New products and services

Mats offer big foot, soft print in field

Dragon’s patent-pending ECOmat combines a compression strength of 1,000 psi with static and UV inhibitors, in addition to other tested features, to offer an alternative to traditional wood mats in a variety of rig, pipeline and construction site applications. Dragon’s synthetic product does not have a hollow core, like many other composite mats. The ECOMat does not absorb liquids, and thus reduces collection of mud and debris. This reduces freight-out and cleaning costs, as the ECOmat has a lighter post-job weight; the mats weigh roughly 2,750 lb (± 2%), to start. Offered in multiple designs, sizes and colors, the mats include recessed, galvanized D-Rings—rated to 2,400 lb, each—which are designed for easier loading, offloading, laying and moving. Dragon’s three-ply synthetic mat is rated to 2,750 lb per mat, and the four-ply digging mat is rated to 3,750 lb per mat. The product is approved for overhead lifting, meets ASME B30 lifting standards, and includes no nails, for extended strength.

Trace gas analyzer plays key role in mobile monitoring

Los Gatos Research (LGR), a member of the ABB Group, has successfully applied its laser-based Fast Greenhouse Gas Analyzer to mobile monitoring of methane leakage from oil and gas production and distribution pipelines. The analyzer is a key contributor to an automobile-based system that makes possible real-time mobile measurements of greenhouse gases and pollutants. The LGR trace gas analyzer works in conjunction with a global positioning system, sonic anemometer, and real-time graphical display for visualizing acquired data. It is mounted within, or on, a car. A fast-flow vacuum pump pulls samples through the analyzer in less than 0.2 sec, to enable high spatial resolution, while driving at highway speeds. The mobile measurements enable quantification of time-related variables, such as shifting winds, pulsed emissions or multiple, shifting emission sites. The company said it expects these mobile systems to supplant or supplement fixed measurement stations and/or lab analysis. 

Total exec’s book addresses future supply, demand balances

A new book from author Philippe Charlez, manager of unconventional resources for the Total Group, addresses potential changes in the global energy dynamic to 2035, as fossil fuels continue to make up the largest share of the world’s energy mix. In Our energy future is not set in stone: How can the demand for oil and gas in 2035 be met?, Charlez analyzes technical, political, economic, social and human factors that “could potentially accelerate or delay the maintenance and redevelopment of mature producing fields, as well as the discovery and development of new conventional and unconventional resources.” The author aims to take a closer look at how energy producers and consumers will strike a balance in future supply and demand, emphasizing that “our energy future is not set in stone.”

Helicopters equipped for executive transport, search-and-rescue

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. has begun delivering S-76D helicopters equipped for executive transport services. The company delivered the first S-76D to Bristow Group, Inc., for offshore oil worker transportation in December. Sikorsky also announced that it has begun delivering S-76D helicopter equipped for search-and-rescue (SAR) service. By the end of this year, the company said it expects to deliver S-76D helicopters equipped for emergency medical services; the fourth and final mission segment for the S-76D helicopter. S-76D helicopter VIP options include a customized interior with seating for five to eight passengers. The helicopter’s baseline equipment includes Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210S engines; a THALES TopDeck integrated avionics system and four-axis autopilot; a health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) incorporated into fleet monitoring and analysis; active vibration control; and all-composite, flaw-tolerant main and tail rotor blades. A rotor ice protection system (RIPS) for all-weather capability will be available as an option.

High-availability BOP control system introduced

Cameron has introduced the Mark IV control system, featuring a redundant, three-Point of Distribution (POD) design, as an option for its subsea BOPs. The company introduced the first multiplex BOP control system for subsea drilling, and has developed a patent-pending, three-POD stack design, which will provide drillers with additional operational reliability through redundancy.  Adding a third POD can improve the subsea control system’s availability to as much as 98%, and reduce the likelihood of a POD-related stack pull by up to 73%. Actual system availability will vary with conditions, the company notes. In addition to redundancy, the design of the POD for the new control system increases reliability.  Each POD has been designed to offer increased functionality in a smaller, lighter package.  The simpler design can reduce leak paths by utilizing 50% less tubing, compared to Cameron’s previous two-POD design.  Additionally, the number of available functions has increased 33% to accommodate newer, eight-cavity stacks.  POD size was reduced 26%, and the company says weight is one-third less than competitors’ control PODs.

Safe, efficient, solar-powered wireless load cell works on pumping units

Bright Automation, a designer and manufacturer of monitoring and control products, has introduced a fully solar-powered, wireless load cell, designed for use on oil field pumping units. The Bright Wireless Load Cell has a solar-powered battery, transmitting data via a 2.4-GHz wireless digital communication protocol. Based on its wireless design, the Bright Load Cell provides easier, faster installation, according to the manufacturer, and reduces shutdowns associated with cable failure. The receiving module output generates a standard 4-20-mA or 0-10-mV signal.

Bolt-on pump package for offshore applications

BBA Pumps has introduced a bolt-on pump package, featuring a sub-frame assembly that caters to the offshore industry, where there is no need for a complete skid and/or canopy. The units can include a range of BA-C pumps, coupled to a diesel engine, including the control panel, and mounted on a galvanized sub-frame. The frames can be customized with lifting bales, protection bars, etc., should such equipment be required. The auto-prime pumps have a capacity of 100 m³/hr, to a maximum of 1,750 m³/hr, and a head, up to a maximum of 250 mwc.