Dual-deck shaker, modular pressure control system among innovations at M-I SWACO Expo
By Joanne Liou, associate editor
M-I SWACO presented various solids and pressure control technologies at the recent 6th annual M-I SWACO Tech Expo to meet the demands of onshore and deepwater operations.
1. Product: MD-2 Shale Shaker
Launch: 2013 OTC
Based on the MD-3 Shale Shaker, the MD-2 Shale Shaker is a dual-deck shaker that features similarities to the MD-3 platform – the same screen, clamping system and motors. However, while MD-3 targets primarily high-end offshore operations, the MD-2 targets both high-end land operations and offshore projects, such as refurbishment jobs. “The advantage of (MD-2) is that we’re giving customers the ability to utilize the scalping deck throughout the whole well,” Marc Kirschenbaum, business development manager for shakers, screens & mixing technologies, said.
The MD-2 also combined the best practices and lessons learned from the MD-3 and the Mongoose Pro Shale Shaker, Bob Barrett, project manager, said. One advantage of the shaker is its ease of use. “All the controls are front-mounted, so you don’t have to get to the side of the shaker if there’s a space restriction” Mr Barrett stated. “For HSE concerns, all the screens are front loaded, easy to install and remove,” allowing screens to be inspected easily and quickly. The pneumatic screen clamping system does not require any tools.
M-I SWACO has three MD-2 units in the field in Wyoming and South Texas and has run design validation and performance evaluation tests. The company expects the product to enter the global market, particularly in Western Canada, Asia, the Middle East and South America.
2. VERSA-CHOKE
Launch: August 2013
The modular VERSA-CHOKE can be customized for a variety of applications – high-end pressure control, MPD, UBD, frac flowback and frac plug drill-outs. “It can be applied onshore, offshore – anywhere there is a demanding environment for a pressure control system,” Mike Offner, business line manager for pressure control, said. The highly flexible choke features internal trim sizes that can be changed based on the flow application, allowing the same choke to be used in different applications. The ability to reverse trim improves choke operation life and reduces maintenance costs.
The choke’s hydraulically driven actuator can withstand full backpressure and can be swapped without having to disassemble internal components. “The actuators can be removed and worked on without disturbing the choke from the manifold,” Mr Offner said.
The VERSA-CHOKE is being tested in an MPD application in South Texas. Mr Offner added that a new MPD control system is also being developed that will provide precise control over bottomhole pressure and a reduced footprint.
3. SMART 3D
Launch: February 2013
Integrating hydraulics, chemistry and mechanics, the SMART 3D displacement brings together field-proven technologies to form a single wellbore displacement approach. “Those three components together give you effective displacement when you are transitioning,” Charles Svoboda, director of wellbore productivity, business development, said. “These three components are what it takes to get that efficient, effective displacement the first time.”
SMART 3D includes tools, such as WELL PATROLLER, to remove any residual debris and WELL SCAVENGER to provide reverse circulation at the end of the workstring to enhance debris removal. “We put the tools together in an assembly to meet the needs of the well,” Gabe Little, displacement product champion, said. “If we think we have a lot of ferrous debris because we’ve been milling, rotating for a long time, we’ll go to higher capacity.”
The SMART 3D displacement strategy is primarily geared toward offshore well cleaning. “We have to get a clean wellbore so that we minimize the amount of rig time,” Mr Svoboda said. “We want to do as many operations as possible on a single trip. We get the well displaced back to a water-based, water-wet environment, and we remove the debris so that when they go into the completion phase, they’re not running into debris that has been left from the drilling.”
