SPOTLIGHT ON TECH
volumes with the FARO Laser Tracker and then switch to the FaroArm to digitize areas hidden from the Tracker's line-of-sight. CAM2 Measure, a shared software platform, collects all of the data in the same job file. computer-controlled equipment that makes adjustments in the flow regime in response to the changes in downhole or surface conditions. The Secure Drilling System specifically allows the well to be drilling overbalanced, near balanced or underbalanced, enabling each section of the well to be optimized based on specific downhole conditions.
SEAL-GUARD ECF and NCS-30 ECF
Jet-Lube, Inc.'s patented ECF technology was developed to comply with the stringent North Sea environmental guidelines for offshore chemicals while maintaining the required performance standards. Jet-Lube's SEAL-GUARD ECF thread compound for premium casing and tubing connections and NCS-30 ECF thread compound for drill string connections meet Norway's "Yellow" standards and the United Kingdom's "E" classification. The classifications are a result of the OSPAR Commission's Harmonized Offshore Chemical Notification Format (HOCNF), whose directives require pipe compounds to be biodegradable, bioaccumulation-potential-free, and nontoxic. These are the most stringent thread compound requirements to date and required a total reformulation of the pipe compounds to meet both the performance and environmental requirements. Both ECF compounds are entirely nonmetallic, yet provide excellent protection against seizing and galling. They are temperature rated for applications -65ºF (-54ºC) to 500ºF (260ºC) and their nonconductive formulas are ideal for high-pH mud (9-10%) applications. SEAL-GUARDTM ECF, with frictional properties similar to API Modified, has been specifically formulated for use on premium connections. NCS-30 ECF was formulated for use on rotary shouldered connections, high-torque, and high-chrome or nickel alloys.
Versabar Deck Raising System
The systems used to raise the two eight leg platforms utilized thirty-two synchronously controlled, 260-ton hydraulic cylinders to lift the platforms fourteen feet each. The cylinders pin into lower padeyes welded to the existing legs and upper padeyes integral to the split extension sleeve. The 40.5-in. inch diameter, 1.5-in. wall extension sleeves capture the legs during the final leg cuts and with the rub rails, limit lateral movement during raising to 0.25-in.. The legs are cut between two bushings installed near the top of the legs. Prior to the lift, the top of the extension sleeve is welded to the upper bushing, and after rising, the bottom of the extension sleeve is welded to the lower bushing. A 12-in. diameter, 1.75-in. wall pin inserts into the leg to provide a storm safe condition at all times except when removed to raise the platforms.
is shielded from thermal deformations when cooled to its -165 degree Celsius operating temperature and 10.5 bar pressure. The swivel, having undergone extensive test simulating over five years of continuous service, is in the process of receiving an approval in principle, during the early part of 2007, from ABS. In November 2006, and LNG transfer workshop was organized at SBM for an industry presentation of this swivel to a group of operator representatives.
The Secure Drilling System
The Secure Drilling System is a closed-loop system which analyzes available drilling data to detect kicks or losses, and automatically manages backpressure at the surface to control influxes or losses. The System allows the volumes to be kept as small as possible - a microinflux or micro-outflux. The System is designed to incorporate existing drilling and pressure control equipment with minimal upgrades and equipment additions. In its most basic form, the Secure Drilling System allows the Driller to "see" on screen real-time changes in, and deviations from, expected behavior in flow and pressures. The Driller can use the technology to interpret these changes and effect control on the situation through
MR-6H SE Marine Riser Connection
Vetco Gray's new marine riser system, the MR-6H SE, brings drastic improvements to the current industry offerings in both safety and efficiency. The innovative design of the MR6H SE combines field-proven technology of the H-4 subsea wellhead connector and the dog-style marine riser (MR-). To make the fully-automated connection of the MR-6H SE, hydraulic units on the spider engage a cam ring on the box which actuates six dogs into the profile in the pin. This creates a full pre-loaded connection with an efficient and effective load path. The MR-6H SE connection is fully automated. This takes people out of a potentially hazardous situation. The pin is lowered into the box and guided into place with an internal guide pin. Then the spider does the rest, automatically making up the connection. In today's environment, saving time means saving money. It takes less than a minute to make/break the MR-6H SE connection. A string of MR-6H SE can be run in about half the time of a flanged riser system.
Single Buoy Moorings Inc.
Future LNG transfer with weathervaning Offshore LNG Terminals is now feasible. SBM has completed an in-house, three-year development program for the world's first LNG Toroidal Swivel. This swivel with its central opening is a key requirement for any marine transportation system where LNG has been transferred for import or export through a weathervaning system whether it is turret or single point mooring. The design can be configured to allow the passage of multiple LNG streams up to 20 inches and a 16 inch vapor return. Thanks to composite material bearings and the use of thermal rods inside the toroid, the swivel sealing function
MOSES Self Stable Integrated Platform (SSIP) Tension Leg Platform
The MOSES Self Stable Integrated Platform (SSIP) is a Tension Leg Platform (TLP) that has inherent stability that allows quayside integration and commissioning of the topsides to the hull structure, wet towing of the integrated platform to the installation site, and eliminates the need for expensive temporary buoyancy or craned assisted installation assistance. The hull configuration is comprised of a central base structure, four Tendon Support Structures (TSS) and four vertical columns. The base and TSS structures are located deep below the surface and provide a significant portion of the platform's buoyancy. Each TSS is a rectangular pontoon structure. The columns are located further outboard, smaller than conventional TLP columns, and are rectangular in shape. A total of eight tendons are supported at the end of the TSS (two at each end) via top connectors on a porch arrangement. The tendons are connected at the sea bottom on piles via bottom connectors. The MOSES SSIP TLP can support a variety of drilling or workover rigs and a large number of Top Tension Risers (TTR's) and flowline risers. The MOSES SSIP TLP can be used with wet and/or dry trees in harsh and mild environments.
38 · MarineNews · April, 2007
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