Composite mat can prevent contamination of ground soil

The Dura-Base advanced composite mat from Newpark Mats and Integrated Services, a unit of Newpark Resources, is designed to withstand bearing loads in excess of 600 psi. The mat is produced from a nonslip composite formulation and can last five times as long as a wooden mat, the company said in a press release. The composite mat also is designed to weigh 50% less than a wooden mat and can enhance worker safety through improved ground stabilization. The technology, which can prevent soil disturbance, does not require any bolts or fasteners to hold it in place as it is a single part, according to the company. The mat is made of a nonabsorbent material and can help prevent contamination of ground soil. newpark.com.

New platform offers enhanced E&P data management

Schlumberger has announced the release of Studio Manager, part of the Studio E&P data management environment in which technical and information management professionals can collaborate and quickly access data in context from related sources, the company said in a press release. With specifically designed applications, Studio Manager allows users to browse, correct, and organize E&P data, as well as improve productivity. The technology, designed to manage E&P project data, includes security and data access controls. Incorporating industry-standard technology such as Oracle Database and Microsoft SQL Server, Lync, SharePoint, Exchange, and Office, the Studio environment allows users to manage and access data, interpretations, annotations, and knowledge from the Petrel E&P software platform. The technology also lets data administrators configure quality attribute tags, including application rules for users to help track interpretation context, state, and data quality. Studio Manager helps information managers ensure a more productive, collaborative, experience among Petrel platform users sharing interpretations and related knowledge, the company said. slb.com.

Downhole monitoring technology assists in hydraulic fracture mapping

MicroSeismic Inc. introduced its new EventPick downhole monitoring technology for use in hydraulic fracture mapping, equipped with compressional- and shear-wave first arrival picking capability, according to a company press release. In areas unsuited for surface-based micro-seismic acquisition, the technology can be used to evaluate well stimulation results in real time. Operators can use these results to achieve proper well spacing, select fluids and proppants, determine reservoir boundaries, and make changes to pressure pumping schedules. Using advanced interpretation, the processing software can provide automated triggering on microseimic events, according to the company. Results are delivered within a month and can help operators optimize completions and map out future drilling activity. microseismic.com.

Seismic acquisition vessel includes 24 streamer reels

Petroleum Geo-Services unveiled its latest version of the Ramform design, the Ramform Titan seismic acquisition platform. The new vessel is equipped with a stern that measures 70 m (230 ft) and 24 streamer reels, the company said in a press release. The new vessel includes safety features like increased working and storage space, stable capacity for more than 6,000 tons of fuel and seismic equipment, an automated back deck, two stern-launched workboats, and two 40-person lifeboats with a scoop rescue system. The vessel also includes an upgraded GeoStreamer-based seismic package, according to the company, as well as amenities including a 225-sq-m (2,422-sq-ft) sports hall, gym, theaters, TV and game rooms, 60 single cabins, and 10 twin cabins. pgs.com/titan.

Industrial gloves offer increased protection at job site

Wells Lamont Industrial has designed its MechPro Grand Explorer gloves to be more ergonomic and offer increased protection, according to a company press release. The high-visibility back and padded reflective knuckle straps can create awareness and can help reduce injuries on job sites. The gloves also offer American National Standards Institute Level 2 cut protection, according to the company, and vinyl molded fingers allow for dexterity and additional protection. Featuring either a full synthetic or a full leather palm, the gloves can be used in a variety of applications, including oil and gas. wellslamontindustry.com.

PDC drill bit can increase stability, ROP

Ulterra introduced its CounterForce polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit design technology. The tool can lower bit torque and vibration and create more efficient failure of rock, the company said in a press release. The technology is designed to increase stability and ROP by maintaining a consistent torque signature, with cutters that work to increase crack propagation and lower lateral vibration. In a case study from the Permian basin, the company noted how the technology was used to finish a Wolfcamp lateral, with the operator reporting a 42% faster ROP than with direct offsets. The operator saved a day of drilling using the technology, according to Ulterra. ulterra.com.

Dissolvable frac balls can eliminate drill-outs

The Magnum Fastball from Magnum Oil Tools International dissolves on its own under heat, which can eliminate the need for drill-outs, according to a company press release. This also can eliminate the necessity of well intervention for stuck frac balls or loose frac ball fragments. These dissolvable frac balls can be used with sliding-sleeve systems or composite frac plugs and, once dissolved, allow free flow of hydrocarbons. The frac balls have been field-tested at 20 bbl/min, according to the company, and come in sizes ranging from ? in. to 4.6 in. Their environmentally friendly chemical composition also prevents the frac balls from getting stuck in the ball seat. magnumoiltools.com.

Strain measurement system securely attaches to submerged pipe

BMT Scientific Marine Services, a subsidiary of BMT Group Ltd., announced in a press release that its strain measurement system and attachment scheme has been granted US Patent No. 7,891,254. The technology, which can be combined with the insulation layer on ultra-deepwater steel catenary risers, monitors pipe strain in a less intrusive way than previous systems allowed. In addition, the system can help reduce or eliminate disruption of the pipe insulation layer. Because major changes in pressure and temperature can cause the outside dimensions of submerged insulated pipes to change, finding a way to securely attach strain sensors to the pipe is important. The company plans to apply the technology to two projects in Brazil after successfully using the system offshore Nigeria on production gas export risers to monitor bending strain. scimar.com.