Digital radiography unit
FFRESHeX is a new radiography system that produces digital images in real-time as a single, continuous strip, at speeds of up to 55 mm/sec. A motorized orbiting mechanism allows scanning of circumferential and spiral welds in pipes. The image is acquired external to the pipe, eliminating the need for X-ray "crawlers," and the geometry and technique used presents the interpreter with a digital radiograph that looks like a panoramic exposure.
A linear drive facility also enables continuous scanning of longitudinal welds in a variety of applications.
Source: OIS Engineering Ltd., Grist Mill, Crittens Rd., Cobholm, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR31 0AG, UK.
Sulfide stress corrosion cracking technical standard
The 2000 edition of MR0175, "Sulfide Stress Cracking Resistant Metallic Materials for Oilfield Equipment," has been published.
Preventing stress corrosion cracking of metal materials used in oil and gas production is a concern for users and manufacturers. NACE standard MR0175 specifies the metallic material requirements for resistance to SSC for production, drilling, gathering and flowing equipment, and field processing facilities to be used in H2S-bearing hydrocarbon service. The standard is applicable to all components of equipment exposed to sour environments where failure by SSC would compromise the integrity of the pressure-containment system; or prevent the basic function of the equipment from occurring.
Sections of the standard address ferrous metals, nonferrous metals; fabrication; boiling; platings and coatings; special components; valves and chokes; wells, flowlines, gathering lines, facilities, and field processing plants; and drilling and well-servicing equipment.
Source: NACE International, Box 218340, Houston, TX 77218-8340.
Mobile fire-fighting rig
A new mobile fire-fighting rig with a one-two punch-dry chemical plus foam-applies an inert dry chemical to quickly quench a stubborn blaze, then foam-floods any smoldering material or flammable liquids to prevent reflash.
Developed for applications where cost or use of a full-size fire engine would be prohibitive, FlameOut can be mounted on a pickup truck or trailer, or bolted to a skid for permanent protection at a helicopter pad on an offshore platform.
It is particularly suited for refineries, petrochemical plants, pipelines, and offshore platforms.
In operation, FlameOut sprays foam and dry chemical or either one for up to 3 min. Dry chemical is Purple K, foam is 3% or 6% AFFF concentrate. Propelling force is nitrogen under pressure.
Rig tanks, for example, are welded carbon steel that hold 100-1,500 lb of dry chemical, foam pressures to 250 psi. Hoses have polyester jackets that shrug off snags and scrapes; hardware fittings are stainless steel, chrome-plated brass or anodized aluminum for extra-long life.
The unit comes complete with chemical and foam tanks, dual hoses, nitrogen tanks, manual or electric rewind reels, special quick-opining valves, and foam discharge nozzles.
Standard unit colors are brilliant red, white, or yellow; special colors are available on request.
Source: Fire Combat, 5500 Lincoln Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55436.
Internet portal opened for petroleum products
A new internet portal designated as FuelTrader.com offers business-to-business and business-to-consumer on-line buying, selling, and trading of petroleum products.
The new web site will allow this company's clients to provide seamless supply chain interaction to end users in exploration, production, manufacturing, wholesale, and retail operations. The site provides a digital market space for electronic buying and selling of products along the supply chain from crude to customer.
Contracts that come in over the internet are automatically rolled into the supply chain management and planning tools to help ensure that product is available for "pickup" at the lowest possible cost.
Source: Petrolsoft Corp., 12730 High Bluff Drive, Fourth Floor, San Diego, CA 92130.
