Jaime Kammerzell Associate Editor
Downhole memory sensors
AnTech Ltd. has launched two new products: the memory pressure/temperature sensor and the memory load/torque sensor. Although each tool plays a distinctly different role in gathering downhole data for a wide range of pumping operations, including those involving coiled tubing runs, the company says the tools share a number of common features that offer users distinct benefits. Following tests in the field and on a special table designed to test the effects of increasing levels of vibration, AnTech says it devised a way to eliminate resonance on the electronics board by mounting it on the tool in a more secure fashion. This means each memory tool's electronics are protected against shock, dramatically improving their reliability in the rigorous downhole environment, the company says. Second, the tools were designed with a straight flow path through the center of the tool, which further reduces pressure losses and vibration. Because the tools are very short, making up coiled tubing is much faster and easier, according to AnTech.
Bi-directional high flow valve
Parker Hannifin's Instrumentation valve division has introduced a new bi-directional, high-flow valve with a quick-on, quick-off control feature for process and instrumentation applications. The B12 valve comes with spring-loaded ball seats and a blowout-resistant stem. It is pressure rated at 400 psig CWP. The B12 has an operating temperature range of -65° F to 350° F. The unit has positive handle stops and is panel mountable.
Wellbore cleaning system
Baker Oil Tools' Wellbore Custodian One-Trip Wellbore cleaning system helps ensure trouble-free testing, completion, and production by providing a clean wellbore, the company reports. It allows for debris collection from the wellbore wall, brushing of the wellbore wall, and filtering of fluid. The tool is designed to seek out junk, collect it, and bring it to the surface. Primarily for use in pre-completion stages of well construction, the system can be run any time the wellbore becomes contaminated with debris, such as after a milling operation. Common problems associated with stuck completions or linear equipment due to unexpected debris are avoided, Baker says.
Automatic pipe racking systems
Woolslayer Companies Inc. says its SR250E automatic pipe racking systems provide occupational safety benefits in oil and gas well drilling or service operations. Designed for land, fixed platform, or jackup drilling rigs, and operating in automatic sequence, the systems are engineered to rack 242 stands of drill pipe and eight stands of 8-in. drill collars. There is no need for a person to be on or near the racking sequence at any time during the tripping sequence.
Single phase DP meter
Flowline Meters Inc. has licensed a new technology for measuring single-phase fluids. The meter was developed by Texas Engineering Experiment Station, which is part of the Texas A&M University system. The single-phase DP meter uses a plate with concentric rings of slots to create a differential pressure to measure the flow of product through a line. This bi-directional plate causes a pressure drop that can be measured to determine the amount of flow and the quality of the fluid flowing through the line. Single-phase gas, steam, or liquid flow can be measured using a single plate. The single phase slotted pressure drop meter measures natural gas within ± 0.25%. The meter has a better than 15 to 1 turndown and is compatible with conventional flow computers used in the oil and gas industry.
UWG Group launches subsea well intervention system
UWG Group has challenged the traditional methods of live subsea well intervention and cut costs with the launch of its subsea well intervention system. The lubricator is the latest system unveiled by the group. The SWIS system focuses on wire line and slick line work and can be deployed from most vessels, including low-cost barges, diving, or ROV support vessels, leading to a significant reduction in the overall cost of well intervention and providing operators with previously unavailable options to increase productivity or abandon live wells. The system has a 4 1/16-in. inside diameter and is rated to 5,000 psi. It is designed to perform interventions and well abandonments using braided or slick line tool deployment.
Pipeline coatings
Urecoats Industries Inc., in partnership with Reilly Industries Inc., has completed initial testing of its new ReillyCoat pipeline coating product line. According to Urecoats, ReillyCoat pipeline coating products are hydrophobic, seamless, and impact resistant. The products' economic benefits and excellent adhesion characteristics make them an appealing choice for the pipeline coating industry, the company said. The line of products includes varia-tions for different types of steel pipe usage, diame-ters, and surroundings.
Clamp-on flow meter
The Dynasonics Series TFXL ultrasonic transit time clamp-on flow meter measures almost any liquid containing less than 40% total suspended solids or aeration using time of flight ultrasonic technology, the company says. The unit clamps on the outside of existing carbon steel and copper pipes ranging in size from 1/2 in. to 2 in. Its design is intended to replace mechanical flow meters in applications where liquid conditions tend to damage or impede mechanical flow meter operation.
WOM gate/plug valve alternative
For production, pipeline, and offshore applications involving critical flow, WOM offers the Dual-Seal ball valve as an alternative to gate and plug valves where it has weight, size, and operating speed advantages. Three independent seats plus emergency sealant injection as a fourth sealing option and a stem seal design make the Dual-Seal attractive for demanding applications or operations in remote locations. Dual-Seal valves are automated, can double block and bleed, and are bi-directional.
Spill response computer training
Cresent and Briggs Environmental Services has produced an interactive computer-based safety training program for North Sea oil and gas personnel. In addition to receiving information on the various types of pollution, their effects on the environment, the equipment available, methods for calculating the size of a spill, and techniques for containment and clean-up, trainees are presented with a series of realistic scenarios involving small onboard pollution and large-scale oil slicks. Trainees are assessed by their response to virtual spills. Onboard a computer-generated oil installation, they are able to place emergency spill kits in locations of their choosing, select equipment depending on the type of spill, and take special precautions, such as preventing chemicals from reaching drains.