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Vol. 231 No. 10 |
Full-rotation mooring swivel
InterMoor, an Acteon company, has developed the Inter-M Swivel, a multipurpose mooring swivel that can join chains of the same or dissimilar sizes together, allowing for 360° rotational freedom while under tension. The swivel does not require kenters or joining shackles because it connects directly into studless or common stud-link chain, which lowers costs and saves time during mooring equipment assembly by reducing the number of connections in the system while still providing rotational freedom. Each swivel is load-tested to 4,731 kN (1,064 kips), and one in every 25 is taken to extreme break loads to ensure that the swivel can withstand 8,000 kN (1,799 kips).
System restores control to subsurface safety valves Baker Hughes’ Reconnect technology quickly and reliably restores surface control to subsurface safety valves, eliminating the need for more expensive or less reliable options. The Reconnect system, developed by BJ Services, a Baker Hughes company, provides a highly effective alternative for re-establishing surface hydraulic control to surface-controlled subsurface safety valves (SCSSVs) that are inoperable due to compromised control lines or if the installation of a storm choke is undesirable. This technology is also a viable option for wells that were not completed with SCSSVs. The system includes a wireline-retrievable safety valve, a thru-tubing replacement control line that strings into the new valve assembly and a wellhead adapter. Installation requires only a minimal crew and equipment suitable for almost any platform or wellsite.
Isolate trouble formations
Enventure Global Technology announced the first successful commercial installation of its 81/2 × 95/8-in. MonoSET Openhole Clad (OHC) system. The system addresses a problem commonly found when drilling through carbonate formations—zones that threaten production. To mitigate these issues, an operator must isolate targeted sections of a wellbore and use heavier drilling muds to proceed, resulting in a more complex well environment. The MonoSET OHC system was installed in a deviated well to stabilize a shale section. The system expands proprietary solid steel tubulars hydro-mechanically using a shoeless tool design. It isolates a problem formation in the well without anchoring back into existing casing and provides an 81/2-in. pass-through below 95/8-in. casing with lengths from a single joint to over 1,000 ft.
PDC bit designed for Barnett shale Varel has released an enhanced PDC bit for use in the Barnett Shale, an 83/4-in. VM613P. This six-bladed bit utilizes a more active blade design with premium cutters equipped for the application. Furthermore, backup cutters on this design were analyzed and deployed for more aggressive cutting action on the shoulder of the bit, allowing engagement of these cutters in addition to the primary cutting structure. In tests, the bit delivered an average ROP of 120.02 ft/hr and completed the section with an average ROP more than 18% greater than in the closest competitive offset run in the area.
Anti-stall drilling technology
An emerging technology has been developed for drilling in hard, abrasive and complex sediments. Anti Stall Technology (AST), introduced by drilling technology specialists Tomax AS, is designed to eliminate bit stalls and consequent stick-slip. The concept is based on a downhole hydraulic-mechanical principle similar to that employed by systems used to stop a car from locking the wheels when braking, or to balance power against traction in car racing. The AST unit is placed in the lower part of the drillstring, where it controls the load on the drill bit in order to eliminate blockage and stabilize the rock-cutting process. Downhole vibrations can be reduced by a factor of 5, significantly boosting overall drilling efficiency. The system is in use on six continents, making the AST the first Norwegian downhole drilling tool to be adopted globally.
Downhole reservoir testing system
Schlumberger released its Quartet high-performance downhole reservoir testing system, designed to allow operators to isolate, control, measure and sample all in a single run. The deep-reading, high-resolution pressure measurements and representative reservoir fluid samples help operators prove reservoir potential and reach a better basis for their decisions. During exploration in the Gulf of Venezuela, an operator needed to perform a series of downhole tests on its high-rate gas wells to determine reservoir properties. With Quartet’s single-trip efficiency, the operator saved four days of rig time while safely achieving its test objectives. The Quartet downhole assembly is one-fourth the length of conventional configurations, and offers 35% lower tool operating pressure, 90% less nitrogen, 50% fewer seals and 60% fewer connections. In addition, drill collars and slips joints are eliminated from the downhole string.
Subsea drilling with casing
Weatherford launched the world’s first subsea drilling-with-casing system, called SeaLance. This unique system makes it possible for a 20-in. casing string and its high-pressure wellhead housing to be drilled to depth, cemented and released in a single run. The SeaLance system effectively mitigates multiple hazards, enables operators to reach total depth and minimizes the effect of vortex-induced vibrations. Jointly developed with Eni, SeaLance was developed to improve the choices available to the industry when drilling top hole sections. For example, in certain applications the system will mitigate the loss in casing size by dynamically dealing with shallow hazards while drilling-with-casing to the desired setting depth. This will also save on flat time and mud costs and improve cement quality.
Self-retracting lifeline
Capital Safety has introduced the DBI-SALA 50-ft Sealed-Blok Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL). The SRL is designed to withstand harsh operating environments and includes features to maximize worksite versatility. It is the first SRL to achieve IP68 certification due to the product’s ability to seal out solids and liquids such as dirt, dust and water. In addition to providing the highest level of ingress protection, the SRL also offers the highest weight capacity of any self-retracting lifeline, at 420 lb. Optional dual-mode rescue capability allows the user to choose (prior to use) between automatic rescue mode and fall-arrest mode. If a fall occurs while the device is in automatic rescue mode, the SRL will arrest the fall and then automatically lower the worker safely. In fall-arrest mode, the SRL will arrest the fall and then allow for an assisted rescue to take place. The SRL’s design provides the option of replacing the lifeline in the field rather than sending it to an authorized service center, reducing equipment downtime and lowering the cost of ownership. It is also the only sealed self-retracting lifeline available with a retrieval winch for raising and lowering personnel or materials. The SRL can be quickly converted to and from retrieval mode. The input crank handle has a primary brake preventing movement of the load upon release. All dynamic components, including the motor spring and brake system, are sealed inside the housing, protecting them from oil, grease, dirt, water and chemicals. The cast aluminum housings and heavy-gauge stainless steel end-plates resist damage and corrosion.
Multifuction tubular handling tool
UniSlips from Weatherford is a rotary-mounted, multifunctional slip for casing, tubing or drill pipe operations. Unlike conventional handling tools that require frequent slip changes for each size of tubular run, the UniSlips tool incorporates a dual-wedge slip design that can handle any tubular within its range, saving rig time when making up bottomhole assemblies or running tapered strings. The tool incorporates a power-down feature that counteracts up to 80,000 ft-lb of torque, eliminating the need for manual backup tongs. For completion strings and production and workover risers, the tool includes two opposing slots for safe handling of control lines or umbilicals and a 19-in. slip opening to accommodate large-OD string components. Optional minimal-marking slip inserts for special alloy tubulars are available. The tool is rated for 500 short tons and fits into 371/2-in. rotary tables (larger rotary tables require an adapter). UniSlips is compatible with Weatherford’s ISIS integrated safety interlock system; Stabberless remote-controlled pipe-alignment system; OverDrive casing running system; and AutoCLAMP automated control-line arm manipulating and positioning system.
Anchor handling in real time
Vryhof Anchors’ new Stevtrack anchor data acquisition system provides a real-time overview of the anchor installation process on the seabed, resulting in faster anchor installations. With Stevtrack, a transponder unit on the anchor communicates with a setback monitor on the anchor-handling vessel, displaying real-time data on variables such as roll, pitch, drag length, penetration depth and pull-in force. The system can also confirm when the anchor is positioned correctly on the seabed and avoids the need for anchors to be reset. The system is particularly applicable in harsh offshore conditions.
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