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Vol. 231 No. 6 |
Subsea flange-pulling system
Tentec, a manufacturer and supplier of bolt-tensioning equipment, has introduced a new hydraulic Flange Pulling System (FPS) as part of its recently launched Optimus 6 range. Designed to withstand the requirements of divers working in harsh conditions, the system has the highest pulling force of any system on the market. The FPS cylinders can each pull with a force up to 259 kN (29 t), and up to four cylinders can be used at once, for a total pulling force of 1,036 kN (116 t). It is versatile and can be configured in various modes to achieve the desired level of control and pulling force for each application. A choice of two different wire ropes is available. The Tentec wire rope offers high flexibility, enabling the system to pull to a force of 129.5 kN (13 t), whereas the strand cable can withstand a much higher pulling force of up to 258 kN (26 t).
Amphibious vehicles for swamp/bog conditions Navigating swamp and muskeg (bogland) to access oil and gas resources is extremely challenging. The Land Tamer XHD (extra heavy duty) from PFM Manufacturing is a fully amphibious vehicle with capability to haul up to 2,000-lb payload while providing more cargo area than earlier models. Land Tamer utilizes a track-over-tire system for maximum versatility and mobility over extreme terrain conditions. With tracks, the LT has a ground pressure of 1 psi. The XHD comes in 6 × 6-wheel or 8 × 8-wheel drive. The vehicle features an extra-heavy-duty hydraulic/gear drive system with 1.75-in.-dia. axles, drive shafts and larger gearboxes than standard units. The sealed hydrostatic gear drive system requires virtually no maintenance.
Lead-free sheathed cables
Nexans has developed its Hypron range of cables to provide an environmentally friendly alternative to lead-sheathed cables for onshore power, control and instrumentation applications in the oil and gas industry. The design offers the same protection against aggressive petrochemicals as lead-sheathed cables, with the added advantage of lower weight and smaller cross-section. The shielding complies with IEC 60228 and also meets other international standards such as IEC 60502-1 for low voltage and BS EN 50288-7 for instrumentation cables. It comprises three co-extruded construction elements: Alu-PE, an HDPE (high-density polyethylene) sheath and a PA (polyamide) sheath. The AluPE layer is an aluminum-coated tape that provides a watertight seal. The HDPE sheath provides resistance to inorganic chemicals such as chlorine, and the PA sheath resists organic materials such as benzene. Hypron has been fully tested for a wide variety of applications—including MV (medium voltage) and LV (low voltage) power as well as control and instrumentation—while exposed to aggressive chemicals in temperatures ranging from –20°C to +60°C.
Pump top drive with permanent-magnet motor The new Torq Drive 450/1000 PC pump top drive motor from Advantage Products Inc. virtually eliminates the problems associated with hydraulic pumps, hydraulic motors, gearboxes and belt drives. It is the industry’s first variable-speed permanent magnet motor designed for PC pump top drives. Additionally, there is no need for a hydraulic or mechanical brake to counteract backspin in case the well trips. The Torq Drive 450/1000 weighs only 660 kg (1,455 lb), lighter than a similarly powered conventional PC pump top drive, including the weight of the sheaves, gearbox, frame and electric motor. Further, the design is concentric with the rod string so that there is no overhung weight and moment caused by a side-mounted motor. Power needs are three-phase 460 VAC and 100 A. With a nearly flat 1,000 ft-lb continuous and 1,500 ft-lb breakaway torque curve at speeds ranging from 30 to 450 rpm, the speed is infinitely variable from the drive control cabinet. At startup, a large inrush of current is not required to start the motor, as is the case for a typical induction motor. It draws power as needed, so that the power requirement comes up gradually instead of peaking at the front end and coming back down. The Torq Drive 450/1000 is highly efficient. Because it does away with drive belts and gears, efficiency at the polish rod is 97.4% at 1,000 ft-lb of torque and 450 rpm, compared with 50–70% for conventional systems.
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