New products
Vol. 227 No. 1 Rock and fluid characterization Schlumberger has introduced its Scanner family of wireline measurements to overcome many of the limitations of
Rock and fluid characterization Schlumberger has introduced its Scanner family of wireline measurements to overcome many of the limitations of standard logging tools. The Scanner family delivers more simultaneous radial measurements, in true 3D, and at multiple depths. The new services are: the Sonic Scanner advanced acoustic scanning platform; the Rt Scanner multi-array triaxial induction tool; and the MR Scanner wireline nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) logging tool. Sonic Scanner uses advanced technology for acoustic acquisition, including cross dipole and multispaced-monopole measurements. In addition to axial and azimuthal measurements, the tool makes a radial measurement with typical depths of investigation equal to two to three times borehole diameter. The Rt Scanner provides direct measurements to evaluate the vertical and horizontal resistivity around the wellbore, as well as the dip and azimuth of the formation, in true 3D. A reservoir model can be built from enhanced hydrocarbon and water saturation estimations in laminated, anisotropic or faulted formations. MR Scanner provides nuclear magnetic resonance measurements to help resolve petrophysical challenges in a variety of environments, including unknown or varying salinities, low-resistivity or low-contrast pay zones and/or thin beds. This is made possible using a single pass with multiple depths of investigation. MR Scanner provides detailed formation evaluation of the near-wellbore region, fluid identification and in-situ hydrocarbon characterization.
Mud pump brochure
A new publication from Ellis Williams Engineering Co. (EWECO) details the company’s line of single-acting triplex piston and plunger mud pumps, designed for continuous duty up to 2,200 hp. Also featured are single-acting roller-bearing quintuplex piston and plunger pumps with all fluid-end interchangeability options. All EWECO pumps offer anti-friction roller bearings throughout, and construction of high-strength, heat-treated and forged alloy steel. Fluid ends are rated for continuous duty up to 20,000 psi.
Hooped ladder safety system
The Fallguard AL-D fall arrest carriage by Metreel increases the safety and fall arrest effectiveness of industrial hooped ladder installations. Conforming to the European standard EN353-1 2002, the vertical fall arrest system has no flexing of the anchorage line, which could interfere with the system’s performance, has connections every 1.4 m, ensuring safety for the entire length of the ladder, and utilizes a unique carriage design that prevents incorrect insertion of the PPE device. The design allows free and easy movement up and down the ladder, with no additional force required to overcome the locking mechanism. In the event of a fall, the lock simply engages in one of the slots positioned every 40 mm along the back of the rail.
“Supercomputer-friendly” version of Windows Microsoft announced a new version of the Windows operating system that makes powerful computing systems affordable and easier to deploy and use. The Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 operating system will allow scientists and engineers to achieve high-performance computing with their existing desktop computers. It is designed to integrate well with existing information technology infrastructures, creating better collaboration and the ability to handle growing amounts of data. Geoscientists can use resources already available to extract more accurate images of the earth’s strata. Petroleum engineers can model and simulate oil extraction in advance to design the most efficient drilling and production programs.
Pressure/stress database Over 200 wells in the Gulf of Mexico have been analyzed using advanced pore pressure methodologies that provide exploration and drilling operations with a much wider range of higher-quality data than previously possible. These are part of a new Gulf of Mexico Pressure and Stress Database developed by Knowledge Systems to provide definitive pore pressure measurements and greater reliability for critical pressure information. The growing database targets thousands of public wells for analysis, and is the most comprehensive pressure and stress database available for the Gulf. With more interpreted data types, such as pore pressure, overburden pressure and fracture pressure, operators are able to apply definitive measurements in planning and drilling wells. Data quality and dependability are improved using the an extensive calibration, modeling and peer review processes. The database is available in many industry formats. Users of Drillworks software can receive data in the Pressworks database format.
Production choke valve
CCI has introduced the world’s first true severe-service choke valve. The CCI DRAG Wellhead choke features a combination of velocity control technology and the best grades of tungsten carbide to provide superior trim life and precise process control. Capable of operation at high-pressure differentials for extended periods, the choke provides better control of fluid velocities, resulting in extended life of trim components. A solid tungsten carbide plug, seat and disk stack eliminate erosion and galling and also extend performance life. Large disk stack flow passages handle solids, and multi-step letdown controls velocity, erosion, noise, and vibration. No trim parts are welded or screwed into the body, so the single choke body can handle changing wellhead conditions.
Tubing wear prevention R&M Energy Systems’ Tubing Wear Prevention Solutions feature RODEC Tubing Rotators for increasing production tubing service life. Engineered for horizontal, directional and slant well completions, as well as older conventional completions, the tubing rotators effectively distribute wear evenly around the entire internal circumference of the production tubing. They attach to the wellhead at the surface, and provide continuous, slow rotation of the production tubing. Designs are available for reciprocating beam and progressing cavity pump systems.
Stream selector system
The new Swagelok SSV series stream selector system delivers a representative sample from multiple sample streams to a single analyzer. These modular assemblies are ANSI/ISA 76.00.02 compatible and accommodate multiple process streams in a limited amount of space. Each stream is controlled by a double-block and bleed (DBB) module to eliminate cross contamination and maintain sample integrity. Based on a modular technology concept, these valves house double-block, bleed and actuation functions within a single, compact module to reduce total space needed to perform sample stream selection and overall installation time. As system requirements change, modules can be added or removed. The system features an integrated flow loop to streamline sampling and purging and provide consistent outlet flow. Flowrates of all streams remain consistent regardless of which stream is selected.
Guidelines for use of global positioning systems Guidelines for the shared use of differential global positioning systems for dynamic positioning and survey operations have been published by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA). In the past, DP vessels would typically use radio-navigation systems provided and operated by a survey-positioning company, normally installed for the duration of a project, and would use it for both survey and DP requirements. Differential global navigation satellite systems (DGNSS) have now become global standards for precise positioning and navigation, and its operational straightforwardness has led to its permanent installation and widespread use aboard DP vessels without input from surveyors. This can present potential operational problems and the potential for contractual disputes to arise in any situation where the survey user and the DP user are different companies. The new publication, IMCA 009, addresses all these issues, which are critical from both safety and operational perspectives. The guidelines were produced following discussion and consultation between IMCA’s offshore survey and marine divisions. They set out basic definitions and then consider the differing requirements of both surveyors and DP operators, highlighting the potential problems relating to control and performance of the system and the need for planning and co-operation to avoid conflict and ensure safety They conclude with a set of recommendations for shared systems.
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