People, Companies & Products
Frank Springett, NOV, wins Next Generation Award
National Oilwell Varco’s Frank Springett, vice chairman of the Future Technology Subcommittee of the IADC Advanced Rig Technology Committee, has been selected as the inaugural winner of World Oil’s “Next Generation Award.” The award recognized Mr Springett for his innovative thinking and numerous contributions to developing new products for the industry. He was the lead designer of the Continuous Circulation System (CCS), the Shaffer Low Force Shear Ram concept, and numerous subsea BOP stack and control system designs. He already has been awarded ten patents, with ten more pending. Mr Springett began his career with NOV in 2001.
James Justiss receives API Gold Medal for service, leadership
James F Justiss Jr, president and chairman of Justiss Oil Co, received the API Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement at an awards ceremony held 20 October 2008 in Scottsdale, Ariz. The award recognizes his lifelong commitment to the industry and his company, community and family.
In accepting the award, Mr Justiss praised his industry colleagues, “who have done so much to make this world a better place” by providing energy, often at cheap prices, to the general public, he said. Mr Justiss has been a member of the API Board of Directors for more than two decades.
Noble employee wins IMO award for bravery at sea
Rodolfo Fonseca da Silva Rigueira of the drillship Noble Roger Eason has received the 2008 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea. He was nominated by the government of Brazil for prompt and effective action in saving six crew members from a dangerous fire on the ship. According to the IMO, the fire originated from an explosion, causing imminent risk of death to crew, including Mr da Silva Rigueira. Instead of evacuating, he repeatedly exposed himself to the fire and very high temperatures to save his six colleagues.
A total of 32 nominations were received at IMO and considered by an assessment panel for this award.
W. Matt Ralls named Rowan president, CEO
W. Matt Ralls has been named the president and CEO of Rowan Companies and member of its Board of Directors, succeeding D.F. McNease, who announced his retirement in late October 2008.
Mr Ralls most recently served as executive vice president and COO of GlobalSantaFe. He has also served as senior VP and CFO of GlobalSantaFe. He joined Global Marine in 1997. He holds a mechanical engineering degree and a Masters in Business Administration from UT Austin.
Rowan’s Board of Directors also named Jack Lentz as chairman of the Board. He has held a position on Rowan’s Board since 1990.
Canrig, Epoch Well Services merge
Canrig and Epoch Well Services have merged to create a drilling technology company known as Canrig Drilling Technology, headquartered in Houston, Texas.
New VP at Hawk Industries
Hawk Industries recently hired John Warren as its new vice president of sales and marketing. He previously spent 22 years with National Oilwell Varco, where he held management positions in engineering, project management, sales, service and product management.
Signa Engineering buys Fisk/MEI
Signa Engineering has acquired Fisk/MEI Inspection Services, an inspection and expediting services company for oilfield equipment and tubulars. With the addition of Fisk/MEI, Signa will expand its body of oilfield services and diversify its interests in the energy industry.
17 companies recognized for workplace safety
Seventeen companies have received Texas Mutual Insurance’s top honor for workplace safety: Bandera Drilling; Creek Swabbing & Roustabout Service; Five Star Consolidated Co; Hi-Plains Trading Co; K Marketing, which does business as Longhorn Propane; Ludlum Measurements; Pierce Construction; Reef Services; Refinery Terminal Fire; Rocker A Well Service; Sundown Operating; Steinberger Drilling Co; T&L Lease Service; T-Rey Properties; Tec Well Service; Viking Drilling; and Well-Pro Services. The companies have demonstrated their commitment to workplace safety by carrying out an exemplary safety program and controlling workers’ compensation losses.
Executive shuffling at Keppel
The following executive moves at Keppel Corp took effect 1 January 2009: Lim Chee Onn will relinquish his role as CEO and will continue to serve as non-executive chairman of Keppel Corp. Choo Chiau Beng will leave his post as CEO of Keppel Offshore and Marine (KOM) and will become CEO of Keppel Corp. Teo Soon Hoe will retain his responsibilities as senior executive director and group finance director. Tong Chong Heong, managing director and COO of KOM, will be appointed CEO of KOM.
NOV Elmar UK announces £10 million in contracts
NOV Elmar UK has announced contract wins of £10 million. They include the supply of eight 20-tonne TerraLift trucks to a leading oilfield services provider for operations in Algeria and Libya. The trucks have a built-in 10,000-psi pressure test facility and can reach a maximum height of 120 ft. Further work has been secured with Maersk to supply five NovaWinch units.
Industry pioneer James Armstrong passes away
James Eubank Armstrong, founder and president (1981-92) of IMI Engineering Co, passed away 24 October 2008. He was a pioneer in the advance of the rock-over trailer, modular crane, workover rigs moved to a platform via work boat as opposed to a barge, minimum-space platform rigs and others.
Cameron acquires Precision Downhole Pumps
Cameron has acquired Precision Downhole Pumps, a US-based manufacturer of artificial lift equipment. Precision will increase the size and geographic reach of Cameron’s existing artificial lift businesses with manufacturing in Iola, Kan., and a distribution channel throughout the US.
IDM Group to become Louisiana Electric Rig Service
IDM Group completed its acquisition of Louisiana Electric Rig Service, a Rosenberg, Texas-based provider of SCR drives, generator controls, top drive controls and custom-engineered products, along with field support services, and the simultaneous merger of IDM’s existing AC electrical systems and controls business into Louisiana Electric. The combined company will operate as Louisiana Electric Rig Service.
Derrick Equipment to supply to Halliburton’s Baroid
Halliburton has entered into an agreement with Derrick Equipment Co to expand Baroid Fluid Services’ offering of solids control equipment and services. Derrick Equipment will supply a full range of products, including shale shakers, centrifuges and screens, to Baroid.
Atlas Copco offers DrillAir compressors
Atlas Copco has introduced its DrillAir range of compressors to provide the highest air volume at the highest air pressure available while being the most energy-efficient with the lowest specific fuel consumption for the air delivered. The redesigned DrillAir screw element ensures a 4% reduction in energy consumption compared with before, a reduced risk of leakages, and 15% lower thrust load. The new gear box configuration reduces forces on the bearing to provide increased working range of the element and energy savings.
DrillAir is offered in skid-mount, support-mount, tandem or wagon-wheel versions. All models use the A-rated, Caterpillar C18 Acert T3 diesel engine with a rating of 575 hp. They are also equipped with a 258-gal fuel tank, with optional 410-gal tanks for the skid or support versions to ensure higher fuel autonomy. An optional on-board electric refueling pump speeds refueling and reduces operational downtime.
Kevlar Pulling Grips lightweight, strong
Kevlar Pulling Grips are the latest addition to Lewis Manufacturing Co’ wire-mesh pulling grips line. These grips are made of plastic-coated Kevlar fibers that are lightweight yet stronger than steel wires. Kevlar grips are traditionally used in overhead or underground operations when pulling or suspending electric or fiber-optic cable. These grips do not have metallic fraying as traditional grips do. The grips can also be used when a metallic grip is unsuitable, such as when pulling into an energized environment. These grips are available in sizes ranging from ¼ in. to 8 in. in ¼-in. and ½-in. increments.
Landmark SeisSpace R5000 processes seismic data
Landmark, a brand of Halliburton’s Drilling and Evaluation Division, has released the SeisSpace R5000 software. The release delivers the time and depth domain processing tools required to process and quality-check large volumes of seismic data and provide superior seismic images to interpretation teams. The release also provides an open processing platform to support proprietary technology and specialty processing services.
Reflex Marine introduces Toro personnel transfer capsule
Reflex Marine has launched the Toro personnel transfer capsule, which can carry up to four passengers, protecting them from side impact and heavy landings and is buoyant and self-righting. Its ergonomic seat design allows it to be used without seatbelts (subject to company policy and local legislative requirements). It also fits into a standard shipping container. According to the company, the Toro will be certified with CE marking and ABS Type Approval.
Environmentally responsible grease from Castrol Offshore
Castrol Offshore, part of the BP Group, has responded to new environmental requirements by launching BioTac OG, an environmentally responsible grease developed specifically to lubricate the rack and pinion jacking mechanism of mobile rigs. Greases currently used for jacking gears are generally intended for other uses. It is being made available in different sizes and quantities to meet operator demand.
IPD launches new gasket sets for Capterpillar engines
IPD, a manufacturer of diesel and natural gas engine parts for Caterpillar applications, is presenting a new line of the IPD 1-2-3 Gasket Sets, designed exclusively for Caterpillar C18 engines. The system of gasket groups makes the engine rebuild job easier, faster and more accurate for the technician.
