New products

Vol. 233 No. 7

Grooved mechanical piping is ideal for SAGD

Victaulic’s grooved mechanical pipe-joining systems are ideal for a variety of steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) extraction applications, including production wellheads, produced water, diluted bitumen, tank farms, water sourcing, brackish water, wastewater disposal and central plant facility systems. Victaulic offers a full line of rigid, flexible couplings; ball, butterfly, check and gate valves; lined and unlined fittings; and adapters in materials ranging from painted or coated ductile iron, including fusion bonded epoxy coatings, to stainless steel, duplex and HDPE. These grooved piping products enable fast, easy and economical pipe joining.

Schlumberger has launched its IsoMetrix marine isometric seismic technology and the IsoMetrix family of marine seismic products. This technology outputs isometrically sampled point-receiver data in both crossline and inline directions—capturing the returning wavefield in three dimensions and providing accurate images of the subsurface.
The IsoMetrix system uses calibrated, multisensor MEMS technology that forms part of the new WesternGeco Nessie-6 point-receiver seismic streamer. The sensors measure acoustic pressure as well as vertical and crossline acceleration throughout the frequency range, and these measurements are provided as customer deliverables. IsoMetrix technology enables efficient exploration, high-resolution near-surface characterization, well integrity planning and unmatched 4D repeatability. The technology is compatible with other WesternGeco services such as the Coil Shooting and Dual Coil Shooting acquisition techniques. Field trials last year proved the technology’s high accuracy, achieving a 12:1 crossline reconstruction ratio and producing a 6.25-m data grid from streamers 75 m apart.

Sucker rod for high-temperature wells

As a growing number of operators seek to optimize their production in high-temperature wells,  John Crane Production Solutions Inc. (JCPS) has introduced the high-temperature Fiberod. The technology features a resin matrix that can withstand well temperatures up to 285°F without delaminating, a significantly higher threshold than traditional fiberglass sucker rods. Already in use in the Eagle Ford and Bakken shales, the new Fiberod performs in high-temperature wells once not conducive for fiberglass sucker rods. Fiberod resists corrosion and doesn’t require heavy pumping units or gear boxes, making it an energy-efficient, cost-effective alternative to traditional pumping techniques.

HPFAC tool for 10,000 psi casing runs

A new High Pressure Fill-up and Circulation (HPFAC) tool from Drawworks, L.P. allows operators to fill-up, circulate and take flowback while casing is being run. The patent-pending HPFAC tool aids in running casing and liners under pressures up to 10,000 psi. It increases safety and efficiency by eliminating the requirement for personnel in the derrick during these operations. No action is required by any personnel during fill-up and flowback. In operating mode, the HPFAC tool is similar to that of normal casing fill-up and circulating equipment. The HPFAC tool can be activated at a control panel located on the rig floor or remotely by the driller Should casing pressure rise above a pre-set limit (determined by the operator) the HPFAC tool will set automatically without human intervention. Because the slips of the HPFAC tool grip the interior of the casing, any hydraulic forces caused by casing pressure will not load the top drive or hook.

Anodes for small vessels to FPSOs

Cathelco, manufacturers of ICCP hull corrosion protection systems for ships and FPSOs, has launched a new generation of anodes that combine higher performance with a number of unique features to simplify installation. The new C-Max anodes are available in a range from 50 to 300 amps, covering the requirements of all types of vessels, from small ferries and workboats to the largest VLCCs and container ships. The anodes are available in linear or disc designs. In the linear anodes, current is emitted from one or more tubular elements (tubes) produced from titanium with a coating of mixed metal oxide. These are mounted on an integral backing shield made from strong, but lightweight ABS plastic.

Seabed seismic system doubles operating depths, productivity

ION Geophysical Corp. has launched Calypso, its next-generation, redeployable seabed acquisition system.  Leveraging ION’s VectorSeis digital sensors to deliver the same broadband imaging, the seismic system operates at twice the depth and delivers twice the operational efficiency of its predecessor system, VectorSeis Ocean. Step-change improvements in the new system include increased efficiency, operating depths and flexibility. The tilt-insensitive multicomponent (4C) VectorSeis sensors record broad bandwidth seismic data with superior vector fidelity, capturing richer frequency content at both the low- and high-frequency ends of the spectrum. Buoy-based recording eliminates the operational expense and complexity of dedicated recording vessel(s). An unlimited number of cables with twice the length (12-24 km) dramatically increases productivity and shortens cycle time. The newly designed, rugged system excels in water depths from 5 to 2,000 m, providing flexibility to work in the most challenging fields and conditions.

Next-generation probe reduces downtime

A+ Corp. has released its new Genie Direct Drive Model 760 liquid probe. The 760 can be safely inserted into pressurized sources up to 3,750 psig, minimizing the risk of both personal injury to technicians and plant/pipeline operational downtime. Unlike similar competitive probes that require brute physical force or hydraulics applied to the backside of the probe for insertion, the 760 only requires an open-end or optional speed wrench for installation. Its uniquely designed body contains double mechanical safety interlocks to prevent the probe from self-retracting under any failure scenario. This probe is safer and easier to install than many probes available on the market.