Levels of axial/lateral vibrations were very low during the entire Pag-1004D run. (All figures courtesy of Smith International, Inc.)

New vector drive unveiled

Wood Group ESP has developed a new Vector drive, designed specifically for oilfield pumping applications.

The Vector VII drive features a number of unconventional features not available on most drives. Leading the list is an easy-to-use operator control panel that includes a large, high-resolution, full-color graphics display that is easy to read in bright light. Its software integrates operating information, downhole well parameters, and graphical data into a common display, eliminating the time it takes to scroll through several screens to retrieve data. A digital circular ammeter is displayed on the operator panel. A mechanical circular ammeter for chart recording is no longer needed.

Twenty critical operating parameters are periodically sampled and stored in memory, and can be shown graphically on the operator panel or downloaded and saved for future analysis. Remote user interface, and monitoring and control functions are also supported. In addition, the Vector VII is provided in a Nema 3R-rated outdoor enclosure, making it a fit for indoor and outdoor use. All electronic components are located inside a sealed (Nema 4) section of the drive enclosure with no exchange of outside cooling air. Vector VII is suitable for arctic, desert and rainforest climates, operating in temperatures ranging from -40°F to +122°F
(-40°C to +50°C). www.woodgroup-esp.com

New OBC system tested

MultiField Geophysics safely and successfully completed field tests in May over the Peon hydrocarbon reservoir offshore Norway for its ocean-bottom cable (OBC) technology. The OBC application uses both seismic 4-C and electromagnetic (EM) sensing technology and has been developed through a two-year joint research and development program with its key industry partners.

The field tests involved deploying a series of seabed sensor segments to acquire EM and seismic data. The proprietary EM source, towing a horizontal electric dipole, was used to transmit various GPS synchronized arbitrary waveforms.

Data were acquired and compared with a reference station deployed to monitor the spread, and acoustic data were collected simultaneously on selected acquisition lines.

Preliminary processing of the EM data by MultiField shows successful delineation of the gas field, and an analysis of the test data has confirmed the exceptional performance of the integrated EM and seismic sensor system. The first full-scale commercial operation using the innovative technology is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2009. www.multifield-geophysics.com

Multiphase flow metering for SAGD wells introduced

Schlumberger announced the first ever application of multiphase flow metering technology for steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) wells.

“Multiphase flow measurement is a new service for heavy oil and bitumen SAGD production,” said Dr. Bruno Pinguet, multiphase domain champion, Schlumberger.

“Extreme operating conditions such as high temperatures, unpredictable emulsion properties and a fourth phases team have, until now, meant this type of flow monitoring was not possible with conventional technology in thermal heavy oil operations.”

The multiphase flow meter uses Vx technology to measure the flow rate of each phase from the wellhead without the need for time-consuming separation tests. Vx technology is available in the Schlumberger PhaseTester portable multiphase well testing equipment or PhaseWatcher fixed multiphase well production monitoring equipment.
The technology enables better understanding of the production dynamics of SAGD wells operated with high-temperature electric submersible pumps.

SAGD wells represent a new application extension for the field-proven Vx technology. As Schlumberger develops new services for heavy oil production, this test marks the first-ever multiphase metering operation in SAGD applications, and demonstrates the production optimization potential of this technology for more viscous oils. The test was completed at the site of a Canadian operator, Suncor Energy, in Alberta, Canada. www.slb.com

IHS unveils Enerdeq Desktop International

IHS Inc., a global source of critical information and insight, has announced the release of IHS Enerdeq Desktop v1.5 for international markets. Enerdeq Desktop is the newest way to view and access global energy data and information for critical decision-making.

Enerdeq Desktop provides access to multiple data sources, including IHS data, company proprietary data, and data from third-party suppliers. Enerdeq Desktop provides a combination of browsing, querying and mapping functionality. These functions allow clients to quickly and efficiently search the entire IHS international database, build complex queries, and inspect specific oil and gas information. Enerdeq Desktop gives clients the power to perform searches and screening analysis using the information they find, enabling them to make better business decisions.

“Version 1.5 provides the industry with a robust way of quickly manipulating an exponentially large database, whether it be public or proprietary,” said Phil Rooney, product marketing manager for Enerdeq Desktop International. “The functionality of Enerdeq Desktop is built so that search and analysis on the database allow for clarity in making strategic decisions such as ‘is this a good place for my company to be doing business?’”

Other key functions within the new Enerdeq Desktop include data filtering, multi-layer inspect, multi-window operation, clear mapping symbology, and mapping annotation.

The new Enerdeq Desktop platform replaces Probe, an IHS legacy GIS application used to analyze the company’s exploration and production database. “Probe is a well-respected product, being used by close to 75% of the industry, namely the majors and large independents. They will experience immense benefit of upgrading to the new Enerdeq Desktop platform,” Rooney added.

The user experience Enerdeq Desktop provides is improved from what is available in Probe. Trials have shown that companies notice benefits in its initial implementation into their day-to-day workflow, from clarity of the interface and symbology to a layer manager that can be moved about the screen and the ability to multi-select and multi-inspect items. Also noted is the ease in performing screen analysis by highlighting an area to create a snapshot or image file as the user can annotate the image for presentation and use elsewhere.

“Enerdeq Desktop is more robust than other programs in the market, enabling our company to become more efficient. What used to take hours now can take less than 15 minutes with Enerdeq Desktop’s ease in exporting data,” said Betty Comperen, project manager, Process Engineering.

Enerdeq Desktop is available now for clients. Customers can obtain licenses of the software by contacting their local IHS account executive. www.ihs.com
Payback for multiphase pumping applications

The Moyno Tri-Phaze System is the only patented progressing cavity solution offered for multiphase pumping applications within the oil and gas industry. The low total cost of ownership and superior pumping efficiency have turned marginal wells profitable again in simply months.

The system allows all fluids produced at the well site including oil, water, and gas to be transported simultaneously through one pipeline to a central processing station. Its abrasion-resistance allows for smooth transfer of sandy fluid as well. The unit is capable of generating flow rates up to 60,000 bf/d with suction pressures up to 900 psi and discharge pressures up to 1,200 psi. Additionally, the system features a stator elastomer formulation that exhibits exceptional resistance to aromatics.

Additional advantages include the following:
• Efficiently handles gas void fractions up to 99%;
• Low-shear pumping action preserves each fluid’s characteristics without emulsification or degradation;
• Extended well production life; and
• Decreased wellbore pressures.
www.moyno.com