Electronically activated cutter performs without impact or explosives

The Peak eCutter from Peak Well Systems is an electronically activated power-charged nonexplosive cutter for severing slicklines and cables downhole. The eCutter is activated via an electronic timer and trigger module, which makes it suitable for deployment in highly deviated and complex geometry wells, Peak said. Unlike other cutters available, the tool does not rely on impact or explosives. This nonimpact eCutter uses the same cutting technique as Peak’s alternative impact-driven Cutter launched last year and offers the same performance of being able to cut all types of industry wire up to 5/16-in. heavy-duty Dyform cable. The eCutter also is field redressable. The tool offers activation with a range of preset countdown times. An LED operability indicator located within the tool provides confirmation of controller functionality and timer commencement on surface. The eCutter can be retrieved quickly from the well on the recovered upper section of cable to which it is assembled, enabling the subsurface safety valve to be reinstated and making the well safe until fishing operations can be carried out to recover the lost tools. peakwellsystems.com

Thermal imaging cameras detect gas leaks from safe distances

The three new thermal cameras for optical gas detection from FLIR Systems Inc.—FLIR G300a, G300pt and A6604—are used for monitoring gas pipelines and installations from safe distances, FLIR Systems said in a press release. Optical gas imaging cameras are widely used in industrial settings like natural gas processing plants and offshore platforms. They improve efficiency by allowing inspectors to scan wide areas quickly without interrupting normal operations. These new infrared cameras also can play a role in minimizing environmental damage by detecting the unintended emissions of dozens of volatile organic and inorganic compounds. Each model contains a cooled Indium Antimonide detector, which enhances the sensitivity of each camera to detect even the smallest gas emissions. The G300a and G300pt cameras have a resolution of 320 pixels by 240 pixels, while the A6604 has a resolution of 640 pixels by 512 pixels. Each camera can be controlled via Ethernet or integrated into any TCP/IP network. They also are GEV/Genicam compatible. The three new FLIR cameras detect gases including benzene, ethanol, ethylbenzene, heptane, hexane, isoprene, methanol, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, octane, pentane, 1-pentene, toluene, xylene, butane, ethane, methane, propane, ethylene and propylene. flir.com

Sleeves close for multistage completions, production, remediation

NCS Energy Services has introduced a closable version of its GripShift cemented casing sleeve. The sleeve can be opened and closed as needed to provide completion, production and remediation flexibility and control. During completions, the sleeves can be closed temporarily after individual stages to prevent proppant inflow or to permit out-of-sequence fracks. During production, specific sleeves can be closed to shut off thief zones or unwanted water or gas production. For remediation, selected sleeves can be closed temporarily to secure the wellbore above a target zone that is being stimulated. A virtually unlimited number of GripShift sleeves can be run as part of a casing string, giving operators completion flexibility, the company said. The sleeves are operated by the coiled-tubing-deployed Multistage Unlimited frack-isolation tool. They are full-drift at all times, are handled and made up like casing joints, and can be added to the casing string in any order. ncsfrac.com

Application aids rapid oil spill response, damage assessments

The CSA GeoPortal application, a secure login-based GeoPortal built and hosted by the CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. GeoSpatial Services business line, provides real-time data and enhances the efficiency of incident responders. It has been used for tasks associated with planning, science and operations for oil spill response. The GeoPortal serves as a tool for streamlining the planning, visualization and coordination efforts of multiple contractors working on a cooperative damage assessment. Specific tasks include enabling the tracking of multiple field teams on small vessels through SPOT real-time communicators; guiding operational decision-making based on observed progress of field teams; and providing an ability to assess transit times to, from and between various study areas to improve field team efficiency, safety and integration. By providing a common frame of reference, the GeoPortal allows team members to store and view project-specific spatial data, including oiling observations over time, sampling designs and sampling results. Spatial data integrated into the GeoPortal also include GPS digital still photographs collected by field teams in airplanes, helicopters, boats and on foot. The availability of these resources in one online location improves communication and understanding among team members regardless of location, according to a produce announcement. The GeoPortal provides intake capacity for field data and seamless migration into an enterprise database. This efficiency allows for real-time decision-making to guide incident response decisions. csawebmap.com

Cables comply with European hazardous substances directive

RSCC Wire & Cable’s Exane Products Segment has developed a line of Exane-ROHS multiconductor cable products that comply with the European directives for Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment. The RoHS directive prohibits or limits usage of hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium, chromium and other chemicals. The Exane-ROHS product line has been certified by Intertek Testing Services and is environmentally friendly. The cables are manufactured with ruggedized thermoset insulations and jackets that will not cold flow or deform under pressure. These cables pass the IEEE 1202 Vertical Cable Tray Flame Test at 70,000 Btu/hr, the IEC 60332-3-22 Vertical Cable Tray Flame test, a -55 C (-67 F) Cold Bend Test and the -40 C (-40 F) Cold Impact Test. The Exane product line also released the Exane-TF torque flex cable that allows both twisting and flexing at the same time for installation in bridge rackers and pipe-handling systems on mobile offshore drilling units. The Exane-Profibus cable has been designed with flexible stranded tinned copper conductors selected to withstand the operating conditions found on drilling equipment. r-scc.com

Devices improve crane transfer safety for personnel

Reflex Marine’s FROG-XT is a range of rigorously tested and verified personnel transfer devices available in four-, six- and 10-person capacities. The FROG-XT is an evolution of the current FROG capsule allowing low- and high-capacity transfers as well as the capacity for all devices to be quickly and easily converted to MedEvac mode to transfer casualties, according to a product announcement. The design features of the new FROG-XT provide greater comfort and a more secure passenger experience while being more compact and easier to ship and maintain. Wider operating parameters make the FROG-XT range extremely versatile, allowing flexibility in operations. The range has undergone a rigorous development, testing and verification program to verify the capsules’ performance and integrity and the level of protection afforded to passengers. The range of capsules is built to ISO 9001:2000 standards and is fully CE Marked. reflexmarine.com

Cap protects tools during hyperbaric welding, cutting

MacArtney has developed a protection solution for its LUXUS series of compact underwater cameras and lights. The LUXUS Protection Cap is primarily used to shield the lens of diver camera and light systems during hyperbaric welding, blasting and cutting operations, but it can also be used for equipment protection on other mission types. MacArtney LUXUS units often are deployed during installation, service, repair and decommissioning of metal structures in harsh subsea environments. Divers and equipment must remain in close proximity to the sparks and liquid metal spatter often discharged during hyperbaric welding and cutting, exposing camera and light systems to the negative effects of this material such as burn damage to unit lenses. The protection cap is manufactured from transparent polyurethane with a metal strap to provide sealing and is mountable on any LUXUS compact camera or light model with no significant impact on the performance of the camera or light unit. The protection cap has been extensively tested to ensure performance and efficiency in harsh underwater environments. macartney.com

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