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Vol. 231 No. 8 |
Technique improves fracture conductivity
Schlumberger has released the HiWay flow-channel hydraulic fracturing technique, which maximizes production and hydrocarbon recovery through the creation of open flow channels within the propped fracture. In Argentina, YPF employed the technique to restimulate a Late Jurassic Eolian reservoir, reducing flowback times, improving effective fracture half-lengths and polymer recovery, and significantly increasing natural gas production. The technique fundamentally changes the way fracture conductivity is generated. A combination of placement and completion techniques, fluid engineering and process control creates a complex network of stable channels within the fracture. The productivity of the fracture is decoupled from the actual permeability of the proppant used, so rather than flowing through the proppant pack, hydrocarbons flow through the highly conductive channels. The channels extend from the wellbore to the tip of the fracture, allowing for longer effective fracture half-lengths.
Pads and rolls for oil spills Kafko International has introduced Oil Eater absorbent pads and rolls that quickly absorb oil and hydrocarbon spills. An economical line of Oil Only sonic bonded single-ply pads and rolls are suited for the great majority of oil-only spills. Both are made of ultrasonically bonded high-loft polypropylene fibers to provide high strength and superior absorbency. Oil Only fine-fiber multi-layer pads are virtually lint-free. These three-ply pads have a densely woven outer layer and a high-loft meltblown core. The pads quickly and effectively contain oil and other hydrocarbons while repelling water. Each pad is constructed with high-quality polypropylene fibers and bonded ultrasonically. The white pads and rolls are available in light, medium and heavy weights and are perforated for ease of use and cost savings. They come in 15 × 18-in. pads and 30-in. × 150-ft rolls.
Synthetic diamond coating
EagleBurgmann, a manufacturer of mechanical seals, has developed a new seal face coating called DiamondFaces to combat the problem of dry-running. Diamond is the hardest natural mineral known and offers excellent chemical and thermal resistance. The product is a synthetically manufactured, ultrapure diamond with the same outstanding characteristics as the natural material. When working properly, mechanical seals are generally safe and reliable components that operate virtually wear-free. Problems occur when the sliding faces of a mechanical seal are not adequately lubricated, resulting in a dry-running condition that ultimately causes the breakdown of the seal. Dry running and inadequate lubrication are responsible for more than 50% of all mechanical seal damage. With an average service life of only 1.2 years, mechanical seals are the weakest link in terms of pump components. A DiamondFaces microcrystalline coating of 8 µm in thickness on a silicon carbide seal face significantly extends the life of the seal, reducing maintenance costs and minimizing lifecycle costs.
Water jacket drill motor GE Transportation has introduced its new water jacket AC drilling motor, a completely enclosed, water-cooled and flameproof AC motor designed for drawworks and top drives on- and offshore. The motor is cooled by circulating water instead of a blower, allowing it to be completely enclosed against moisture and air circulation, and protecting windings from wetness and dust. It also produces less noise. Unlike other cooled motors, the water jacket motor is cooled through the shaft of the units as well as the frame. The motor has a 50% smaller envelope and the same footprint as current GE IP56 motors.
Gear drivehead
The Moyno Gear Drivehead (MGD) uses an adjustable hydraulic gear drive to control downhole progressing cavity pump speed to maximize production without pumping off the well. The MGD provides cost-effective operating efficiency as well as reliable operation throughout its long service life. The hydraulic drivehead features effective backspin control for operational safety.The MGD is rated to 70 hp at 1,200 rpm, has high-strength alloy shafts for durability, and accepts standard C-mount 80- or 90-cc hydraulic motors. It handles system pressures to 4,000 psi. There are no external moving parts such as belts and sheaves, and the integrated variable-speed control and broad selection of speed and torque combinations make it suitable for an extensive range of downhole PCP applications.
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