The CleanPhase separator provides high-capacity phase separation for fast cleanups, better measurements, and increased certainty. (Image courtesy of Schlumberger)

Rugged mobile computer ideal for field operations

Xplore Technologies Corp. has introduced the iX104C4 Tablet PC with an indoor/outdoor viewable display. One of the first users of the new iX104C4 was Hydro One, the largest electricity transmission and distribution company in Ontario, Canada, where the new units have been tested for several months.

With more than 1,200 Xplore iX104 systems deployed, Hydro One has seen nearly 100% accuracy for data collected in the field.

The iX104C4 design implements best-in-class sunlight-readable display technology, dual mode flexible user interface, redesigned antennae, new integrated wireless modules, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition/Vista Business compatibility, and improved overall performance. www.xploretech.com

New well test separator introduced

Schlumberger released the CleanPhase well test separator, a three-phase separator system that the company says enables optimum retention of fluids, allowing for cleaner phases and better measurements.

“The CleanPhase separator is a rejuvenated approach to phase isolation during the separation process. Phase isolation limits the uncertainty inherent during reservoir characterization and significantly aids in the efficient disposal of the individual phases,” said Eugene Francois Kleyn, CleanPhase product champion at Schlumberger. “The new generation well test separator allows flowback activities to be conducted confidently through increasing safety, reducing manual intervention and providing seamless operations.”

An operator in North Africa tested 22 wells using the separator, which accurately measured flow rates from wells producing gas, condensate, and water, Schlumberger said.

The separator has SmartWeir technology that uses radar to monitor liquid levels and adjust the weir to accommodate well effluents. It also allows online separation for the entire job, from the beginning of cleanup until the end of the well test.

SmartWeir allows the first reservoir fluids to be identified sooner than with traditional methods, allowing the well testing to begin earlier, the company said. It also allows faster cleanup by flowing the well to a higher pressure vessel than is possible with conventional setups, which require flowing to a low-pressure surge tank. This eliminates the need for and risk of pressurized storage tanks.

The separator handles high water cut and fluctuating flow rates without slowing down the process, which leads to the efficient isolation and measurement of purer single-phase fluids.

This separator can operate as a standalone unit or in combination with the PhaseTester multiphase flowmeter. www.slb.com/CleanPhase

New marine personnel transfer introduced

Reflex Marine, which specializes in marine personnel transfer, plans to launch a new personnel transfer capsule in January 2009 in Aberdeen.

The TORO can carry up to four passengers, protecting them from side impact and heavy landings, and is buoyant and self-righting. The unit’s ergonomic seat design will allow it to be used without seatbelts (subject to company policy and local legislative requirements), and the arrangement of the seating will permit fast loading and unloading of personnel. ?

The TORO, which fits into a standard shipping container, has also been optimized for shipping and storage. It will be certified with CE marking and ABS Type Approval. www.reflexmarine.com

Rubber Thickness Stator improves downhole drilling

R&M Energy Systems, part of the Fluid Management Group of Robbins & Myers Inc., has introduced an even rubber thickness stator that improves the overall performance of power sections used in downhole drilling applications.

The company developed stators with internal contours that are precision-machined rather than hydraulically formed. The resulting tubes feature improved durability and tolerancing that optimize the benefits of even rubber thickness technology.

Applying an even thickness of rubber to the stator contour and supporting each lobe with steel minimizes the rubber’s degree of dimensional change during use due to temperature, chemical attack, and loading. This design allows Moyno ERT Power Sections to reliably produce up to 100% more power output compared to conventional stators. For the user, this higher power density and improved reliability translate to higher rates of penetration.

An additional benefit of the ERT’s high power density is the ability to use shorter power sections with performance outputs comparable to that of longer conventional products. This can improve the motor’s directional response as well as measurement-while-drilling and logging-while-drilling measurement quality by placing their sensors closer to the bit. www.rmenergy.com

Custom valve packs functionality into world’s largest chemical injection skid

A custom, compact double block and bleed valve from Parker Instrumentation is helping to reduce the size and weight of a skid produced for the Chevron Tahiti platform in the Gulf of Mexico. Built by Test Automation & Controls, the equipment is believed to be the largest chemical injection skid ever produced and has been designed to operate at 15,000 psi to withstand the pressures required for operations in the deep subsalt reservoirs.

Parker’s integrated valve provides a 15,000 psi-rated double block and bleed function. At this operating pressure, such valve configurations are usually constructed using discrete components — involving a large amount of space, extensive weight, and a large number of potential leak paths. The number of components is often high because the cone and thread interfaces used to make connections at these pressures are usually fitted with an additional anti-vibration accessory to combat the common issue of vibration-induced problems associated with threaded connections.

To simplify the project, Parker suggested an uprated version of its single-piece 10,000 psi double block and bleed manifold fitted with the company’s 15,000 psi-rated MPI compression tube fittings.

The company says the resulting manifold reduces the mounting space and weight budgets by around 50% and replaces individual components (three valves and six anti-vibration glands), which greatly reduces potential leak paths. www.parker.com