New products

Vol. 233 No. 5

Wireless portable X-ray detectors for harsh environments

GE’s Inspection Technologies product line, a GE Measurement & Control business, has announced two additions to its DXR series of portable X-ray detectors. The new detectors, DXR250C-W and DXR250U-W, are designed to withstand the harshest industrial environments and can be wirelessly connected or tethered to a laptop computer. They are quickly deployed in some of the most challenging field conditions and provide easy access to otherwise hard-to-reach areas such as pipe racks. The DXR250C-W detector, which has an 8-in.-by 8-in. imager, has been developed specifically for industrial inspection applications, while the DXR250U-W detector, with its 16-in.-by-16-in. imager, has been further optimized and packaged to meet industrial needs. The DXR250C-W also can be tethered with mains supply or battery-connected with a data cable if necessary to suit different inspection set-ups.

Pinnacle, a Halliburton service, now offers imaging technology that allows the processing of surface microseismic data sets. In some situations, surface microseismic imaging can be used for fracture mapping, moment tensor estimation and reservoir monitoring. The decision to use surface microseismic imaging should be based on quantified estimates of accuracy and resolution. Pinnacle’s imaging capability quantifies the accuracy of results from surface microseismic imaging through comparison with conventional downhole microseismic monitoring, surface and downhole micro-deformation, distributed temperature sensing, and other diagnostic information. Once calibrated, surface microseismic monitoring eliminates the need for an observation well and facilitates offshore monitoring. Through this, the technology can help to increase the value of the operator’s assets.

Rotary steerable system increases build rates

Sperry Drilling, a Halliburton business line, has introduced the Geo-Pilot EDL rotary steerable system to its Pilot fleet of automated drilling systems. The rotary steerable system (RSS) is the only system for big holes that can deliver well profiles previously only possible with motors, but with the wellbore quality and higher rates of penetration of a point-the-bit rotary steerable system. Sperry Drilling’s Geo-Pilot EDL RSS features an enhanced dogleg capability; the system can be used where high build rates are required or where soft formation typically limits build-rate capability. The system can also deliver a more consistent build rate through interbedded formations. The RSS has been used in offshore and onshore operations to drill hole sizes ranging from 8 3/8-in. to 17 1/2-in., delivering consistently higher doglegs previously achieved using downhole motors.

Welding helmet has wide-view auto-darkening filter

Honeywell Safety Products has introduced the Fibre-Metal brand Tigerhood Futura XXL welding helmet, which delivers the largest wide-view, distortion-free auto-darkening filter (ADF) lens with the highest-quality optics available in the U.S. and Canada. With proprietary ADC (angular dependency compensation) plus ADF technology and the highest optical rating of any wide-view format ADF welding helmet, this new model can improve the safety and productivity of industrial welders through its clarity and comfort. The helmet is engineered to perform across the spectrum of electro-arc welding processes. With a total viewing area measuring 10.2 sq in., the XXL model provides a 40 percent larger viewing area than standard auto darkening filters. ADC technology delivers uniform shading and distortion-free vision across the entire viewing area, even peripherally. As a result, welders can see clearly and work at awkward angles more easily.

Simulation software for plant safety

Invensys Operations Management has issued the newest release of its SimSci-Esscor dynamic simulation software. Version 5.0 of the company’s DYNSIM software contains many additional features that expand its capabilities, improve its performance, lower total cost of ownership, extend usage and greatly reduce the time required to engineer and build process models.  The software includes new patent-pending code to handle start-up and shutdown sequences robustly and efficiently. The new code greatly improves the performance of our DYNSIM software and realistically depicts plant conditions while maintaining full rigorous modeling.

Ultra-compact work class ROV

SMD has debuted its latest generation of remotely operated vehicle, the Atom. Atom is an ultra-compact work class ROV, comparable in size to top-end electric ROVs but providing the customer with true work class capability. The system is suitable for drill support, IRM, survey and light construction duties, and can be mobilized on vessels and rigs with limited deck space. Designed with ease of operation and maintenance in mind, Atom boasts the latest DVECS II distributed control system with graphical displays and pilot aids, coupled with new-generation Curvetech multiplatform components.