New products

Vol. 233 No. 6

Durable thread protectors for extreme temperatures

MSI Oilfield Products has launched a new line of thread protectors, MSI MaxX, to meet the requirements of API 5CT Annex-I 9th edition. From an all-new plastic resin formulation, to the use of rib and stiffener support elements, to durable pads and diaphragms, these new thread protectors were designed to incorporate a synergistic system of features. The new line will offer thread protectors for 23/8-in., 27/8-in., 31/2-in., 41/2-in., 51/2-in., 7-in., 75/8-in., 85/8-in., and 95/8-in. API connections. In addition to providing durable thread protection, the MaxX line is also designed for ease of use. All MaxX thread protectors feature universal spanner holes, providing for fast installation and removal, while protecting the safety of the installer. The use of these spanner holes also allows for the installation and removal of nine sizes of boxes or pins with limited installation tools. The pin’s advanced plastic formulation is designed for durability and impact resistance, while the stiffeners on the bottom of the diaphragm and ribs on the top are designed to maintain stability of the diaphragm while also absorbing and dispersing the energy from impact. The auxiliary installation/removal feature is designed to be used with commonly-found tools on a rig site. The MaxX line is the only thread protector independently tested to all combinations of the API 5CT Annex-I 9th edition standards of impact energy orientation and temperature extremes.

Cummins Inc. announced plans to produce dual-fuel engines, from 800 hp to 3,500 hp (597-2,610 kW), for high-horsepower markets. The first in the product portfolio, QSK50 Tier 2 for oil and gas well servicing applications, will begin production in mid-year 2013, with other QSK series engines to follow, including engines capable of meeting upcoming EPA Tier 4 Final emissions regulations. Cummins high-horsepower dual-fuel engines will operate with common integrated controls, making a seamless transition from diesel fuel to dual-fuel operation. The Cummins dual-fuel solution will be applicable to both new QSK family engines and a retrofit on existing QSK family engines in the field today.

Perforating shaped charges for fracing operations

Halliburton has developed a new class of perforating shaped charges designed for perforating oil and gas wells prior to hydraulic fracturing. The MaxForce-FRAC charge optimizes fracturing efficiency and placement by providing consistency of the perforation entry hole in the casing, regardless of the gun’s azimuthal orientation and clearance, which can vary greatly in horizontal wells. Consistent hole size is an important parameter to ensure that each perforation tunnel contributes equally during the fracture treatment. Injection rates during any stimulation are directly proportional to the perforation hole size; therefore, gun systems with irregular casing hole diameters result in higher-than-necessary injection pressures, and potentially early screen-outs. Large variations in perforation entrance hole diameters can increase the effects of near-wellbore tortuosity and can leave many of the perforation holes not contributing to the stimulation, causing sub-optimal fluid distribution and higher injection pressures. The MaxForce-FRAC charge provides the tightest variance of the entrance hole diameters currently available, thus improving pressure distribution and stimulation efficiency.

Universal connector steam trap is replaceable, repairable

Due to the widespread utilization of the high-performance PowerDyne P46SRN disc trap, TLV has released the PowerDyne P46UC universal connector trap.  The disc trap utilizes the same valve module (seat and disc) as the P46SRN, but it is contained in a two-bolt, universal connector body. It is the first disc-type universal steam trap that is both replaceable and repairable. Many users have requested a universal, two-bolt connector steam trap that is maintainable. The technology provides the flexibility to quickly replace the trap unit in the field via the two-bolt connector. The valve module can be repaired and replaced at the site’s workshop.

Aftermarket parts for electrolytic sewage treatment systems

H2O Inc.’s Crapzapper division has expanded its offerings to provide aftermarket parts for electrolytic-type sewage treatment systems. The company now offers replacement parts that meet or exceed the original equipment manufacturer standards at a fraction of the cost. Crapzapper parts will work seamlessly with popular sewage treatment units, such as Severn Trent Services’ OMNIPURE system.

Remote-controlled subsea tapping machine

T.D. Williamson (TDW) announced the successful development and field deployment of the Subsea 1200RC Tapping Machine, its new compact remote-controlled subsea hot tapping machine. The system, which is extremely lightweight, allows hot tapping to be carried out from the safety of a Diving Support Vessel (DSV) or platform, resulting in significant safety benefits and improvement in operational control. While the installation of the hot tap assembly and subsequent removal of the machine will still require diver assistance when a pre-installed tee is not present, the performance of the tap itself is remotely-controlled by a TDW technician onboard the DSV or platform.  The system is a topside-driven hot tap machine with “passive Remotely-Operated Vehicle (ROV) interface,” which means that it is a stationary ROV with its hydraulics and control system attached to the Subsea 1200RC Tapping  Machine, and operated from an on-board laptop. Built-in sensors allow continuous recording of actual pressures, temperatures, rotation and movement of the pilot drill and cutter.