New products and services

DAS seismic solution extends boundaries of well exploration 

Sercel has launched its first distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) seismic solution. In partnership with Fotech Solutions, the company designed SigmaWave exclusively for borehole seismic applications. Fotech’s fiber optic monitoring technology was integrated into the new technology. This—along with other features, including user-selectable gauge length—makes acquiring the highest-quality seismic data possible. The new seismic solution enables continuous, real-time seismic measurements along the entire length of a fiber optic cable. Whether by retrievable or permanent deployment, the technology makes it possible to visualize and monitor the well in real time and instantly generate SEG-Y files.  

www.sercel.com

Cement plug sets environmental barrier for P&A operations 

Coretrax has increased its stock of CX-Enviroplugs to meet demand for a safe, simple and cost-effective solution for big-bore cement plug placement. The technology is particularly suited to wells that require an environmental barrier, to prevent the leakage of oil-based mud. It is designed to act as a simple base for cement, allowing for the option of pressure testing in a larger ID casing. Available in a range of sizes up to 20 in., the three-finned tool incorporates a compression set element and can pass through a smaller wellhead restriction. The plug typically is run on the drill pipe. Once at depth, a ball is dropped, and pressure is applied to shear out the disconnect sub, leaving the lower section of the disconnect sub and the plug downhole. Once released, an open-ended disconnect sub is left, and cementing can take place simultaneously. The plug’s compression-set elastomer allows for pressure tests of up to 1,000 psi. 

www.coretrax.com

Industrial wireless access point offers wide network coverage 

Antaira Technologies has expanded its industrial networking infrastructure family with the introduction of the AMS-7131 Series. Embedded with the Atheros XSPAN family chipset, and designed for industrial and enterprise wireless access applications, the series boasts network robustness, stability and a wide network coverage, with a very low voltage input of 9 V, DC, to a high voltage output of 48 V, DC. Capable of operating in different modes, the series can be used as an access point, WDS Station, transparent bridge or repeater. This reportedly makes it suitable for a wide variety of wireless applications. It also allows the user to position the wireless antennas in a better signal-broadcasting location for improved wireless coverage and signal strength, or to add external antennas in an optimized location. 

www.antaira.com 

Purpose-built USV ideally suited for survey applications 

Unique Group has developed its first unmanned surface vehicle (USV). With hydrographic survey capabilities, the Uni-Cat can be used for bathymetry surveys offshore. According to the company, it is ideal for use in locations where conventional survey methods are not possible. The USV is purpose-built, with a long-lasting battery, and the boat’s fortitude can be customized to client requirements by mounting different sonars and ancillary sensors suitable for hydrographic, search and recovery, oceanography and monitoring, as well as inspection surveys. It has a 16-ft Cataraft platform and is designed to provide ease of motion and operability in areas that may be difficult to access. The boat is equipped with multi-beam, ancillary sensors and communication links into a remote-controlled platform for quick and easy deployment. Uni-Cat also has a real-time positioning and obstacle warning alarm unit, with a heading sensor, for a safe and guided navigation. 

www.uniquegroup.com

Subsea template solutions deliver significant cost reductions  

Neodrill’s new solutions for subsea templates include a BOP/Xmas tree soft landing and load support system, wellhead support frame and cementing system to control the flow of cement. This enables a potential rig time savings of three to four days per well, which results in estimated savings of $9 million to $11 million per four-slot template. The soft landing and BOP/Xmas tree support system transfers the load away from the wellhead. Well life, therefore, is enhanced through improved fatigue control. Likewise, the wellhead support frame transfers the well loads to the template structure itself, facilitating the use of a short conductor. The cementing system guarantees full control of the cement level, due to its fit-for-purpose design. 

www.neodrill.com 

Electric freefall lifeboat reduces operating costs 

Verhoef is building the world’s first electric-powered freefall lifeboat. A fully integrated emission-free propulsion system was provided by Torqeedo. It consists of a 50-kW, 80-hp-equivalent, Deep Blue inboard electric motor, powered by three 30.5-kWh Deep Blue batteries, with technology by BMW i. The system is designed to withstand the heavy g forces of freefall launch and provide up to 30 min. at full speed. According to the company, the vessel is expected to reduce operating costs by approximately 90% to 95%, compared to combustion-powered lifeboats. The first of the 32-passenger lifeboats reportedly will be deployed on an offshore platform at Norway’s Valhall Flank West project. 

www.verhoef.eu/ www.torqeedo.com