Roller cone bit provides reliability for extended operations

Tercel Oilfield Products has released its new premium series roller cone drillbits. The bearing roller cone bit line has precision-machined bearing races that are designed to provide better fit and finish for extended operations even with higher revolutions per minute and heavy weight on bit. The bearings are machined for reliability and consistency, according to a company product announcement. The seal system is engineered to provide optimal configuration and an extreme pressure synthetic lubricant to extend the bearing life. Tungsten carbide hard facing is applied to all surfaces of the steel tooth cutting structures and on the shirttail tip and leading edge on all tungsten carbide insert (TCI) and steel tooth premium bits to provide more protection in challenging formations. Flat top TCIs are pressed into the gauge surface of each steel tooth cone for additional security. terceloilfield.com

Software drives faster, better models for hydraulic fracturing

PowerLog Frac from CGG is a tool to petrophysically analyze well log data and directly feed results into fracture simulation software. Completions engineers can use the resulting models to design better hydraulic fracturing projects and improve well projects. The intuitive petrophysics-based software generates formatted rock and fluid properties to allow engineers to run multiple frack scenarios with better accuracy, according to a press release. By eliminating manual calculations and spreadsheets, these scenarios can be run in hours rather than days. Because of the time traditionally needed to acquire input data for the models, frack design and analysis are currently applied in only a very small percentage of hydraulic fracturing. With PowerLog Frac’s time savings, fracture simulation can be implemented as part of a standard completion process. The tool was created by CGG GeoSoftware in collaboration with Baker Hughes Inc. as part of a joint software development agreement. Baker Hughes will use PowerLog Frac in its pressure pumping operations to generate scenarios immediately and drive its fracture simulation design software, the release said. cgg.com

Data improve drilling targets, reduce formation uncertainty

Baker Hughes launched its SeismicTrak seismic-while-drilling service, which delivers precise measurements for reducing formation uncertainty and enables operators to hit reservoir targets with greater accuracy, according to a product announcement. The SeismicTrak service provides real-time seismic and waveform data that allow operators to adjust the well trajectory to avoid potential drilling hazards. The service can detect pressure changes, potential exiting of the reservoir and other downhole uncertainties while drilling, which allows it to inform operators of approaching formation changes just below the bit. Operators can then quickly change their well trajectory, adjust their mud weight or set casing to mitigate hazards. In highly deviated, horizontal or extended-reach wells, the SeismicTrak service can access boreholes that may be difficult for wireline, reducing the need for additional openhole time or the use of risky deployment methods. The service collects real-time checkshot data and full wireline-quality vertical seismic profile data in memory for processing after drilling to increase subsurface understanding. The service provides time/depth measurement technology with a drift of less than one millisecond over 10 days. Baker Hughes borehole seismic experts process, interpret and integrate all the provided data into a complete well plan. bakerhughes.com

Tools, algorithms enhance completion decisions

Sigma Cubed Inc. has developed a new generation of 3-D earth modeling and anisotropic velocity analysis tools, enhanced processing, and higher revolution-event location algorithms to help operators extract more from their data and have more confidence in their microseismic events for more reliable completion decisions, a product announcement said. Starting with the survey design phase through processing of perforation shots and microseismic event location, the new unified anisotropic velocity modeling workflow enables geoscientists to update models in near-real time for efficient and reliable interpretation. This improved event location correlates better to ground truth, providing the geoengineer with higher confidence in the microseismic response to pumping curves, geologic features, completion strategies and reservoir characterization. Additionally, new autodetection and autolocation algorithms deliver microseismic mapped events in half the time for a significant reduction in project turnaround time and improved real-time decisions. Even without 3-D seismic data, operators can perform rapid 2-D well trajectory imaging and 3-D borehole seismic imaging and then integrate the results with 3-D structural data. This integrated workflow collapses the most significant sources of uncertainty in microseismic mapping. sigmacubed.com

Rigless ESP conveyance system maximizes uptime

AccessESP has released its next-generation rigless electric submersible pump (ESP) conveyance system, Access375. The fourth-generation single-section permanent magnet motor is one-fifth the length and weight of a conventional induction motor. The one-piece design removes the need for tandem and triple motors; by reducing system complexity, installation is simpler and more reliable, according to a product announcement. The robust mechanical design is based on the adoption of components and techniques proven in the last 20 years in the MWD/LWD and the completions industries. Access375 is qualified for challenging, offshore and remote location applications. This technology builds on the benefits of AccessESP’s previous generation of rigless ESP conveyance systems. Benefits include fullbore access to the reservoir; compatibility with major ESP providers’ equipment; and live well ESP installation and removal using conventional slickline, coiled tubing or a wireline tractor. This results in maximized production uptime with reduced costs, time and complexity of ESP intervention, the announcement said. accessesp.com

Cell makes testing drilling fluids safer, simpler

Fann Instrument Co. introduced the HPHT Safe Cell, an HP/HT test cell for use in drilling fluids testing to reduce the chance of accidental opening. The cap can be removed from the current industry standard cell while under pressure; the Safe Cell’s two-piece threaded cap design prevents removal under pressure. This increases safety. The product uses the CellTell Positive Pressure indicator to show pressure status, warning users when the cell is pressurized. The Safe Cell’s screw-in end cap allows the cell to be opened and closed by hand without requiring screws. No cell clamp is required as the cap cannot be removed while under pressure. The simple design saves assembly and disassembly time. Safe Cell is now available in four versions, including a double-ended cell. Variations of the single- and double-ended versions use ceramic discs instead of screens. fann.com

Couplings protect single-point mooring terminals in collision, weather

Gall Thomson has launched a range of underbuoy breakaway couplings (UBCs) designed to protect single-point mooring (SPM) terminals from the potential consequences of vessel collision or extreme weather events, according to a press release. The UBC is designed to activate when strain is placed on the underbuoy hose transfer system. The UBC will then close the flow and separate the hose string. Activation of the UBC can be caused by vessel collision, such as with a tanker or other vessel, or an extreme weather event like a tsunami or hurricane. An SPM that is not protected may be dragged beyond its working envelope or suffer ruptured underbuoy hoses, fractured pipeline end manifolds or damaged submarine pipelines—problems that could end in a major offshore oil spill, injury, asset damage, cleanup costs and downtime. The UBC range is available with Gall Thomson Petal or Flip-Flap valve technology. gall-thomson.co.uk

Differential pressure/pressure transmitter works with limited power supply

Yokogawa Electric Corp. has developed a new low-power version of the DPharp EJA-E series differential pressure/pressure transmitter. It outputs 1- to 5-V DC and HART signals and has been designed to meet the specific requirements of upstream applications, a product release said. Differential pressure/pressure transmitters are used in the industry to measure the pressure; flow rate; and level of liquid, gas and steam. As E&P activity grows in places with poor infrastructure, devices must be able to function on a limited power supply. Due to a redesign of its power circuitry, the low-power DPharp EJA-E series transmitter consumes just 27 milliwatts of power. The transmitter is built to be highly accurate and stable, with a reference accuracy of ±0.055% and the ability to remain within ±0.1% of the upper range limit for seven years. yokogawa.com/us