EQUIPMENT | SOFTWARE | LITERATURE

July 11, 2011
New downhole pressure and temperature sensor

A new product—the downhole pressure and temperature sensor (DHPTS)—is specifically designed to meet the needs of the steam assisted gravity drainage process used to extract bitumen from oil sands.

The ability to accurately measure process variables during production is important for optimization and can help reduce overall production costs, the company points out. Traditional sensors are prone to failure as a result of material limitations and high levels of thermally induced noise, the company says. The sensing elements are hermetically sealed within a stainless steel probe and are hydrogen resistant.

The DHPTS promises accurate high pressure and temperature range as well as a spectral multiplexer with eight or 16 channels. The probe is connected to the interface electronics with optical fibers, housed within a stainless steel cable; the cable can be as long as 5,000 m.

Source: Photon Control Inc., 200-8363 Lougheed Highway, Burnaby, BC V5A 1X3.

New diverter for near-wellbore applications

New BioVert NWB temporary diverting agent consists of self-degrading particles of multiple sizes to provide quicker and stronger redirection of fluid flow paths by use of the particle bridging technique.

To achieve the particle bridging technique, multiple size temporary self-degrading bridging particles (see photo) are combined in a single package. The particle size ratios are specifically sized so smaller particles "nest" in the pore throat of the larger particles. This combination of particle sizes can quickly and efficiently temporarily block flow paths of varying widths resulting in redirecting fluid flow for maximum effectiveness.

The nature of the material is that it will self-degrade over time at temperature. In the presence of water, the degradation rate can be hours or days depending on the temperature environment. Nonaqueous environments have longer degradation time frames; however, the material will be self-removing over time.

The diverting material has been successfully applied in perforation tunnels and openhole wellbores to redirect fracturing and refrac treatments, acid treatments, scale inhibitor treatments, sand control, and well control treatments.

Source: Halliburton, 3000 N. Sam Houston Parkway East, Houston, TX 77032.

More Oil & Gas Journal Current Issue Articles
More Oil & Gas Journal Archives Issue Articles
View Oil and Gas Articles on PennEnergy.com