New condensate recirculation process
A new condensate recirculation process now is available for low-cost hydrate control in natural gas systems with high water production.
In the past, the company says, it was necessary to have less than 0.80% water cut in natural gas wells for new generation, low dosage hydrate inhibitors (LDHI) to deliver optimum results. The new program uses platform infrastructure and proprietary application processes in combination with the FREEFLOW family of LDHI's to eliminate methanol usage in these types of wells—resulting in a 75% or higher overall cost reduction for hydrate mitigation. As part of the program, condensate is pumped through the preexisting methanol injection system, along with FREEFLOW LDHI.
The new program expands the profile of projects that can benefit from the latest developments in LDHI research and development.
Source: Nalco Co., 1601 W. Diehl Rd., Naperville, IL 60563-1198.
New software aids drilling
New Drillworks 2005 software helps ensure that wells are drilled with less trouble, reduced cost, and increased safety.
The software is an integrated geopressure and geomechanics solution designed to help exploration and production companies improve exploration and well construction success with new levels of risk reduction, cost savings, and drilling performance.
With this new software, seismic, drilling, and geologic data can be transformed into knowledge that operators can use to avoid trouble and reduce nonproductive time. Drillworks 2005 offers enhancements to Drillworks software and advanced new technology including the Drillworks Pressbase database, Drillworks Explorer, Drillworks Uncertainty Analysis, the Drillworks LOT Analyzer, and the Drillworks Real Time Drilling Optimization Center. Drillworks 2005 gives operators the ability to pull together, store, and analyze the large amount of well and basin-level data required for exploration and well construction.
Drillworks 2005 provides real time geopressure and geomechanical analysis that helps operators understand the safe mud window and optimize mud and casing programs. Its look ahead of the bit allows operators to avoid costly problems, increase safety, and improve drilling success, the company says. As new data are available and wells are drilled, Drillworks 2005 captures operator knowledge and provides increased basin-level accuracy, helping to improve future drilling operations.
Drillworks Pressbase is a relational database that allows operators to store and manage their geopressure related data including geophysical data, petrophysical data, and drilling data. Geoscience and engineering divisions can easily store and share data to improve well planning and drilling operations. Drillworks Explorer provides an intelligent window into the volume of geopressure and geomechanical data that an operator or service company accumulates and converts that data into an asset that is helpful for future planning. Drillworks Uncertainty Analysis allows operators to perform uncertainty analysis on geopressure and geomechanics predictions, understand the uncertainty in calculations, and aid decision making for critical well planning, mud, and casing programs.
The Drillworks Leak Off Test Analyzer enables full pressure-volume-time plots from a leak-off test to be solved for minimum stress and populate pore pressure and wellbore stability models. The Drillworks Real Time Drilling Optimization Center enables the establishment of a monitoring center that can be used for surveillance of multiple wells that are being drilled anywhere in the world to avoid costly problems and improve drilling operations. With the Drillworks Expert Suite, Drillworks 2005 also brings advanced basin geopressure modeling technology that leverages an operator's investment in a field and provides a look ahead of the bit while drilling.
Source: Knowledge Systems, 11104 W. Airport Blvd., Suite 215, Stafford, TX 77477.
Pump cartridge designed to stop premature failure
This new Environamics universal power frame cartridge provides a pump upgrade designed virtually to eliminate premature bearing and mechanical seal failures caused by heat, vibration, misalignment, and cavitation.
The modular bolt-on replacement for existing power frames can install and operate in pumps trouble-free.
Three basic frame sizes fit virtually all pump brands and models. The cartridge meets ANSI and API pump specifications and can be bolted easily into place without modifying pump, piping, or foundation. Interchangeable shaft ends can fit any impeller configuration.
Cartridge features promoting optimized pump performance and service life include SKF Explorer high-capacity, single-row angular contact ball bearings for improved running accuracy, shaft stiffness, and seal stability; bearing isolators to channel away contaminants; a patented internal oil mist lubrication system; and sturdy, one-piece, thick-walled housing.
The cartridge can be readily converted from standard power frame to hermetically sealed unit to contain process fluids in the power frame, helping to minimize costs of leak detection and repair. A patented sealing system provides seal arrangement flexibility to handle a range of liquids and slurries and to adapt for industry-specific operating and safety conditions.
An optional C-frame adapter supports motors up to 200 hp. These can be aligned quickly and precisely with the power frame shaft without requiring hot and cold shaft alignments.
Source: SKF USA Inc., 1510 Gehman Rd., Kulpsville, PA 19443-0332.
