Inspection tool offers solution for unpiggable pipelines

The RTD DTI Trekscan pipeline inspection tool from Applus RTD is the first free-floating inspection tool designed to traverse back-to-back one-dimensional bends with an optimum speed of 1 m/sec (3.3 ft/sec). It can run in pipelines previously considered to be unpiggable, a company press release said. Standard tool configuration has a maximum battery life of up to 3.5 hours at 1.25 m/sec (4.1 ft/sec). For data storage, the maximum standard tool configuration allows 64 km (40 miles) of data based on a 2.5-mm axial sampling. The bidirectional tool measures the return echoes of a transmitted ultrasound beam. The amount of time it takes to receive an echo provides highly accurate information on the remaining wall and enables detection and sizing of metal loss anomalies. The standard configuration of the tool comes in 6-in. and 8-in. sizes and weighs 33 lb. Its maximum operating temperature is 40 C (104 F). applusrtd.com

Perfluoroelastomer enables sealing solutions in subsea, subzero applications

Greene, Tweed launched Chemraz 678, a perfluoroelastomer designed for chemical resistance and rapid gas decompression (RGD) resistance in extreme low-temperature environments. The Akron Rubber Development Lab has independently qualified Chemraz 678 to the ISO 23936-2 global standard for RGD resistance. Under the standard’s stringent testing conditions, Chemraz 678 passed with the best possible score of “0000”; this score means that after the conclusion of testing, no cracks were observed in the material. Chemraz 678 delivers chemical resistance with a wide temperature range of -40 C to 230 C (-40 F to 445 F). This new material also provides compression set and thermal shock resistance, allowing it to be used in a wide variety of industry applications. gtweed.com

Drilling motor delivers reliability, durability in demanding environments

The TiTAN22 performance drilling motor from Scientific Drilling International (SDI) is engineered to support the most demanding drilling environments to deliver reliability and durability across a wide range of applications, according to the company. The design features SDI’s Ti-Flex titanium flex shaft and supports the highest torque power sections and most robust bearing assemblies in the industry to provide reliable drilling performance in all sections of the well, a product announcement said. Features include enhanced weight-on-bit capacity for increased ROP, a driveline for the ultrahigh-torque applications, full rotational capacity in any section of the well, a short bit-to-bend for directional versatility and a design system matched for optimal polycrystalline diamond compact bit performance. The TiTAN22 is suited for drilling extended reach laterals, laminated formations and factory drilling in shale reservoirs. scientificdrilling.com

Actuator helps operators reduce unplanned production downtime

GE Oil & Gas has introduced the dual-seal pneumatic actuator, which uses a dual-sealing system to help operators reduce unplanned production downtime by improving the reliability, efficiency and maintainability of well operations, according to a press release. The tool is suitable for a wide range of production tree and flowline applications. The actuator is designed to deliver reliable open/close performance for control of wellbore or pipeline fluids and hydrocarbons. A benefit of the tool is the redundant diaphragm/piston sealing system that provides a secondary sealing system to maximize uninterrupted production and increase reliability. The modular design allows the use of smaller actuator sizing depending on available supply pressures up to 250 psi. The patent-pending bonnet connection on the actuator allows operators to easily install and remove the actuator from the valve for improved efficiency. The top shaft functionality is designed to reduce field maintenance time. ge-energy.com

Module meets main power needs of FPSO units, fixed platforms

The Cat Offshore Power Generation Module is a turnkey scalable single-lift modular power plant product from Caterpillar Oil & Gas that includes full integration into the FPSO or platform structural design, a product announcement said. The product leverages an array of Caterpillar engine technology with the vessel design knowledge of Deltamarin, which was integral to the development of the tool. The module was designed to meet the needs of FPSO unit and fixed production platform main power applications in cases where a gas turbine is not ideal. Available from 4 MW to 17.3 MW per module, the module meets current and future emission regulations to maximize flexibility and reduce operating costs. The module is fully tested and certified to be easily integrated in the vessel systems. The modular layout is easily expanded to provide power for future upgrades and is a fully self-contained unit, which provides a single-lift capability. Remote monitoring enables the power module to be managed from the vessel’s main control room or an onshore location. catoilandgas.cat.com

Technology removes H2S from sour oil, condensate, water

AMGAS Services Inc. has introduced CLEAR, a chemical-free technology used to remove hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from sour crude oil, condensate and water. Access to and use of freshwater is becoming more difficult as unconventional shale production across the U.S. increases. AMGAS CLEAR allows operators an option for disposal or reuse of sour water in well servicing and production applications. Sheldon McKee, director of business and product development for AMGAS, said the technology has shown it can reduce disposal and operational costs by as much as 50%. The process allows H2S removal without introducing any chemical into the produced fluid, thereby leaving no converted sulfides after treatment. The process was designed to prevent chemical overtreatment or undertreatment in sweetening operations but can be even more important when treating sour water in restricted areas. am-gas.com

Extended-range ESP technology manages steep production decline

Baker Hughes released the FLEXPumpER extended-range pump, which expands the operating range of a single electrical submersible pump (ESP) system. The new pump operates efficiently in a wider flow range to improve production and reduce operating costs, particularly in the dynamic production conditions characteristic of unconventional resource plays, a Baker Hughes product announcement said. As production rates from unconventional oil wells decline, operators typically switch out pumping units or even artificial lift production methods to accommodate the various flow ranges. The FLEXPumpER technology can operate with a flow range from 2,900 bbl/d to 50 bbl/d. The production stream in unconventional oil plays also can contain high levels of gas entrained in the fluid, which can impact ESP system efficiency and reliability. The design features advanced turbulence mitigation technology, which increases pumping efficiency and reduces gas locking, as well as a specialized bearing system to withstand the high temperatures generated in the pump during short-term operation with gas slugs. Additionally, specialized developments in the diffuser provide abrasion resistance by reducing the buildup of abrasives that can cause erosive wear. bakerhughes.com

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