Tech Trends

Single-trip openhole cementing and sidetrack system saves rig time
Weatherford has released the AlphaST single-trip openhole cementing sidetrack system that can initiate sidetrack operations without the need of a cement plug, according to a press release. Designed to increase operator flexibility, eliminate multiple trips and avoid costly cementing operations, AlphaST is the world’s only single-trip openhole cementing and sidetrack system, according to the company. For an operator in the Permian Basin, previous sidetrack attempts with conventional cement plugs failed in the hard formation, requiring multiple trips in the hole and resulting in damaged directional bottomhole assemblies. Weatherford’s reentry experts reviewed the application and installed the AlphaST system. After landing at the required depth, the team set the inflatable production packer to anchor the whipstock and drilled off the formation in a single trip, saving the operator 29 hours of rig time and more than $100,000 of operational expense. weatherford.com

Safeguarding wells with well barrier integrity software
The Wellbarrier illustration tool is a robust, cloud-based software for operating companies to safeguard their oil and gas wells, with the objective of reducing risk and maintaining well integrity, according to the company. The Schlumberger technology enables organizations to visualize, communicate and document their well barriers. Wellbarrier employs a consistent approach to improve the efficiency, accuracy and speed of evaluating wells and managing risk. With well barrier schematics as the core, the tool helps engineers create well barrier illustrations in a timely and effective manner. The software’s latest update is an objective risk assessment module, which provides a lean approach to removing subjectivity when assessing risk. The module employs the well barrier envelope definition as a basis for evaluation and is based on a standardized 5 by 5 risk tolerance matrix, with the primary objective of containment. Other risks, such as the environment and assets and financial losses, also are mitigated. Risk rankings for all well types can be performed in-house, eliminating the need to outsource. Engineers gain a clear picture of their well portfolio and can identify priority mitigating actions for their wells. wellbarrier.com

Wellhead fatigue mitigation system delivers tethered BOP
Trendsetter Vulcan Offshore has contracted with Tamarind Resources to deploy its Wellhead Fatigue Mitigation Systems for deployment offshore New Zealand, according to a press release. The new Wellhead Fatigue Mitigation System alleviates the impact of modern, large BOPs on legacy wellheads by arresting the motion of the BOP stack via four tethers, which are anchored to the seabed. The tethered BOP system arrests the motion of the BOP stack above the wellhead, substantially reducing wellhead cyclic stresses and enhancing fatigue life. Depending on the specific riser and wellhead configuration, fatigue life has been improved by as much as 1,000 times the original unmitigated wellhead fatigue. An added benefit is the increased limits to the rig watch circle, particularly in shallow water, where watch circles can be very restrictive. tamarindresources.com

Unit ensures the availability of usable natural gas
Frac Shack has released the NG SideKick on-pad gas processing unit that takes infield natural gas and processes it down to a safe and usable state for multiple uses on any location, according to the company. The SideKick depressurizes, heats and removes liquids and hydrocarbons from field natural gas to ensure the gas is safe and available for use in any natural gas and bi-fuel engine on a hydraulic fracturing location. This technology enables Frac Shack’s customers to use their own energy on site, reducing the need to flare off clean-burning natural gas. Additionally, the use of natural gas significantly reduces the need for diesel fuel, with substitution rates from 40% to 70% on large frac sites. fracshack.com

New technology for H2S removal in crude oil
Q2 Technologies has released Pro3, an H2S scavenger for crude oil applications, according to a press release. Refineries, production streams and crude oil terminals can eliminate fouling from triazine-based scavengers when treating oil with Pro3, while maintaining similar costs. The Pro3 series of scavengers are designed to replace MEA triazine in liquid hydrocarbon streams. Field tests show a reduction in chemical treatment cost, logistics and fouling-corrosion problems in splitters and refining units. Pro3 reacts with the H2S molecules and turns them into aqueous, nontoxic sulfate salt. The heavier sulfate salt molecule drops into the produced water stream, and the chemical reaction is fast and irreversible. q2technologies.com

Hydraulic pump delivers motor-controlled higher flow
Enerpac has released E-Pulse, a new series of hydraulic pumps that offer five valve options, according to a press release. The pumps feature an interactive pendant that delivers visual and tactile feedback, programming and diagnostic status to the operator through LED lights and vibration pulses. A fault code indicator warns operators of any issues related to voltage, temperature, button controls or service conditions. A 0.85-hp direct-drive motor offers a six-piston block design that provides even flow and smooth operation of tools. enerpac.com

Risk management software offers accelerated delivery options
Sphera now offers accelerated delivery of Industry 4.0 Operational Risk Management software solutions, a press release stated. With a focus on comprehensive tooling, the implementation schedule has been further reduced by 66%. Clients can have their software installed and up and running in four to six weeks. Sphera’s Operational Risk Management solution helps operators focus on permit to work, process safety and risk management strategies to help mitigate risks. With accelerated delivery, customers’ installations can be fully production-ready and can achieve fast, digital return on investment in six months. The off-the-shelf configuration option can be implemented quickly to help operators control costs, improve safety performance and handle important compliance issues. The solution also can be customized based on the client’s needs in an accelerated time line. sphera.com

New thief hatch switch offers remote asset monitoring solution
OleumTech has released the new Thief Hatch Switch SX1000-S10, which provides real-time open/closed status of a thief hatch, according to a press release. Producers can use the data to minimize product loss as well as receive an immediate notification of unintended emissions. The switch can be mounted on either side of the thief hatch and provides both normally open or normally closed contacts. The solution also includes a robust 3-m (10-ft) industrial extension cable to eliminate the need for running conduit and wire. The Thief Hatch Switch is compatible with any OleumTech wireless and hardwired input/output or any third-party device with an available discrete input. oleumtech.com

Please submit your company’s updates related to new technology products and services to Ariana Hurtado at ahurtado@hartenergy.com.