国际前沿技术动态（2017年6月）

Software leverages advanced analytics and the Internet of Things

Weatherford International Plc has commercially released the ForeSite production optimization platform. The platform combines physics-based models with advanced data analytics to improve performance across wells, reservoirs and surface facilities, a press release stated. This platform is the first in a series of integrated software offerings that will combine proven Weatherford production optimization technologies with the Internet of Things, cloud computing and advanced analytics to enable complete asset management. The ForeSite platform is initially focused on improving the management of wells with rodlift systems and will later extend to all forms of lift as well as management and optimization at the reservoir and surface-facility levels.

Large-scale plastic collection concept for oceans

Petroleum Geo-Services ASA (PGS) has developed a concept for efficient large-scale collection of plastic from the oceans, a press release stated. The solution uses the inherent benefits of seismic vessels and takes advantage of their air compressors and capabilities for handling large towing configurations. Each year, eight million tons of plastic ends up in the world’s oceans—equivalent to dumping the contents of one garbage truck into the sea every minute. If no action is taken, this is expected to increase to two garbage trucks per minute by 2030 and four garbage trucks per minute by 2050. The PGS plastic collection concept consists of a seismic vessel and a support vessel towing booms, in a fan formation, which are connected to a processing unit at the end of the spread. The uniqueness of the seismic vessel is its large onboard compressors, which usually supply the seismic source. These are instead used to pump air through a ventilated hose towed at about 50 m (164 ft) water depth between the seismic ship and the support vessel. The air bubbles attach to the submerged plastic, which then rises to the sea surface, just like bubbles are attracted to a straw in a glass of sparkling water. The processing unit at the end of the collection spread separates organic materials from plastic. The latter is compressed and packaged into super-strong synthetic skins. Once full, each skin section is marked by GPS and AIS, ready to be collected and towed to a processing facility for recycling.

Integrated service offering for offshore oil and gas water treatment

GE Water & Process Technologies has released its new OnBoard service offering, a customizable, total integrated water treatment solution and service plan for offshore oil and gas producers, a press release stated. OnBoard incorporates digital technologies, remote monitoring and diagnostic software, membranes, chemicals, sulfate removal technology, and offshore field and process expertise. The service helps producers improve operations, performance and profitability at offshore water treatment facilities. By choosing the OnBoard program parameters that match their unique needs, offshore oil and gas producers and operators have the potential to decrease clean-in-place time, improve recovery rates and lower maintenance costs. The program is also designed to increase sulfate removal unit recovery by up to 5% and decrease clean-in-place hours and same-day troubleshooting.

Salinity system increases flow assurance

Emerson Automation Solutions has released the Roxar Salinity Measurement System for the sensitive, accurate and real-time measurement of saline water in gas production wellstreams, a press release stated. Through the new system operators can instantly identify changes in the flowstream and the smallest amounts of saline water at never previously achieved levels of sensitivity. This enables the operator to take immediate remedial action to prevent threats to production such as scaling, hydrate formation and corrosion. The onset of formation water and its salinity, if not controlled, can lead to well shutdowns and cost producers millions in unplanned shutdown time. The system, which is a key element of the Roxar Subsea Wetgas Meter and is based on microwave resonance technology, provides quantitative and qualitative real-time salinity measurements in many types of field conditions but particularly in the high gas volume fraction/wet gas flows that characterize wet gas fields.

System built for transfers in extreme conditions

Ampelmann has released its latest Walk to Work system, which has been designed for operation in extreme cold conditions, a press release stated. The N-type, nicknamed Icemann, was designed to safely and efficiently transfer crew in extreme icing and temperatures as low as -28 C (-18 F). The fully enclosed and insulated system is operational in sea states up to 3.5 m (11.5 ft) significant wave height and comprises active motion compensation. The Icemann rotates to 360 degrees and is controlled from the vessel with flexibility in platform landing locations and directions. Walk to Work systems, where workers transfer between offshore platforms and adjacent vessels, are increasingly being used by the offshore industry as a safe and cost-effective alternative to helicopter and basket transfers.

Protecting against corrosion

Belzona has released its encapsulating membrane Belzona 3412. This coating can be brush- or spray-applied onto complex surfaces to protect them from the most severe corrosion, a press release stated. When used in conjunction with Belzona 8411, a release agent/corrosion inhibitor, Belzona 3412 can be cut and peeled back during required maintenance or to check the status of the substrate before being fully resealed with an extra layer. The membrane provides protection to a range of machinery and equipment, from the smallest bearings to the risers of offshore platforms. Belzona 3412’s elasticity and adhesion properties allow it to encapsulate and bond effectively to many types of metallic and painted surfaces. The membrane provides a durable layer of protection against many types of corrosion such as galvanic and crevice. Belzona 3412 also has protection against aggressive environmental factors, including ultraviolet resistance.

System helps avoid storms, improve rig move efficiency

Delmar Systems has released its new RAR Plus and MOOR-Max releasable mooring system. The RAR Plus is the next generation of rig anchor release (RAR) systems, building on proven acoustic release technology by adding key features such as a manual backup release method and increasing the ultimate and release load ratings, a press release stated. The RAR Plus transmits both direct and indirect line tension measurements from internal sensors for real-time display onboard the rig in a user-friendly graphical user interface. The RAR Plus is a key component in the MOOR-Max releasable mooring system. The MOOR-Max system provides a mooring system for mobile offshore drilling units to avoid storms or improve rig move efficiency. It is the only mooring system that combines proven acoustic mooring release technology with efficient proprietary methods. “Not only does the MOOR-Max system allow rigs to significantly mitigate risk by evading cyclonic storms or ice fl oes, but it also reduces critical path time when disconnecting rigs for transit to the next location,” said John Shelton, Delmar Systems vice president of engineering.

100% cloud-based technology to digitize offshore field development

Xvision Software has released FieldAP, the first 100% cloud-based technology for the energy industry providing offshore project managers with an online tool for visual field development, digital planning and cost containment, a press release stated. The online tool is capable of accelerating project timelines by up to 80%, especially during the early concept and FEED phases. These time savings can drive cost savings as high as 70% across the life of the project. FieldAP brings all offshore field development project data—assets and activities, both subsea and topside—into plain sight through easy-to-understand online 2-D/3-D visualizations.

System combines a digital twin of any marine or offshore assets

Bureau Veritas has released its Veristar AIM 3D asset integrity management system based on technology partner Dassault Systems’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, a press release stated. The new system combines a digital twin of any marine or offshore assets with smart data in a collaborative environment. Veristar AIM 3D will be used in the design, development and implementation of the operational life cycle to refl ect and predict the condition of any asset or fl eet of assets. The system supports risk-based inspection and condition-based maintenance approaches. Veristar AIM 3D provides asset management dashboards for individual ships, rigs, facilities or whole fl eets. This will enable smarter decisions based on better visibility of actual asset condition and performance.