Tech Trends

Swellable packer technology alters elastomer geometry

Tam International Inc. introduced a new swellable packer technology to its FREECAP swellable packer product line. The FastSwell technology uses a process that alters the geometric design of the elastomer to provide fast but predictable and controlled swell rates for challenging downhole conditions in which swellable packers couldn’t previously be used because of long swell times, according to a product announcement. The FastSwell design can be applied to any of TAM’s current fit-for-purpose swellable elastomer compound offerings and customized to increase or decrease the swell rate by changing the configuration of the elastomer geometry. Both water-swell and oil-swell elastomers can use the new technology. Testing has confirmed that the FastSwell design satisfies existing downhole packer differential ratings. These currently can reach up to 12,000 psi differential and downhole temperatures ranging from 20 C to 302 C (70 F to 575 F). tamintl.com

Imaging system aids reservoir understanding at pore scale

The HeliScan microCT advanced imaging system from FEI provides accurate, high-resolution 3-D images used by E&P operators and research institutes to support the imaging, analysis and modeling of reservoir rocks in hydrocarbon assets, the company said in a press release. The system is part of a multiscale imaging solution providing E&P operators a digital approach to visualizing the pore-scale internal structure of their rocks. As the primary input to the generation of key static and dynamic petrophysical properties, high-resolution multiscale imaging and analysis help with understanding flow in oil and gas reservoirs. At each stage of the process, exploration geologists, petrophysicists and reservoir engineers can gain a more accurate understanding of reservoir behavior by integrating the datasets generated by HeliScan microCT, QEMSCAN automated mineralogy, nanoscale resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and focused ion beam/SEM images, the release said. This multiscale imaging approach offers understanding of reservoir systems at the pore scale and is emerging as a key building block in improved reservoir evaluation and characterization, development optimization, and performance prediction. The HeliScan system provides distortion-free imaging by combining methods such as dynamic auto focus and drift correction, which reduces image acquisition time compared to conventional microCT, the release said. Helical scanning empowers the efficient acquisition of more representative volumes that are artifact-free without the stitching commonly faced in conventional microCT systems. The system comes packed with Avizo 3-D data visualization and analysis software. fei.com/HeliScan-uCT

Dissolvable PNP system eliminates need for milling operations

The Infinity dissolvable plug-and-perf (PNP) system released by Schlumberger uses fully degradable fracture balls and fully degradable seats instead of plugs to isolate zones during well stimulation. The first-ever fullbore interventionless PNP system eliminates the need for milling operations and leaves nothing behind in the wellbore. No plug debris therefore is produced to surface where it can potentially interfere with surface equipment. The technique eliminates lateral length restrictions, which maximizes reservoir contact and EUR, and it reduces intervention-related risks and costs, according to a product announcement. The well is left with fullbore access, and operators are able to bring production online faster, efficiently and cost-effectively, according to Olivier Le Peuch, president for completions at Schlumberger. The Infinity system has been field-tested in multiple unconventional reservoirs across the U.S. Numerous wells were stimulated across five of the major plays in North America without any type of mechanical intervention required. slb.com/infinity

Phased array probe improves inspection of corroded parts

Olympus has designed the Dual Linear Array probe to improve the inspection of internally corroded parts such as pipes, tanks and plates, a press release said. The probe provides the inspector with several advantages over conventional ultrasonic dual-element transducers that are typically used with flaw detectors. The phased array solution is designed to improve productivity through features such as larger beam coverage, faster scan speed and C-scan imaging with increased datapoint density. The pitch-catch technique used by the probe offers better near-surface resolution and pit detection in corrosion survey applications than standard phased array pulse-echo, improving probability of detection of critical wall thinning, the release said. The aluminum housing is compact and lightweight to provide easy handling and operation. Carbide wear plates protect the wedges for increased durability. olympus-ims.com

LWD service gains new slimhole size to expand range of application

Sperry Drilling, a Halliburton business line, introduced a new 4³/₄-in. slimhole size to its XBAT LWD service to complete a portfolio that includes 6³/₄-in., 8-in. and 9¹/₂-in. tools, a product announcement said. The addition of the new size allows the XBAT tool to service wellbore holes ranging from 5³/₄ in. to 36 in. The XBAT LWD service delivers acoustic measurements in a wide range of formations via sensors and electronics that are less sensitive to drilling noise and have a wide frequency response, the announcement said. The result is a greater signal-to-noise ratio that enables accurate measurements in noisy drilling environments and poor hole conditions. The XBAT tool combines multi-array azimuthal sonic velocity measurements with multi-axis ultrasonic standoff measurements to improve operators’ abilities in determining rock properties. halliburton.com/xbat

Satellite correction service uses all available GNSS satellites

Fugro has launched its G4 service, a new satellite correction service that takes advantage of all four Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS): GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo. GNSS augmentation services improve position accuracy compared to unaided GNSS receivers, the company said. By using all available GNSS satellites, the service is designed to improve availability and reliability of offshore positioning to enhance the safety and productivity of a wide range of survey and other offshore activities. Augmentation systems are based on GPS only or GPS combined with its Russian equivalent, GLONASS. The BeiDou system operated by China currently provides coverage in the Asia-Pacific region. The G4 service uses the first BeiDou satellites and is ready to start using the Galileo satellites as soon as the EU announces initial operational capability status for this system. Galileo and future BeiDou satellites will be automatically included as they come online. The new G4 service will be beneficial when the line of sight to certain satellites is obstructed by offshore structures. The G4 augmentation signals are transmitted via seven high-powered communication satellites to provide at least two independent broadcast channels anywhere in the world. fugro.com

Helicopter improves safety with floats, capability to fly on single engine

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.’s S-76D offshore oil helicopter is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW102S turbine engines optimized for the S-76D frame. The helicopter has the capability of flying on a single engine, adding to the safety, said David Martin, director for the energy and oil sector at Sikorsky. The aircraft used in offshore service comes with floats that automatically deploy if the unit hits the water. The S-76D can be configured for up to 12 passengers, has a range of 398 nautical miles with a 30-minute reserve and employs a health usage monitoring system and the Thales TopDeck avionics suite specifically designed for helicopters. National Helicopter Services in Trinidad took delivery of the first S-76D helicopter in January 2014. The unit went into service in February 2014 and has 1,250 flight hours since then. As of January 2015 there are 20 helicopters in service and another 40 in production. The aircraft costs an estimated $13 million to $14 million. sikorsky.com