Heavy Duty Mud Pump

Moyno, Inc., a unit of Robbins & Myers, Inc., manufactures and markets the Moyno 2000 progressing cavity pump, which delivers optimized performance and long life handling highly viscous, abrasive, solids-laden drilling mud. The pump manages abrasive materials in excess of 80% solids with an operating range to 4,500 gpm and pressures up to 1,500 psi. It features a crowned-gear, universal-joint drive-train configuration to provide good torque and thrust control. Joint seals effectively protect the gear joints from pumpage contamination. The gear joints in the Moyno 2000 are grease lubricated to run at 180°F, far cooler than oil-lubricated joints.

Safety Valves

Caledyne?s Torus safety valve has achieved API 14A class 1 for the 2 7/8-in. insert valve. While the basic valve design stays the same, the insert valve allows for a central conduit to pass through the core. The conduit may be hydraulic (mini-coil or capillary string), electrical or fiber optic. The purpose of the valve is to allow the installation of artificial lift or downhole monitoring in existing wells without the requirement of a full workover. Typical applications of the valve include bringing watered-out gas wells back to production by injection of a foaming agent. Using the Torus valve with a permanent capillary string allows wells to be stimulated on a regular basis. To prevent scale buildup, the valve can allow continuous stimulation of chemicals through the center of the valve, avoiding costly intervention work.

Trends in Energy Litigation

A new 150-page report called 2007 Trends in Energy Litigation is available from the energy-focused law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. Among the numerous trends explored in the report are: the criminalization of energy and environmental matters by the US government and the increase in government regulations, investigations and litigation; internationally, host governments seeking a larger share of revenues through higher taxes and royalties, forced renegotiation of contracts and government decrees; and a significant increase in regulatory oversight of energy markets designed to prevent and punish market manipulation. More than 20 of the firm’s energy attorneys contributed analyses of the emerging US and international trends. The report opens with a detailed section on international energy disputes. It explores how high prices, coupled with the swing of the political pendulum in several regions, led to a chain reaction in which host governments in countries including Algeria, Bolivia, China, Ecuador, Russia and Venezuela sought to increase their take from energy projects. From there, US upstream litigation trends are discussed, such as federal royalties, environmental laws, the Clean Water Act, toxic torts and global warming. Also discussed is the FERC’s expanded jurisdiction and enhanced enforcement authority under the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Compact Electric Top Drive

The TESCO Model 350 EXI 600 Extreme electric top drive system is a compact, full-featured top drive for smaller narrow-mast drilling rigs. Features include standardized parts, improved gear system and pipe-handling arrangement, and easy access for maintenance and service. The system supports multiple variable frequency drives (VFDs) for easy integration. The complete system, including the top drive, torque system and optional VFD building, is designed to be installed in less than a day. Available with an optional genset, the drive can be independently packaged as a cabinet or building, and be integrated with most existing VFD configurations. The system offers all critical pipe-handling functions, including elevator link-tilt, 137.2-mm extend/retract for making mousehole connections, and 360° pipe handler rotation. The grabber will accommodate tool joints from 76.2-mm to 222.25-mm OD. The design integrates the swivel, gearbox and P.H. Spool, resulting in a compact unit. It incorporates programmable logic control, which optimizes efficiency and provides safety interlocks. A customizable torque-arrest system is included. The entire top drive can be transported in three standard 6.09-m sea containers, and is transportable in the mast for quick rig-up.

High-Speed Crewboat

Rigdon Marine Corp. is now operating a new generation crewboat with the delivery of the Rigdon Sailfish, constructed by Midship Marine of Harvey, La. The vessel is 176 ft by 32 ft by 13 ft and is powered by four Cummins KTA 50 M3 engines, capable of 1,800 hp each. This output is channeled through four Hamilton HM811 waterjets. The crewboat also uses a 200-hp bow thruster. Cargo capacities are 30,000 gal of water, 34,500 gal of fuel and an approved deck loading limit of 230 long tons. It was built to ABS Fire Fighting Class I standards and incorporates an ABS classed DPS-1 station-keeping system. The vessel maintained a speed of 33 kt in trials, and can transport up to 80 passengers.


Oil Skimming Guide

Abanaki Corp., US supplier of oil skimming equipment, has published a detailed technical guide on the company’s capabilities. Abanaki’s Oil Skimming Engineering Specification E-Book includes detailed engineering drawings, and covers motor types and belt selection for the company’s full line of oil skimming products. Oil skimming uses the difference in specific gravity and surface tension between oil and water to pick up hydrocarbons as a belt passes through water. Abanaki’s PetroXtractor is a low-cost method of removing oil and fuel from ground water, at rates up to 12 gph. An electronic version of the guide is also available.