StethoScope tools do not require orientation in the borehole, saving considerable time on each test. (Image courtesy of Schlumberger)

DM5E family introduced

The DM5E family is the latest generation of portable, ultrasonic, corrosion monitoring thickness gauges from GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies. The series offers significant improvement in performance over previous corrosion thickness gauges in terms of thickness measurement and stability and repeatability at normal and elevated temperatures. The gauges are designed to operate in the harshest working environments, performing wall thickness measurements on pipelines, pressure vessels, and storage tanks in the oil and gas industry as well as the petrochemical and power generation sectors.

“Our new DM5E family allows operators to choose the level of thickness measuring functionality to suit them, while its flexibility allows them to upgrade their instruments whenever they wish,” said Stefan Frank, product manager at GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies. “The instruments come with a new range of ultrasonic probes to ensure optimized performance even at high temperatures.”

The new corrosion measurement solution is available in three versions: the DM5E Basic, the DM5E, and the DM5E DL. All versions weigh just 223 g, including the AA batteries, which allow up to 60 hours of operation. They feature an LCD screen that is backlit to be visible in all lighting conditions. Operation is carried out with one hand using a user-friendly operator interface.

The DM5E instrument additionally offers the DUALMULTI operating mode, which allows metal thickness to be measured through coatings. Protective coatings, including paint, contribute significant error to thickness measurements of underlying metal walls when using conventional methods. In addition, the removal of coatings, and their subsequent reapplication, involves considerable cost and time.

The DM5E DL version has a built-in datalogger, with a capacity to store 50,000 readings in grid and linear files. This makes the measurement data available for further processing. Using GE’s UltraMATE software, measurement data files can be transferred from the instrument to a PC, where they can be analyzed and stored. The Basic version can be upgraded easily into a DM5E instrument, and both DM5E Basic and DM5E can be field upgraded to become DL versions. www.gesensing.com

Slim FPWD saves 14 rig-days

The new StethoScope 475 slimhole formation pressure-while drilling (FPWD) system from Schlumberger successfully traversed five extended-reach slim boreholes in the Caspian Sea to obtain accurate and validated formation pressure measurements. This allowed the operator to verify the pressures against its depletion plans and check interwell communication.

The Caspian Sea operator had used StethoScope FPWD tools in its larger boreholes, but was challenged when drilling slim, high-angle, extended reach, reentry holes to maximize reservoir contact. Considerable engineering and materials science technology were required to pack the field proven StethoScope technology in a 43?4 in. diameter collar while maintaining all system features.

The tool is designed to take pressure measurements with pumps on to reduce sticking risk, and the automatic testing sequence establishes optimum drawdown rates to minimize time-on-station while ensuring a high-quality measurement. Unlike other FPWD systems, the StethoScope tools do not require orientation in the borehole, saving considerable time on each test. Holes as slim as 53?4 in. can be tested.

Accuracy is ensured by two pressure gauges: an advanced crystal quartz gauge (ACQG) and a microsapphire gauge. Both gauges measure formation pressure and store it in memory. The ACQG sends pressure data in real time to the surface. Another microsapphire gauge continuously transmits annulus mud pressure uphole.

Running the new 475 system on each of the five slimhole wells as a substitute for drill pipe conveyed wireline tools saved the operator up to 2.8 days of rig time per well. Total estimated savings for the five well project amounted to US $3 million. No tool failures were experienced. www.slb.com/stethoscope

Scott advances multigas monitor

Scott Health & Safety has introduced the Protégé Multi-Gas Monitor—a portable multigas monitor for industrial and fire applications. The easy-to-operate, easy-to-maintain gas monitor is tough enough for use in harsh environments, yet its light weight makes it ideal for everyday work activities for the detection of oxygen, combustibles, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon monoxide.

Compact and ergonomically designed, the Protégé monitor fits into the palm of the hand allowing for simple, intuitive operation. Because of its small design and simple two-button interface, users can easily operate all of its features with one hand. The overall profile of the monitor, with accessories, is smaller than most standard instruments.

A key to the monitor’s operation is its data logging and configuration capabilities. With Windows-based proprietary software, a variety of operating options can be configured for multiple uses and personal user preferences, including password control, backlight timer, calibration due date, alarm set points, calibration gas values, and automatic zero calibration at start up. Data logging is based on event changes only, rather than automatic intervals, allowing for the capture of relevant analytics of workplace environments and usage while reducing the number of stored data points. Up to 7,000 significant events can be captured and stored for further analysis. This feature enables the end user to focus on the safety data that is most important to them in a more efficient manner.

Numerous alarm capabilities are built into the monitor to warn for high gas levels and battery depletion. These features are presented via bright visual, piercing audible, and vibrating tactile alarm indicators. All visual alarms and operational readouts are easily viewable on the instrument’s large, backlit LCD screen.

Applications for the monitor include industrial, petrochemical, oil and gas, hazmat, and first responder emergencies. With its easily changeable sensors, the monitor can be configured in five sensor combinations for use in multiple applications. It is also suited for confined space applications when using the optional pump. The parasitic pump of the monitor does not require its own power supply because it draws power from the monitor lithium-ion battery. This feature helps to keep the instrument’s profile small. When configured with its optional pump, the Protégé is transformed from a personal gas monitor into a confined space monitor. http://www.scotthealthsafety.com/

Cirrus Logic modifies marine streamer solution

With the release of the CS5374, Cirrus Logic Inc. has extended its technology within integrated circuits (ICs) to energy exploration applications. The CS5374 integrates two programmable gain differential amplifiers and two low-noise Delta-Sigma modulators into a 48-pin QFN package, enabling smaller and more reliable marine streamers.

The CS5374, part of the fourth generation of ICs for energy exploration systems, provides noise and distortion performance of 127 dB signal-to-noise rate and 118 dB total harmonic distortion, delivering the high precision performance needed for marine streamers’ detection of potential sources for energy deep within the ocean floor.

“The CS5374's integration allows for the industry's smallest footprint, reducing the overall size of the streamer design and improving mechanical reliability,” said Tom Stein, vice president and general manager, Cirrus Logic's Energy, Exploration and Lighting division. www.cirrus.com