Innovoil issue 21 March 2014 by Will Carmichael

™

Published by vNewsBase

Bringing you the latest innovations in exploration, production and refining Issue Twenty One

March 2014

THE PERFECT PREDATOR Atlas Copco’s mobile drilling rig Page 2

TRANSFER WINDOW

TACTICAL FORMATION

LIGHTING A LIFELINE

Page 5

Page 8

Page 18

A look at Bronswerk’s compact cooling

Trican’s AccuLite cementing system

PhotoSynergy’s awardwinning LIGHTPATH

page 2

InnovOil

vNewsBase

March 2014

King of the hill

Atlas Copco explains the advantages of its Predator Drilling System, offering operators a safe, fast and economical technology for preset holes

ince 1972, Atlas Copco rigs have been drilling gas and CBM wells. Now Atlas Copco brings more innovation to the field with its Predator Drilling System. The Predator is a highly mobile drilling system with the strength and capacity to drill vertical, directional and horizontal wells in global oil, CBM and natural gas basins. Predator is a three-part system featuring a truck-mounted rig capable of 99,790 kg (220,000 lb) of pullback, which will reach a total depth of more than 2,500 metres. The system also includes a substructure and pipe-handling skate. In order to introduce new, cutting-edge technology, Atlas Copco undertook a completely fresh approach, developing the systems and design from a clean sheet of paper. Thus Predator is a purpose-built, heavy duty drilling rig for the shallow oil, gas, CBM and surface, or “pre-set” market. This approach also allowed Atlas Copco to respond to the needs of rig crews and address some of the issues frequently faced when using conventional systems. Predator requires fewer crew members and less physical work and activity (such as pipe handling) than working on a conventional rig, thus reducing fatigue. In the past, preset contractors

traditionally spent less than half their time actually drilling – the remainder went on mobilising, rigging up, and handling pipe. Predator cuts down on that non-productive time (NPT). A further reduction in NPT is achieved through the system’s short learning curve, allowing operators and crew to operate the rig fully within minutes. O’Ryan Drilling, based in Odessa, Texas and the first contractor to use the Predator in surface presetting, reported its crew quickly learned the rig and was drilling holes in nearly half the time. Key components

The design and build of the rig carrier was also considered carefully, for maximum ease of use to operators. Atlas Copco’s oil and gas drilling rigs’ product manager, Shane Lein, is keen to point out that the Predator is designed to drive exactly like a conventional truck-mounted drilling rig, having been equipped with its own clutch and manual transmission. Its single, 708-kW (950 hp) engine powers both the carrier and the drilling rig, but transportation mode consumes less than 50% of the engine’s rated power. Hydrostatic drive and hydraulic braking mean that the Predator will adapt to mountainous terrain as effectively as flat land. Hydrostatics

March 2014

InnovOil

remove the need for the driver to “slip the clutch” whilst manoeuvring the rig, or while in reverse. The addition of a “creep mode” allows the rig to move with very precise control, ideal for accurate vehicle placement off-road and during the set-up procedure before drilling begins. The unit’s substructure serves as a stable drilling platform, featuring a sizeable 17.6 square metres (190 square feet) of workspace. This can all be contained and carried in a single load, again reducing the time necessary to rig-up and the manual effort required to do so – many of these setup tasks are also automated, reducing personnel input and time even further. Automation innovation

By automating much of the manual pipe-handling and drilling functions, the Predator also increases crew safety. Simplifying the moving and rig-up operations as well has also resulted in a marked improvement in efficiency and safety. The pipe skate is a complete pipe-handling system for drill pipe, collars and casing. It handles Range II or Range III oilfield drill pipe and casing up to 610 mm in diameter. Hands-free breakout and pipe

vNewsBase

page 3

handling reduce manual involvement during drilling and tripping pipe, thereby sustaining a consistently fast pipe-handling speed, hour after hour. As well as this “hands-free” approach to much of the drilling work, further refinements were made in the rig’s advanced control system, specifically designed for hydraulic hoist drilling. This system incorporates simple self-diagnostics and troubleshooting, ensuring that any problems can be easily located and quickly solved. In relation, planned rig maintenance is designed to be as straightforward and costefficient as possible, maximising drilling time and minimising NPT. Lein believes that wherever companies want the advantages of a mixed fleet approach to deep-hole well development, Predator Drilling System can be of significant benefit. Self-contained, mobile and powerful, the Predator is designed to meet the demands of oil and gas drillers. n Contact: Alex Grant, Product Line Manager Tel: +1 972 496 7400 Email: alex.grant@us.atlascopco.com Web: www.atlascopco.com/us/

THE ATLAS COPCO ADVANTAGE

Atlas Copcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Predator is the epitome of efficiency, safety and mobility. The API 4F licensed Predator features 220,000 lbs of hookload on an extremely mobile platform. Greater automation and hands-free pipe handling contribute to a safer working environment. www.atlascopco.com/predator

March 2014

InnovOil

vNewsBase

page 5

Cool and compact Heating transfer engineer Bronswerk takes InnovOil through a case study of its project and design capabilities, including the innovative and compact Whizz-Wheel®

ndustrial cooling systems are, more often than not, divided between water or air-based systems. However, more and more frequently on operations, fresh water can be difficult to source and is potentially unviable if there is a risk of thermal and bio-pollution. Similarly, sea water requires further expenditure owing to its corrosive nature. While air cooling is frequently a solution, it does require a large space commitment in which to operate. In offshore oil and gas rigs and facilities this is rarely available. In response to the problem – and with experience in such a project – Bronswerk developed an Ultra Compact air-cooled cooling system, which can fulfil the strict space, noise and size requirements of offshore operations. The project

As part of its drive to boost production, Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) has been improving its facilities in the Gulf of Mexico’s shallow-water Litoral-A field, in the Bay of Campeche. Specifically, Pemex wanted to improve the flexibility of its installations in order to boost production,

namely in the Litoral Processing Centre, as well as reducing the amount of flared gas by using High Pressure Compression. These compressors were designed and supplied by Houston’s DresserRand (D-R), who worked in tandem with Bronswerk on the project. The exact specifications presented a challenge to both companies, as the facility required a combination of safe and reliable cooling in a very limited space. Each of the compressors needed gas coolers for a first and a second stage, as well as a recycle cooler and oil cooler. Based on D-R’s specifications of gas composition, flow, temperature and pressure, it was apparent that the necessary space, weight and absorbed fan power would rule out conventional module design. The facility could only accommodate 420 square metres of space for cooling, but based on traditional designs, around 700 square metres were needed. Furthermore, the absorbed power required (350 kW) was around 20 kW higher than the latter area could provide. The sound of these coolers would also still be louder than the tolerance limit of 85 decibels (at one metre distance). This meant a significant re-design from Bronswerk in order to meet the demands of such a project.

page 6

InnovOil

vNewsBase

March 2014

Bronswerk increased the number of cooling tube rows as part of its compact solution

Whizz-Wheel®

Several initial designs incorporated various means of achieving better results with conventional equipment, including increasing the number and/or diameter of finned cooling tubes in combination with a standard fan setup. However, these solutions still struggled to meet the power, noise and space requirements. Several trial designs resulted in acceptable heat transfer, suggesting no limitations on the process side of the project. The problem was ensuring that the required flow of cooling air could be “pressed” through the finned tube bundle. A smaller bundle space means a higher air velocity and thus a higher pressure drop for a given air flow. A greater number of layers (in order to bring the required cooling surface area within the limited plot area) also increases the pressure drop. Consequently, the resulting pressure drop on the airside was far higher than is common in air-cooled cooler applications. Higher pressure drops mean a higher driving power and a higher noise level. The only feasible solution to the problem was to employ a fan which delivered an optimal volume flow and static head within the range of maximum permissible power; in other words, a fan of the highest possible efficiency. In doing so, Bronswerk employed the ultra-high efficiency, ultralow noise Whizz-Wheel fan. This is capable of a 50% reduction in absorbed motor power and allows the maximum allowable motor power to produce a higher airflow and a higher static pressure head. When used in combination with an increased number of tube rows, all of D-R and Pemex’s requirements of power, space and noise level could be met.

Space saver

The Whizz-Wheel-based design requires 40% less space than the smallest conventional fan-based cooling units, but can offer even better efficiency in terms of consumed power – in this case 25% below the maximum permissible power level. In addition, even with a larger space footprint, conventional fan designs would still exceed the prescribed sound limit by 5 decibels. Overall, even with increased tube levels, the final design was 0.6 metres smaller than the initial cooler, and weighed 15 tonnes less. The advantages of a smaller, more efficient cooler also has benefits for the entire project. Bronswerk and D-R’s work proves the ability to provide a suitable module on an existing platform without modifying the platform structure. The use of fewer fans also means fewer electrical connection points and cables and fewer components requiring maintenance, increasing reliability. A weight reduction also avoids the need for a heavier crane and associated transport costs. Bronswerk’s design has broad implications for air-cooled cooling systems across the oil and gas and other industries. The result is that such air-cooled systems can now be implemented where they may have previously been thought unfeasible, because of power, noise or space concerns. Bronswerk’s Whizz-Wheel is an effective and efficient option, joining its range of Compact and Ultra-Compact heat transfer solutions. n Contact: Femke Schaefer, Marketing Manager Tel: +31 (33) 24 72 572 Email: femke@bronswerk.nl Web: www.bronswerk.com/en/Innovation/P258/

page 8

InnovOil

vNewsBase

March 2014

Cementing your position

Pressure pumping expert, Trican, outlines the advantages of its low-density AccuLite™ cementing system

oday, oil and gas operators are drilling deeper and deeper, frequently encountering problems with lost circulation during cement jobs – mainly owing to weak and/or depleted formations. High hydrostatic pressures from the cement can cause weak formations to fracture, or the re-opening of natural fractures already present, resulting in lost circulation (loss of cement into the formation). The consequences of losing circulation during the production cement job vary, but the most immediate and perilous of these is the loss of well control, the potential for blowout and thus costly remediation. Multistage cement jobs are generally an effective solution when dealing with losses, but in order to optimise both fracture geometry and the resultant production of a well, many fracturing operations require especially high fracturing rates and pressures during well completion. These high rates and pressures rely upon pump-down-casing techniques to stimulate the zones effectively. However, in many cases conventional cementing systems require a stage collar to ensure that cement is brought back to the surface. As well as inflating the overall costs of the operation, stage collars have been known to fail during cementing operations and also create a weak link during high-pressure fracturing operations. A need has evolved requiring cement pumping companies to deliver not only lower-density cement systems to reduce hydrostatic pressure on formations, but cement systems that meet regulatory requirements for compressive strength development at shallow depths. These cement slurries must also have excellent properties regarding their thickening time control, quick gel strength development, and ease of mixing for field operations. Furthermore, they must measure up to the effectiveness expected of conventional non-lightweight cements, such as a short transition time from liquid to solid, minimal to no free water, slurry stability, excellent ductility, low porosity and excellent rheological properties.

These greater demands on safety and effectiveness resulted in the development of Trican’s AccuLite™ systems. Trican solution

The AccuLite product line was developed with all of the desired properties listed above. Conventional low-density cement systems are successful for use down to 1,320 kg per cubic metre (11 pounds per gallon), but if low hydrostatic pressures are required, special lowdensity systems such as AccuLite are needed. Trican’s goal in creating these lightweight cements was to ensure performance overall, but more importantly, to provide the same physical characteristics, performance properties and the ease of mixing in the field as any other conventional cement design. AccuLite 1200™ (1,200 kg/m³, 10 ppg) and AccuLite 1100™ (1,100 kg/m³, 9.2 ppg) are low-density cement slurries designed to minimise formation breakdown by reducing hydrostatic pressures. Weak formations are easily broken down, often resulting in cement seeping into fractures or the natural cracks of the formation. This affects the cement’s ability to isolate the formation, support the casing and ultimately achieve the required cement top. AccuLite stands for Accurate and Lite density. This means that the surface mix density of the design will remain the same as the cement reaches the maximum equivalent circulating densities (ECDs) in the wellbore, regardless of the depth of well (unlike foamed cement). This enables users to stay within prescribed density tolerances and more accurately calculate the hydrostatic pressure. Because of its low weight, AccuLite provides excellent zonal isolation while maintaining accurate density at bottomhole hydrostatic pressures up to 70 Megapascals (10,000 psi). Trican’s AccuLite system also provides consistent density from start to finish. Many competing systems require the addition of nitrogen to reduce slurry density. However, as the produced density is designed

March 2014

InnovOil

vNewsBase

page 9

Since the introduction of AccuLite cement, Trican has pumped 27 production jobs with only 2 not achieving cement returns to surface, resulting in a 93% success rate. Furthermore, since the release of the AccuLite 1100™ cement, 9 out of 9 jobs had cement returns to surface.

for a specific wellbore depth, higher ECDs are encountered at the shoe because of compression. Nitrogen also imparts higher slurry viscosities, further increasing ECDs by way of higher friction. Rheologies are critical as well. Increased hydrostatics and rheologies are detrimental, as operators are at risk of inadequately covering the annulus with cement. The low rheological properties of AccuLite allow for low friction pressures, improving the opportunity to obtain returns to surface. AccuLite cements are blended, hauled and pumped by the same means as conventional cement blends and therefore do not require the additional equipment and personnel necessary when using foamed slurries – all providing a significant cost and time benefit. Case study

One particular E&P company completed 628 conventional production cements jobs between 2009 and 2011. Of these, 125 were unsuccessful in achieving cement returns to surface. This resulted in a 20% failure rate. Losses in associated non-productive time (NPT) totalled hundreds of thousands of dollars in remedial cementing costs. Since the introduction of AccuLite cement, Trican pumped 27 production jobs for this customer, with only 2 not achieving cement returns to surface, resulting in a 93% success rate. Furthermore, during this time period, when AccuLite 1100™ cement was released, 9 out of 9 jobs had cement returns to surface. Trican is further developing AccuLite technology to provide more options for the more demanding wells. Cement designs with higher strengths and lower densities (below 1,100 kg/m³) are in the process of being field-tested. n Contact: Contact: Kelly Soucy Tel: +1 403 231 7998 Email: ksoucy@trican.ca Web: www.trican.ca

page 10

InnovOil

vNewsBase

March 2014

Partners and pioneers

InnovOil’s John McClarey reports from the Offshore Production Technology Summit, where pioneers and policy alike called for the exchange of new ideas

nnovOil was on the road again this month, attending the 8th annual Offshore Production Technology Summit (OPTS), where the scope of topics addressed ranged as widely as the delegates discussing them. With speakers from professors to politicians, from the European Commission to US Homeland Security Team, the agenda was clear that the advancement of offshore technologies remains critical to achieving the industry’s objective of maximising oil recovery. Partnerships form the bedrock of offshore development and continue to be the focus for an industry renowned for its ability to work together to overcome complex challenges. With a refreshing emphasis on encouraging networking amongst peers, the Summit was a fine example of the industry’s willingness to exchange ideas and elaborate on the kinds of technical challenges it faces. While the International Energy Agency (IEA) outlined its Global Outlook for oil and gas production, Scotland’s energy minister, Fergus Ewing, highlighted pioneering industry projects such as the Oil and Gas Innovation Centre. This project will be a virtual meeting place for the industry to exchange ideas, where the expertise and skills developed in the North Sea can be shared with partners across the globe. Tullow Oil’s Group Leader of Well Integrity, Simon Spark, delivered an engaging and energetic overview on how information-sharing could avoid the repetition of mistakes when it comes to well integrity. Likeminded industry leaders also stimulated discussions around the technological advancements currently being employed to extend asset life and manage well integrity. Product and service providers discussed the benefits of their

respective capabilities, with accomplished speakers such as Femke Schaefer of Bronswerk, who reinforced the company’s reputation for innovation in heat transfer product development. CGM’s innovative work station provided an eye-catching centrepiece via the Radial SG, an innovative operational intelligence software that can improve decision quality. NDT Global also had its latest technology on display, reinforcing its position as a highly regarded supplier of ultrasonic pipeline inspection and pipeline integrity tools. InnovOil also spoke to INTECSEA, whose technology is designed to meet the most challenging of offshore field environments. Companies better known for their work in the industrial field, including Veolia and Atlas Copco, were keen to emphasise their work in providing total concept solutions, highlighting the strengths that come from a multinational brand with extensive expertise and experience in technical standards. Atlas Copco’s membrane generator technology is making considerable advances, capturing specified gases from ambient air temperatures. Atlas Copco also reinforced the importance of innovating and adapting in order to provide a total package solution to the customer. One-to-one meetings furthered the format of industry co-operation and collaboration, encouraging technology pioneers to engage with international end-users such as Royal Dutch Shell, BP, ExxonMobil and Repsol. By encouraging cohesion within the industry and driving organisational performance, OPTS has proved that there remains a bright future for offshore technology – a sunrise and not a sunset industry. n

Looking for Premium Connections or tailor-made tubular products? Think voestalpine Tubulars

voestalpine Tubulars GmbH & Co KG www.vatubulars.com

voestalpine ONE STEP AHEAD.

page 12

InnovOil

vNewsBase

March 2014

Inductive reasoning

InnovOil explores the IROSS Fluxmanager system from heating and welding expert Inductotherm

ased in Hampshire, UK, Inductotherm Heating and Welding designs and manufactures a wide range of induction heating equipment and tube seam induction welding systems. As part of the international Inductotherm Group, it supplies a variety of global industries, not least the oil and gas sector. Recently, Inductotherm has supplied its range of IROSS Fluxmanager equipment to leading pipe manufacturers in the oil country tubular goods (OCTG) sector. This technology is designed for use in an array of pipe end heating applications, across numerous specifications of tubular or pipeline goods, including drill pipe, casing and API pipe. Further uses and applications include: preheating for welding processes; for swaging, hardening or annealing; for the removal of cure and coatings and for friction weld and stress relieving. Uniformity

The patented Fluxmanager unit employs an efficient 50/60Hz lowfrequency system. This provides deep and uniform temperature distribution – inner diameter or outer diameter (ID or OD) – both laterally and longitudinally along extended lengths of pipe ends. The pipe end exits the coil immediately with an efficient and repeatable temperature uniformity of +/-25°C (77°F), with no soak time required. The performance of the IROSS Fluxmanager system has quickly become recognised and adopted into the OCTG sector as an industry standard. When compared with traditional medium-frequency pipe end heating techniques, the IROSS Fluxmanager also allows for far greater control of end heating, with a shaped intensifier to concentrate power on the work piece. The system heats within very accurate specifications with a reduced cycle time and easily adapts to OD variation.

Additionally, only 4 coil sizes are required to cover the entire range of OCTG pipe diameters. The shaped flux concentrator allows for completely repeatable results, even when the pipe is placed nonconcentrically in the coil itself. Infrared, thermal imaging and intuitive data-logging functionality can also be specified by the customer, in order to satisfy the stringent quality requirements within the OCTG market. n Inductotherm Heating and Welding will be exhibiting at Booth 1676 at the forthcoming Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston. Contact: Jonathan Brett Tel: +44 (0)1256 335 533 Email: info@inductothermhw.com Web: www.inductothermhw.com

WORLD CLASS Line Pipe & Field Joint Processing

Over the last decade Radyne Offshore has pioneered the effective use and development of induction heating technology within the pipe laying sector of the offshore industry. Our Clam Coil systems have been designed in conjunction with some of the world’s leading pipelaying organisations, resulting in significant time reductions in pre / post heat treating processes, providing unmatched heating uniformity.

•

Field Joint Processing Technology

•

Pipe End Heating Systems

•

Pre and Post-Weld Heat Treatment

•

Quad & Double-joint rack technology

•

“J-lay” Heat & Coat Units

•

“S-lay” Heat & Coat Solutions

•

HSS Shrink Sleeve Application

info@inductothermhw.co.uk

•

Line Pipe Heat & Coat Systems

www.inductothermhw.com

5 - 8 May 2014 Houston, TX, USA Visit us at Booth 1676

Inductotherm Heating & Welding Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 1256 335533

March 2014

InnovOil

vNewsBase

page 15

The importance of VGP compliant lubricants

ROCOL explains why there has never been a greater need to choose the most environmentally acceptable lubricant for wire ropes and umbilicals

HE Vessel General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Vessels (VGP) is a US licence which works alongside the Clean Water Act. It serves to protect the US coastline and inland waters by regulating discharge from vessels entering the sea. The first VGP was issued in December 2008; however on December 19 2013, a second, more demanding version came into force. It is important that all vessel operators are familiar with this document, as failure to follow the regulations can include fines and imprisonment.

Even low eco-toxicity chemicals can be dangerous when consumed by animals; this is due to a process called bioaccumulation. When a bioaccumulative chemical is eaten, it will begin to build up in living tissues and cannot be excreted. At the bottom of the food chain this does not generally cause a problem, since the chemical has low eco-toxicity. However, as the chemical moves up the food chain, it increases in concentration to dangerous levels and can cause significant damage. The VGP is one of the most stringent environmental regulations for lubricants ever issued and is driving forward the requirement for new cleaner lubricant technologies. Not only does the VGP state that all EALS must be tested to the standards above, but all components and additives must pass these standards too. This ensures that when the EAL biodegrades, the components are also safe for the environment. BIOGEN WIRESHIELD®

Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants

One of the most significant updates between the two versions of the VGP is the requirement of all vessel operators to use Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs). Vessels must switch to EALs for use in oil-to-sea interfaces during their next dry dock. EALs are formulated to ensure that their impact on the environment is significantly reduced when compared to that of a traditional lubricant. The VGP states that lubricants must meet stringent testing specifications against three main criteria in order to be classified as an EAL; these are biodegradability, eco-toxicity and bioaccumulation. Biodegradability is a measure of how quickly a lubricant would break down into its harmless constituents if released into the sea. In the instance of accidental discharge, a biodegradable lubricant will not remain in the environment for long periods of time, which limits the damage it can cause. Eco-toxicity is a measure of how poisonous a lubricant would be if released into the sea. As described by the VGP, minimally toxic lubricants have little to no impact on marine life. Lubricant manufacturers must ensure that all EALs are tested to and pass internationally standardised eco-toxicity tests, ideally performed by an external accredited laboratory.

Over three years of research by industry leading chemists at ROCOL® has led to the development of BIOGEN WIRESHIELD, a biodegradable lubricant for wire ropes and umbilicals. BIOGEN WIRESHIELD carries the Eco-Label (pending) and is therefore fully VGP compliant. A “No Compromise” approach has been taken to the development of BIOGEN WIRESHIELD, leading to its performance capabilities being equal to or greater than mineral oil competitors. Features and benefits include: • Biodegradable • Minimal Eco-Toxicity • Non–Bioaccumulative • Outstanding corrosion protection • Highly resistant to water wash-off • Does not drip or fling off due to the pseudoplastic rheology Shear or agitation causes a reduction in the dynamic viscosity of BIOGEN WIRESHIELD, allowing maximum penetration and increasing pumpability during automatic application. The lubricant returns to grease consistency when shear is removed, optimising washoff and fling-off resistance. n

Contact: Gareth Procter Tel: +44 (0)113 232 2653 Email: gareth.procter@rocol.com Web: www.rocol.com

Testing, calibrating, advising.

Bridging the gap between ‘what if’ and ‘when’... In a market where asset assurance is a fundamental principle, Exova has a proud track record of supporting organisations at the forefront of global oil and gas exploration, production and distribution.

If you’d like to know more about how Exova can help you get to where you're going, get in touch for a chat. t. e. w.

+ 44 (0) 330 222 0321 europe@exova.com www.exova.com

page 18

InnovOil

vNewsBase

March 2014

Lighting the way The future looks bright for PhotoSynergy’s LIGHTPATH technology, which is making waves on subsea diving and operations, offering better productivity, safety and security

iving can be one of the most hazardous and difficult disciplines involved in subsea construction and operations. At typical working depths, even powerful artificial light offers limited visibility, making working and safety conditions a priority for divers and operators alike. Furthermore, the use of ROVs, although useful for additional light and security, can also encounter problems with divers’ umbilicals, or even locating personnel. Based in St Andrews, Scotland, PhotoSynergy Ltd (PSL) is a company built on innovation. Comprised of a team with knowledge and experience across the fields of photonics, optics and engineering, the company has worked to develop a unique, low-power, side-emitting lighting based on LED technology. After working on various designs for hazardous environment and safety lighting, the team created LIGHTPATH, a safety advance with immediate and tangible benefits to divers and the offshore industry.

wrecks utilising a continuous line of light and marine archaeologists are looking at controlled site access and “grid location.” PSL is also currently examining applications across renewable energy structures and installation, as well as marine operations and deck systems, such as guard rails, hatches and the marking of egress routes. For surface work, PSL can also offer red light, although green remains the optimum frequency for submerged operations. Innovation for Safety

In trialling the technology, PSL has worked with Boskalis Offshore

Unique umbilicals

LIGHTPATH is comprised of a side-emitting 5-mm diameter fibre that carries no electrical power, providing illumination up to 150 metres in length. In the case of diving equipment, the fibre is spirally wound into a diver’s umbilical (optimally up to 75m), thereby creating a flexible, continuous line of light from a low-power LED light source. Each LED can be lit steadily or flash, while a choice of green, blue or white light can also be selected, allowing individual divers or umbilicals to be identified. LED light is sourced from PSL’s SLS5000 and SLS9000 units, operating over a 12 to 24V DC range and providing a single injection system for guide path illumination. The unit allows light to be left “always on”, while battery back-up provides a fail-safe system in the event of mains outage. The Green LED system operates near the peak eye response – the optimum wavelength for the human eye – and provides extraordinary output from minimum power, typically less than 7W. The SLS5000 has a target life of five years of continuous operational use (50,000 hours), over which PSL believe it should remain maintenance-free. The ability for divers, ROV pilots and bell-workers to see the path of their umbilicals offers a substantial safety benefit to all parties. Pilots and divers alike have commented on the advantages of knowing the route of each umbilical (and the identity of the diver attached to it), both to minimise collisions and identify or prevent umbilicals snagging on structures, equipment or terrain. This is particularly important in such a dynamic, constantly changing environment, where the current and localised turbulence can have a severe impact on the route of a 70m-long umbilical. In further subsea applications, ROV pilots have suggested the lighting of manifold valves, control panels and docking or garage guidance systems. Salvage divers have identified guide routes into

Picture above: Boskalis Offshore Subsea Services Main image: The Underwater Centre

March 2014

InnovOil

SLS5000 Light Source

Subsea Services, Bibby Offshore, Helix Well Ops UK and The Underwater Centre (see page 21) with personnel from each trialling LIGHTPATH across Saturation and Wet Bell systems. Many divers and members of the subsea operations community now believe that the technology will become a de facto standard, as awareness builds and the safety benefits become known. Affirming this position, PSL and LIGHTPATH also won the Innovation for Safety Award at the Subsea UK Expo 2014 in Aberdeenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AECC. PSLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director, Don Walker, collected the award and thanked Subsea UK for its recognition, while praising the collaboration of firms like Boskalis, Bibby and Helix which have helped to spread word and support for the company and for LIGHTPATH applications. The future looks bright for PhotoSynergy, as it and LIGHTPATH look set to expand further in the subsea sector. Furthermore, the potential applications for the technology are extensive; with renewables, oil, gas, power and engineering projects (and

vNewsBase

page 19

SLS9000 Light Source

more) all requiring reliable, safe lighting solutions, PhotoSynergy has the key attributes necessary to achieve both global and cross-industry appeal. n Contact: Don Walker Tel: +44 (0)1344 463 327 Email: don@photosynergy.co.uk Web: www.photosynergy.co.uk

page 20

InnovOil

vNewsBase

Delivering Solutions

Engineering Services Geoscience Reservoir Engineering Onshore, Offshore, Conventional & Unconventional: PROJECT MANAGEMENT WELL DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION COMPLETIONS & WELL TESTING FIELD REVIEW & DEVELOPMENT WELL INTEGRITY & WORKOVERS ABANDONMENT

Website: www.awtinternational.com Contact: John Ure ure@awtinternational.com

July 2013

InnovOil

vNewsBase

page 21

Something in the water Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Underwater Centre provides an ideal base for training, testing and tailored support for the subsea industry

ased on the shore of a deep, sea-water loch, in the Highland town of Fort William, Scotland, The Underwater Centre has a wide range of expertise and facilities to meet the needs of the subsea industry. It was created with two main goals: to supply the energy industry with a competent workforce and to provide a convenient subsea test facility. Centre personnel are industry-experienced and qualified to provide relevant and current commercial diver and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) pilot technician training, as well as offering tailored support for subsea trials and testing projects. The operations and infrastructure at the Centre create a contextual training environment which imposes similar conditions to those experienced offshore. This encourages a culture of professionalism in new candidates entering the industry as well as in the more experienced personnel returning for additional subsea training. The unique location of the Centre offers a range of tidal depths, from 4 to 50 metres below the private pier, down to 150m within a mile of the pier. The pier itself has a large footprint, is capable of taking articulated lorries and is equipped with surface-supplied, SCUBA, welding and underwater inspection dive stations, a decompression chamber, ROV control cabins and launch & recovery systems, alongside additional offices and workshops. A pontoon also provides ease of access for vessels.

InnovOil

page 22

Trials and training

Vessels available for use in supporting subsea training and trials include a dumb barge housing a full saturation diving system and two moonpool barges – one with an additional decompression chamber and the other with large deck space. There is also a fleet of workboats and fast rescue crafts. In addition, there are two former car ferries; one which has been developed as a launch and control platform for ROV training, and the other will be available for use in subsea equipment trials. Facilities

The facilities at the landward end of the Centre’s pier include classrooms, offices, accommodation and a student restaurant. A further onshore dive complex contains a 20m by 30m, 1.5 million litre seawater

vNewsBase

March 2014

tank with a depth of 4m and large acrylic viewing panels. The complex also houses an electronics and engineering workshop with a large range of ROV equipment for practical systems training and familiarisation. The combination of the unique, convenient, industry-specific facilities and location, tailored support and training, and highly experienced personnel means that The Underwater Centre is best placed to provide the ideal solution to your subsea training or trials needs. n Contact: The Underwater Centre Tel: +44 (0)1397 703 786 Email: fortwilliam@theunderwatercentre.com Web: www.theunderwatercentre.com

YOUR SUBSEA TRIALS AND TRAINING SOLUTION ● ● ● ●

Extensive trials and training facilities replicating offshore conditions Industry leading diver and ROV training, focussed on customer needs Subsea trials and training in a sea water environment with depths to 150m Over 40 years experience in subsea trials and training

Discuss your trials or training needs now on: +44 (0) 1397 703786, fortwilliam@theunderwatercentre.com www.theunderwatercentre.com or scan the code for more info

March 2014

InnovOil

vNewsBase

page 23

Enhanced production Caltec’s productionboosting and separation technology offers proven solutions to extending the life of oil and gas assets – with pay-back in days

altec specialises in the identification, design, optimisation and provision of solutions based upon its proprietary Surface Jet Pump (SJP) and Compact Separation technologies. These simple, passive systems enable oil and gas operators to enhance production, improve processing and extend the economic field life of oil and gas assets. By harnessing intrinsic energy which would otherwise have been lost, such techniques can help increase both productivity and profitability, whilst also helping companies to meet their environmental obligations. A subsidiary of Petrofac, Caltec’s product family comprises production-boosting technology (SJP/Wellcom®) and compact separation technology (Wx®/I-SEP®). The former aids operators by allowing them to increase production from wells or entire fields, by reducing pressures and reviving liquid-loaded wells, flowlines and pipelines. In addition, it can be used to eliminate or enhance intermediate compressors, debottleneck compressors and recover flare or vent gas. It also enables the enhancement of artificially lifted wells (especially gas lift). The latter, Caltec’s Compact Separation systems, are applicable for phase splitting, including gas-liquid separation, sand knock-out, oil-water separation and compact multiphase well testing using conventional meters. Surface Jet Pumps

SJPs are historically referred to as eductors, ejectors, or more recently Velocity Spools™. Typically they are used in the same applications as above, alongside compressors or to prevent flaring. However, one key technological and engineering advantage presented by SJPs is their ability to be deployed where alternatives cannot. SJPs harvest energy from existing process infrastructure, typically in the form of high-pressure gas, oil, water or multiphase flow, that is then used to boost low-pressure gas or liquid flow streams. As passive

devices, little or no ongoing maintenance is required and they consume no fuel so are therefore particularly well-suited to remote and harsh environments, including subsea deployment. Furthermore, SJPs are both compact and low weight – typically a fraction of the size of alternative solutions. They can be installed in any orientation, allowing maximum flexibility in placement and integration with existing infrastructure. With a minimal footprint and a small initial cost, they are easy, quick and low-risk to install. Compact Water-Oil Separation

Based on Caltec’s proprietary I-SEP® cyclonic uni-directional separation technology, Caltec has developed a compact water-oil separation solution (known as Wx®) which extracts almost clean water from a water/oil mixture, inline with the process and at a full range of operating pressures – from wellhead to low-pressure downstream processing. The system produces exceptional results, each with a turndown ratio (or rangeability) of 5:1. The output is similar to a conventional gravity separator, but comes at a fraction of the latter’s size and weight. The Wx® range has a very small footprint, reducing the demand on weight and support structure, while its modular design makes installation simpler and more cost-effective. Wx® water recovery systems also operate inline with existing process, at the process pressure, making it simple to retrofit existing facilities. Wx® is ideal for bulk water extraction, including debottlenecking and partial processing opportunities, as well as for high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) wellhead and subsea applications. n Contact: Contact: Claire Mansfield Tel: +44 (0)1234 750 144 Web: www.caltec.com

Email: c.mansfield@caltec.com

Compact Production Enhancement Small footprint Big value Simple...

+44 1234 750144

www.caltec.com

sales@caltec.com

Downstream Asia Special Report The world’s centre of oil demand gravity is shifting from OECD states to Asia’s emerging economies and investment in the downstream is following suit.     

What are the prospects for this short-term glut to rebalance? What impact will improving fuel standards have on refinery complexity needs? To what extent will the US’ shale revolution have an impact on global, and Asian, supply positions? Is there financial appetite for new downstream projects in Asia? How will Asia’s export refiners remain competitive in the face of global overcapacity?

With insights from: Wood Mackenzie, Facts Global Energy, AT Kearney, RBN Energy, Gaffney Cline and Associates, Energy Aspects and more, NewsBase Downstream Asia Special Report sets out the future of this crucial industry.

To find out more, please contact: Your NewsBase Account Manager OR Email: newsbase@newsbase.com

8th annual

13-16 May 2014 Grange St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hotel, London, UK

Opportunity and strategy for national oil companies and their partners Part of

Organised by

The earlier you book the more you can save. www.terrapinn.com/nocs14innovoil

Supported by

ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE 10-13 NOVEMBER 2014 • ABU DHABI, UAE

THE LARGEST EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE FOR OIL & GAS IN THE MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA & ASIAN SUB-CONTINENT

INTERNATIONAL PAVILIONS

108

COUNTRIES

1,362

EXHIBITORS

5,801

DELEGATES

51,435 ATTENDEES

BE A PART OF ADIPEC: EXHIBITION & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE NOW - VISIT WWW.ADIPEC.COM/INNOVOIL OFFICIAL PUBLICATION

ORGANISED BY

CONFERENCE ORGANISER

ADVANCED EOR 2014: THE COST EFFICIENT RECOVERY OF NORTH SEA OIL. In partnership with:

Conference 25– 26 June 2014 Aberdeen Marriott Hotel www.imeche.org/events/C1404

15%OFF

EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT UNTIL 4 APRIL

ADVANCED EOR 2014 IS A UNIQUE EVENT, DEDICATED TO UPDATING ENGINEERS IN ALL ASPECTS OF ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY. • Find out from DECC how the maturity of the North Sea is still presenting EOR potential • Expert presentations from TAQA, Shell, Scottish Enterprise, EOR Alliance, SCCS and HSE • Understand the latest economics attached to CO2-EOR Supporting Organisations:

Media Partner:

THIS CONFERENCE WILL PROVIDE AN IDEAL FORUM TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PRACTICAL CHALLENGES OF DELIVERING OFFSHORE EOR AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH THE INDUSTRY LEADERS WHO ARE DRIVING EOR ACTIVITY FORWARD. JONATHAN THOMAS

SENIOR RESERVOIR ENGINEER, DECC

ANNUAL APRIL EVENTS IN MOSCOW 21 - 25 April 2014, InterContinental Moscow Supported by the Association of Russian Refiners and Petrochemical Producers