WellDrive
WellDrive has rolled out improved search and upload features to its web-based services that saves oil companies thousands of dollars in wasted time. WellDrive , a Houston-based, leading-edge, Web-based services company provides online data services to 11 major oil companies, serving 7,000 registered users, 250 contractors, and more than 5,200 wells.
The company's services improve efficiency and decision making by allowing contractors to upload data to a central database, available anywhere there is internet access on PC, IPhone, IPad etc. Then, any approved oil company employee or contractor can access the data, just like on line banking, and can set up automated email or text message alerts along with critical operating reports.
WellDrive has launched a dramatically improved search feature that improves the searching and sorting of data. In addition the speed of uploading and downloading data has been boosted with speeds over 1 megabyte per second, this means more than one gigabyte of data can be uploaded by any approved contractor or company employee in less than 10 minutes.
This eliminates the need to transfer data via CDs or even email. Once the data is uploaded and stored in the correct folders on the archive, oil company employees and approved contractors all have access to the same data. Sorting and searching and generating reports becomes faster, easier and more accurate. Oil company employees no longer have to search through disorganized email in-boxes, CD's or folders for missing data. This dramatic increase in organized uploading, downloading and searching increases operating efficiencies, cuts costs and enhances decision making.
Oil companies today receive terabytes of information during the drilling and completion process, and the amount of data is increasing daily. If just one critical piece of this data is missing it can add thousands and sometimes millions to operating costs.
Contractor data is commonly delivered to oil companies via unsecure email, CDs and through contractor Websites. Using secure Web-based technology removes these inefficiencies. Contractor data such as bit photos, cement and drilling fluid reports, directional data, LWD, wireline, mud logs, frac and flowback data are uploaded into an organized, accessible central database instead of sending emails or CDs.
Web-based data can be viewed on any PC, iPad, or smartphone, and the data can be searched and sorted, instead of searching through an overloaded email inbox. Large files, over 1 gigabyte, can be uploaded and downloaded in less than 10 minutes. Data can easily be exported into the correct folder inside the corporate database.
Baker Hughes
Baker Hughes announced the commercial release of its Completion ArchiTEX™ (CTX™) 3D completion design software, which provides an interactive representation of real-world well environments for more accurate completion designs. The software allows users to input the exact parameters of their completion designs and make adjustments as needed to avoid hazardous situations during operations.
The hardware catalog that accompanies the CTX software is governed by smart rules and incorporates design standards and practices that ensure quality as the model is developed. Should the input parameters exceed the standards, an error message will indicate that the design criteria are noncompliant. The user will then be able to make adjustments to the model to correct and improve the completion design. The software also features an intuitive user interface with a drag-and-drop function for easier creation of 3D designs.
The CTX software models are constructed using a CAD engine that generates 2D schematics and interactive 3D graphics, allowing users to view and navigate through the well path, casing, tubing, and completion subassemblies in simulated 3D environments. It is ideally suited for complex well scenarios, including multilaterals, multizone completions, and intelligent wells.
The software offers an interactive design workspace that allows users to share concepts and parameters, and propose changes. Teams can collaborate more effectively to design 3D completion models from multiple locations, knowing that the latest model will be available along with a record of design amendments. The CTX software also provides operators with completion designs, cost estimates, and daily performance reports.
JDR
Royal Niger Emerging Technologies, a leading Nigerian oil & gas service company, has awarded JDR a fast track contract supporting the West African Abo project for the manufacture of a 1.55 km hybrid of steel tube and thermoplastic umbilical. The umbilical, designed to include a combination of hydraulic control and chemical hoses, low voltage signal cables and a central bundle of steel tube chemical supply lines, is set to be delivered to the Abo field within the first quarter of 2015.
The umbilical will connect an existing Subsea Distribution Unit (SDU) to a new well through the use of two umbilical termination units (UTA). JDR will manufacture and load-out the umbilical on a 9.2m installation reel from their deep-water, quayside facility in Hartlepool, UK.
The project is a first for Nigerian Content as it also provides for the training of Nigerian nationals in the integration, testing, installation and commissioning of the umbilical. This training will take place at JDR's facilities in Hartlepool and will see selected candidates gain valuable knowledge in key activities related to the final stages of the project before load-out and beyond.
Abo is Nigeria's first deep water oil field located in the south eastern part of Oil Mining Lease 125, about 55 km off the coast in water depths up to 780 meters.
BASF
BASF's Refining Catalysts business launched a new fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts testing and research laboratory at the hte GmbH (hte) site in Heidelberg, Germany. hte is a wholly owned subsidiary of BASF SE and a leading provider of high throughput technology and services for enhancing research and development productivity.
The new laboratory will provide physical and chemical analyses and characterizations of hydrocarbons and FCC catalysts, fine particles and slurries. It will also develop advanced refining catalysts test methods, complementing BASF's existing FCC catalysts laboratory in Iselin, NJ, USA.
BASF's Catalysts division is the world's leading supplier of environmental and process catalysts. The group offers expertise in the development of technologies that protect air, produce fuels to power our world and ensure efficient production of a wide variety of chemicals, plastics and other products. By leveraging industry-leading R&D platforms, innovation and deep knowledge of precious and base metals, BASF's Catalysts division develops unique, proprietary catalyst and adsorbent solutions that drive customer success.
Calbrite™
Calbrite™, the leading brand of stainless steel conduit, fittings and accessories, has introduced a new line of stainless steel explosion proof and hazardous location fittings.
Calbrite has created the industry's first stainless steel UNY (Union) explosion proof fitting, as well as launching the GUAT and EYS series. All configurations are suitable for hazardous locations, available in 3/4" trade sizes and are manufactured in the USA, in type 316 stainless steel.
Explosion proof products and Seal Offs (EYS) are used to prevent possible explosions from occurring through conduit systems and igniting outside atmospheres. When properly installed and filled with a UL-listed sealing compound, they create a physical barrier that limits the passage of vapors and gases throughout the conduit system.
All items are suitable for use in Class I Division 1 Groups A,B,C and D; Class II Division 1 Groups E, F and G; and Class III Hazardous Locations UL 1203 / CSA 22.2 approved and NEC Compliant.
LQT Industries, LLC
LQT Industries, LLC, a full-service provider of high quality accommodation facilities, design-build construction services, and support services to the oil and gas industry, has developed and provided a newly designed modular helideck to support helicopter refueling operations and an eleven aluminum building package that will accommodate 60 personnel on an oil and gas platform in the Gulf of Mexico.
The modular helideck is acting as a central staging point for helicopter operations to support platforms, drilling rigs, and other oil and gas related operations in the surrounding areas. Additional features, including containment systems, fire/gas safety equipment, and refueling equipment, have been added to support refueling operations.
The eleven aluminum modular units consist of living quarters, galleys, utility rooms, recreation rooms, and a medical facility. The buildings are uniquely staged and located in two different areas on the platform due to the limited deck space provided by the customer.
Calumet Electronics Corporation
Calumet Electronics Corporation announced the addition of Process Engineering Manager, Dr. Meredith LaBeau. In her position, Dr. LaBeau manages a diverse group of engineers who design and implement manufacturing processes to create high quality, reliable printed circuit boards (PCBs). She oversees the work of Calumet's chemical, electrical, photo imaging, and mechanical engineers. In addition to exploring new technologies and capabilities, Dr. LaBeau leads and manages continuous improvement projects to increase productivity and capacity, and reduce turnaround time.
Dr. LaBeau holds three degrees from Michigan Technological University: a bachelor's in biomedical engineering, and a master's and PhD in environmental engineering, reflecting her strong background in mathematics, physics, and process modeling. Her international master's degree focused on wastewater treatment in developing countries. Dr. LaBeau is the published author of three scholarly papers.
Calumet has built a reputation on producing high-quality printed circuit boards with some of the industry's highest defect-free manufacturing rates. Calumet's investments allow the company to continue to manufacture PCBs for a product's lifetime. With ongoing investments in cutting-edge technology and a commitment to continuously improving process controls, Calumet Electronics remains an industry leader in manufacturing PCB solutions in North America.
Eaton
Power management company Eaton now offers a new LED lighting solution specifically developed to combine reliability, flexibility, and energy efficiency for land-based and offshore drilling platforms. The new Pauluhn™ DLL Series Linear LED by Eaton's Crouse-Hinds Business features a rugged and durable design and flexible mounting options for high vibration, impact and hose down conditions found in drilling environments.
The new Pauluhn™ DLL Linear LED, with a system efficacy of up to 130 lumens per watt, is specifically designed to replace fluorescent T12, T8 and T5HO lighting in land-based drilling and offshore rigs. The fixture can also be easily retrofitted into the mounts of existing Pauluhn™ DuraPro and MagnaPro fixtures, as well as Rig-A-Lite or Snelson fluorescent fixtures.
The Pauluhn™ DLL Linear LED fixture features a low-profile design under 3-inches, a copper-free aluminum housing with Corro-free™ epoxy powder coating, and a polycarbonate or glass lens. The fixture is designed for extreme durability and will perform reliably in ambient operating temperatures of -40°C to +65°C. The DLL LED is also able to withstand 2,000 psi of hose pressure and high vibration applications.
The Pauluhn™ DLL Linear LED is a Class I, Division 2 luminaire and meets several NEC, UL and CSA standards and certifications. The fixture comes with seven mounting options including: ceiling, swivel, wall, flush, pole, back, and pendant. For added convenience there are four points of secondary retention and through-feed wiring options available with this fixture. For added safety, the fixture is available with an optional emergency battery 90-minute back-up and surge protection up to 10kV.
The Lubrizol Corporation
The Lubrizol Corporation has enhanced its blending plant operations in Deer Park, Texas, as pending heavy-duty diesel, passenger car and marine diesel specification upgrades drive demand for higher-performing engine oils. The $28 million expansion will improve blending efficiency and increase capacity to ensure supply reliability as the market shifts and grows.
In addition to responding to market specifications, Lubrizol is also committed to improving service to its customers by investing in materials handling operations. An additional $37 million will provide infrastructure improvements to railcar loading and unloading operations and enhance tank truck and isotainer handling.
The expansion strengthens Deer Park's position as an efficient, high-volume finished product supplier. It includes installation of new component storage tanks, state-of-the-art automated piggable component manifolds, new automated unloading locations and additional capability in the company's automated inline blending technology. The project also reduces manual labor and improves flexibility and customer response time.
CRYSTAL ENGINEERING
The new HPC40 Series handheld pressure calibrator from Crystal Engineeing, a unit of AMETEK Test & Calibration Instruments, is engineered for "advanced simplicity," incorporating a number of useful features that greatly extend the range and functionality of the compact instrument.
The HPC40 Series offers deadweight tester accuracy along with a host of user friendly features that allow the handheld device to deliver laboratory accuracy to an on-site, field usable instrument. The versatle HPC40 Series is suitable for calibrating pressures ranging from vacuum to 15 000 psi with accuracy of 0.035% of reading for all ranges. It is ideal for process control applications, such as verification or calibration of pressure gauges, transducers, transmitters, pressure switches and safety valves.
The HPC40 Series also is the world's first mA loop calibrator that is fully temperature compensated from -20o to 50oC., enabling it to deliver the same accuracy whether measuring pressure, current, voltage or temperature.
A single HPC40 Series device can typically replace several gauges or calibrators. With the addition of a Crystal Engineering Advance Pressure Module, the calibrator can read up to three pressures using a single device and the differential pressure between any two. It is available in a single or dual sensor option and it also can be used along with a reference temperature detector as a high-accuracy thermometer.
The calibrator's large, full-color display combined with its new user interface makes the HPC40 Series the easiest-to-use pressure calibrator available. Its single layer user interface has no deep menu structure, allowing tasks to be performed quickly and intuitively. Its intelligent memory slots allow the HPC40 Series to store up to five screens (both upper and lower windows) simplifying recall of previous stored settings and user setups.
Another unique feature is its use of newly patented Crystal Pressure Fittings. These 316 stainless steel fittings are designed to operate at 10 000 psi / 700 bar and ensure leak-free connections without the use of tools. In addition, the fittings' self-ventilating weep holes alert users when disconnecting from a pressurized system.
The HPC40 Series can be used as an individual calibrator or combined with AMETEK pressure generating products into a a complete ready-to-use calibration system. These products include everything from small pneumatic hand pumps to precision, hydraulic pressure comparators able to generate up to 15 000 psi / 1000 bar.
Crystal Engineering produces highly accurate, field-grade testing and calibration equipment for measurement applications in oil and natural gas, power generation, waste water, water supply, manufacturing, aerospace, and aircraft maintenance. It is a unit of AMETEK Test & Calibration Instruments, a division of AMETEK, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices with annualized sales of US$4.2 billion.
Alphastrut
Alphastrut, a leading supplier of aluminium support systems to the global energy industry, has announced the completion of a seven figure contract with BP which has saved the supermajor around 54 tonnes in weight.
Alphastrut comprises engineered aluminium extrusions and fabricated brackets which are bolted together to form support frames, used in everything from load-bearing raised-access floors to ceiling grids and bulkhead supports.
The Alphastrut aluminium system was successfully installed on the BP Clair Ridge accommodation module, providing both raised access flooring and ceiling cable containment support. The platform consists of two bridge-linked platforms, situated 75km west of the Shetland Islands, with its accommodation module weighing 3500 tonnes.
Construction of the living quarter module and incorporation of Alphastrut was carried out at Hyundai Industries' yard in Korea, with the raised access flooring system covering an area of 1250m2 on the six-story accommodation module.