New casing protection resists cracking, spalling
Platinum HB, a new hardband solution. promises casing protection and tool joint protection in casing.
The patent-pending, proprietary hardband is suited for operators and pipe owners, the company says. Platinum HB employs near-nanoscale microconstituents to provide high strength for wear performance and high toughness necessary to resist cracking and spalling in severe downhole applications.”
The company says that casing wear tests showed a 31% reduction in casing wear over the nearest competitive hardband. At the same time, radial tool joint wear in casing was reduced 55% compared with the next best casing friendly solution.
The Platinum HB alloy has been engineered to contract and expand at the same rate as the tool joint steel to eliminate cracking during application and in the field. The maker has matched the coefficient of thermal expansion of the hardband material to the base tool joint steel-a patent-pending process. As a result, Platinum HB is virtually crack-free and can be easily reapplied over itself, the firm points out.
Platinum HB was developed in partnership with NanoSteel Co., Maitland, Fla.
Source: Grant Prideco Inc., 400 N. Sam Houston Parkway East, Suite 900, Houston, TX 77060.
Program generates fast, accurate gas distribution network simulation results
Newly developed SynerGEE Gas 4.1 enables users to generate fast and accurate gas distribution network simulation results.
Version 4.1 offers base map enhancements that allow users to import external geospatial information system source data in the SynerGEE modeling environment. The updated base map conversion tool converts data from point and polyline layers into SynerGEE pipe and nonpipe facilities and corresponding nodes and supports multiple simultaneous layer conversions. The enhanced functionality lets users import base map attribute field values and save conversion settings and attribute mappings for reuse in other conversions.
The program also provides updates in compressor station modeling. This version allows users to place cooling equipment on individual paths, on a complete station, in individual compressor assemblies or to share coolers across multiple paths. Recycle lines also can be assigned to an individual compressor, path, or station.
Other functionality enhancements include model reduction and site simplification, facility service states, property favorites, and increased processing speed.
Source: Advantica, Box 86, Carlisle, PA 17013-0086