New system drills faster

The PowerDrive vorteX RT system offers the advantages of a powered rotary steerable system as well as a totally flexible bottomhole assembly (BHA) design with the ability to drill ahead faster. Drillers can reliably receive near-bit direction and inclination data from any BHA configuration with new, modular electromagnetic real-time wireless communications.

Ideal when drilling at high penetration rates, near-bit logging-while-drilling (LWD) or measurement-while-drilling (MWD) information helps drillers stay on course, avoid hazards, and make timely geosteering decisions.

The modular system combines power, speed, and accuracy with flexible BHA design while reducing stick/slip and rig time and maximizing drilling efficiency, torque delivery and penetration rates, and longer run lengths. The fully rotating system optimizes hole cleaning and weight transfer to the bit.

The real-time electromagnetic communication system jumps data across any power section or mechanical component such as reamers. It uses induction propagation antenna coils to generate and detect bi-directional downhole signals, providing a seamless communication link between near-bit sensors and mud pulse telemetry equipment in the upper assembly. Reamers, stabilizer subs, or drilling jars can be installed where needed without compromising near-bit data integrity.

Placing an LWD tool ahead of the motor is invaluable when drilling heterogeneous strata, where fractures, faults, formation boundaries, or liquid contacts are unexpected. Data provided by this new tool allows drillers to push for maximum drilling performance in the reservoir without fearing they will compromise the well plan, allowing them to fine-tune borehole trajectory while drilling ahead at high-speed. This can maximize borehole quality while directly reducing drilling costs. www.slb.com/vortexRT

Enhanced core imaging technique enables basic core description techniques

PTS Laboratories has developed a core imaging technique called Enhanced Imagery Suite (EIS). EIS provide geologists and petrophysicists a “virtual” layout room, enabling them to view and describe cores from anywhere in the world on their computers.

Traditionally, core description is performed in a layout room by a geologist with a 10x hand lens, a series of plastic grain size comparator cards, a ruler, and a pad of paper.

Before it can be described, the core must be slabbed and arranged in a layout room, and the geologist must travel to the core. But advances in computer and digital technology over the last few years have enabled PTS to develop techniques that can provide an analytical platform that can bring the layout room to the desks of geologists and earth scientists.

EIS provides five to 30 times the resolution of standard core photography for imaging cores, plugs, and cuttings.

EIS images are available to customers via the PTS Laboratories Web site in a virtual layout room format and are viewed with PTS proprietary core viewing software. The core viewer is equipped with tools a geoscientist would bring to a physical layout room for core description. Its features include a dip angle tool, measurement tool, grain size comparator, snapshot camera, and a text box for lithological notes.

Files can be exported to a Word document, enabling the geologist to present data without having to transcribe notes and images from notebooks and other sheets.

To tour the PTS Virtual Layout Room, visit www.ptslabs.com/ oilfield_services/virtual_layout_room.php?sec=o.

Swire produces advanced chemical tank

Swire Oilfield Services has begun production on its most advanced offshore chemical tank. The square tank, dubbed the SAFE Tank from its working title of Swire Advanced Fluid Engineering (SAFE), is the latest result of the company’s ongoing continuous improvement program, offering pioneering products to the energy industry.

The first units were delivered to its Aberdeen headquarters last month.

The tank, protected by a worldwide patent, has undergone a rigorous design and safety assurance process. It is designed to carry a full range of oilfield chemicals and has a working pressure of 2.67 bar and a test pressure of 4 bar. Its design has a reduced height and footprint created through the use of more of the empty space in the frame.

The smaller height minimizes the need for anyone to climb on top of the tank for operational or maintenance reasons.

With a 1,000-gallon capacity, the tank has dished ends with dimensions of 7.5 ft by 7.5 ft (2.3 m by 2.3 m). The overall height is 6 ft (1.5 m), with dip and vent valves 5.2 ft (1.6 m) from the floor. Another design innovation is the slotted fork-lifting pockets, which minimize the chances of dropping incidents.

Because of the partially dished ends, the tank uses fewer external frame stiffeners than other square tanks currently on the market, and it is relatively light. It also has a provision for a dial-type level gauge to be installed. The use of standard parts ensures the product is more cost-effective for customers.

The tank is constructed using a type of stainless steel that is ideal for use in a marine environment and is coated using a system devised jointly by Swire and Hempel Paints in Denmark.

This system reduces the amount of maintenance needed, cutting back on the blasting required and lowering energy consumption and material costs. This also means a decrease in the volatile organic compounds produced. Rupert Bray, Swire Oilfield Services director and general manager, said, “Swire pioneered square tanks more than 20 years ago, and this latest model, which has been four years in development, is the most advanced produced by the organization.

“The greatest advantage of the new tank is that it provides a large usable volume for the same capacity dimensions. The lower height makes stacking plus working on top of the unit easier and safer. We’ve already had a lot of interest in the tank from the industry, especially from major chemical companies.”

— Rebecca Torrellas, Managing Editor