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Vol. 231 No. 5 |
Stabbing board winch for drilling rigs
During drilling operations, crews need to quickly and repeatedly pull sections of drill pipe from holding racks on the derrick tower and position them over the drill shaft for attachment to the drill head. Pipes are positioned from a work platform or stabbing board on the derrick tower where space is limited, making large positioning systems prohibitive. The Stabbing Board Winch from Thern Inc. provides a compact and reliable solution for positioning pipe. The small footprint allows crews to mount the winch on a stabbing board, while the design provides for floor, ceiling or vertical mounting to minimize the amount of workspace the unit occupies. The stabbing board winch has cast aluminum construction, making it lightweight but able to handle a heavy workload. The unit features a long-lasting epoxy finish. Standard options include various power and motor options, control packages and pre-wound wire rope assemblies.
New multiphase fluid flowmeter Flow measurements are critical for optimizing reservoir performance and electrical submersible pumping (ESP) system efficiency, as well as diagnosing well and ESP system issues. Direct measurement of multiphase flowrates is costly and typically performed only intermittently. Baker Hughes has developed a multiphase flowmeter that combines downhole sensor technology with neural network capabilities to provide real-time flowrate estimates from wells produced with ESP systems. When correctly calibrated and maintained, the Neuraflow multiphase flowmeter can deliver flowrate estimates with an accuracy rate greater than 90% when compared to actual flowrate measurements. The device, which is installed in the ESP surface variable-speed drive, uses existing standard downhole measurements coupled with additional system measurements and learning algorithms to infer a flowrate based on known reservoir and fluid properties. Flow is measured at four separate downhole locations; measurements are compared and then are used to calibrate the model for a high degree of accuracy.
Compact, powerful offshore drill pump
Gardner Denver has introduced the PZ-2400 offshore drilling pump, which has a 20% smaller footprint and is 30% lighter in weight, providing more flexibility on the rig. The pump is a two-piece module with a cast frame and full roller-bearing construction, and is rated at 2,400 bhp with a 14-in. stroke, a maximum piston size of 9 in. and a maximum speed of 110 rpm. Developed for high-pressure well-stimulation applications, the PZ-2400 features Y Fluid End technology that is API compliant. The pump has an estimated 30% longer service life as well as improved volumetric efficiency compared to L-style modules. It features an early warning system for power-end problems, monitoring power-end temperature at main bearings, jackshaft bearings and crosshead slides. Early malfunction warnings, based on preset triggers, help identify problem areas and prevent catastrophic failure. Operators can opt for an onboard, self-sustaining system or integration with rig controls.
Reverse-acting rupture discs Continental Disc Corp. has launched the new HPX rupture discs. The scored, reverse-acting rupture discs can be pressurized from full vacuum up to 90% or 95% of the rated (marked) burst pressure under normal operating conditions. These high-precision discs offer performance in excess of a quarter million cycles. These differential pressure relief devices provide an instantaneous full-open, non-reclosing design for protecting equipment, vessels, systems and people from overpressure conditions. The discs are highly versatile and are offered in a wide range of burst pressures, materials and sizes.
Lightweight flow conditioner
A new flat-panel flow conditioner, Model VIP, has been introduced by the Vortab Company. This new design maximizes flowmeter performance with minimal pressure drop in a thin, lightweight panel. The tab-type flow conditioning technology significantly reduces the pressure drop compared to other technologies such as tube bundles, screens and perforated plates. The thin-panel design is easily installed between flanges or can be welded in place. The standard Model VIP is manufactured of 316L stainless steel in sizes for installation in pipe diameters from 2 to 40 in. Other materials and larger line sizes are available. They are available in both ANSI and DIN flange-mount or weld-in-place configurations. A typical VIP weighs less than 20 oz per diameter.
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