New products

Vol. 227 No. 4

Vibration analyzer

Datastick Systems, Inc., has produced the VSA-1212 Vibration Spectrum Analyzer, the first PDA-based vibration analyzer to provide open, non-proprietary desktop PC software built on a foundation of Microsoft Excel. The system includes: the Datastick VSA-1212 Vibration Spectrum Analyzer module, which attaches securely to select PDAs running Palm OS; the Datastick Spectrum handheld software which collects and stores vibration measurements while displaying them in time waveforms and FFT spectra, complete with alarm levels; and Datastick Reporting System (DRS) software for PCs, based on Excel. Vibration data from the PDA exports to the PC with a single press of a button and loads into the DRS workbook on the PC with two mouse-clicks. The module is designed to use standard ICP-type industrial accelerometers. The software that runs on the PDA places all the vital waveform or FFT spectral information on one screen. Data can be shown in terms of acceleration, velocity, or displacement. 

Handle perforating systems remotely Halliburton’s Production Optimization Division has developed the Quick Torque Connector (QTC) system for the remote handling of tubing-conveyed perforating systems on offshore installations. With these connectors, perforating assemblies can be picked up by using the existing automatic rig pipe handling systems and properly made up using iron roughneck equipment without the need for direct human intervention. This increases personnel safety and eliminates assembly of the components on the rig floor. The QTC system is the first of its kind to satisfy the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate’s and the Norwegian Oil Industry Association’s Recommended Guidelines facilities regulation section 55 and activities regulation section 80 for remote pipe handling. The system consists of connectors, installed on both ends of each perforating system section, which isolate the explosives independent of each perforating system assembly. The connectors have a common, self-aligning drill pipe thread that allows automatic or manual make-up. The bi-directional ballistics transfer occurs through a steel web, making the system self-contained for increased safety. Select 1 at www.WorldOil.com/RS.html

Logging-while-drilling services

INTEQ has introduced two advanced logging-while-drilling (LWD) services; LithoTrak LWD porosity and SoundTrak LWD acoustic. Both services offer accurate logging measurements in real time, providing critical measurements to enhance rig site safety and optimize well placement while providing log data for detailed post-well analysis. The LithoTrak Advanced LWD Porosity Service provides a wide variety of measurements enabling real-time applications. New-generation azimuthal density imaging, along with azimuthal Pe, allows for more comprehensive formation evaluation while providing image data for real-time reservoir navigation and decision making. An azimuthal caliper allows for borehole stability evaluation while assisting in completion design decisions.

The SoundTrak Advanced LWD Acoustic Service measures a wide range of accurate compressional slowness in real time. This differentiating capability is possible through an improved measurement design and dual-frequency operational modes, allowing the measurement of varying formation slowness in longer drilled intervals. Quadrupole measurement operational envelope is extended by using the dual-frequency capability, enabling a direct acquisition of shear slowness.

Bladder accumulator for offshore

HYDAC Corp. offers a special bladder accumulator specifically designed for the offshore industry. Key features include an epoxy-coated bladder shell, stainless steel port connection adapter, and gas valve. An optional burst disc assembly and thermal fuse cap are available for added safety and security. Bladder accumulators can be built to any country’s standard, and are certified by TUV, Lloyds Register, ABS, DNV, ASME, and PED. Flow volumes are available from 0.25 to 15 gal., with pressures ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 psi. 

Flameless evaporation

The self-contained Pyros evaporation process from Total Separation Solutions produces 2,000+ lb of steam per hour. Utilizing Shockwave Power Reactor (SPR) technology, and powered by a 650-hp continuous-service diesel engine, the Pyros is capable of evaporating water into steam without the need for external support such as electricity, air, natural gas or water. The system uses the power of controlled cavitation to transfer mechanical energy directly to the fluid, which creates heat without using flame, and without heating surfaces that can scale. The result is efficient heat, capable of evaporating water from brine and creating continuous steam. Used to re-densify brines, the Pyros has a footprint of 30 ft by 8 ft and weighs 26,000 lb. It has an onboard fuel capacity of 430 gal., and consumes 33 gal. of fuel per hour operating under full load. Construction for the SPR and piping in all of the wet areas is of grade 316 stainless steel. Total Separation Solutions is the exclusive licensee for SPR technology in the oil and gas industry. License is provided by Hydro Dynamics, Inc. 

Zonal isolation evaluation

Schlumberger’s new Isolation Scanner cement evaluation service enables accurate evaluation of traditional, heavyweight and latest-generation lightweight and foam cements. By measuring radially and deeper toward the formation, the Isolation Scanner confirms zonal isolation, pinpoints any channels in the cement and ensures confident squeeze or no-squeeze decisions. Also, due to its depth of investigation, the scanner provides detailed information about casing and casing-within-casing centralization, while ID and thickness measurements identify any corrosion or drilling-induced wear. The service combines traditional pulse-echo techniques with a new ultrasonic technique that induces a flexural wave in the casing, using a transmitter and two receivers. The analysis of the flexural waves at the two receivers enables the characterization of the cased-hole environment in terms of the acoustic velocity of the material filling the annulus between casing and formation, or the second casing string. 

Magnetic level gauges

Emerson Process Management has announced a new range of Mobrey magnetic level gauges. Based on magnetic float technology, the gauges provide reliable level measurement of all liquids, including aggressive or toxic, without the need for an external power source. Plant engineers can continue to monitor hazardous materials during planned or unplanned power cuts. The new level gauges provide basic or interface-level lower-cost redundancy, and are designed for a variety of industries including, offshore and petrochemical. They can operate in temperatures from – 160 to +400°C, with pressure ratings from PN6 to PN420 (ANSI 150 to 2500). The chamber is completely sealed, so that the only moving part of the instrument in contact with the liquid is the stainless steel or titanium float, minimizing maintenance requirements and increasing product life. The indicator display provides easy, clear visibility without external power.

Oil recovery system

Vikoma International Ltd has introduced the Multiple Oil Skimming System (MOSS), a new concept in oil recovery techniques. MOSS is a complete, packaged, oil spill recovery solution that is easily portable, recovers oil with a broad range of viscosity and allows fast reaction to spills in remote or difficult locations. Supplied in a 4-cu-m aluminum transportation container, the system comprises a mini skimmer (disc skimmer), brush skimmer, surface skimmer, mini weir skimmer for small, difficult-to-access spills, a man-portable, split power pack, floating positive-displacement pump, hoses and accessories for deployment and operation in remote locations. The system is suited for use with smaller spills, typically up to 10 tons of oil. Each component is man-portable, and the container, itself, can be transported easily by road or air.