3-D data management and visualization
Mercury Computer Systems Inc. introduced Version 6.0 of Open Inventor by Mercury Computer Systems, its 3-D interactive data visualization software for enhanced end user experience and application performance for oil and gas, and medical visualization markets.
This newest release includes the Mercury VolumeViz large data management (LDM), ScaleViz, and MeshViz extensions, which provide development tools and enable interactive management and display of extremely large data sets, as well as transparent scalability for increased resolution, quality, and application performance.
Version 6.0 of Open Inventor is used in a wide range of markets including oil and gas, automotive, aerospace, and medical visualization, in applications that require comprehensive processing, visualization, and management of large data sets. Version 6.0 of Open Inventor facilitates a new level of functionality and enhancement, including crack-free non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS), which are a surface element used in CAD modeling, and full OpenGL support for shaders, which are 3-D graphics programs used to determine the final surface properties of an object or image. The complete development suite, which includes VolumeViz LDM and MeshViz, has been enhanced and supplemented with a new ScaleViz extension.
Version 6.0 of Open Inventor is available for Linux-based systems, including AMD Opteron 64 and Intel Xeon EMT64, Windows 32 and 64 bit systems, as well as major UNIX platforms; NET API is available for Microsoft Visual Studio 8 only. www.mc.com

Fugro GEOS implements Stella SPM
Fugro GEOS has implemented new technology on Stella, the Bonga Single Point Mooring (SPM) Buoy - the largest in the world. The project, offshore Nigeria, has recently seen the installation by Fugro GEOS of an innovative, real-time meteorological, oceanographic (metocean) and upgraded tension monitoring system that ensures Stella leads the world in SPM technology. Powered by integrated solar power systems, and with telemetry and remote data display units, the system allows data to be monitored and displayed in real-time for use by approaching tankers.
Contracted to Single Buoy Moorings (SBM) of Monaco, who was working for the Bonga field operators SNEPCo (Shell Nigeria), Fugro GEOS was approached by Shell to design, build and install an accurate real-time metocean monitoring system, in support of tanker approach, berthing and offloading operations from the Bonga SPM and floating, production, storage, and offloading vessel (FPSO). In addition, the existing hawser and anchor tension system was upgraded and integrated to the metocean system. Logged data were to be archived for support of design analysis of FPSO and SPM moorings and risers for the life of the field and for future field developments.
The system was designed to acquire a large quantity of raw, high frequency metocean and tension data to allow detailed future investigations of metocean conditions (e.g., squall monitoring, wave steepness), and SPM movement (e.g., tanker mooring hawser "snagging," SPM heave, pitch, roll and anchor chain tensions).
Using Fugro GEOS' Weather Monitor 2000 software, all data are transmitted over a radio link at 1-minute updates for display in real-time on portable PCs used by the pilot onboard the tanker and/or tugs as well as on the FPSO. This allows critical data influencing the berthing and oil offloading operations to be available when and where it is required. The data are displayed in a user-friendly and clear format, allowing the operators to view present and past conditions, identify trends in environmental conditions, and be alerted to adverse and worsening conditions. www.geos.com
Smith Bits delivers new IDEAS
Smith Bits' Integrated Dynamic Engineering Analysis System (IDEAS) introduces revolutionary new technology to the design of roller cone and fixed cutter bits. IDEAS recognizes the significant impact of the drillstring and its components on bit performance and takes into account the specific parameters of the entire drilling assembly in a given application. As a result, the IDEAS design works synergistically with the drilling system, and performance is optimized.
IDEAS bits go from concept to field proven performance much faster than bits developed using traditional design regimens. Since the process uses a simulation model that predicts real-world behavior of the bit extremely accurately, testing of the new design is done in a virtual environment instead of the time consuming, multiple field trial iterations associated with traditional bit design. The customer benefits by realizing the savings generated by the IDEAS bit's enhanced performance much quicker.
• IDEAS bits are dynamically stable within the operating and application envelopes for which they are designed;
• Operators and drilling contractors have repeatedly commented on how easy the bits are to run and praised the smoothness and stability of the bit and the drillstring;
• Optimized parameters can be maintained for faster, longer runs with less stress on the bottomhole assembly (BHA) and rig equipment; and
• Superior stability contributes to longer bit life, faster rates of penetration (ROP) and increased reliability for downhole electronics.
DEAS' bits are designed to deliver certified, quantifiable, predictable, performance that will lower the cost of your drilling operations. www.smithbits.com