Configuration and diagnostics software tool improves process control

The Micro Motion ProLink III by Emerson Process Management is a Microsoft Windows-based configuration, data-logging, and troubleshooting tool with an unmatched response time and easy-to-use device intelligence and diagnostics display for the range of Micro Motion Coriolis flow and density transmitters.

The ProLink III includes a guided connection wizard, simulated device feature, and offline configuration tool to help mitigate expensive downtime and reduce startup costs by providing less room for error. (Image courtesy of Emerson Process Management)

According to Emerson, customers can streamline work practices and process control with the latest version of this software tool, which features service benefits including the ability to simultaneously connect to multiple devices and monitor system performance through trending and data logging. Prolink III allows the user to view and improve process conditions across more than one transmitter at a time. Once connected, process variables and alerts can be viewed immediately through a single full diagnostics display. The transmitter configuration tool identifies fault conditions that are separated by severity to prioritize alerts. It also connects to all Micro Motion Coriolis transmitters and supports HART, Modbus RS-485, and Modbus/TCP communications. Advanced transmitter functionality such as Smart Meter Verification, concentration measurement, petroleum measurement, Net Oil Computer, discrete batching, or filing and dosing application software can be configured easily using the ProLink III diagnostics tool. Emerson.com.

Downhole drilling system adds precision in coiled tubing drilling

The AnTech POLARIS downhole drilling system offered in the company’s new directional drilling services division has contributed to a series of successful coiled tubing drilling (CTD) operations in the Niobrara formation in Kansas. According to AnTech Ltd., the Polaris is an affordable alternative to rotary steerable systems that increases drilling efficiency and speed while making minimal impact on the environment.

The Niobrara drilling program undertaken by AnTech and Advanced Drilling Technologies consisted of three wells drilled directionally. The first well was drilled to 1,000 m (3,000 ft) true vertical depth (TVD), with more than 185 m (600 ft) of lateral displacement. The second well was drilled to more than 450 m (1,500 ft) TVD with an average dogleg severity of approximately 7.5 degrees. The tool, which includes a solid state gyro system, removing the need for a magnetic steering instrument, was easy to steer, and enabled both wells to be completed in less than one day. The Polaris also has sensors close to the bit allowing corrective actions to be carried out immediately, the company said. Antech.co.uk.

New water conservation services, technology optimize well economics

Halliburton is providing new water management services to operators in the Permian basin, Niobrara, and Eagle Ford shale plays to reduce the amount of freshwater used for hydraulic fracturing as well as overall costs for water-related services in unconventional developments.

For its Total Water Management Solutions (TMWS) initiative, the company has deployed its CleanWave technology, which uses electrocoagulation to remove suspended solids from water and make it into clear brine for fracturing. The technology can be used to recycle flowback and produced water, improving wellsite economics. According to Halliburton, the eventual goal is to eliminate the need for freshwater use in fracturing operations. Toward that end, the company is investing in additional technology, water-related equipment and facilities, and development of high-performance fracturing fluid systems that can be formulated with the recycled or produced water.

TMWS water supply points are in Weld County, Colo.; Wilson County, Texas; and Lea and Eddy counties, New Mexico. Halliburton.com.

A Geoteric RGB blend is imaged to show detailed channel morphology. (Image courtesy of ffA)

3-D seismic analysis software maximizes data visualization

ffA has released the GeoTeric seismic interpretation workflow software to improve decision-making while processing, interpreting, and modeling large volumes of seismic data in less time. The 3-D seismic software can be applied in conventional and unconventional reservoir analysis to directly translate geophysical data into geological information while making interpretation workflow more efficient.

The GeoTeric suite features the Adaptive Geobodies technology, which was developed in conjunction with Lundin Norge, used to extract 3-D geobodies in areas such as braided channels or karst systems where it would be impossible for other conventional seismic interpretation techniques, ffA said. This technology offers high-resolution 3-D manual manipulation tools and the ability to account for the interplay between different geological elements when examining the geological expression in seismic data from an image processing perspective. GeoTeric also provides access to post-stack techniques for reducing the noise level in seismic data while preserving information content. Geoteric.com.

Ball drop sleeve system cuts completion time, costs

A new lower completion ball drop sleeve system by i-TEC Well Solutions allows operators to bring wells in tight formations online faster than other methods, helping to curb costs, improve zone isolation, and start production in shorter time, the company said.

The i-Frac system replaces the common plug-and-perf technique in both cemented and openhole applications. It eliminates trips to prepare each zone for being hydraulically fractured and enables the well to be completed in a single, continuous process. The technology works by using a series of balls pumped through the completion string to open valves that allow access to the formation. According to the company, more than 20 sleeves per stage can be installed in a cemented liner and opened sequentially with a single ball.

A number of stages can be run in a single well using the i-Frac technology. The number of valves per stage also can be varied to suit conditions. (Image courtesy of i-TEC Well Solutions)

In one application on the Norwegian shelf, the i-Frac system reduced stimulation of a North Sea well to 1.5 days compared to an average of 40 to 50 days. The company was able to open 56 valves in three zones in the North Sea well by dropping only three balls. The ball drop sleeve system also has improved completion time and costs in the US Bakken and Woodford shale plays, i-Tec said. I-tec.no.

Absorbent technology removes toxins from flowback water

A swellable, molecularly modified glass, the Osorb field water treatment solution by Produced Water Absorbents Inc. (PWA) is capable of absorbing volatile organic compounds, including formation hydrocarbons and upstream production chemicals.

The company recently fielded skid-units tested by Texas A&M’s GRPI and trailer-mounted units conducting pilots with E&P companies at up to 1.5 bbl/min. According to PWA, these pilots are removing 90% to 99.9% of soluble and micro-droplet volatiles from production waters in the Clinton, Bakken, Utica, and Wamsutter formations. Unusual for a polishing system, it is closed-loop. The captured hydrocarbons are recovered with little or no waste stream, and the regenerated Osorb can be reused. Pwabsorbents.com.