EQUIPMENT | SOFTWARE | LITERATURE

Sept. 10, 2012

New hydraulic actuator series

The new CHA hydraulic actuator series accepts supply pressures of as much as 6,000 psi.

Improved safety features include:

• Quick-disconnect design enables removal of the actuator from the bonnet within the valve operating stroke, without depressurizing the valve and releasing hydrocarbons.

• Dual-coil spring package is capable of shearing standard 7⁄32 in. braided cable, allowing valve closure.

• A captured spring design prevents release of the preloaded spring during repair or actuator removal.

• Top access rising stem provides a visual confirmation of the valve's position and an interface for the use of safety-related accessories.

The series offers two large-diameter (1⁄2 in.) LP actuator ports: one for easy alignment to supply lines, minimizing debris buildup and one with an optional safety head designed to protect the actuator from overpressurization and costly repairs. Operating at a maximum supply pressure of 6,000 psi allows use of a smaller actuator and greater control system flexibility. Fewer housing penetrations help prevent the ingress of dust or water for easy maintenance.

Source: GE Oil & Gas, 3300 N. Sam Houston Parkway, Houston, TX 77032.

On-demand reamer

Here's the Rhino XC on-demand reamer.

The new tool provides unlimited activation of the flow actuation system to enlarge boreholes. Building on Rhino XS hydraulically expandable reamer technology, the XC system, with ream-on-demand capabilities, provides control of reamer cutter-block deployment, regardless of well-inclination angle. Its flow activation system eliminates the need for time-consuming pump-down device activation, allowing the reamer to be placed below inner diameter-restricted bottomhole assembly components resulting in a reduced pilot-hole interval at total depth. With its on-demand capabilities and unlimited activations and deactivations of the cutter blocks, users can optimize their underreaming program in real time, the firm says. The XC reamer is effective in a variety of formations where simultaneous drilling and reliable hole enlargement are essential.

Its one-piece, balanced design increases torque and load-carrying capacity while reducing drilling-generated vibrations that produce undergauge and irregular boreholes. Once activated, the reamer enlarges wellbores for improved casing running, cement clearance, and equivalent circulating density control.

Source: Schlumberger Ltd., 5599 San Felipe, 17th Floor, Houston, TX 77056.