DigitalGlobe is offering an "Energy Partner Program" (EPP) to oil and gas companies that use satellite imagery in their exploration and development efforts. It is particularly well-suited for large companies with operations in many different geographic areas. EPP is a Web-hosted, annual imagery subscription program allowing worldwide access to DigitalGlobe's 60-cm satellite imagery. Companies can view well locations, facilities and other exploration areas on desktops through the web using application service providers or geographical information system software.

Other features include the ability to share data and information among local and regional offices as well as access to DigitalGlobe's Collection Alert Tool, allowing for easy, flexible and customized new data procurement. Since multiple views of the same area are taken at different times, customers receive valuable before and after images of facilities, development and events.

Benefits include cost reduction; improved accuracy for well siting, facility analysis, environmental assessment and seismic planning; and the ability to streamline data purchases and ensure everyone is looking at the same data without the need for storing large image files.

For more information, visit www.digitalglobe.com.

'Stakeout' keeps crews in place

Leica Geosystems has introduced a new seismic "stakeout" application software package for its System 1200 GPS. The program was developed in response to a need to ensure that field crews do not intrude on exclusion zones when placing seismic charges and sensors.

It is critically important to make sure that underground explosive charges or sonic vibrations do not damage nearby structures such as water wells, pipelines or buildings. The new application allows users to enter a predefined dataset of exclusion zones into the System 1200 which will sound an audible warning and show onscreen message lines and graphics whenever the field crews attempt to place a stake in a prohibited area.

Seismic Stakeout uses exclusion zone information uploaded from Leica's GPSeismic.

For more information, visit www.leicaus.com.


PDSC lets rigs work in deeper waters

The Portable Drill Sting Compensator (PDSC) was designed to extend the motion compensation capabilities of existing drilling vessels making it safer for them to operate in deeper waters, without the expense of major rig modifications. Designed by Control Flow, Inc., WesTech Heavy Machinery Division, (CFI-WesTech) of Houston, the PDSC is smaller, self-contained and requires only high pressure rig air - not hydraulic power - making it easier to install and operate. Also, it can be installed temporarily on rigs based on project requirements, then moved to other rigs as needed.

The PDSC, built in capacities ranging from 250,000 lb to 1 million lb, is made up of a mainframe, interconnecting plates, compensating cylinder, lock bars and air pressure vessels (APV). According to the company, it is installed between the traveling block and top drive and requires only a small umbilical to operate and monitor the DSC functions.

According to CFI-WesTech, the PDSC can also be used in well servicing, workover systems, intervention and production riser applications. Also, specific models of the product can be used to provide necessary compensation for over-the-side, deepwater harsh environments, and operational wire line reels which are used to run subsea trees during drilling and production operations.

The PDSC also had the honor of being selected as a finalist for this year's Woelfel Award, an honor given by the International Petroleum Technology Institute of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers to recognize a product, device or system displayed at the Offshore Technology Conference that best reflects innovation in and/or practical use of mechanical engineering in energy industry related problem solving, design improvement or performance maximization.

For more information see, www.controlflow.com.

New valve improves hole cleaning while drilling

The Centurion Circulating Valve (CCV), designed for use primarily in the drilling and pre-completion phase of a well when high circulating rates and alternative flow are required, features enhanced ball-drop capabilities that provide extra options when drilling.

The CCV, designed by SPS International (SPS), uses the same size ball to open and close the tool. It differs from other ball-activated valves in that it features an expandable seat where the ball lands, which allows the ball to be squeezed through to a side pocket ball catcher so that through bore access is maintained. According to the company, this capability allows tools to be run below the CCV when activated by smaller balls. The valve can be opened and closed repeatedly and is limited only by the capacity of the ball catcher.

The CCV is usually positioned above the bottomhole assembly (BHA) or small diameter drill string, but can also be positioned near the top of the strings when used for jetting wellheads or blowout preventers.

The tool can also be configured for flow splitting while drilling by inserting nozzles into the ports. This configuration allows optimum flow through the BHA for maximizing hole cleaning and also allows drilling to continue. It is no longer necessary to pick up the drillstring of bottom to pump the annulus and clean the hole.

According to SPS, the CCV has been used in almost 50 applications worldwide.

For more information, see www.spsinternational.com.

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