Nabors invests in sodium-ion batteries manufacturer

Nabors Industries recently announced a $7 million investment in Natron Energy, a manufacturer of sodium-ion batteries. Natron plans to use the funds to accelerate the production of its sodium-based battery technology at its Michigan facilities, concentrating on industrial power and energy transition markets. Natron and Nabors are also evaluating the introduction of sodium-ion batteries as an energy storage solution for drilling markets. 

This investment adds to Nabors’ energy transition venture portfolio, following previously announced investments in geothermal energy, emissions monitoring and ultracapacitors.

Huisman proposes new semi design powered by renewables

Huisman has unveiled a proposal for a new harsh-environment semisubmersible that can be powered by onshore-produced hydroelectricity, via a power cable from a nearby platform. Alternatively, it can be powered by two floating wind turbines, which would be moored next to the rig. Huisman called the two solutions “radical but realistic.”

Both types of power, used in tandem with an energy storage system storing regenerated energy, would help to reduce the rig’s emissions footprint by 30-40% per well, according to Huisman. If wind turbines are used, then the company estimates there could be up to an 86% reduction in emissions per well.

The rig also would include a low-drag electrified robotic drilling system and a heave-compensated drill floor, making it suitable for operations in harsh sea conditions. Huisman said it believes the new rig will require 40% fewer people onboard and can contribute to a 25% reduction in cost per well.

Acquisition strengthens Oil States’ digitalization capabilities

Oil States Industries’ (OSI) is set to expand its electrification and digitalization capabilities. Its acquisition of E-Flow Control (EFC), initially announced in April,  will add integrated control packages to the company’s drilling, deepsea minerals systems and renewables product offerings. 

EFC specializes in fully integrated control and hydraulic power systems with touchscreen user interfaces that allow for digital twin data visualization and control of assets. Its technologies focus on hazard area control systems for critical applications typical in an offshore environment.

Mud cooler system to be deployed for geothermal exploration

OSSO has been awarded a contract to deploy its high-volume mud cooler technology in Germany. The geothermal exploration project will consist of an initial two wells with an aim to reach six development wells within two years. The technology will allow the operator to manage the field’s high bottomhole temperatures of up to 200°C.

Weber starts tenure as Senior VP, CFO at Valaris

Following his appointment in late May, Chris Weber recently commenced his role as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Valaris. Most recently Mr Weber served as CFO of LUFKIN Industries. He also previously served as CFO of Abaco Drilling Technologies, Halliburton and Parker Drilling, and he held senior finance roles at Ensco and Pride International.

Noble names Macpherson as VP of Investor Relations

Ian Macpherson has joined Noble Corp as Vice President, Investor Relations. Mr Macpherson previously served 18 years at Piper Sandler and its predecessor firm, Simmons Energy, as lead analyst for the global oilfield services sector, including the offshore drilling industry. He holds a BS from Georgetown University and an MBA from Tulane University.

GD Energy launches new facility in Louisiana

GD Energy Products has opened a 9,000-sq-ft aftermarket facility in Shreveport, La., to support activities in the Haynesville Shale. John Verzwyvelt will serve as the new facility’s branch manager. 

Expro nets German geothermal project deal

Expro has secured a contract for an integrated services package to support a new geothermal power plant in the Upper Rhine Graben area of southwestern Germany. The eight-well contract, for Germany’s largest private developer of geothermal energy plants, includes well construction services and a bespoke high-rate surface well test system. Work began in June.

Continental promotes Lawler to President, COO

Continental Resources has named Doug Lawler as President and COO. Mr Lawler, who has three decades of experience in the oil and gas industry, had joined the company in February as COO and Executive Vice President. 

Tenaris to acquire Benteler Steel & Tube Manufacturing

Tenaris announced it will acquire Benteler Steel & Tube Manufacturing for an aggregate price of $460 million, including $52 million of working capital. Closing is expected to occur during Q4 2022. Benteler produces seamless steel pipe and has an annual pipe rolling capacity of up to 400,000 metric tons.

Aquaterra to supply HPHT riser for exploration in Azerbaijan 

Aquaterra Energy has been awarded a high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) subsea riser contract with Umid Babek Operating Company (UBOC) for the BX-01 exploration well in Azerbaijan. Aquaterra’s 15,000-psi subsea riser system will be deployed from a jackup in 62-m water depth. The riser system’s AQC-SR quick connectors will provide UBOC with crucial gas-tight metal-to-metal seals and a backup elastomeric seal. In addition, the ability to pressure-test each connection upon makeup provides enhanced environmental reassurance against wellbore fluid discharge.

VES expands footprint with Sledgehammer acquisition

Varel Energy Solutions (VES) acquired Sledgehammer Oil Tool, a casing and cementing products manufacturer with capabilities centered in India. The acquisition will result in VES having nearly 1 million sq ft of manufacturing footprint.

CRP Subsea to provide buoyancy solutions in GOM

CRP Subsea has been awarded a contract to deploy two buoyancy solutions – its rotating buoyancy modules and integral buoyancy modules – in the US Gulf of Mexico. Engineering work will begin this year and target deployment in 2023.

Precision Drilling expands its well servicing fleet

Precision Drilling has entered into an agreement to acquire the well servicing business and associated rentals assets of High Arctic Energy Services for $38.2 million. This adds to Precision’s Canadian well servicing operation a fleet of 80 service rigs. The deal also provides Precision with rental assets, ancillary support equipment, inventories and spares, and six additional operating facilities in key basins. 

Bishop acquires All-Lifts 

Bishop Lifting Products completed its acquisition of All-Lifts, which fabricates wire rope slings, synthetic slings, alloy chain slings and blow-the-hook lifting devices. The acquisition is Bishop’s eighth since 2012 and will further expand its geographical footprint.

PRODUCTS

Halliburton launches new fixed cutter PDC drill bits

Halliburton introduced its Hedron fixed cutter PDC drill bits, designed using the company’s Design at the Customer Interface process, along with proprietary iBitS modeling and simulation software that enables the design teams to tailor each bit to customer challenges.

Hedron drill bits are the first PDC bits that incorporate the company’s Juggernaut cutters, Cerebro in-bit sensing insights and Oculus dull grading analytics. These technological advancements increase drilling performance through higher rates of penetration and extended run lengths.

Online tool makes it easy to configure seal designs

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions is offering the new interactive Variseal oil & gas seal selector tool for its customers to configure technical specifications for sealing solutions. Users are able to create a standard or custom seal proposal document. The tool is useful for a wide range of applications, including gate, ball and check valves, connectors and downhole tools.

Click here to access Trelleborg’s Variseal online selector tool.

Lightweight hard hat offers low-cost protection solution

Ergodyne’s new lightweight hard hats are made with a 14.3-oz HDPE plastic shell that meets both ANSI and CSA standards. They are available in Class C and Class E. Separately, the company has also introduced an intrinsically safe headlamp and two universal headlamp mounting straps aimed at improving worker safety.

Cloud-based platform designed for wellhead audits

The new cloud-based wellhead audit inspection platform from Cudd Well Control aims to reduce the time required, compared with paper-based inspection processes, and to streamline the identification of problems with corrosion, valve functionality and pressure. It enables automated and immediate reporting while in the field, and makes information about the well condition available in a single platform. The tool also places problem wells at the top of the risk matrix to help users prioritize the remediation work needed.

Torque multiplier improves precision in industrial settings

Ingersoll Rand has launched its QX Series 40V cordless torque multiplier, which has a patented closed-loop transducer that provides precision control and records the torque, speed and angle for each bolt or fastener. The tool is powered by a 40-volt battery, and an advanced cooling fan dissipates heat so the tool can run back-to-back cycles without overheating.