Subsea unit provides hydraulic power right at the well site

Siemens and Statoil have jointly developed and qualified a subsea hydraulic power unit for use in offshore oil and gas fields to provide hydraulic power right at the well site. The Subsea Hydraulic Power Unit (SHPU) supplies low-pressure and high-pressure control fluid to the subsea control modules, according to a press release. The subsea control module operates the hydraulic valves, the downhole safety valve and downhole chock/sliding sleeve. The hydraulic power unit can be used if the umbilical fails and also as an alternative to the hydraulic lines in the umbilical. The power unit has successfully completed the qualification process, in which it has passed function tests under hyperbaric pressure equal to a water depth of 500 m (1,640 ft). The SHPU is an important building block in the industry-wide vision for a subsea factory, where the process plant is placed on the seabed, the company said in the press release. This unit was developed to be used as a contingency for an umbilical failure on a field in the North Sea. In addition to a repair function, the SHPU can also be used to extend the lifetime of brownfields. For greenfield developments, especially in deepwater and long step-outs, the SHPU can be a cost-efficient alternative to complex umbilical lines. The most significant advantage will be to replace hydraulic power transmission lines with local subsea hydraulic power generation and storage, the release said. siemens.com/energy/subsea

Toe sleeve allows multiple casing pressure tests without pressuring above test pressure

TAM International Inc. introduced a new technology as part of its PosiFrac product line. The TAM PosiFrac Toe Sleeve (PTS) assembly is designed for cemented or uncemented completions where a casing pressure test is desired to confirm casing integrity prior to opening the toe sleeve. The PTS is distinguished by allowing more than one casing pressure test without the need to pressure above the test pressure to open the sleeve, according to a product announcement. One or more PTS tools can be installed at the toe of the well, and each PTS will cycle open independently during the final casing pressure bleed-off cycle. This allows multiple entry points to the reservoir so that the first stage can be fractured immediately before plug-and-perf operations begin. The PTS is rated up to 18,000 psi (combined hydrostatic plus test pressure) and 177 C (350 F). The design features a large flow area for high-rate fracture treatments and a debris-tolerant actuation system that is compatible with standard cement wiper plugs. tamintl.com

One-piece centralizers serve reciprocation, rotation applications

Antelope Oil Tool has developed two additional centralizers to the CentraMax series, CentraMax RT1 and CentraMax PT1. These one-piece centralizers are an alternative solution to centralizer subs in close-tolerance applications, a company press release said. Designed for high performance in some of the most challenging applications, the centralizers provide low starting and running forces inside tight tolerance sections and strong restoring forces to centralize casing string in under-reamed hole sections. The CentraMax RT1 is designed for both reciprocation- and rotation-type applications. This centralizer is always pulled when installed over an internal anchor or limiting device. The CentraMax PT1 is designed for reciprocating well applications and is always pulled when anchoring devices are installed in the windows of the centralizer’s end collars. Both the RT1 and PT1 designs are suitable for applications with minimal annular clearances. antelopeoiltool.com

Switchable magnet acts as practical tool for ROV operators

Miko Marine AS has developed the ROV Magnet, a powerful magnet as a tool for ROV operators. Incorporating patented technology that increases its performance, the magnet has been designed so that it can be switched on and off by an ROV manipulator and used for a wide range of applications underwater, a product announcement said. The new magnet can be applied instantly to any steel structure, where it is capable of holding weights up to 1,650 lb (750 kg), and it can significantly reduce the amount of time required for an ROV to undertake a task. The magnet, for example, can quickly provide a stable anchor point for an ROV during welding or inspection work or for the temporary storage of tools while work is in progress, the announcement said. The ROV Magnet’s adhesion power also makes it a quick and easily applied fixing point during lifting operations or to provide a convenient solution for securely positioning instruments, lights or cameras where they are needed. The magnet functions completely mechanically without the need for cables or wires. mikomarine.com

Pressure transmitter operates safely in hazardous areas

The Model IDT Intrinsically Safe Pressure Transmitter from AMETEK PMT Products is specifically designed for use in hazardous areas for pressure measurement applications that require a rugged, compact design. The intrinsically safe approvals for the IDT include FM US, FM Canada (cFMus), ATEX and IECEx. The Model IDT transmitter offers premium performance and versatility for applications that include upstream oil and gas and industrial as well as original equipment end uses, a press release said, and its 0.2% typical accuracy is superior to competitive models, allowing the transmitter to be used on critical applications. Monel versions and Hastelloy diaphragms for hydrogen sulfide applications are available. The tool is offered in pressure ranges from full vacuum to 5,000 psig, including very low pressure 0-psi to 1-psi, 0-psi to 3-psi, and 0-psi to 6-psi versions, and 15 psia through 300 psia. The transducer accepts both regulated and unregulated excitation voltages. ametekusg.com

Bi-fuel distribution unit focuses on hydraulic fracturing industry

Frac Shack Inc. has introduced the first bi-fuel distribution unit focused solely on servicing the hydraulic fracturing industry, according to a company press release. The Bi-Fuel Frac Shack enables a single unit to distribute both diesel and natural gas to hydraulic frack pumpers. In March, Frac Shack Inc. worked in collaboration with Sanjel Corp. and Ferus Natural Gas Fuels Inc. to test the first Bi-Fuel Frac Shack. In testing, pumpers ran at a consistent 70% substitution rate. The bi-fuel unit has the capability to distribute natural gas from several sources, including LNG, CNG, field gas or pipeline gas. fracshack.com

Cable designs meet Category 6 rating for rigorous drilling applications

RSCC Wire & Cable introduced two new Category 6 cable products for rigorous offshore oil drilling and land drilling applications. The Exane Cat 6 is a rugged, shielded and armored cable jacketed with the company’s proprietary Exane high-performance compound. This cable is highly flame-retardant and resistant to the effects of drilling mud and oil, a press release said. The Exane ZH Cat 6 is a rugged, shielded, armored and sheathed Low-Smoke Zero-Halogen cable for installation in areas deemed to be sensitive to the action of corrosive gases liberated during a fire from halogenated cables. The Exane jacketed cables are mud- and oil-resistant and pass the IEEE 1202 Vertical Cable Tray Flame Test. These cables have enhanced flexibility due to the use of uniquely designed stranded copper conductor instead of solid conductors and are easy to terminate in the field. The use of stranded conductors prevents conductor breakage due to flexing in an oil rig application. r-scc.com

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