EM gains speed
With the increased demand for higher telemetry rates, electromagnetic telemetry measurement while drilling (EMT-MWD) can be a viable option for reaching more data density in real-time formats. One of the drawbacks of EMT-MWD has typically been the depth limitation for transmitting the signal. Currently, repeaters are used to "hop" the signal to the surface. Another method includes the use of a cable hung up the drillstring and inside the pipe down to the MWD tool. But these methods can create a situation where the drillpipe annulus is blocked by the internals of the MWD or the cable. If the drillstring becomes stuck, the freepoint and back-off operation cannot be performed due to the blockage.
A new style EMT-MWD is being developed and tested by Halliburton's Sperry Drilling Services product service line. The tool is completely through-bore, with an open inner diameter of 1.92 in. or greater. This allows full passage through the repeater in the drillstring with all existing wireline fishing tools. The tool is shorter, a reduction from 30 ft to 12 ft (10 m to 4 m) and contains additional changes internally to provide higher telemetry rates than conventional mud-pulse telemetry. The same repeater tool can also be used as a downhole tool, quickly connecting to the additional directional and logging-while-drilling sensors currently available in the market.
For more information, visit www.halliburton.com.

Successful test for new viscosity reducer
Oilflow Solutions Ltd has announced results of the first major field trial of its Proflux 200 viscosity reducing technology. The trial took place in Colombia, in collaboration with the operator. The objective was to test the technology and engineering system on the combined 13 API heavy oil production from two wells by transporting it from the well site to the central processing station through a 4-in. flow line. Proflux 200 is a polymer-based chemical that reduces the viscosity of low API (low specific gravity) heavy oil and changes it from a thick and slow flowing liquid to a free flowing state.
Proflux successfully reduced the viscosity of the heavy oil produced from the wells, allowing it to flow freely, but also increasing average production from the wells by 20%. When the oil reached the central processing station, Proflux 200 separated completely from the oil and was recycled. The flow lines and plant where also cleaned during the process, an unexpected bonus. Oilflow and the operator are now planning further tests involving subsurface and surface applications.
For more information, visit www.oilflowsolutions.com.


Well integrity management tool debuts
Integrated services consultancy Egis introduced its Egis Integrity Manager, a Web-enabled management tool, at Offshore Europe. Integrity Manager is a software package that contains current and historic well data and enables a systematic approach to integrity management. Egis Integrity Manager is intended to eliminate the usual problems associated with well integrity management methods such as spreadsheets or modified facilities maintenance software.
The system provides a live "well integrity health check" and well-maintenance archive in a single data source available to nominated personnel regardless of location. Maintenance schedules are planned onshore, while offshore personnel have a clearly defined work program. As pressure and function tests on the wellhead are completed, results are entered in the system onsite.
Test failures are highlighted graphically, and key individuals are notified immediately with further details on the failure. Numerical data such as annulus pressures can be automatically graphed, with the facility to set maximum and minimum values that can be used to trigger alerts. A suite of reports is available to help analyze historical data. This enables effective planning of future operations, while providing an auditable trail of all maintenance and testing activities.
For more information, email the company at egis@exprogroup.com.
Subsea HP/HT electrical connector
Tronic Ltd, a subsidiary of oilfield services provider Expro International Group PLC, has designed a high-temperature, horizontal electrical feed-through subsea connector which will enable BP to exploit the gas reservoir on its Rhum field in the UK North Sea. Discovered in 1977, the gas condensate reservoir is subject to extremely high temperatures and pressures, which had previously made it inaccessible.
The connector is designed to endure the 283°F (140°C) temperatures and 15,000 psi pressures found in Rhum's gas reservoir. New thermoplastic materials and sealing techniques had to be identified and deployed in the connector, while proven sealing techniques were also modified to provide a barrier against the gas.
This type of feed-through connector is positioned within a horizontal tree system and enables monitoring and gauging of gas at high temperatures and pressures. As part of the well communication system, it allows data to be relayed from the reservoir to the platform. Without this essential component, optimum production rates cannot be calculated.
For more information, visit www.tronicweb.com.
Swelling elastomer for cement integrity
Easywell has expanded its range of swelling elastomer completion products with the launch of a cement assurance tool to secure zonal isolation and well longevity. The Cement Assurance Tool uses Easywell's Swell Packer technology and is run in combination with cement to ensure a complete hydraulic seal between the well casing and the formation. The Cement Assurance Tool can be used in a variety of downhole applications, including single and multistage jobs, deviated and horizontal wells, and HP/HT.
Swell Packer is based on the swelling properties of rubber in hydrocarbons. The rubber is far more flexible than the cement and can swell into irregular voids after cement is placed. It expands to up to 200%, sealing the un-cemented space between the pipe and the formation or the micro annulus between the pipe and the cement. The rubber retains its flexibility, allowing the Cement Assurance Tool
to adapt to shifts in the formation over time and retaining seal integrity.
For more information, visit www.easywell.com.
Listen to the sand
A new compact acoustic sand detector has been introduced by Roxar in Stavanger, Norway. According to the company, the AD3000 subsea system is the world's most compact sand detector. It is non-intrusive and operates virtually maintenance-free, said the company, and it can integrate with Roxar's multiphase and wet gas meters to ensure
greater accuracy.
The system detects the acoustic noises generated by sand particles in the flow stream and has the ability to discriminate and suppress alien noises. When coupled with a flow metering device, this allows real-time quantitative measurement of sand fraction in oil, gas or multiphase pipeline flows. As a result, potentially erosive or plugging conditions can be anticipated and mitigated before damage or failure of valves and tubular goods occurs.
Each detector has its own miniaturized, redundant, built-in computer with a unique slave address and can output instantaneous or time-averaged sand rate as well as pig detection with no external data processing. The unit can be installed or retrieved via remotely operated vehicle (ROV) using a pre-installed clamp and guide attached to the outside of any flow line. No flow line piercement is required. In addition, its compact size makes it easily adaptable to any subsea production template. The AD3000 can share power with other subsea instrumentation from the company and is rated to 9,840-ft (3,000-m) water depth.
For more information, visit www.roxar.com.
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