Improving data integration
Landmark has developed a new integrated, asset-level production operations and optimization workflow solutions program called DecisionSpace for Production. The software is deployed in several deepwater FPSO environments.
At one FPSO, Landmark DecisionSpace for Production software connects to the data historian, a laboratory information system, engineering model data stores and applications. The software delivered over a dozen workflow solutions that depended on connectivity between these systems. These included workflows to perform online well test validations to enable the use of recent well tests by downstream systems by validating them immediately; automation of well shut-in tests to minimize required downtime; and continuous wellhead pressure and flow rate estimations that were stored in the production database.
Landmark DecisionSpace for Production software connects and unifies dispersed data sources across their traditional silos and makes them available to scientific, engineering, operational, and business applications. The software orchestrates the interactions between these disconnected engineering applications and provides users appropriate access anytime and from anywhere via Web portal technology. The software subscribes to the architectural methodology that calls for the creation of a more flexible infrastructure based on a service-oriented architecture. It also outlines the delivery of rich visualization over an integrated portal infrastructure, leveraging data integration technologies and the provision of faster insights via automation and orchestration of processes.
Tar zone solutions
The never-ending search for ways to reduce nonproductive time during offshore drilling operation is resulting in more and more operators in the Gulf of Mexico incorporating liner hangers as part of their casing program. Liner hangers can offer innovative ways to drill through tar sands and rubble zones that previously made some deep pay zones inaccessible.
Baker Hughes’ latest product for the liner hanger market, the HRD/ZCP liner top packer with ControlSET Flex-Lock liner hanger, was successfully deployed in the Walker Ridge area of the deepwater Gulf, saving drilling time and costs by enabling the operator to drill through and isolate a challenging, highly stressed rubble zone adjacent to a problematic tar/bitumen layer.
The non-retrievable rotating liner drilling system was run in conjunction with a specially designed EZCase liner drilling PDC bit that assisted in keeping the sides of the well cased off from overflowing tar while the casing hanger was being cemented in. The successful deployment of the liner drilling system solution eliminated an extra liner string and allowed the operator to reach the proposed pay zone.
Before running the liner drilling system, nonproductive time – including attempts to overcome unexpected issues associated with a severe tar attack and sidetracking the well – accounted for a total of 26 days, representing millions of dollars in losses to the operator.
CT scan
BJ Services confirmed that it has successfully deployed its TeleCoil downhole communications system at several locations in the North Sea, including a perforating operation for Talisman Energy.
The system incorporates an instrumentation package in a customized bottomhole assembly that can capture and transmit real-time data about downhole operating conditions. The information collected during coiled tubing operations includes accurate depth, temperature and pressure data, which helps operators optimize the job while verifying depth measurements for applications such as perforating, setting plugs and fluid placement.
The TeleCoil system conductor installs inside the coiled tubing and is impervious to aggressive fluids such as acids, cement slurries and sand-laden fluids used for abrasive perforating, BJ said. A protective jacket lets the system withstand dynamic tension and compression forces during spooling and pumping operations; the small diameter conductor is said to have ‘negligible impact’ on pumping pressures or the overall weight of the reel.
On the Talisman perforating job BJ faced bottomhole temperatures of more than 300°F (149°C) in depths of up to 18,000ft (5846m) and ‘mechanical issues,’ which were addressed through a series of system refinements and upgrades. As a result, the TeleCoil system provided real-time depth, pressure and temperature data, making it possible for the company to achieve accurate depth corworkrelation throughout the operation.
Rack Jack patent award
Cudd Energy Services was recently awarded a patent for its Rack Jack system, the first of many recent evolutionary improvements made in a continuing effort to expand the CES hydraulic workover service line into the drilling and completions market.
Hailed as an ideal alternative to traditional derrick based workover/ drilling systems on and offshore, the Rack Jack gives an HWO unit the ability to vertically rack multiple stands of pipe in an integrated set-back area of the work basket. Yielding trip speeds up to 1500ft/h, the racking capability reduces trip time and increases efficiencies compared to conventional HWO units. Other advantages claimed for the system include a small footprint, larger work basket and reduced use of make-up and break-out equipment.
‘The Rack Jack system allows us entry into a new segment of the market, which is important to our longterm strategy,’ said Gary Vaughan, Cudd’s VP special services and HWO/snubbing. ‘Additionally, this equipment is very valuable to our field personnel, as it allows them to work as safely as possible with less fatigue while on duty.’
RFID for frac tracking
FMC Technologies is working with the Oil & Gas RFID Solution Group to develop next-generation tracking technologies for FMC products used in hydraulic fracturing. The company has affixed radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to various assets to track the parts from well-site to service center.
RFID tags specifically designed for the fracturing environment ‘provide a means of automating the identification process and dramatically decrease the time it takes to process equipment into and out of the field,’ said the Oil & Gas RFID Solution Group. ‘They replace an old identification methodology of engraved serial numbers on metal bands that required reorientation of heavy objects and careful inspection of the band to identify the part ID.’
The technology’s advocates say RFID adds speed and accuracy to logistics, and improves safety and reliability by providing a digital history of each tagged item.
‘The intent is to increase safety and efficiency, while also realizing cost savings for our customers,’ said Adam Berg, engineering service manager at FMC Technologies.
RFID Solution Group members, including BP and ExxonMobil, are trying to develop industry-wide design and data standards for the technology to help bring down the cost of implementation for would-be users (OE January).
Rack-mounted diver video & comms
A comprehensive dive station incorporating a threediver C-Phone comms unit, a dual camera and lamp supply control unit and a HDD recorder with massive memory has been introduced by subsea electronic manufacturer C-Tecnics. The system ensures that video and communications for both the divers and supervisor are clearly recorded and can easily be presented to client or engineers.
The rack houses C-Tecnics’ 19in product range, including the three separate modules pictured. A large format video screen also allows a split screen set-up so viewing from two cameras can be seen simultaneously such as from the standby diver, crane operator or ROV.
C-Tecnics says it originally developed the rack system as a one off item for a leading manufacturer of containerised air diving control systems in Norway, but was persuaded by the positive feedback to incorporate the rack into its product line.
Several units have now been built and installed around the world.
An early customer was training provider the National Hyperbaric Centre in Aberdeen, which fitted out its air diving station with the system and commented: ‘Recording the dive, with video & audio, straight to disc for the trainees to review is always great for them. Since it has been installed it has saved us hours of set up time with these diver training sessions by offering really simple comms and camera operations. We would recommend it for any dive company who wants a high quality accurate recording.’ OE