environments, while the rechargeable lithium battery supports 8 hours of continuous data collection and eliminates environmental negatives of disposing of used batteries. Users can select from a range of application modules, creating a custom device that suits individual requirements. Modules can be added as needs develop, such as balancing, bump analysis, recorder, frequency response function, run-up/coast-down and check to conformance. Modules allow users to perform advanced tasks such as impact tests, digital recording, modal analysis, transient phenomena analysis and quality inspections, all with the same device. Alternatively, pre-configured models (AX-M, AX-S and AX-F) are also available with a selection of loaded modules to fit various requirements.

Non-metallic relief valve

Groth Corp. announced a new line of relief valves designed for environments too corrosive for metallic or fiberglass valves. Constructed of non-metallic, corrosion-resistant materials, the valves will operate in highly caustic environments. The all-polymer internal construction enables these valves to operate in the harshest chemicals, making them suitable for use with chlorine, ethylene dichloride, hydrochloric acid and other corrosive materials. Polymer valves operate in a similar fashion to their metal and fiberglass counterparts-they protect low-pressure atmospheric storage tanks from excessive pressure and/or vacuum and limit fugitive emissions by preventing constant tank breathing to the atmosphere. The valves are available both in vent-to-atmosphere and in pipe-away configurations.

Geophysical data library

S-Nopec Geophysical Co. (TGS) has launched a new website that displays the company’s entire interactive data library using the intuitive and user-friendly Google Maps mapping service as the platform. TGS wanted to make its data library accessible and easy to navigate for companies across the globe, and Google Maps is such a widely used application that it made sense to marry the technology with TGS’s extensive data library.

Welding catalog

On its 80th anniversary, Miller Electric Mfg. Co. has released its 2009 full-line welding and cutting equipment catalog. The free, full-color, 96-page catalog provides specifications on Miller MIG welders, TIG welders, stick welders, plasma cutters, welding generators, welding helmets and safety gear, including eight new major pieces of equipment. The catalog also provides product selection charts, and it describes the additional benefits available through the company’s online welding communities, which are also free. The catalog also includes product information from Miller recommended brands: Bernard, Hobart Brothers, Smith Equipment, Tregaskiss and Weldcraft.

High-performance bridge plug

The Evo-Trieve bridge plug from Halliburton is a high-performance, retrievable monobore plugging device that does not require a predetermined setting restriction for locating or sealing within the production completion. Developed from the HE3, TR0/TR1 and Monolock retrievable bridge plugs, the Evo-Trieve is V0-qualified per ISO 14310 to 7,500 psi at 275°F. Its robust design includes large slip and element footprints to increase pressure-holding capability in unsupported casing. Debris tolerance has been verified through a comprehensive flow loop testing program. The bridge plug can be deployed using conventional slickline with the DPU downhole power unit and can be retrieved with industry-standard GS pulling tools. The bridge plug is supplied with an H2S packing element system as standard. Superior debris tolerance is provided by an element positioned above slips, complemented by a large-internal-diameter pressure-equalizing feature to resist plugging. An improved body lock ring system retains element packoff force during pressure reversals across the plug. The robust slip system does not allow over-expansion in set position, and remains mechanically locked in the retracted position when the plug is released. It can be adapted to existing modular extensions for extreme debris environments, and the easy-access top guide sub ensures retrieving tool engagement in highly deviated well profiles. Minimized tool diameter and retained packing element improve running speeds and operational performance in deviated wellbores. The simplified compact design requires no special assembly tools, making it suitable for remote locations. It can be readily adapted to install pressure gauges or other associated flow control equipment for a full range of well service requirements, and is also suited to shallow-set well plugging applications prior to Christmas tree removals and repairs to surface wellhead equipment.