New products

Vol. 234 No. 2

Mobile frac flowback and produced water-treatment technology

NOV FluidControl has introduced its engineered AQUA-VES mobile water-treatment system, which is field proven to process fracflowback, slop and produced water in a small footprint. Designed specifically for unconventional shale plays, the trailer-mounted AQUA-VES is the only water-treatment system that employs both mirco and ultra-filtration to remove even the smallest entrained solids. AQUA-VES employs novel membrane separation technology that, unlike competitive cross-flow filtration water-treatment systems, relies on vibration rather than flow rates. The use of vibratory filtration technology allows for unobstructed filtration of a comparatively larger proportion of the flow through. AQUA-VES consistently delivers clean permeate with average turbidity below five NTU ( Nephelometric Turbidity Units) and a near 100% reduction in bacteria levels, effectively allowing for complete recycling of frac flowback water and on-site disposal where permitted.

Valves for easy fluids release under pressure

The Bullhead Equalizer Valve Company has introduced the Equalizer Valve, the first valve that reputedly allows for easy release of fluids under extreme pressure. This new technology gives users the capability to open a high-pressure valve with only 50 ft/lbs of torque per 20,000 psi. The components that release the downstream pressure are internal; thus ensuring top safety standards that have been validated by API. The internal valve releases a dime-sized opening that slides into place with only four turns of the hand wheel. After the initial pressure is released, it then only becomes a matter of sliding open the remainder of the internal gate, which then has virtually no pressure pushing against it. The high-quality metals and bearings manufactured by Douson Pressure Control are engineered specifically for the heavy abuse given by everyday oilfield operations. There are many sizes available that can be special-ordered for any high-pressure application. Three-in. through 9-in. valves can be ordered and operated at 10,000 psi, 15,000 psi, 20,000 psi or 30,000 psi. All are API, ASE Production, pipeline- and refinery-certified.

Non-metallic hardband improves wear resistance

Hardbanding Solutions by Postle Industries has introduced a new non-magnetic hardband which is said to dramatically improve wear resistance. The new hardband, known as Ultraband NM, can provide up to 500% improved wear resistance over ordinary, non-magnetic welding alloys, such as 310 stainless steel. Additionally, it can provide up to 500% better abrasion resistance that drill collar base materials. The new hardband is perfect for oil and gas industry directional drilling applications, such as non-magnetic drill collars, stabilizers, and MWD/LWD drilling tools and related components. It is made to be used on non-magnetic base materials, such as P530, AG17, 15-15LC, NMS-100 and others. Ultraband NM can be applied directly to non-magnetic tools and over a previous layer of stainless steel. The new hardband meets API specification 7 and has a relative permeabililty less than 1.01.

High-pressure casing centralizer, stop collar system in specialist sizes

Start-up technology company, TDTECH Limited, has released its first products, the Sidewinder solid-body casing centralizer and Stop Collar system. These complimentary tools provide investment cast in a high-quality, millable carbon steel, available in sizes from 3-1/2 in. up to 20 in. Specialist sizes are available at relatively short notice. The technology has no voids in which to trap fluid that might otherwise heat, expand and collapse the casing in HPHT, heavy oil, geothermal and EGS well applications. Additionally, the ridge-riding Stop Collars enable casing to ride over ridges in the wellbore and have exceptionally high radial strength, capable of withstanding the bending-induced normal force of pushing even large-diameter casing into a tortuous wellbore. All centralizers are fitted with a grease nipple, and if greased, the break-over torque is typically halved. Options exist to use extreme pressure greases with film strengths of 150,000 psi and beyond. An option to run Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags on each centralizer. Various data may be loaded, including casing tally, heat or mill certificate details. When running the casing, a scanner on the rig floor is able to quickly and accurately capture this information.

Steel-reinforced, spoolable onshore pipe increases flowrate 

FlexSteel Pipeline Technologies announced that FlexSteel pipe is now available in an 8-in. diameter, up to 1,500 psi. The new larger-diameter pipe offers up to 125% increased flowrate compared to FlexSteel 6-in. pipe. The 8-in. diameter pipe was developed with the same helically wound steel core as existing FlexSteel pipe for failure-free performance, with the durability of steel and the installation, performance and cost benefits of flexible pipe products. Developed with corrosion-resistant technology, the pipe performs under grueling cyclic loading environments and installs up to five times faster than traditional steel line pipe to provide the lowest total cost of ownership compared to steel. Additionally, the 8-in. pipe has 93% fewer connections per mile vs. steel. The equipment can be installed easily and quickly in all types of terrain with minimal disruption to land. It does not require special bedding or handling.