Automated continuous circulation system reduces risk

Halliburton has released the e-cd Plus system that automates and enhances continuous circulation connections during drilling and tripping operations, according to a company news release. Continuous circulation provides the uninterrupted flow of drilling fluid into the well throughout the process of adding or removing drillpipe joints to the drillstring. After connecting the e-cd Plus system to surface control equipment, a proprietary software remotely controls all steps of the flow diversion and side port connection process that is currently completed via manual human operation. The overall system maintains a small footprint and can reduce the number of rig personnel required to safely provide continuous downhole circulation. The system also helps improve success in challenging projects such as wells with narrow pore pressure/fracture gradients by keeping bottomhole pressure and fluid properties constant, cooling equipment in HP/HT applications and providing continuous wellbore cleaning by movement of cuttings in extended-reach wells. halliburton.com

Rugged, push-the-bit design delivers cost-effective wellbores

Weatherford International Plc has commercially released the Magnus rotary steerable system, which combines reliable, high-performance drilling with precise directional control, according to a company news release. The pushthe- bit tool is designed for deployment in nearly any drilling scenario, including high doglegs. Key features of the Magnus system include fully independent pad control, a fully rotating bias unit with minimal bottomhole assembly (BHA) stabilization, real-time BHA diagnostics and autopilot functionality. The system comprises several modular components to facilitate quick and easy maintenance, even in remote locations. weatherford.com

First-ever international database prevents natural gas infrastructure failures

The first-ever database inventory of oil and natural gas infrastructure information from the top hydrocarbon- producing and consuming countries in the world is available online, according to a National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) news release. The database was borne from a massive information acquisition, evaluation and resource integration project led by the Office of Fossil Energy’s NETL, which has released the database on the laboratory’s Energy Data eXchange (EDX). EDX is an online collection of capabilities and resources that advances research and customizes energy-related needs. The database, known as the global oil and gas infrastructure (GOGI) inventory, identifies more than 4.8 million individual features like wells, pipelines and ports from more than 380 datasets in 194 countries. It includes information about the type, age, status and owner/ operator of infrastructure features. The GOGI inventory offers an economic, environmental, and health and safety tool for researchers, industry representatives and government regulators to help prevent infrastructure failures, improve economics of energy production and address fugitive methane emissions. netl.doe.gov

New technology improves asset inspection efficiency, reduces costs

Clarus Subsea Integrity, an Acteon company, has introduced the iCUE Digital Anomaly Detection App, a new technology that provides rapid, accurate detection of anomalies by reviewing inspection video footage of subsea assets, according to a company announcement. It is the latest addition to the company’s Digital Integrity Management Services portfolio. By using the app to assess footage of subsea risers, pipelines or moorings, for example, operators immediately receive a more accurate account of conditions that might otherwise go undetected. In addition, the speed at which it analyzes footage and identifies anomalies is at least 10 times faster than manual review, which is significant when assessing whether an asset is fit for continued service or requires attention. To achieve this, the app automatically carries out an engineering assessment of the inspection footage. The app is based on machine learning and draws upon image analysis technologies. Clarus trained the system with a machine learning algorithm to accurately qualify an anomaly by using a structured dataset of positive examples of anomalies. clarusintegrity.com

Service allows companies to view products before they are developed

Subsea Technologies Ltd. has released a visualization service that allows oil and gas firms the opportunity to enable interdisciplinary teams to review, understand, assess and learn about the most complex of engineered systems before they even exist, according to a company news release. Companies also can use the 3-D animation service to create visualizations for training, product development and optimization, and other uses. subseatek.com

New intelligent wearables for industrial field workers

Honeywell has released a hands-free, wearable Connected Plant technology that allows industrial workers to more safely, reliably and efficiently accomplish their tasks in the plant or the field, according to a company press release. Honeywell’s Skills Insight Intelligent Wearables feature a head-mounted visual display that responds to voice and brings live data, documents, work procedures, and health and safety information into view. The new wearable technology also connects field workers with remote experts in real time and allows them to assimilate valuable skills and knowledge while working. The company’s new technology uses the latest in handsfree mobile computing, augmented reality, Industrial Internet of Things and mobility software. It combines the RealWear HMT-1Z1 hands-free wearable computer with Honeywell’s Movilizer platform, a cloud-based workfl ow solution, to support field service operations, specifically in hazardous locations. honeywell.com

New zone isolation technology for plug-and-perf operations

GEODynamics has introduced a new technology in composite plug systems called the EVOLV+FracTrap Zone Isolation System. The system provides ball retrieval and composite plug technology in one tool that delivers risk-free, ball-on-seat, plug-and-perf isolation solutions to operators. This combination makes water and time savings possible by eliminating traditional risks with the additional benefit that allows operators to test casing pressure prior to perforating operations. The new plug technology is optimized for the entire life cycle from run, set, test, hold and mill. The slip technology prevents presets, allowing indefinite hold time under pressure. Having run ball-on-seat, operators are able to ensure the plug has been properly set and sealed prior to perforating operations. Then, once the hydraulic fracturing procedure has been completed, the mule shoe design provides positive lockup for drillout of the plug. Consistent drill-out times for a fully composite plug are between 8 minutes and 12 minutes with a favorably sized debris matrix returned from cleanout operations. Depending upon well completion requirements, the system is available in either composite or cast-iron slip models. perf.com

New asset integrity management platform reduces time to action

Stress Engineering Services Inc. has released NeoSight, a new asset integrity management platform, according to a press release. The primary goal of the NeoSight platform is to incorporate hindsight, insight and foresight into the evaluation of asset performance and integrity for a range of industries and applications. The platform leverages and supplements new or existing digitalization efforts, integrating directly with existing business systems in real time or near real time. This reduces the time to action from days or months to minutes. A physics-based digital twin model is built into each NeoSight tool, which accurately simulates asset response. Digital twin models allow the integration of inspection, analysis and measured data, providing important, previously unavailable insights into asset behavior. stress.com

Newly developed load transfer hook

Cortland has launched a new load transfer hook, specifically designed for the oil and gas and marine markets, according to a press release. The patented Selantic Hook, first developed for a major operator in the Gulf of Mexico, is compatible with synthetic fiber slings and will be used for load transfer and pull-in operations where a compact rigging assembly is necessary. Transferring subsea loads, such as risers, manifolds or flowlines, from pipelay and construction vessels to floating structures such as FPSOs over deep water is consistently a major logistical challenge, demanding versatile equipment and accurate techniques. Selantic slings are known in the industry as a cost-effective and lightweight alternative to heavy chains and wire rope. They can be handled safely by personnel without the need for power-driven assistance. Constructed from high-performance fibers, they are up to eight times as strong, weight for weight, as wire rope, according to the release. The slings can be fabricated to tight tolerances and to breakstrengths above 2,000 tons. actuant.com

Companies join forces to launch wire rope inspection system

Delmar Systems and Maritime Developments have formed a joint partnership to launch LiveWire, a solution for wire rope inspection and change-out services, according to a company press release. LiveWire is designed to cut time and opex for any client with a large diameter wire rope. LiveWire will be based at Delmar’s Port Fourchon, La., facility and will support the Gulf of Mexico’s offshore crane and winch market, including floating production platforms, drilling rigs and construction vessels. The system is suitable for onshore and offshore operations. delmarsystems.com

Expandable liners for zonal isolation in high-temperature reservoirs

Enventure Global Technology has introduced the next-generation ESeal 3.0 solid expandable refracturing liner and the first two successful commercial installations, according to a company press release. Resulting in a collaborative effort with its clients, Enventure developed the ESeal 3.0 to provide operators more options when selecting among mechanical zonal isolation techniques. Pairing this offering with its Engineered Liner Analysis, Enventure assists the operator when making data-based decisions about their refracturing options. ESeal 3.0 provides 16% more tensile strength to allow installations in the 107 C to 121 C (225 F to 250 F) range, and ESeal 3.0 RF-HT (radio frequency high temperature) provides 40% more strength to allow installation in the 149 C (300 F) or higher range. Two successful field installations have been completed. Production results are pending. enventuregt.com

Company launches automated OCV valuations

VesselsValue (VV), an online valuation provider, has launched daily valuations for offshore construction vessels (OCVs). This completes VV’s expansion into offshore valuation, which already includes all types of mobile offshore drilling units and offshore support vessels. OCVs add 2,000 vessels to the VV database bringing the total number of offshore units assessed by VV to more than 11,000. The full offshore fleet is made available for VV’s clients through the VV+ database, while all second-hand sales, newbuilding orders, demolition sales and period charters are available in VesselsValue Deals Database. vesselsvalue.com

Stainless steel pump heads eliminate cleanup, disposal costs

Wanner Engineering Inc. has released its new Hydra-Cell T100 Series high-pressure pumps featuring corrosionresistant 316L stainless steel pump heads and an expanded choice of diaphragm materials, valve materials and actuating oils, according to a press release. With flow rates up to 26 gal/min (98 l/min; 891 bbl/d) and discharge pressures up to 5,000 psi (345 bar), the T100 is designed for a variety of applications including saltwater disposal, saltwater injection, bulk transfer and hydraulic lift in oil fields as well as steam generation, reverse osmosis in water and wastewater treatment, and mine dewatering. Hydra-Cell T100 Series triplex pumps are packing-free and designed to replace horizontal centrifugal pumps and packed plunger pumps in oil and gas applications. Featuring a seal-less, multiplediaphragm design, T100 pumps eliminate hazardous volatile organic compounds emissions along with cleanup and disposal costs of packed-pump leakage. The design also eliminates the need for external lubrication and maintenance as well as plunger wear problems associated with packing, according to the company. hydra-cell.com

Energy storage solutions bring clean power offshore

A clean, reliable power supply is critical for offshore oil and gas assets. BlueVault, Siemens’ advanced lithium-ion battery-based solution, is suited for both all-electric and hybrid energy storage applications, according to a press release. BlueVault is designed to help ensure continuity of power and to minimize CO2 emissions, with an end goal of a low-emissions platform. The battery is designed to maximize life, performance and safety. siemens.com

Faster, smarter and more accurate UAVs

Air Control Entech (ACE) and The Oil & Gas Technology Centre have launched three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which aim to reduce offshore oil and gas inspection costs by up to 50%, a press release stated. Rather than modifying an existing design, ACE has worked with industry partners to design the new UAVs to meet specific requirements and tackle real challenges companies face in the inspection of offshore facilities. The live stream UAV provides a real-time, high-definition video stream and data transfer from offshore inspections to onshore teams. This can reduce the size of offshore inspection teams and significantly improve the speed and efficiency of reporting. The company’s ultrasonic testing UAV delivers faster, smarter and repeatable nondestructive testing. Using electromagnets to lock onto a structure, the UAV uses less power, enabling longer flight times and repeated readings at a single location. Advanced cameras accurately position the UAV, and a bespoke data management system provides clients with instant access to results. Lastly, the UAV enables the 3-D scanning of offshore structures to within 2-mm accuracy, significantly improving the accuracy of re-engineering projects by obtaining point cloud data from inaccessible locations. ACE already has secured early-stage technology trials with a number of major operators that will see the new UAVs deployed on North Sea facilities. theogtc.com


Please submit your company’s updates related to new technology products and services to Ariana Hurtado at ahurtado@hartenergy.com.