Multiphase well data

Sept. 27, 1999
The "production profile predictor method" (3PM) is a new engineering technique designed to provide dynamic multiphase production logging, well optimization, and reservoir management information. Downhole tools are not required.

The "production profile predictor method" (3PM) is a new engineering technique designed to provide dynamic multiphase production logging, well optimization, and reservoir management information. Downhole tools are not required. 3PM uses surface production test data to do the analysis.

This technology examines the entire flow conduit for productive and thief zones. It is safe because there is no danger of loss of tools in the well. 3PM analyzes tight holes, high temperatures, corrosive conditions, or wells with jet pumps.

The method does not require expensive hardware and personnel, the company says.

Source: Production Testing Services Inc., 6226 Highway 6 South, Houston, TX 77083.

New low sulfur gasoline technology

A new refining process removes sulfur from gasoline. The new technology, which has proved itself in pilot plant testing, is ready for scale-up and testing in a demonstration unit. The developer plans to market the sulfur removal process under the trade name S Zorb.

The proprietary process and sorbent help remove sulfur from FCCU gasoline streams. The company focused its research on the FCCU gasoline stream because it contained much of the sulfur that found its way into the blended gasoline pool.

The S Zorb process is selective in removing sulfur and is effective with low or high sulfur feeds. The process minimizes octane and C5+ volume loss-even while treating the entire FCCU gasoline stream.

The low sulfur gasoline technology uses little hydrogen. There is low octane loss, and there is very little volume loss, the company says. With these advantages, refiners using the technology will have the option of treating the whole cat gasoline stream at a minimum penalty. If fractionation capabilities are already in place, the technology is flexible enough to allow the refiner to treat just the heavier, higher sulfur, FCCU split stream with even less octane loss and a smaller unit.

Source: Phillips Petroleum Co., 756 PLB-PRC, Bartlesville, OK 74004.

Data logging system

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A versatile, inexpensive, triple facility In-Sense electronic system allows users to convert any standard pipeline pig into an internal data logging system. The tool will register a pipeline's temperature profile, impact points such as weld beads and pipeline features (valves and bends) and distance when fitted with an odometer wheel. This method of recording the condition and environment within a pipeline can obviate the need for caliper pig run during installation or production.

The tools are small, lightweight, cylindrical devices that can be attached to any pig with minor modifications using a single M10 threaded connection. The device is interrogated before and after the pig run using any standard PC or laptop computer.

The software allows a number of sets of results to be viewed. It can also produce blueprints of new pipelines that can be compared with subsequent pigging runs. Results can be transferred to other programs such as Microsoft Word or Powerpoint to allow enhancement for presentations.

Source: International Pipeline Products Ltd., Walkerville Industrial Estate, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, DL9 4RR U.K.

Safety analysis for large projects

A new approach to safety analysis and controlling risk in large projects such as offshore platforms is on the market. SAM 2000, a CD-ROM based package, helps users to develop analyses to meet the requirements of major standards, including IEC 61508; Def Stan 00-42, 00-43, and 00-56; RCTA/ DO 178B; and Cenelec, EN50128, and EN50129.

The process uses as its core the goal structuring notation (GSN) technique developed by the University of York.

GSN provides a logical, graphically based way of expressing arguments linked to supporting evidence. It examines underlying objectives, strategies, rationales, assumptions, justifications, and contextual information in a safety case. GSN also enables weak arguments and missing or irrelevant evidence to be identified and corrected.

SAM 2000 can be used also to ease the management of a range of complex processes-from the construction of legal cases to the planning and implementation of corporate change and the control of project risk.

Source: York Software Engineering Ltd., Glanford House, Bellwin Drive, Flixborough, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, England DN15 8SN.

Software tool for environmental management

OilTrack, new oil spill trajectory simulation software, includes a hydrodynamic model to calculate wind or tide generated water velocities and elevations in any complex geometry site. Its oil trajectory model uses 3D particle tracking techniques to determine oil spreading and dispersion according to oil properties, ocean diffusion, and Fay's spreading regimes. Users may generate full graphics.

Source: Computational Mechanics, Inc., 25 Bridge St., Billerica, MA 01821.