New products

Vol. 234 No. 5

Separator reduces residual oil content

GEA Westfalia Separator Group has developed its BilgeMaster cleandesign, not only to achieve a value below 15 ppm oil in water, but even to guarantee below 5 ppm—with no use of chemicals and no filters. The objective in the development of the GEA Westfalia Separator BilgeMaster cleandesign was to create a system that guarantees residual oil content below 15 ppm under normal conditions and below 5 ppm in special areas. Without the use of chemicals and filters, this is guaranteed by means of adaptive capacity and temperature alignment during processing. At 5 ppm, the system works with reduced output. If the output at 5 ppm is to remain as high as at 15 ppm, then a connected adsorption filter achieves this value.

Low-capacity mobile LNG production system

Due to a recent definitive agreement, Dresser-Rand has been granted a worldwide exclusive license to Expansion Energy’s proprietary VX Cycle technology. VX Cycle is believed to be the first technology to provide a cost-effective small-scale LNG production process, with capacities as low as 1,500 gallons per day, far smaller than any other LNG production system commercially available today.

Training software receives update

Petrofac Training Services’ latest training and competence management software provides faster operation and improved functionality. The web-based tool has been optimized for use over low-bandwidth Internet connections, making it ideal for use on offshore oil rigs. The enhanced design of SkillsXP works at a global level, and has improved administrative efficiency to ensure that human assets acquire and maintain the right skill sets for the future. SkillsXP is a strategic tool for the planning and tracking of complete workforce development, and includes functions that track proof of individual compliance against mandatory regulatory and custom training requirements.

Natural-gas-fired engines for drilling rigs

With diesel prices remaining high, Antero Resources and Patterson-UTI Drilling sought a viable option to reduce drilling rig fuel costs. Their search ended with the Waukesha VHP L7044GSI engine. Offered by GE’s Waukesha gas engines and Waukesha-Pearce Industries, this rich-burn engine is 100% natural gas-fired, reducing fuel costs while also meeting stringent mobile emissions guidelines. The four companies recently finalized the first installation of three L7044GSIs with a well completion in Harrison County, W.Va., They now plan to replace diesel engines powering rigs in multiple other locations. The low-cost nature of switching to gas-fired rigs versus conventional diesel-fired rigs, and the intense focus on reduced emissions, figured into the selection of the Series Four 7044 engine, said Antero V.P. of Production Kevin Kilstrom. The L7044GSI gas engine boasts a reduced maintenance schedule versus other spark-ignited and diesel engines. Compared to other spark-ignited lean-burn engines, rich-burn engines operate at lower cylinder pressures, providing longer operational times between oil changes, top-end overhauls and complete overhauls. With performance ratings at altitudes up to 8,000 ft with no de-rate, the L7044GSI uses Non-Selective Catalyst Reduction (NSCR) technology—commonly referred to as a Three-Way Catalyst (TWC)—to achieve NOx, CO2 and VOC values much lower than lean-burn engines. Rich-burn engines also produce substantially less methane than other options.

Coating marks move toward waterborne systems

Specialty chemical company Clariant has introduced a new line of environment- and performance-focused waterborne coatings for exterior protective applications. The Hostavin line of light stabilizer solutions represents a new option for the coatings industry, where solvent-borne systems have been the standard. Clariant’s Hostavin, a non-migrating high-molecular-weight HALS, optimizes light stabilization for clear and pigmented waterborne coatings. As the market is replacing its long-term emphasis on solvents with a step-by-step transition toward waterborne systems, Clariant now offers the coatings industry opportunities to fill the performance gap.

New frac ball is self-dissolving

Magnum Oil Tools recently released the Fastball fracing ball, which eliminates the need for drill-outs by dissolving on its own at a predictable rate, with just temperature. By bypassing the need for drill-outs, the Magnum Fastball also removes the risk of events that would require well interventions, like stuck frac balls or loose frac ball fragments. The Fastball works anywhere that composite frac plugs or sliding sleeves are effective, and offers predictable dissolution under heat, after which, hydrocarbons can flow freely between the formation and the wellbore. The Fastball has high compressive strength capabilities and is available in sizes from 0.75 in. to 4.625 in., in 1/16 increments.

FRAM launches new website

Industrial filtration group, FRAM Filtration, has launched a website for its Luber-finer brand of filtration solutions. The new site is devoted to identifying and illustrating Luber-finer’s on- and off-road shale oil and gas filtration solutions. All of the benefits that Luber-finer heavy-duty filtration products bring to shale operations are clearly spelled out in the new website. A key aspect of the site is the “Products” section, which is a complete rundown of the filtration equipment that Luber-finer offers for heavy-duty shale oil and gas. Visitors can get up-to-date news and trends on the industry, as it relates to filtration.