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1957 ACRES HBP 20 INJUN WELLS & 1 BEREA WELL
WAYNE COUNTY WV - TUG FORK Reply:
ELAHS GAS CO. PO Box 3813, Charleston, WV 25338 or elahsgas@yahoo.com
M P J
AINTING
CONTRACTOR CORP.
Since 1970 Mike John, President Olean Industrial Park • 291 Homer St. Olean, NY 14760 Phone: 716-373-3033 www.mjpaintingcontractor.com
Member of: Veriforce ISNetworld Pipeline Testing Consortium Midwest Energy Assoc.
TELL OUR ADVERTISERS YOU SAW THEIR AD IN THE NORTHEAST ONG MARKETPLACE
Certified In: SPC Coatings Denso Coatings Plural Component NACE CIP Level 1
Services offered: Sandblasting Epoxy Coatings Above and Below Ground Coatings Tanks and Towers Natural Gas Compressor Stations Natural Gas Pipe Lines Oil Refineries
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www.superiorheatingsolutions.com FOR LINKS TO INDUSTRY EVENTS - - - ONGMARKETPLACE.COM
THE NORTHEAST ONG MARKETPLACE
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THE NORTHEAST ONG MARKETPLACE
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ASSOCIATION MEETINGS IOGAWV WINTER MEETING -- WWW.IOGAWV.COM FEBRUARY 4-5, 2014 - CHARLESTON, WV
2014 OOGA WINTER MEETING -- WWW.OOGA.ORG
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COMING FOR 2014 EVERY ISSUE COVERS EVERY ISSUE Starting in January, we’re not going to cover one topic in each issue. We’re going to cover everything that impacts your business in the oil and gas industry.
MARCH 5-7, 2014 - COLUMBUS, OH • Water Management
OGIS NEW YORK -- WWW.IPAA.ORG APRIL 7-9, 2014 - NEW YORK, NY
IPAA MID-YEAR MEETING -- WWW.IPAA.ORG JUNE 18-20, 2014 - COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
IOGANY SUMMER MEETING -- WWW.IOGANY.ORG JULY 16-17, 2014 - FINDLEY LAKE, NY
IOGAWV SUMMER MEETING -- WWW.IOGAWV.COM AUGUST 3-5, 2014 - WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, WV
• New Technology • Legal and Regulatory Updates • Environmental Management • Health and Safety • Industry Insights You don’t need to wait if you want to learn more about one of these topics. Each issue will cover all of them. If there’s something specific you want to know or something you want to share, let us know.
2014 OOGA SUMMER MEETING -- WWW.OOGA.ORG
855-269-1188
AUGUST 4-5, 2014 - ZANESVILLE, OH
info@ongmarketplace.com
ARTICLES FOCUS: COLD WEATHER - Baby, It’s Cold Outside . . . . . .6-7-8 FOCUS: COLD WEATHER - How Will Plunging Temperatures Affect Your Shale Operations? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-17 BUSINESS PROFILE: Hole New Direction; F.T. Seismic . . . . .20 NEW TECHNOLOGY: Frac Tanks Transition to Lighter Weight, Insulated Floating Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13 SAFETY ON THE JOB: Personal Protective Equipment Focus FR Clothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24-25
CALENDARS Association Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Training and Workshops Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
EVENTS Marcellus-Utica Midstream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 NAPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
ADVERTISER INDEX PAGE Alberts Spray Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Alpine Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 American Refining Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Bri-Chem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Cam-Tek Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 CARES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Colorado Lining International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Complete Coating Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 CPI Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Crown Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 DR Wellsite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Drill Baby Drill Staffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Ernst Seed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 ETC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Godwin Pumps - Xylem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Hart Automation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 In-Line Plastics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 ITL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Keystone Clearwater Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Kuhns Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Lee Reger Builds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Lightning Energy Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Mansfield Crane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Marcellus Safety Consulting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Marietta Coal Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 McCluskey & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Mid-Atlantic Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 MJ Painting Contractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Mustang Aerial Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 New Pig Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 New River Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
North American Field Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Oil Center Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 PSB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Quality Bridge and Fabrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Rig Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 SAMCO Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Shale Tec (Penn College) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Shannon Safety Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 SiteSaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Skycasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 ST!CK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Sunnyside Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Thomas Petroleum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Unit Liner Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 V-F Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Weavertown Environmental Group . . . . . . . . . . . 15
CONTACT US FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION OR MAILING LIST CHANGES:
THE NORTHEAST ONG MARKETPLACE P. O. BOX 1441 • OAK HILL, WV 25901 1-855-269-1188 FAX: (304) 465-5065 E-MAIL: INFO@ONGMARKETPLACE.COM The Northeast ONG Marketplace will not be liable for any misprint in advertising copy which is not the fault of The Northeast ONG Marketplace, and if a misprint should occur the limits of our liability will be the amount charged for the advertisement. We do not assume responsibility for the content of advertising or articles herein. Any warranties or representations made in the advertisements are those of the advertisers and not The Northeast ONG Marketplace.
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OUR CIRCULATION IN THE NORTHEAST The Northeast ONG Marketplace circulation is targeted to cover producers, operators, equipment providers and services providers. It is mailed out each month free of charge to over 10,800 recipients: • • • • • •
PA - 3,268 OH - 1,794 WV - 1,269 MI - 735 Other Notheast - 2,092 Outside Northest - 1,728
Experienced Commercial Drivers Deliver within the surrounding area DAY and NIGHT shifts available
Our ever growing mailing list is frequently updated using a variety of resources to maintain the most current industry names and businesses working throughout the region. The Northeast ONG Marketplace is also distributed at most shows and expos in the region.
Requirements: • Class A or B CDL w/X Endorsement (2 years experience preferred • Clear MVR and Criminal Record Required • Liquid Hauling Experience • Oilfield Experience a Plus
(361) 573-8074 Apply online at: www.thomaspetro.com
We will provide: • Modern and Well-Maintained Equipment • Premium Pay for Nights • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life • 401(k) • Vacation and Sick Leave • Quarterly Bonus Program • Holidays - six (6) paid holidays each year • Uniforms Provided Top Pay! Call for details.
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350 BBL UPRIGHT TANK
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WELL PAD - 26’ X 52’ TOTAL VOLUME: 400 BBL TANKS - 3,200 BBL 350 BBL TANKS - 4,200 BBL
( 8 5 5 ) - CROWN TANK (855) - 276-9682 FA X : ( 6 0 7 ) 7 3 3 - 8 3 9 7
HAVE SURPLUS EQUIPMENT TO SELL? - LIST IT IN THE NORTHEAST ONG MARKETPLACE
THE NORTHEAST ONG MARKETPLACE
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FOCUS COLD WEATHER
Baby, It’s Cold Outside by Kristie Kubovic, Director of Communications, Shale Media Group Edited by: Mindy Gattner, Editor, Shale Media Group With the holiday season here, many radio stations have changed over to playing all holiday music. You may hear, Baby, It’s Cold Outside, which may put you in the winter spirit. Or if you’re ‘walking in a winter wonderland,’ it may be time to outfit yourself in a warm coat, hat and gloves. While the winter months may bring some pleasure from the festivities, activities or apparel, it may bring others pain, who are trying to stay warm or dealing with driving in or shoveling snow. Whether it affects you positively or negatively, one thing is certain, the winter months greatly affect the shale, oil and gas industry. First of all, cold weather benefits the shale, oil and gas industry. Rick Stouffer, Editor, Gas Business Briefing, a division of Platts, explained, “Many consumers, whether homeowners or large industrial complexes, rely on natural gas as a primary source of heat. Obviously, in most cases, colder temperatures lead consumers to turn up their thermostat. Using more heat creates a higher demand for the product.” In other words, as temperatures drop in the winter months, natural gas usage goes up.
Not only does cold weather benefit the shale, oil and gas industry, but many precautions must also be taken because of it. There is no downtime when it comes to oil and gas production. Some equipment is utilized 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Like any outside activity, cold weather could impact the process of collecting oil and gas. For instance, that equipment could freeze up. Specific measures must be taken to protect that equipment and shield it from the weather, whether it be a tarp or heater. Portable heaters are one way to keep equipment from freezing; however, due to the risk of combustion on a well site, not just any heater will work. Superior Heating Solutions offers a solution to this problem and sells and rents flameless heaters. Mike Peruffo, GM, Superior Heating Solutions, relayed, “From a safety prospective, the industry is moving to flameless heaters that create heat through the shearing and agitation of hydraulic fluid. We represent Therm Dynamics flameless heaters that provide the safest, simplest, most fuel-efficient heating and freeze protection options to the energy industry. These units provide the added safety of no flame on a well pad and, as an added bonus, run 90%+ efficient for fuel consumption, thus reducing the carbon footprint.” Plus, they meet or exceed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and American Petroleum Institute (API) standards.
Image Courtesy of NiSource Midstream Services “Consumers using more natural gas help both producers and pipeline companies, who like it when more natural gas is pulled from the ground. The producers, who extract the gas from the ground, know that there is a large market for the product during the winter months,” stated Stouffer. Stouffer also says a misnomer from a couple decades ago is that pipeline companies set the price of oil and gas and points out, “Pipeline companies only make money from what is shipped through the pipelines and only charge what the government allows. When more natural gas flows through the pipelines, pipeline companies make more money. Since most consumers use more natural gas during the winter months, it benefits the pipeline companies, most during the coldest season.”
Image Courtesy of Mike Peruffo, GM, Superior Heating Solutions Peruffo explained, “Flame heaters must be kept a distance from any combustible environments on a well site. The heat would then be ducted to where it is needed. Flameless can be placed right next to a well head or
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FOCUS COLD WEATHER or in a combustible environment for the freeze protection of the equipment without the risk of combustion.”
moisture wicking is tremendous, plus the base layers start at HRC 1 and are designed to be worn under other FR garments,” relayed Wilson.
There are two types of portable heat generally used on well sites: forced-air and hydronic. Flameless and indirect fired are under the forced-air category, which uses air to transfer heat. Hydronic heaters utilize a liquid to transfer heat via direct contact. Image from www.wackerneuson.com “For pipeline freeze protection hydronic heaters employ a glycol/water blend that is heated then circulated through a flexible line or hose that is wrapped around a pipeline to provide heat via direct contact,” responded Peruffo.
HRC stands for Hazard Risk Category and ranges from one to four with one being low risk and four being most dangerous. In addition, Wilson recommended Carhartt quilted jackets and lined bibs and says, “They look like standard work wear, but offer warmth and flame resistance with HRC level 3 or 4 compliance. Carhartt is really modeling their work wear line for their FR line. This provides comfort and extended style options.” As for the extremities, Slate Rock Safety offers flame resistant, fleece neck gaiters, hats and mittens to protect a worker’s neck, head and hands.
Flameless heaters have evolved with the oil and gas industry. Since flameless heaters were first introduced to the industry, they have grown to be very popular and successful due to their safety and fuel efficiency. In addition, to preventing equipment from freezing, the flameless heaters also provide heat for on-site personnel. In addition, to flameless heaters, on-site personnel can help keep warm with specific apparel. Kim Wilson, President, Slate Rock Safety, says, “Warm, safety apparel has come a long way, both in terms of appearance and quality. Every manufacturer has heard the feedback from the industry and continues to develop more comfortable and stylish products each season.” Wilson recommends that workers exposed to the cold wear a base layer, similar to what a snow skier may wear. “National Safety Apparel and Drifire offer flame resistant moisture wicking apparel that help regulate the body temperature by wicking or pulling moisture away from the skin. These are offered in long and short sleeve varieties in addition to long pants. The
Image Courtesy of Kim Wilson, President, Slate Rock Safety
No matter how much heat is applied or how many clothing layers are worn, sometimes other solutions need to be enacted. Joe Hogan, President, Sheffield Fire & Safety Co. and 1st Fire Protection, explained that every vehicle at a well-site must be outfitted with a high flow fire extinguisher for safety. However, this sometimes creates another set of issues. Doug Higgins, Account Executive, Sheffield Fire & Safety Co. and 1st Fire Protection, says, “Each fire extinguisher is encased in a reinforced vinyl cover that is designed to protect the fire extinguisher against the weather elements at the well-sites. This cover could either be solid or have a clear window.”
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FOCUS COLD WEATHER HRC stands for Hazard Risk Category and ranges from one to four with one being low risk and four being most dangerous. In addition, Wilson recommended Carhartt quilted jackets and lined bibs and says, “They look like standard work wear, but offer warmth and flame resistance with HRC level 3 or 4 compliance. Carhartt is really modeling their work wear line for their FR line. This provides comfort and extended style options.” As for the extremities, Slate Rock Safety offers flame resistant, fleece neck gaiters, hats and mittens to protect a worker’s neck, head and hands.
vehicle at a well-site must be outfitted with a high flow fire extinguisher for safety. However, this sometimes creates another set of issues. Doug Higgins, Account Executive, Sheffield Fire & Safety Co. and 1st Fire Protection, says, “Each fire extinguisher is encased in a reinforced vinyl cover that is designed to protect the fire extinguisher against the weather elements at the well-sites. This cover could either be solid or have a clear window.”
Image Courtesy of Joe Hogan, President, Sheffield Fire & Safety Co. and 1st Fire Protection
No matter how much heat is applied or how many clothing layers are worn, sometimes other solutions need to be enacted. Joe Hogan, President, Sheffield Fire & Safety Co. and 1st Fire Protection, explained that every
Shale Media Group (SMG) is your news, information, education and mapping resource dedicated to the shale, oil and gas industries by messaging across Internet, radio, publications, video and events. For more, check out ShaleMediaGroup.com, TheMarcellusShale.com, The UticaShale.com, TheShaleAcademy.com, Shaleadvantage.com or listen to Tejas Gosai on “Shale Energy Now” at ShaleEnergyNow.com.
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DECEMBER 3-5, 2013
2013 OILFIELD EXPO
CLEVELAND OH
DECEMBER 9-10, 2013
MARCELLUS SHALE EXTRACTION
PITTSBURGH PA
JANUARY 14, 2014
SPE PITTSBURGH: OPTIMIZED SHALE RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
CARNEGIE PA
JANUARY 28-30, 2014
MARCELLUS-UTICA MIDSTREAM CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION
PITTSBURGH PA
FEBRUARY 18-20, 2014
ALTERNATIVE FUELING EXPO & CONFERENCE
MONROEVILLE PA
APRIL 7-9, 2014
SHALESAFE CONFERENCE AND EXPO
WHEELING WV
APRIL 9-11, 2014
NAPE EAST
PITTSBURGH PA
WWW.OOGA.ORG
WWW.MARCELLUSSHALEEXTRACTION.COM
WWW.SPEPGH.WEEBLY.COM/INDEX.HTML
WWW.MARCELLUSMIDSTREAM.COM
WWW.ALTERNATIVEFUELINGEXPO.COM
WWW.SHALESAFE.INFO
WWW.NAPEEXPO.COM
- - - - - - NATIONAL EVENTS - - - - - DECEMBER 9-11, 2013
DIGITAL OILFIELDS USA SUMMIT
HOUSTON TX
FEBRUARY 4-5, 2014
IADC HEALTH, SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT & TRAINING CONFERENCE & EXPO
HOUSTON TX
FEBRUARY 4-7, 2014
WINTER NAPE EXPO
HOUSTON TX
MARCH 4-5, 2014
IADC/SPE DRILLING CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION
FORT WORTH TX
WWW.DIGITALOILFIELDSUSA.COM
WWW.IADC.ORG
WWW.NAPEEXPO.COM
WWW.IADC.ORG
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR LINKS TO THESE EVENTS - ONGMARKETPLACE.COM
THE NORTHEAST ONG MARKETPLACE
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Mobile Dredging & Pumping Co. northeastern PA location Bri-Chem Supply Corp. is in the business of warehousing and delivering products used for drilling, cementing, completing and producing oil & gas wells. Bri-Chem Supply also provides products in the mining, water treatment, water well drilling, environmental remediation and construction industries. Our facilities in the Northeast is located at 59 Leetsdale Industrial Drive, Leetsdale, Pennsylvania and 318 North Elmer Ave., Sayre Pennsylvania Facilities Manager: Ken Hicks Phone: 724-318-8153 Fax: 724-385-0471 Cell: 570-637-6530 Northeast Sales & Marketing Manager: James Browder Cell: 512-587-5701 The Leetsdale facility has a complete Liquid Mud Mixing Plant for Oil Mud Based Fluids.
We handle a wide range of products: • • • • •
Weighting Agents Viscosifiers Shale Control Inhibitors Lost Circulation Materials Defoamers
• • • • •
Filtrate Control Additives Lubricants Flocculants Thinning-Dispersants Oil Mud Products
Bri-Chem Supply aims to be your source for all of your drilling fluids additive needs. Visit our main web site at: www.brichemsupplycorp.com Product Data & MSDS: https://sites.google.com/site/brichemsupplycorpllc/ Soda Ash Direct: www.sodaashdirect.com Bentonite Direct: www.bentonitesupplier.com CaNitrate Direct: www.canitratedirect.com
CONTACT US TODAY FOR A PRICE QUOTE. PHONE: 303-722-1681 BELFIELD, ND CASPER, WY DENVER, CO FARMINGTON, NM MYTON, UT BAKERSFIELD, CA
ALICE, TX BIG SPRING, TX HUNTSVILLE, TX HOUSTON, TX TYLER, TX
CLINTON, OK CLICKASHA, OK ENID, OK LEETSDALE, PA SAYRE, PA
We Offer A Full Range of Gas Field Services • • • • •
Drill Cutting Processing Solids Dewatering Industrial Vacuuming Frac Tank Cleaning Vacuum Box / Roll Off Services • Hydro-Excavation • Water Recycling Advantages of Drill Cutting Processing The advantages of drill cutting processing is that it is a portable process, is environmentally safe, reduces disposal cost by reducing weight of material transported to landfill, reduces water use by recycling water, smaller footprint on drill pad, less truck traffic, and less community impact.
Let Us Quote On Your Next Project!
570-942-0222 Web Site: www.mobiledredging.com
Focused on service to the Marcellus Shale Industry. Mobile Dredging & Pumping Co. is focused on providing our customers with the highest level and most technically advanced gas field services in the industry. All field technicians are 40 Hour Hazwoper trained. We are ISO/14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007 certified.
MOBILE DREDGING & PUMPING CO. 167 Jones Road
Nicholson, PA 18446
570-942-0222
E-Mail: DHuggler@mobiledredging.com
A Carylon Company
E M A I L S U B S C R I P T I O N S - - S T I L L F R E E - - L E S S PA P E R
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N E W T E C H N O LO G Y
Frac Tanks Transition to Lighter Weight, Insulated Floating Covers by Andre Harvey, Colorado Lining International, Inc. (CLI) Images by CLI
Wind uplift is an expensive threat to containment operations. Frac tank installations benefit from flexible cover systems, but strong winds can lead to loss of poorly secured covers, downtime, replacement costs, and great loss of overall material and energy costs. Traditionally, proper security has required heavier, more cumbersome cover materials and rudimentary locking measures that offered marginal restraint against wind forces. Beyond that, solid tank covers have had to be used. Those options ultimately compromise operational efficiency and lead to higher site costs. Colorado Lining International has worked in floating cover operations in all industries for more than 35 years. After close interaction with the ONG field about the problem of wind uplift, the company has engineered a system that directly addresses the need for strong protection while enabling lightweight, insulated cover systems.
The lightweight cover option, which utilizes prefabricated panels, is extremely manageable and can be installed and locked into place by inexperienced crews. In addition, they are designed to be easily field configured to make allowances for piping and tank system appurtenances that protrude into the tank’s interior perimeter to avoid snagging as contained water levels rise and fall.
Two systems have emerged, both of which give the site operator considerable and simple customization:
While CLI has worked internationally in highly sensitive sectors such as potable water reservoir floating covers, the immediate ancestor of this
• A lightweight, insulated cover with US & international patent-pending weighted tethers with a robust, adjustable mounting system that is reusable over numerous installations. • An intermediate weight, thermal control cover with reusable, self-aligning hexagonal panels Both systems are designed to be installed, adjusted and maintained by non-specialized crews working in diverse environments. The systems are applicable to tanks of all sizes, from smaller 60-ft. and even lesser diameter installations to diameters beyond 195 ft. They are applicable to rounded tanks and rectangular plan-view shaped containments with vertical walls. With pre-fabrication and non-specialized on-site labor/maintenance involved, the systems are extraordinarily economical. They are even being utilized in year-round evaporation and algae prevention, not simply as a winter-only heat-trapping stopgap.
CLI’s Tethering System
economical tethering ring-based security for frac tanks rests in the agriculture sector. There, CLI developed its first lightweight tether systems to protect open-top livestock tanks from algae and evaporation. The lightweight tether restrained cover systems feature tethering rings that are essentially a large/compressive grommet which distributes point-load forces over a larger area. They act as a buffering wear surface at the tether cable to cover membrane interface. The full outside perimeter of the cover is designed to roll below the water surface elevation to prevent wind from getting underneath the cover. The proven tether/ring combination enables covers to significantly resist both lateral and rotational movement from high wind loads. Storm water drains are built into the pre-fabricated product and a separate US & international patent-pending “Omega Clip” system for cover panel joining and perimeter ballasting provide elegantly simple solutions addressing wind vulnerabilities from uplift in these areas. Further, the preferable cover color is opaque black for enhanced snow melt and avian deterrence. Translucent colors can actually attract water fowl (thereby requiring expensive bird netting) and encourage detrimental algae growth. Though translucent cover membranes can impart some
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N E W T E C H N O LO G Y solar heat gain and reduce externally applied heating energy costs, those benefits are far less significant during winter months with short daylight hours, cloudy skies and snow loads. Opaque covers are excellent for controlling algae without the necessity for biocide additives. In translucent cover systems algaecides are typically required and overdosing of these products results in spontaneous liner and cover damage that can become catastrophic.
and large energy corporations have embraced these systems. Users report that they can not only re-use the hardware, but often the cover membranes themselves. The stability and practicality of the tethered cover systems have been well appreciated, providing a non-intimidating, easily implementable solution for the many “boots on the ground” crews work often in difficult conditions to make the ONG field thrive. CLI provides the light and intermediate weight systems, guidance, and pre-fabrication services out of its primary facilities in Colorado and Texas.
Importantly, all types of popularly used membranes (including double-lined systems) work with the lightweight, prefabricated design. For the intermediate weight system, the hexagonal blocks consist of a water-permeable bonded matrix comprised of post-consumer closed-cell foam products. They embed into the water surface where water is taken on. This makes them heavy yet buoyant while inducing surface tension with the contained liquid. As such, the blocks do not require connections or tethers. The blocks allow water flow but preserve thermal control. COMING TO A SITE NEAR YOU The earliest adopters of these new frac tank covers have been in Colorado and Wyoming—sites which have provided significant, open wind challenges. Both systems have performed very well and subsequent projects are being served in Utah, Pennsylvania and Canada. Both small companies
Mr. Harvey has a 20+ year career in the designing of geosynthetic systems all over the world with a focus on energy, mining and municipal systems and routinely consults to universities and algae cultivation entities globally. If you would like more infomation on these systems contact him at: aharvey@coloradolining.com
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Lewisburg Warehouse/ Office space for lease
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FOCUS COLD WEATHER
HOW WILL PLUNGING TEMPERATURES AFFECT YOUR SHALE OPERATIONS? by Jennifer Groff, Marketing Coordinator - ImpactWeather, Inc.
The holiday season always brings excitement to see the first snowfall and the grandeur it casts across the landscape. Oil and gas operations managers located throughout the Marcellus and Utica shale plays, however, have a less romantic view of what is to come this winter weather season. With shale fields located in some of the most remote regions of the country, everyone on the team, from field service engineers to crew managers, knows that the drop in temperature signals yet another set of challenges. Blizzards, freezing rain, high winds and severe thunderstorms plague operators in the Northeast, threatening crews, equipment and production schedules.
Safety is another major concern among operators, especially when forecasts call for thunderstorms that produce lightning and tornadoes. These storms often cause serious injuries, or worse, death. Developing year-round in the Northeast, severe storms are particularly prominent ahead of strong cold fronts. Lightning also presents a very dangerous situation for operators because it often extends laterally for many miles regardless of whether or not the storm is directly overhead. Rapid freezing and thawing of the ground creates the hazard of equipment becoming stuck in mud, or in ruts carved by other heavy machinery. The delay in production caused by these mishaps is an avoidable headache if temperature fluctuations are known ahead of time.
Winter Weather Worries According to Forrester Research, weather is the leading cause of business disruptions 1 . For most shale operators, downtime caused by an extreme weather event, such as freezing rain or a blizzard, can cost a single operation thousands of dollars. When multiplied by the number of rigs that company has located throughout the affected region, those costs then become millions of dollars in profit leaks resulting from a single weather event.
Blizzards are the typical culprit for downtime and damage from December through March. They halt rig moves, chemical transportation, and interrupt the movement of crews and service providers. These drilling and scheduling delays can hand the competitive advantage to another operator who availed themselves of crucial weather data.
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FOCUS COLD WEATHER From drilling and scheduling delays to reduced personnel safety, legal liabilities, profit leaks and loss of market share, winter weather can wreak havoc on even the most seasoned of shale operations. To combat these challenges, many operators are enlisting the guidance provided by weather service professionals who specialize in oil and gas exploration and production.
Combating the Cold Some operators rely on weather information, gleaned from publicly available Smartphone applications or the internet. The limitations of these data are particularly apparent for rigs located in rural areas. Public weather information, such as that provided by the National Weather Service (NWS), is generated for the purpose of serving major population centers. Most drilling sites are located a long distance from major cities, weather observation stations and Doppler radar stations, therefore NWS data fall far short of covering threats to these sites. Information generated by the NWS is not designed to serve private businesses or forecast for commercial endeavors. In order to safely protect their assets, shale operators are increasingly seeking additional weather support that focuses on accurate and timely forecasts. Weather service providers, like ImpactWeather, offer site-specific forecasting honed to the latitude and longitude of a drilling operation’s location. ImpactWeather’s team of highly-trained meteorologists is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to speak with operators regarding any winter weather challenges that might arise, no matter the rig’s position. The high degree of granularity in these forecasts allows operators and rig supervisors to avoid being surprised by shutdown-causing weather events. With access to the world’s largest and fastest lightning network, ImpactWeather’s severe thunderstorm alerts have an average lead time of 27 minutes, which is 50 percent greater than the NWS weather warnings. For many operators across the Marcellus shale, ImpactWeather provides weekly soil temperature and quantitative precipitation forecasts for ground freeze and thaw, to assist operators in scheduling moves with little impact on the environment. These meteorologists also provide short and long-range weather forecasts that could reveal potentially hazardous conditions to a shale operator’s exact location days before a storm’s arrival.
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FOCUS COLD WEATHER east across the region, bringing lower than normal temperatures for the month, with average readings at least two to four degrees Fahrenheit below normal. January will not bring any relief for winter weather challenges. According to Schmude’s winter forecast, the Northeast U.S. and adjacent parts of Southeast Canada will see a greater frequency of winter storms with a higher than normal risk of one or two major winter storms during the first month of 2014. Temperatures will trend cooler than normal and average one to three degrees Fahrenheit below normal. Anyone operating in the Northeast shale plays is no stranger to the harshness of winter weather. Safeguarding operations and personnel by preparing ahead of time alleviates much of the stress of planning and moving rigs, allowing operators to focus on more pressing matters. To learn how a private weather service provider can mitigate downtime and increase the productivity of a rig site, visit www.ImpactWeather.com.
Photo: Impact Weather Operations Marcellus Shale’s Forecast Now that winter weather is on the horizon, it is time to prepare for potential problems. According to ImpactWeather’s long-range forecast specialist and StormWatch Manager Fred Schmude, the Northeast will see colder than normal temperatures and potentially stormy weather patterns for much of December. This is based on long range computer models, current and projected water temperature trends, and analog and solar cycle data from the past and present. In addition to the winter storm risk, shale operators in the Northeast can expect a higher frequency of colder air masses from Canada shifting south-
1: Forrester Research, Inc. (Q4, 2011). [151 Global Business Continuity Decision-Makers and Influencers Who Have Had to Invoke a Business Continuity Plan]. Disaster Recovery Journal Business Continuity Preparedness Survey.
About ImpactWeather – A StormGeo Company ImpactWeather, a wholly owned subsidiary of StormGeo, serves as the weather department for hundreds of corporations around the globe, enabling them to make the smartest business decisions when faced with weather-related challenges. As a round-the-clock weather data provider, ImpactWeather’s highly trained team of meteorologists and business continuity experts offer advanced site-specific forecasting and modeling, weather alerts and business resiliency tools that are custom-configured for each client. To learn more, visit www.ImpactWeather.com or call 877-792-3220.
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Hole
NEW DIRECTION
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Young company secures niche in seismic, micro-seismic drilling with Atlas Copco hammers & drills.
To say that Mike Comstock has an interesting background is an understatement. The short version is that after returning to the construction business in his home state of New York after doing well in Alaska as a transport boat owner-operator and an Alaskan ice road driver, he and his wife established a small company cutting trails, grading access roads and pads, and improving sites for large drill rigs. Natural gas in the Marcellus Shale of northeast Pennsylvania and upstate New York was beginning to create a boom in the regional economy.
geographic area, executed precisely to an engineer’s specifications in order to place the sonic sources for readings.
It was while cutting trails for what Comstock called “tracked buggies” that he became inspired to enter the drilling business. “I kept seeing these things going by while we worked. There was just something that seemed wrong about them to me. I said ‘I can do better than that.’” With that, Comstock committed himself to the seismic drilling industry.
Mela is not just an equipment salesman. He worked for 20 years as a heavy equipment mechanic and has extensive experience setting up drill rigs. Part of his connection to Comstock was his genuine interest in Comstock’s endeavor, and the rest was the impression Comstock made on him. “Mike’s steps are always longer than his stride,” Mela said, the old expression used to describe those who are continually stretching their capabilities.
In seismic drilling, blasts in drilled holes serve as sonic sources that will produce a picture of underground geology though their reflected vibrations. The process is somewhat analogous to the way fishermen use sonar units to “see” fish below them. Each of the holes receives a small charge just large enough to “bump” the ground. Vibration from these charges reflects back from variance in underlying structures to an array of geophones systematically placed over the holes on the surface. F.T. Seismic’s involvement is concluded after the charges are set. Other contractors will place the geophones. The information they receive is sent to computer software that interprets and records it for a highly detailed 3-D graphic representation from which gas companies can plan how best to harvest the resource. Today seismic drilling is the company’s specialty. F.T. Seismic Support has become a major supplier of field construction services throughout the northeastern U.S., as well as an international manufacturer. Headquartered in Campbell, N.Y., the company has a fabrication and repair shop in Avoca, N.Y., and a satellite office in Houston, Texas. F.T. Seismic Support has provided its services across the country, drilling in Arkansas, California, Oklahoma, and various locations in the Rocky Mountains. Comstock credited the company’s incredible success to the quality people around him. Starting with just six employees, the company now has a 150-person workforce. “I’ve got my son, Chris, an aeronautical engineer who right now is completely running the microseismic operations. Joe Baldwin is an incredible mechanic. I’ve got Corey Campbell, my fabricator and shop manager. There’s a lot of versatility in the company personnel.” Tooling from Atlas Copco When his fleet needed hammers and bits, Comstock contacted Atlas Copco in Clarks Summit, who set up F.T. Seismic with Secoroc products. F.T. Seismic primarily uses Atlas Copco Secoroc TD 35 and DHD 3.5 hammers to drive 3 7/8 inch Atlas Copco hammer bits 20 feet down on an average job. “When you’re getting paid by feet drilled, you want the power to be in and out of the holes.” To gain perspective of his concern, consider that a recent job required F.T. Seismic to drill an 18,000-hole pattern in an 80 square mile area of northeast Pennsylvania in the Marcellus Shale geography. That is typical in this line of work. Thousands of shallow holes are drilled over a large
It was just five years ago that Comstock contacted Atlas Copco for drilling tools. That’s how he met Joe Mela of Atlas Copco at the Clarks Summit, Penn., store. “The thing that impressed me about Joe,” Comstock said, “is that he took the time to sit down and talk to me about what we wanted to do.”
Clarks Summit store manager Tim Tinsley said that was one difference in how Atlas Copco distinguishes itself from other manufacturers. The company’s first preference, of course, is to provide customers with Atlas Copco rigs, whose designs are based on thoroughly researched, globally field-tested technology. But Atlas Copco is also willing to help all customers, even fledgling companies, giving exactly the support deemed appropriate for that particular customer’s situation and needs. Mela introduced Comstock to his colleague who specialized in rock drilling tools, Joe Stewart, also of the Atlas Copco store in Clarks Summit. Stewart keeps F.T. Seismic in supply of pneumatic hammers and bits, as well as poly crystalline diamond composite bits, referred to as PDC, for rotary work. F.T. Seismic is also doing microseismic drilling projects. Gas companies have been under pressure by concerned groups over the possibility that hydraulic fracturing might be an environmental hazard. To provide indisputable evidence of hydraulic fracturing’s low environmental impact, permanent ground-condition monitoring systems are set around fields prior to fracking. The strategically located monitors are permanently grouted in holes typically drilled to 120 feet deep. The data they collect establishes conditions before fracturing, records any changes to conditions during fracturing and provides permanent monitoring. As microseismic monitoring systems prove their worth, demand for skilled drillers will only increase. This past winter’s mild weather put some of his projects as much as three months ahead of schedule. Comstock saw no sign that business would let up any time soon. “I get calls every day asking for more rigs, more rigs, more rigs,” he said. “But getting rigs isn’t the problem. It’s that I can’t find enough qualified operators to train. I don’t care what kind of drilling equipment you have. The wrong person can wreck a rig. We’ll look at 500 candidates to get 20. And it takes us a year to train a driller.” The sign in front of F.T. Seismic Support’s Avoca shop says “Help Wanted”—but only apply if you want to be counted among the best in the business. They won’t hire less. For more information on F.T. Sesmic’s services visit: www.ftseismic.com
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SAFETY ON THE JOB
Personal Protective Equipment Focus – FR Clothing Last month I began a series of articles based on different articles of personal protective equipment (PPE) with an overview of different types of boots and other ways to keep your feet protected while on the job. For this month’s installment, I have decided to give an overview on FR clothing, which is probably the most important piece of PPE to consider when working in the Oil and Gas industry. For the purposes of this article, we will assume that a flash-fire hazard assessment has already been completed in compliance with NFPA Standard 2112 and OSHA 29CFR 1910.132, and that a flash-fire risk has been established. It is important to note that, as the least effective hazard control, PPE should be the last line of defense for protection. Elimination or substitution of the hazard, engineering controls, warning alarms and training are all more effective ways to keep the worker protected.
and cannot be washed out or worn out if properly used and laundered. A key benefit to selecting an inherently FR garment is the knowledge that, as long as the manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance are followed, the wearer will always be protected for the life of the garment. “Treated” fabrics, also referred to as “topically treated”, are fabrics that have had a special mixture of flame resistant chemicals added in the later stages of the manufacturing process. This blend of chemicals is added to make the final product flame resistant. Unlike fabrics made with inherently flame resistant fibers, topically treated fabrics could have their flame resistant properties diminished or removed completely depending on how they are laundered and/or what chemicals they are exposed to in the work environment. A key drawback to selecting a topically treated FR garment is that after prolonged use and laundering, there is no way to know if the flame resistant properties have been diminished or lost.
Continued e
FR clothing is defined as an article that will not support combustion after the heat source is removed. FR materials are not fireproof, meaning if the heat source is allowed to stay in contact with the material, it will burn. There are two ways to achieve flame resistance in textiles, to use inherently flame resistant fibers in the fabric and to chemically treat the fabric. Knowing and understanding the difference between these two types of technologies is extremely important for those responsible for evaluating, selecting and wearing FR clothing. “Inherent”, as it relates to flame resistant fibers, means that the flame resistant properties have been embedded in the material since the fibers were first created. Because these flame resistant properties are an intrinsic part of the fibers, flame resistance is permanent
THE NORTHEAST ONG MARKETPLACE Now that the types of FR materials available have been defined, it is important to verify that the materials being used by the manufacturer have been tested to meet or exceed all standards set forth by the NFPA and ASTM, and are certified as such. Some other things to consider while selecting your FR garments are whether or not the manufacturer discloses where the fabric is made, if they follow an ongoing testing protocol, whether they can track every item back to the original roll of fabric from which it was made, whether the garments are comfortable for the user and whether or not you feel that the standards the material has been tested to address your realworld conditions. Once you have decided on the garments that will best protect your workers from the hazards they face, it is time to determine whether you are getting the best value in your product. Some manufacturers might use the best fabrics available, but cut costs by using unreinforced snaps, fewer bar tack reinforcement stiches, or single rows of stitching on the pockets. Investigating the way seams are sewn together, the number of stitches per inch, and how well the garment is reinforced in stress areas will be good indications as to the durability of the product. The higher quality garments might cost a little more up front, but will be a better value in the long run by being able to last a lot longer than the less expensive options.
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After your FR garments have been purchased and distributed to the workers, an effort must be made to train the wearer on proper use, care and maintenance of the garment. Make sure that users are aware that FR clothing can only protect them where they are covered. Making sure that all buttons are properly fastened, sleeves are secured at the wrist and collars are secured at the neck can make a critical difference when dealing with flash fires. It is also important to inspect garments before each use to make sure there are no frays, tears or holes, and to make repairs to or replace items as needed. It is equally important to make sure that all users are sure to read and abide by the manufacturers laundering instructions. Bleach, harsh detergents and fabric softeners should never be used to launder FR garments. Hopefully this article has given some insight as to what to look out for when selecting FR clothing. For more information regarding regulations and standards for flash fire risk assessment and FR clothing, please visit the American Society for Testing and Materials website at www.ASTM.org, the National Fire Protection Association website at www.NFPA.org, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration website at www.OSHA.gov. In last month’s article on safety footwear, I referenced the ANSI Z411999 standard, which was withdrawn and updated in 2005. I should also have made reference to OSHA CFR (1910.132) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) General Requirements or (1910.136) Foot Protection. Special thanks to Wayne Vanderhoof, CSP of RJR Safety, Inc. for bringing this mistake and oversight to my attention. By Chris Chadwick, Safety Products Coordinator at SunnySide Supply, Inc. www.SunnySideSupply.com
The Quick, Accurate Internet Deployment Solution. When Skycasters released their first Nomad AZ/EL Cap to the Oil and Gas industry in 2010, it quickly became the most popular satellite dish aiming system on the market. Installers praised its speed, precision, and ease of use. But we didn’t stop there. With a more rugged elevation crank handle and featuring a new spring-assisted design, our new model has virtually eliminated back lash. Coupled with a new heavy duty support rod and cross support system, the quality and reliability of the Nomad is unsurpassed. Designed for years of hassle-free use, the more often you move your satellite dish, the more you’ll appreciate the Nomad AZ/EL Cap. Call 1-800-268-8653 to get your hands on one today. See all our portable solutions at skycasters.com
References: “Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor.” (8 June 2011). General Requirements for Personal protective Equipment. 29CFR 1910.132. Web. http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_t able=STANDARDS&p_id=9777 “National Fire Protection Association.” (n.d.). NFPA 2112 & NFPA 2113. Web. http://www.nfpa.org. Saner, M. (1 September 2010). “Flame Resistant Garments”. Web. http://www.ishn.com/articles/90365-flameresistant-garments.
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