Blackhawk acquires line from Allamon, launches new cementing tool technologies
Offshore staff
HOUSTON– Blackhawk Specialty Tools LLC has acquired the surge reduction business line of Allamon Tool Co. and its related intellectual property.
This line includes Allamon’s diverter systems and ancillary cementing tools as well as a number of patents that Blackhawk believes will complement its existing portfolio, including the Blackhawk Surge Reduction System for tight-tolerance casing running. It will be operated from the company’s operations headquarters in Houma, Louisiana, and other markets.
In addition, Blackhawk has added to its cementing tool technology with the UltraSeal auto-fill float equipment and the Single and Dual Dart-Released Plug system.
The company claims UltraSeal has the highest bump and back pressure rating for large bore type auto-fill float equipment at 7,500 psi. It is fully PDC-drillable. The design aims to solve problems encountered during running and cementing tight-tolerances of 9-5/8-in. and larger casing/liner strings. The product is also said to maximize cement column height for increased well safety and regulatory compliance.
The large ID through the valves and ball seat allows for maximized running speeds, and reduces surge pressures, Blackhawk says, which can decrease mud loss and improve well control. The increased running speed can result in rig time savings. In addition, it is stackable without the need for modification or costly baffle collars; one deactivation ball can trip two or more collars and only the activation ball falls downhole.
With its tapered landing surface, it is compatible with most subsurface release plug sets. The activation flow rate, pressure and ball retention can be adjusted “on the fly” just prior to running downhole, requiring lower inventory levels for more options. This universal design reduces customer-owned inventory and cost.
The Dual Wiper Plug substantially increases cement slurry integrity by providing a fluid barrier on each end of the cement slurry while the cement is pumped through the casing. It incorporates the use of two drill pipe darts, which provide a protective barrier for the cement in the workstring while wiping the inside of the drill pipe, and then launches the appropriate casing wiper plug in the system.
Its components are constructed mostly of composite material which enhance plug reliability and drill-out. Recent R&D on the elastomeric wiping fins has led to an extreme reduction in the volume of elastomer required in the new design, thus considerably reducing the amount of material that must be drilled out, Blackhawk said.
07/07/2016
