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February 2009 Volume 10, Number 1
Contents
5 Celebrating 15 Years of Keeping STARS in the Sky
7 Annual Reports 101
7 Help Keep STARS in the Sky
8 Frac-Point™ Isolates Fracs in Tight Gas Wells to Increase
Productivity and Accelerate Return on Investment
10 Fossil Fuels to Play Key Role in Ending Recession
11 Wood Group launches Chair of Arctic Engineering at the
Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada
11 What’s in store for 2009?
12 geoLOGIC systems ltd. Attains Gold Certified Partner
Status in Microsoft Partner Program
14 Remote Gas Monitoring Systems
16 Driller Friendly GatorBACK Casing Running Tool
18 UBD Hybrid Benefits Environment and Budget
18 Garlock Adds Custom Flue Duct Expansion Joints
18 Chevron Canada launches award-winning educational
program in partnership with Fort McMurray Historical
Society
18 Launch of Turcon® Varilip® PDR seals from Trelleborg
Sealing Solutions
19 GE Expands Award Winning Telematics Solution to
Canada
19 AVEVA PDMS: Setting the Standard in Cost Reduction and
Productivity for Plant Operations
19 Garlock Valve Stem Packing Tested to API 622 Fugitive
Emissions Standard
20 CobraMax® stimulation service delivers increased
production and efficiency in the Montney
22 Piping without Welding
23 Human Process Management Helps Oil and Gas
Organizations Deal with Information Overload
23 Canada Energy Partners Announces Commencement of
Gas Sales From the First Commercial Coalbed
24 geoLOGIC buys Calgary-based Whitehot Innovations, adds
QFind Document Management module to geoSCOUT
24 North Rig Catwalk Technologies Ltd.
27 Schlumberger Opens Technology Center in Calgary
27 Brochures for Oil and Gas Drilling Operations Now
Available from Automation Products Group
27 CygNet Invests for Growth as Oil & Gas Industry Demands
Software to Increase Operational Efficiency
28 SMU Professor Got It Right
28 Control Microsystems Announces the SCADAPack 330E
and 334E Controllers
29 Experion Process Knowledge System R310
29 OneWireless
29 UOP Master Simulation Models
30 Safety Manager
30 Uniformance Process Studio
Photo courtesy of Halliburton
Oil & Gas Network, February 2009 3
Celebrating
15 Years
of Keeping
STARS in
the Sky
The PSAC Perspective
Rob Gray, Manager Communications & Member Relations

afety is a key issue for PSAC and its members. Despite our best efforts, accidents

S can happen – and most often occur in very remote locations, far from emergency
medical services. While we hope that none of our workers will need the service –
it’s comforting to know that a STARS air rescue team is only a phone-call away.
That’s something industry worker Aldean Sehlstrom knows all too well. His wife
Maureen was driving to the Eckville Public Health Unit, where she worked as a nurse,
when her car hit black ice. Her vehicle rolled violently three times before crashing into
a post.The impact broke her neck and back, fractured her pelvis in three places and frac-
tured one of her legs.
Aldean, an employee of Lonkar Inc., was working at a remote site when he got the
news. His wife was in bad shape and needed medical attention quickly.
Maureen had been airlifted by STARS to Edmonton. Her condition was dire, but thanks
to the quick efforts of STARS, she would be okay. After several weeks in rehabilitation
she returned home, and eventually recovered, shortly thereafter becoming a mom.
The Sehlstrom’s story serves as a vivid reminder that at any moment your phone
could ring with news of an incident where one of your field employees or a family mem-
ber is critically injured. It’s a call that no one wants to get, but when it happens, chances
are that the Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) already has one of their
shiny red choppers on the way.
Often, these bright red beacons of hope and the emergency medical response team
they carry can mean the difference between life and death, especially in a remote loca-
tion. That’s why PSAC is proud to support the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS)
Foundation to ensure that their emergency medical transport helicopters are able to stay
in the air.
What began 15 years ago as an industry/community partnership to support safety
has grown into the PSAC STARS & SPURS Gala, renowned as one of the longest running
and most successful single-night fundraising events in Alberta. Each year, the event deliv-
ers a night to remember, with chart-topping country music performers, a delightful din-
ner and dance, and an array of indulgent activities and treats. The Gala brings together
more than 1,000 individuals from the service/supply sector, the E&P sector, government,
and otherwise, all in an effort to support this important community cause.
This year’s Gala, held January 24, 2009, marks the 15th year of this partnership,
through which PSAC has become STARS’ largest corporate supporter – having now well
surpassed the $3 million mark. In honour of this ongoing partnership, the PSAC logo is
proudly displayed on the STARS helicopters as a symbol of the role that the Association
and its members have played in supporting this tremendous cause.
In honour of the 15th Anniversary, PSAC would like to thank all the organizations and
individuals who have contributed to the success of the Gala over the years. While the
organizations and individuals who have supported this event are too numerous to rec-
ognize individually, PSAC does wish to acknowledge those companies recognized as a
part of the Anniversary Gala for their long-term and significant support of the event.This
includes Benefactors: Trican Well Service Ltd.; EnCana Corporation; and FirstEnergy
Capital Corporation, along with the following Honorary Patrons: JuneWarren
Publishing/Nickle’s Energy Group, Canadian Mountain Holidays, and Cargill Foods.
Even in times of economic uncertainty, industry has remained steadfast in its support
of this event, and for that we are both proud and grateful.Throughout industry’s ups and
downs, this event has continued to grow, and so on this – our crystal anniversary year, Subcribe today
PSAC felt it appropriate to thank everyone who has supported the Gala – both past and
present, for being a part of something great.
subscriptions@oilgas.net
www.oilgas.net

Oil & Gas Network, February 2009 5

 Coll’s Corner
By David Coll

Annual Reports 101 Help Keep STARS in the Sky

What to look for in this year’s crop of annual reports
T
he sixteenth annual STARS lottery launched this month with 3,030 prizes worth
over $4.9 million. Every ticket sold will help keep STARS in the sky including the

W
ith the Recession in full swing, cratered commodity prices and the general mood of doom new AW139 helicopter arriving later this year. “It is an exciting time as we antic-
and gloom said to pervade Canada’s oilpatch, I must confess I am rather looking forward to ipate the arrival of the new helicopter. It will fly farther and faster and help save lives
this years’ crop of annual reports and AGMs. through an advanced medical interior as well as the capacity to carry two critical patients,”
Having “authored” five annual reports for a “major Canadian energy producer” almost a decade STARS President and CEO Dr. Greg Powell said at the lottery launch.
ago, I still delight in these staples of spring. For an investor and even the casual observer, there’s no The lottery is offering five grand prizes worth over $3.3 million retail, including four
better way to learn how a company truly sees itself than by reading their AR and attending their AGM. beautiful showhomes in Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton and Lethbridge. The fifth prize is
As early as the late 90s, pundits were predicting the demise of the printed annual report; secu- a ‘home away from home’ truck and trailer worth $116,000.
rities regulations continue to evolve but it hasn’t happened yet. If anything, today’s AR is even more
important – meeting a regulatory requirement but, for many, also serving as a company’s central
marketing piece.
It’s an urban myth, perhaps, that PR & corporate communications is one of the first disciplines to
suffer during a downturn.That may be true, but on the flipside, it’s never been more important for com-
panies to project a positive, professional image in light on the economic challenges that lie ahead both
short and long term.
So if you’ve already toasted your communications department, here’s some free advice – the things
I’ll be looking for when this year’s reports hit the street.

THE COVER

Photo by Mark Mennie

In a feeble attempt to underscore fiscal austerity, I fear we are going to see a slew of reports with
nothing but the company name on the cover. After all, none of the simple bromides about growth,
performance and value are going to fly in these tough times. But I would argue they don’t fly in good
times either.
It’s even more important, then, to craft a message that truly differentiates your company from the
thundering wolf pack. Highly challenging for a communicator, but one tricky way around this dilem-
ma is to find a tough quote from your CEO that puts a personal stamp on the report and establishes
There are also two exceptional early bird packages to be won including a Mercedes-
the theme.
Benz and travel package worth over $86,000 retail and a 2009 Porsche Boxter and Las
Image-wise, it’s all about focus. Avoid the ubiquitous collage that attempts to show the diversity of
Vegas trip for four plus $5,000 cash prize. In addition to the grand and early bird prizes,
your operations. Pick a winner, the best single image that supports what you’re trying to get across
there are 13 vehicles, 41 vacations, 2,329 electronic prizes, 339 cash prizes and 594
thematically. If you’re going to be laying off 500 employees, you might favor a facility shot, for instance.
other prizes including jewellery and luggage.
STARS is a non-profit, charitable organization and relies on the lottery to fund approxi-
FORMAT
mately 50 per cent of mission operations.“Although there is global economic uncertainty,
An unorthodox size may make your book stand out, but functionality is king. This year, you will
we hope that Albertans will continue to generously support our largest fundraiser as they
look flaky if you produce anything horizontal or smaller than the standard 8 X 10.
have in the past,” said Dr. Powell.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE STARS provides airborne intensive care to the critically ill and injured 24 hours a day,
We are going to be treated to hundreds of views about the poor economic conditions, how com- seven days a week with the familiar red BK117 helicopters from bases in Calgary,
panies are coping and how “well” they are positioned moving forward. One way to improve your let- Edmonton and Grande Prairie. STARS has flown over 17,300 missions since 1985 and
ter is to move the employee message front and centre, instead of tacking it on at the end of (presumably) currently serves 94 per cent of Alberta’s population.
more weighty matters.You need to at least create the illusion that people come first. Graphic pullquotes
and photos of people on the job are two other effective
ways to reinforce this concept.
OPERATIONS REVIEW
For many, this has been replaced with the often-
pedantic MD&A. No reason this can’t be spiced up with
photograpahs, pullquotes and a painstaking Plain
English edit or two.
FINANCIALS
Ask yourself if anyone, beyond your CFO, controller
and legal counsel can understand the notes to your
financials. Ask again and follow the above advice on the
MD&A.
BACK PAGES
Here’s another opportunity to enhance governance
discussion by providing short bios of your board of
directors and company officers. Consider scrapping
the chronological litany of achievements for a more per-
sonal summation of what specific expertise a given
director brings to your company (i.e. hatchet man).
Consider replacing static mugshots with a photojour-
nalistic shot of the board in action or, at least, interact-
ing. Roll up those sleeves.
BACK COVER
Valuable real estate, often wasted. You’re paying
handsomely for the cover stock and the back cover is
often displayed on someone’s desktop when they put
the book down – why not use this space to leave the
reader with a simple closing message? And don’t forget
the recycled logo – David Suzuki is watching.

Oil & Gas Network, February 2009 7

Frac-Point™
Isolates Fracs
in Tight Oil & Gas
Wells to Increase
Productivity and
Accelerate Return
on Investment
Quick and to the Point

P
roducing gas in tight shale formations often requires
major pumping investments. Traditionally, An operator
didn’t have many good choices when fracturing a tight
gas or oil well. One option was to simply pump frac fluid into
the open hole and hope for the best, which resulted in frac
fluid flowing mainly to the area of least resistance, reducing
production along the rest of the wellbore.
Another choice was to isolate each zone along a horizontal
wellbore by repeatedly cementing, plugging, perforating, and
fracturing. That meant multiple trips downhole, the expense
and risk of perforating, and the cost of having pumping trucks
on standby for days at a time.
Baker Oil Tools has developed a better option. The Baker
Oil Tools Frac-Point Open-Hole Fracture Completion System
allows you to pinpoint fracture placements without cement-
ing. That means improved initial productivity, accelerated
reservoir drainage, and a faster return on your investment.
Baker Oil Tools sets the standard for innovation, perform-
ance, and reliability in completion technology. With the Frac-
Point™ Open-Hole Fracture Completion System, Baker Oil
Tools delivers a solution that can improve production in tight
shale reservoirs and turn otherwise unprofitable projects into
moneymakers.

Frac-Point™ Open-Hole Frac System

The Frac-Point system uses specially designed short-radius, open-hole
packers and frac sleeves to isolate intervals of a horizontal section and
pinpoint fracture treatment placement.The result is greater control of the
frac treatment and the assurance of fracturing the entire length of the
lateral and increasing production. By eliminating the costly cycle of
cementing, plugging, and perforating, the Frac-Point system delivers three
important advantages to operators drilling in tight shale formations.
• No cementing. Open-hole packers provide isolation along the length
of the liner. This eliminates the need to cement the liner in the lateral
section and increases formation interface.
• No perforating. The sleeves provide access to the zone of comple-
tion for both fracturing and production.
• No wasted time. Frac-Point is a one-trip system, so fracture treat-
ments for each section can be pumped on the same day–eliminating the
expense of mobilization and demobilization of pumping equipment.
Getting Through the Tight Spots
One major challenge in completing high-angle wells in open hole is
simply getting the tools through doglegs and other restrictions to total
depth. Baker Oil Tools uses its design expertise and operational excel-
lence to meet this challenge. Because Frac-Point packers are shorter than
competing tools, they can navigate better through tight spots. Baker Oil
Tools’ proprietary torque and drag software estimates the probability of
reaching total depth and helps eliminate wasted trips and wasted money.
The Frac-Point™ Open-Hole Fracture Completion System consists of
four primary components: the liner top packer, open-hole packers, frac
sleeves, and pressure-actuated sleeves (P-Sleeves).
Frac-Point™–How it Works
The Frac-Point™ Open-Hole Fracture Completion System consists of
four primary components: the liner top packer, open-hole packers, frac
sleeves, and pressure-actuated sleeves (P-Sleeves).
S-3™ Liner Top Packer
The liner top packer is a hydraulic set permanent production packer
with a tie-back sleeve.The packer is designed to carry up to 200,000 lb of
liner assembly.
Frac Sleeves
The frac sleeves include ball seats sized accordingly. The sleeves are
then actuated open sequentially by deploying balls from the surface.This
also isolates the already-treated lower intervals. The balls and seats are
designed to be milled up to allow for a full opening production ID to be
maintained throughout the system if needed.
Short Radius Open-Hole Packer
The open-hole hydraulic set packers feature Baker’s patented anti-
extrusion packing element system and require no mandrel movement
during setting.
P-Sleeves
The pressure-actuated sleeve is similar to the frac sleeve, but does
not contain a ball seat. The operator may choose to open the P-Sleeve
at installation or have it remain closed until the frac crew is on site and
rigged up.

8 Oil & Gas Network, February 2009

Key Frac-Point™ Advantages
• Eliminates perforating and liner cementing operations
• One-trip installation saves rig time
• Improves fracture extension control over nonselective hydraulic fracturing
• Reduces fracturing costs with smaller, selective treatments
• Treats up to twelve intervals /stages

See the Effect of Frac-Point™ on the Value of Your Well

Baker Oil Tools’ Houston-based reservoir analysis team can model different completion
scenarios and estimate well deliverability for specific well parameters.Taking into account
factors like reservoir size, temperature, pressure and permeability, fracture properties, and
projected gas prices, the team can determine whether it’s economically feasible to use Frac-
Point™ on a particular well.
The cases below model two tight gas wells in Texas, one in a charged reservoir and
another in a depleted reservoir. In each case, three scenarios were modeled:
1) Base Scenario: Completed as a vertical well and fractured
2) Frac-Point Scenario A: Completed as a horizontal well (1,500 ft) (457.2 m) Model Well #1
and fractured in three zones using Frac-Point
3) Frac-Point Scenario B: Completed as a horizontal well and fractured in four zones using
Frac-Point

Model Well #1: Frac-Point™ Super-Charges Returns

This reservoir has a drainage area of 2,109 ft (643 m), an average permeability of 0.3
md, an average reservoir thickness of 38 ft (11.58 m), and an initial pressure of 1,500 psi
(103.42 bar), and 3,032 MMscf gas in place. In this scenario, the operator could shave four
months off the payback time by using a four-zone Frac-Point completion.

Model Well #2: Frac-Point™ Squeezes Out Profits

In depleted reservoirs, the effect of Frac-Point can be even more dramatic. In this
scenario, with a reservoir with an initial pressure of just 600 psi (41.37 bar) and 800 MMscf
gas in place, a driller would never break even using a traditional vertical, hydraulically frac-
tured completion.
The four-zone Frac-Point completion could pay for itself in four years.

Model Well #2

Oil & Gas Network, February 2009 9

Fossil Fuels to Play Key Role in Ending Recession
AJM Releases First Quarter Oil and Gas Price Forecast
A
JM Petroleum Consultants released its first oil and gas price
forecast for 2009 with the prediction that short-term prices
will remain volatile as fossil fuels play a key role in helping
the world climb out of recession.
“While we’ve seen a drop in demand for fossil fuels, Americans
are being lured back to the roads with gasoline sitting at US$1.70
10 Oil & Gas Network, February 2009
or lower per gallon,” observed Ralph Glass, AJM’s Vice President of
Operations. “If President-elect Obama’s plans to put America back
to work through infrastructure revitalization begin to materialize,
fossil fuels will be the engine driving the Americans to prosperity.
Factors like these suggest that crude oil is currently at its bottom
average price, and a climb is soon to begin.”
Mr. Glass believes that while external forces will con-
tinue to cause near-term volatility and oscillation in
prices, basic supply and demand and the cost to bring
on new production, will provide a truer picture of oil
and natural gas pricing for forecast purposes.
AJM’s Q1 2009 price forecast, established effective
December 31, 2008, shows crude oil prices in constant
dollars based on a WTI forecast of US$55.00/bbl for
2009, rising to US$75.00/bbl in 2010, then reaching
US$100.00/bbl by 2013 and holding at this level for the
balance of the forecast. The AECO US NYMEX natural
gas price in constant dollars is expected to average
US$6.50/Mcf in 2009, rising with oil to a long-term
price in 2013 of US$9.50/Mcf. The Canadian priced
AECO forecast is expected to average C$7.00/Mcf in
2009 rising to C$9.00/Mcf in 2013, corresponding with
the expected recovery of the Canadian dollar over the
same period. Complete forecast tables, commentary and
documentation for AJM’s December 31 Price Forecast
are available for download on the AJM Petroleum
Consultants website at www.ajmpetroleumconsul-
tants.com.
AJM Petroleum Consultants, a privately owned
Calgary-based company, has extensive experience in
corporate reserve evaluations, acquisition and divesti-
ture evaluations, and evaluations of unconventional
reserves such as coal bed methane, tight gas, shale gas
and bitumen/heavy oil. Diverse engineering and geo-
logical capabilities combined with a forward-thinking
approach to technology have allowed AJM to provide
innovative solutions to clients in the upstream sector
of the oil and gas industry in Western Canada, North
America and internationally. Over time, the company’s
price forecasts have proved to be more realistic than
others in the industry.
Upcoming
Event
The Canadian Energy Research Institute
is holding the following conference in the
spring of 2009.
CERI 2009 NATURAL GAS
CONFERENCE
Navigating a Clear Path in a Sea
of Uncertainty
February 23-24, 2009
Calgary TELUS Convention Centre
The last 12 months has seen the natural
gas market change from a healthy, positive
environment to one of turmoil, unknowns,
tight credit and general unease. This con-
ference will explore the events that led us
to this point and the potential changes in
conventional and unconventional gas de-
velopments that could set a path out of this
turmoil.
Wood Group
launches Chair of What’s in store for 2009?
Arctic Engineering
T
he year ahead won’t be the worst the petroleum indus- “I’ve never seen oil prices drop over $100 a barrel over five
try has experienced, but the downward slide is expected months,” said Stringham. “It would be nice to see some stability

at the Memorial to continue.

Don Herring, president of the Canadian Association of Drilling
to return to the market.”
The course of action he has heard from companies is that
Contractors (CAODC), said drilling numbers in 2009 are already they are tightening their belts for 2009.“They have to go back and
University of proving to be falling from 2008 levels.“It will be essentially a con-
tinuation in the decrease in activity we experienced in 2007 and
live within their means and being prudent enough to be resilient
for when commodity prices bounce back,” he said.
Newfoundland, 2008, following peak rates in 2005 and 2006,” he said.
The last time the industry experienced such a slowdown, it
Stringham said it’s likely that mergers and acquisitions won’t
be as common in 2009 because banks are not as open to approv-
Canada lasted seven years.
“We went through seven very tough years starting in 1986
ing credit.“The equity is not there.”
The opening months will tell the true tale of where 2009 is

I
nternational energy services company, John Wood with 36 per cent utilization. We didn’t see utilization levels go headed because the first quarter is usually the busiest drilling
Group PLC (“Wood Group”), has launched its spon- to 55 per cent until 1993,” said Herring. season, he added. Back in the fall, CAPP predicted a 20 per cent
sorship of a professorial chair in arctic engineering In the first week of 2009, utilization levels were at 36 per cent expenditure drop for 2009, but that may have to updated as
at the Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) in in Alberta. Herring said 50 to 55 per cent utilization is consid- things play out.
St John’s, Canada. ered a break-even point for industry, so that puts it in sub-eco- The slowdown in the petroleum industry has hit Alberta the
Mike Straughen, Group director & chief executive of nomic conditions. hardest, according to statistics compiled by the Petroleum
Wood Group’s Engineering activities, said, “I am de- “Our current forecast calls for about 14,000 wells drilled in Services Association of Canada (PSAC).
lighted to announce that, over a five-year period, we are 2009. We’re suggesting utilization will be around 39 or 40 per Once a leader in drilling activity, Alberta has slipped to third,
investing C$500,000 to sponsor a new academic Chair cent and that may be slightly optimistic because the numbers with the highest drilling numbers for 2009 expected to come
at MUN, which will be known as the ‘Wood Group Chair we just got for 2008 show utilization at 40 per cent.” from unconventional gas plays in British Columbia, followed by
in Arctic and Cold Region Engineering’. We already col- This year will see a continuation in the trend for higher days the Bakken play in Saskatchewan.
laborate with the university through J P Kenny and IMV, per well because of the focus on deeper natural gas wells, the PSACs 2009 Canadian Drilling Activity Forecast shows a four
our engineering company based in St Johns. Our goal is CAODC reported. The estimate for slightly more than 14,000 per cent decrease in total wells drilled compared to 2008. In
to develop leading edge technology so we can source well completions in 2009 is down six per cent from 2008 and Alberta though, that decrease is expected to be 11 per cent.
new engineering solutions for our clients operating in 25 per cent from 2007. In 2005, utilization was a healthy 69 per “Alberta will see a drop of 1,350 wells, due in large part to
these emerging, strategic regions. MUN is a recognised cent and wells drilled were 22,000. the province’s new royalty regime.The new regime simply makes
leader in this area, with a track record for research into This year is going to be quite different. it more attractive for companies to diversify into places like B.C.
the unique challenges of ocean and ice engineering such Greg Stringham, vice president of markets and fiscal policy and Saskatchewan that are now seen as being more competitive,”
as seabed ice gouging and ice loads on ships. for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), said Roger Soucy, PSAC president.
“The combination of MUN’s expertise with Wood said 2009 is going to be a year of “a great deal of uncertainty. In the pipeline side of the industry, things will be slightly
Group’s experience working in the cold regions of Planning has been very, very difficult.” more level than the drilling side because the projects take so
Canada,Alaska and Russia, through our IMV, Mustang and While everyone believes commodity prices will eventually go long to be pulled together, explained Brenda Kenny, president
J P Kenny engineering companies, will enable us to joint- back up, the big question is when, he said. of the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA).
ly find safe, cost-effective solutions for these untapped Calgar y-based Tristone Capital released a forecast in “It’s somewhat steady as she goes,” she said. “It’s too early
reserves,” added Mike Straughen. “Exploration in the December predicting that oil will average $50.30 US per barrel to tell, but there may be a year of two of pushing back some
Arctic is still in its infancy and surveys produced by the in 2009. projects.”
US Geological Agency suggest that the area may contain
as much as one fifth of the world’s yet-to-be discovered
oil & gas reserves. It is estimated that the Arctic may hold
as much as 90 billion barrels of undiscovered oil reserves
and 1,670 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.”
The professorial chair will be associated with MUN’s
Ocean Engineering Research Centre in the Faculty of
Engineering & Applied Science and will benefit both
undergraduate and post- graduate engineering students.
At MUN, Wood Group plans to invest in research proj-
ects focusing on topics including ice mechanics, arctic
pipeline design and arctic structures to advance tech-
nology for engineering in arctic and cold regions for the
oil & gas industry.
“We are extremely pleased about this collaboration
with Wood Group,” said Eddy Campbell, acting president
and vice-chancellor, Memorial University, “It is very
important for an engineering school to have strong links
with industry as this exposes students to a world outside
the university. Our staff within the faculty will also ben-
efit from similar exposure, especially when working in
frontier regions.”
Given MUN’s geographic location and current aca-
demic research & development programmes, there is an
opportunity for Wood Group to raise its profile by col-
laborating with the University. Wood Group companies
IMV and J P Kenny already collaborate with MUN on the
Co-Operative Engineering programme, in which engi-
neering undergraduates combine academic terms with
extensive industrial internships in the oil & gas industry.
This sponsorship is the latest in a series of similar
arrangements Wood Group has made with universities in
Aberdeen, Australia, Dubai and Kazakhstan, to invest in
the future of the next generation of engineers and con-
tribute to advances in technology and industry sustain-
ability.

Oil & Gas Network, February 2009 11

geoLOGIC systems ltd. Attains Gold Certified Partner
Status in Microsoft Partner Program
geoLOGIC Further Distinguishes Itself by Earning a Microsoft Competency in ISV/Software Solutions
G
eoLOGIC systems ltd. announced it has attained Gold
Certified Partner status in the Microsoft Partner
Program with a competency in Independent Software
Vendor/Software Solutions recognizing geoLOGIC’s expertise
and impact in the technology marketplace. As a Gold Certified
Partner, geoLOGIC has demonstrated expertise with Microsoft
technologies and a proven ability to meet customers’ needs.
Microsoft Gold Certified Partners receive a rich set of benefits
including access, training and support, giving them a competi-
tive advantage in the channel.
A recognized leader with 25 years of experience supplying
knowledge management services to the oil and gas industry,
geoLOGIC is a leading provider of value-added oil and gas data
and decision support tools based on Microsoft technologies.
“Achieving Gold Certified Partner status in the Microsoft
Partner Program is just one more way we are demonstrating our
commitment to provide single-source solutions that can be
reliably and effectively integrated company-wide,” said
geoLOGIC Vice President of Operations and Technology, Sean
Udell,. “The benefits provided through our Gold Certified
Partner status will allow us to continue to enhance the offer-
ings that we provide for customers.”
12 Oil & Gas Network, February 2009
“We congratulate geoLOGIC systems ltd. for achieving
Microsoft Gold Certified Partner status, demonstrating their
commitment to delivering innovation and value to customers,”
said Lora Gernon, Director, Partner Group, Microsoft Canada
Co.“The Microsoft Partner Program delivers tools and resources
to help technology providers such as geoLOGIC succeed and
make an impact on the marketplace.”
As one of the requirements for attaining Gold Certified
Partner status, geoLOGIC had to declare a Microsoft
Competency. Microsoft Competencies are designed to help
differentiate a partner’s capabilities with specific Microsoft
technologies to customers looking for a particular type of
solution. Each Competency has a unique set of requirements
and benefits, formulated to accurately represent the specific
skills and services that partners bring to the technology
industry.Within select Competencies, there are Specializations
that focus on specific solution areas that recognize deeper
expertise within that Competency. Serving as a specialized
path to earning those Competencies, Specializations give
direct access to the tools and resources that support that spe-
cific area of focus.
The ISV/Software Solutions Competency recognizes the skill
and focus partners bring to a particular solution set. Microsoft
Gold Certified Partners that have obtained this competency
have a successful record of developing and marketing packed
software based on Microsoft technologies.
“Solutions competencies are an important way for Microsoft
to better enable ISVs to meet customer needs,” said Sanjay
Parthasarathy, corporate vice president of the Developer and
Platform Evangelism Group at Microsoft Corp.“They allow ISVs
to keep and win customers through their deep knowledge of
solutions-based Microsoft platform technologies. Microsoft has
a long history of working closely with ISV partners to help
them deliver compelling solutions and applications to our
mutual customers, and the Microsoft Competencies are an
important step in continuing to enhance vital relationships
with ISVs worldwide.”
The Microsoft Partner Program was launched in October
2003 and represents Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to the
success of partners worldwide. The program offers a single,
integrated partnering framework that recognizes partner
expertise, rewards the total impact that partners have in the
technology marketplace, and delivers more value to help part-
ners’ businesses be successful.
 Remote Gas
Monitoring Systems
Intelligent Solutions for the Oil & Gas Industry

T
here are many facilities that
need to monitor for hazardous
gas leaks in areas where it is
not possible to install cabling for
power or signal. In these scenarios,
the products must operate independ-
ently. They must have self-contained
power supplies and methods of send-
ing out alarm messages when gas con-
centrations reach alarm levels. This
becomes essential when detecting gas
in areas surrounded by residential
communities.
Lately, more exploration and pro-
duction is occurring in areas that
were never considered. Exploratory
drilling is occurring in backyards,
school yards and community parks. In
many communities, well heads or
pumping units are being installed
within or very close to residential
communities. It is important that the
members of these communities feel Permanent pole mount
safe and not threatened by gas expo-
sure. To protect these areas, remote monitoring systems can be easily deployed while drilling
occurs, or placed permanently while the wells are producing oil and gas.
These units require no cabling and can be powered by battery packs and solar arrays. Gas
detectors are used to detect hazardous levels of either toxic or combustible gases. When alarm
conditions are met, the units will dial out via an internal modem and report the alarm con-
dition via e-mail and cellular phone to emergency response personnel.These systems can also
be equipped with GPS or other sensors to measure and report wind speed, or wind direction.
With this information, responders can see where the release is heading, and plan any necessary
evacuations.
Industrial Scientific is able to offer such a system for monitoring several gas wells in North
America. Each location required both combustible as well as toxic monitoring at remote loca-
tions within their facilities. The detector (iTrans) carries a Class 1, Division 1 explosion proof
approval, and can be located in classified areas.

Sample architecture:
The gas detectors were connected via a 4-20 mA signal to a small control device that was
used for remotely monitoring gas levels. The control device has 4 inputs and can monitor gas
concentrations, level, flow, pressure, temperature, or any 4-20 mA transmitter. A unique GSM
interface allows the control systems to upload information at pre-determined intervals. It can

14 Oil & Gas Network, February 2009

also upload concentrations or levels for each channel
during alarm events.A Web interface allows key managers
to view the information from any computer. Reports can
be generated as well as automatic e-mail and telephone
notifications when an alarm condition occurs.These sys-
tems will operate as long as there is GSM cellular cover-
age in the area.
The entire system (gas detector and controller) can
be powered directly by any 12-24 VDC. If local power is
not available, an optional battery pack and solar panel
can be used to power the entire system. Industrial
Scientific has installed a variety of options to meet this
need including permanent pole mount installations, and
mobile push cart systems.
Notifications Example:
The Web site also allows the user to set up notifica-
tions. This option will dictate what types of events will
trigger notifications.These events can include power fail-
ures, gas alarms, or any type of level of flow alarm.When
an event occurs, notifications can be sent by e-mail and
phone. Multiple e-mail addresses and multiple phone numbers can be entered to receive these
alerts each time an alarm occurs.
Hardware needed:
Controller:
The hardware required for this system is a four-channel controller with GSM interface. The
controller operates off of 12 VDC, has one output relay for local alarming and can take any
4-20 mA input (gas detector, anemometer, pressure, etc. The iTrans gas detector has internal
relays that can be used for additional alarm relays. If more relays are required, alternate
solutions can be provided.
Gas detector and housing:
In addition to selecting a gas detector with the proper sensor
configuration, the equipment can be housed in non-classified stain-
less steel (or NEMA 4X rate) enclosures. It can also be placed in Class
1, Division 1 rated enclosures.
Power supply:
Based on customer needs, various power supplies are available.
These supplies include direct DC power sources, AC/DC power
sources, batteries, and solar panels.
Confidence and assurance:
All these options can be selected to meet the needs of the facil-
ity and to ensure easy integration into an existing gas monitoring
program. Regardless of the options chosen, the most important thing
to remember is that these systems are designed with one purpose,
to protect human life. Selecting a manufacturer that can to provide
quality equipment and service will also ensure the highest possible
levels of safety in, around and near a facility.
About Industrial Scientific Corporation
Industrial Scientific Corporation is a global leader in gas detection
equipment, software and services to protect human life in the most
demanding work environments. With continuous improvements in lean manufacturing operations,
engineering, and R&D, Industrial Scientific is dedicated to eliminating workplace fatalities.To achieve
this goal, Industrial Scientific combines the highest quality products, the breakthrough iNet™ serv-
ice to keep them in perfect working condition, and a focus on anticipating and addressing problems
before they happen. Employing over 850 people, Industrial Scientific has manufacturing operations
based in Pittsburgh (USA),Arras (France), Dortmund (Germany) and Shanghai (China).The company
provides technical services to customers from local service centers around the world, and has addi-
tional offices in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Dubai, Mexico, The Netherlands, Qatar,
Singapore, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Oil & Gas Network, February 2009 15
Driller Friendly GatorBACK
Casing Running Tool
A
fter three years of field trials, along with extensive engineering and testing, the
GatorBACK™ Casing Running Tool internal, CRTi has proven itself. These tools are being
manufactured by Volant Products 2008 Inc. and now offered for sale.
Until recently, Volant Tubular Services Inc. was the only Canadian source of casing running
services using CRTi technology. “Continuous evolution of tool design has yielded numerous
refinements and improvements, maximizing the range of casing sizes and weights that can be
serviced by a single tool.”
The design objective had been to create and develop “driller friendly” casing running tools.
To that end, the following objectives have been met:
• Efficient for use in top drive casing handling
• Reduction of physically demanding tasks encountered in
conventional casing running
• Reduce the necessity to have specialized technical person-
nel onsite for casing running operations, improving utilization of
drilling personnel
• Very fast rig-in and rig-out operations with no hydraulic con-
nections
• Compact, reliable, robust tools that are fully mechanical
• Can be used in conjunction with controlled connection
make-up and torque-turns monitoring
• Reduce the exposure of drilling personnel to hazardous over-
head and pinch point locations, and elimination of power tongs
• Capable of immediate fluid circulation and cementing
• Capable of full string handling in vertical and deviated wells
– hoisting, rotating, and reciprocating the casing
Our vision has always been to make these tools widely avail-
able for use in drilling and completion operations, and now with
the solidification of the design we are moving forward. The tools
are available for purchase by drilling companies and casing run-
ning service providers. Over the past few months, we have ex-
perienced strong uptake in key markets in the USA and abroad.
There is also strong interest coming from major drilling contactors operating in the Western
Canadian Sedimentary Basin, and particularly in the heavy oil belt. One driller has purchased tools
to equip multiple rigs which are destined for the Middle East. We have recently sold tools to
Australian drilling contractors. We are looking forward to strong growth of sales for this product
line in 2009.

Upcoming Event
The Canadian Energy Research Institute is holding the following
conference in the spring of 2009.

CERI 2009 OIL CONFERENCE

The Economy and Oil Demand:
Where are they Taking the Oil Market
April 5-7, 2009
Calgary TELUS Convention Centre

Most of the OECD economies went into recession late last year and the
growth in the overall world GDP is expected to be minimal this year. The
oil demand is going through a similar path and the future outlook does not
seem promising. The 29th Annual CERI Oil Conference has invited promi-
nent experts to address important issues affecting the global oil markets.

16 Oil & Gas Network, February 2009

UBD Hybrid Benefits Chevron Canada launches award-winning
Environment and Budget educational program in partnership with
Gas lost to venting is now making its way to Fort McMurray Historical Society
C
hevron Canada has announced it has entered into a partnership with the Fort McMurray
the gas line, using an asset capture system Historical Society to bring an award-winning educational program to elementary school stu-
developed from underbalanced drilling dents and teachers in the Wood Buffalo Region.
Under a multi-year funding agreement, Chevron will contribute more than $180,000 over four
technology. years to establish the Chevron Open Minds Program at Heritage Park, a unique educational, cul-

W
hen venting from coalbed methane (CBM) wells in southwestern Colorado
became a community issue, Weatherford’s local Controlled Pressure Drilling &
Testing (CPD&T) team knew they had an answer. It just required some inge-
nuity, a bit of retooling and a client that was willing to come onboard. Some viewed vent-
ing as a visual pollutant in the more populated areas and as a fire concern in the dry
western environment. For beleaguered operators, the venting also meant lost gas sales
revenue potential.
They all needed a solution; so a process that eliminated the venting and captured the
gas for sale looked like a win-win situation to the Weatherford engineers.
Reducing Methane Emissions
Methane gas flowed back after hydraulic fracture stimulation poses a potential envi-
ronmental risk. Produced by the well, the gas mixes in the wellbore with sand and fluid
remaining from the stimulation treatment. The wellbore cleaning or flowback removal
process, typically used in conjunction with compressed air, gas and foam techniques, results
in venting the returned gas.
Vented to the atmosphere, this greenhouse gas is potentially a serious enough pollutant
to warrant an ongoing industry-wide emissions reduction program. In addition, dangerous
gas build-up in the venting area or in low-lying areas may increase the chance of a fire or
explosion. Venting the gas during the short-term cleanout operations typically takes care of
methane emission concerns. But burning was not the solution favored by many residents
living atop the Fruitland formation, source of the world’s largest CBM field— with about
55 trillion cubic feet of original gas in place—and the target of abundant drilling and stim-
ulation activity in the prolific San Juan Basin since the early 1950s.
tural and social venue operated by the Fort McMurray Historical Society.
Chevron Open Minds is an internationally recognized educational initiative that advances student
learning by moving students out of regular school classrooms into enriching community environments
for a full one-week period. Heritage Park now joins other Chevron Canada Open Minds Programs in
southern Alberta, including the Calgary Zoo and Glenbow Museum, as well as a new site being
launched at The Rooms in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Chevron Canada is delighted to partner with the Fort McMurray Historical Society to give stu-
dents in the Wood Buffalo Region a wonderful opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse
history of northern Alberta,” said Mark Nelson, president of Chevron Canada. “By following the
proven educational model of Open Minds, participants will gain hands-on experiences that will
help them to develop vital critical thinking, problem solving and writing skills.”
“We appreciate Chevron’s generosity which has enabled Heritage Park to implement this
exceptional education program,” said Roseann Davidson, executive director of Heritage Park. “The
Open Minds Program will provide students with the opportunity to discover our community’s rich
history and culture. Our museum site, exhibits and collections will enlighten and connect the stu-
dents to the natural and social history of our region.”
From January 19-23, Heritage Park will welcome its first Open Minds class, comprising 20 stu-
dents in Grade 3 from Good Shepherd School. During their week-long stint, the students and their
teacher will study artifacts, experience the life of a trapper and learn about the skill of weaving
and spinning wool.
It’s anticipated that a total of five classes will participate in the 2009 pilot year, with an equal
number of classes participating in 2010 and 2011.
The Chevron Open Minds Program began in 1993 with the introduction of the first school at
the Calgary Zoo. It has since expanded to three other facilities in the Calgary area, including the
Glenbow Museum, TELUS World of Science and the Cross Conservation Area, and has won over 30
national and international awards.
For additional information on the program, please visit http://chevronopenminds.ca

Flexpipe MAKES solution

s. Flexpipe Sys
tems s Launch of Turcon®
Varilip®
aves
on PDR seals from Trelleborg
Garlock Adds Custom cre Sealing Solutions
Flue Duct Expansion Joints
w

T
relleborg Sealing Solutions announces the launch of its new
log

Turcon® Varilip® PDR range for the oil & gas industry. These in-

G
arlock Sealing Technologies, a leader in fluid sealing technology for more than 100 dustrial seals are the optimum solution for high-speed rotating
isti

years, adds the custom-engineered 8400-HT style expansion joint to its existing line applications, as this range has exceptional low-friction characteris-
cs

of flue duct products. tics, reducing torque.This in turn cuts power consumption, which
and

Available in a variety of configurations and material combinations, each component is de- can contribute to lower equipment running costs and ulti-
signed and fabricated to meet specific system requirements. Ideal for low-pressure, light- mately decreased energy bills.
weight piping and ductwork applications, the 8400-HT expansion joint can also withstand Turcon ® Varilip ® PDR (Performance, Durability,
equ

temperature excursions from -75oF to +2,200 oF (-60 oC to +1200 oC). Reliability) rotary shaft seals are constructed from one
Reflecting environmental focus on emissions control, the 8400-HT can be constructed with sealing on or multiple Turcon® PTFE based sealing elements
ipm

a proprietary blend of fluoro- the shaft, which are mechanically retained in a precision
polymers and reinforcing ma- leading to ex- machined metal body. The metal body gives a
ent

terials that provide high cellent perform- robust static seal against the housing,
cu

resistance to corrosive gases ance at high rotary preventing thermal cycling, while the
such as SO2 and H2SO4, mak- speeds. Characterized
ttin

Turcon® sealing element provides pos-

ing the expansion joint suit- by low friction and stick-
30 itive dynamic
g

able for most operating slip-free running, the seal

conditions in flue gas desul- reduces temperature genera- -50 ct
%o o je
n your pipeline pr
phurization systems. tion, permits higher peripheral
To assure safe operation speeds and lowers power con-
and optimal performance, it sumption. This results in a long-serv-
is imperative that accurate ice life, with maximized mean time
application and dimensional between planned maintenance and greater
information is provided. A productivity.
Garlock application data sub- “Currently there is a big push by industry in general
mittal sheet can be provided to reduce power consumption and our carbon footprint,” says Dave Cummings, Product Manager
to insure that the expansion for Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Broomfield, CO, one location where Turcon® Varilip® PDR is man-
joints are engineered specifi- ufactured. “Apart from showing responsibility for the environment, it has the benefit of lowering
cally and correctly. ever-increasing energy bills.”
chris.hicks@garlock.com. Go to www.trelleborg.com/news

18 Oil & Gas Network, February 2009

 GE Expands Award AVEVA PDMS: Setting the Standard in Cost
Winning Telematics Reduction and Productivity for Plant Operations
Solution to Canada
A
VEVA’s unique, proven and object-based technology has provided our clients with unrivalled flexibility in the
execution of complex global process plant projects. AVEVA has taken this technology platform to new heights of
Analytics and Consultancy Helps productivity enhancements across the whole project, offering further fabrication and construction savings by
extending the scope and ability to control, manage and share project information globally.
Companies Dramatically Reduce AVEVA Plant Design Management System (PDMS) is part of the AVEVA Plant portfolio, which enables companies to make
immediate and substantial productivity gains on their projects from capabilities delivered on a proven design platform.
Costs, Increase Productivity & Green A snapshot regarding some of the benefits in using PDMS is outlined as follows:
Fleet Operations Reduced Site Rework
These can be explained further such as reduced site rework improved higher quality design through the ability to

G
eneral Electric is expanding its award winning telematics solu-
tion to Canada, the company announced today. The offering,
which was rolled out in the United States in 2006, gives com-
panies with fleets of vehicles the critical line of sight into how their
assets are performing in real time.
“Now more than ever, businesses are looking for smart, efficient ways
to reduce operating costs while simultaneously increasing productivity.
Our solution provides an answer, offering a powerful suite of back-of-
fice fleet support services with robust analytics all on one easy to use
integrated platform,” says Stephen Ulanoski, General Manager, GE Capital
Solutions Telematics program.
Visibility, Knowledge, Competitive Advantage
GE’s comprehensive telematics solution provides web-based access
to vehicle asset performance metrics including CO2 emissions as well
as related alerts, trend charts, exception reports, and customizable map-
ping. The integrated solution not only allows customers to see in real
time where their assets are; it offers clear strategies for improving per-
formance and puts them on their way to greening their fleet operations.
GE’s six-sigma trained fleet telematics experts compile more than 100
customized reports.These allow businesses to take into account stop fre-
quency, stop duration, and drive time, along with many other critical data
elements demanded by diverse fleet types.The reports and analysis helps
customers understand the impact of each on their business.
“For example, if it takes 30 minutes to visit one customer and 60
minutes another, the data and our analysis helps our clients understand
what’s behind that. Once that’s captured and the costs are understood,
we help our clients take proactive steps—whether it is better route
planning or more strategic resource allocation and pricing—to opti-
mize the operation. The results are immediate and significant, deliver-
perform multiple design checks therefore eliminating errors.Accurate materials information eliminates over-ordering and
delays on site due to a lack of required materials or information.
Effective Globally Dispersed Design Teams
PDMS allows geographically separate design teams to work together although they were in a single office. The envi-
ronment offers the designer centralised administration, control, and protection from communication limitations or fail-
ures. Project teams can be quickly assembled and mobilized.
Higher Design Efficiency
High levels of automation, intelligent behaviour and rule-based features deliver increased productivity across all dis-
ciplines. The ability to share component information and to reuse design data between projects reduces man-hours and
schedule time.
Improved Quality
3D multi-discipline working environment improves communication between teams and facilitates “right-first-time”
design. Clash checking, integrity checking and rule-based checking tools ensure higher quality designs and less work.
Database driven drawing production achieves consistency between drawings, reports and design data.
Reduced Schedule Times
Reduced site work, concurrent multi-location engineering, higher design efficiency and higher quality all combine to
reduce schedule time. Greater ability to react to major project changes, including the capability to change the project structure
during project execution and to dynamically add in new locations or remove existing ones, all protect he project schedule.
All these features lead to even more accurate, complete and clash free designs thereby ensuring reduced project costs.AVEVA
PDMS delivers major innovations to our customers, ranging from improved productivity for individual designers through to
increased overall project savings that result from significant improvements in data management and control.
Garlock Valve Stem Packing Tested to
API 622 Fugitive Emissions Standard

G
arlock Sealing Technologies, a leader in fluid sealing technology for more
ing the competitive advantage our customers want and need, especially than 100 years, has successfully tested its Style 1303-FEP valve stem packing
now,”Amit Jain, Product Manager, GE Capital Solutions Telematics for compliance with the newly adopted API 622 Fugitive Emissions Standard.
program. Measured leakage confirmed the packing meets the requirements of
Big Results the most stringent U.S. state air quality laws and consent decrees.

Flexpipe Syste
Augmented with additional current fleet Yarmouth Laboratories, an independent testing facility
data, actionable recommendations pro-
rint. and in Yarmouth, Maine, conducted two iterations of
vided by dedicated telematics con-
otp ms MA K the test.
sultants enable significant
al fo is E yo The new API 622 standard reflects the
operational improvement
ent ur p unique operating environment in
in a fleet’s perform-
nm ip e l today’s hydrocarbon processing
now

ance and cost

viro ine facilities. Using methane
ity. Contact us…

en
manage- as the medium, the
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a divis

ment. test subjected

s the the je c t
mo
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Garlock

d u Style 1303-FEP
re p
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packing to three ther-

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t ab
osts
500o F (260o C) and back again,
TOLL FREE: simulating the real-world challenge of l e.
c On average,
888-FLX-PIPE (888-359-7473)
processing different grades of crude oil
l

customers have real- through the same equipment. To model the min-
b i

ized double-digit percent- imum desired packing life in difficult refinery envi-
i

www.flexpipesystems.com
x

age improvements in worker ronments, Yarmouth Laboratories also conducted 1,500

fle

productivity, expanded business actuation cycles at 600 psig (41 bar).

or,

capacity, fuel consumption, carbon The 5-ring Garlock Style 1303-FEP packing sets exhibited excep-
d

a
an

emissions, accident rates, and over- tionally low leakage rates, averaging just 41 PPMv and 53 PPMv in the
p

time costs.
Moreover, because delivery, sales
and service calls are completed more
efficiently, businesses using telematics are
better able to meet their customer service
level agreements. This strengthens customer
loyalty and drives more revenue.
th erf two iterations of the test. Refineries can obtain engineered set perform-
ect g ance from this fire-safe, spooled braided packing without the time and
comb st ren expense of having to measure the valves. As such, it shortens turnaround win-
ination o f dows by providing a more timely and cost-effective “build-in-place” repacking
solution.Additionally, 1303-FEP carries a five-year warranty, assuring continued com-
pliance from turnaround-to-turnaround and eliminating the costs associated with
on-line leak sealing, environmental penalties and valve replacement.

Oil & Gas Network, February 2009 19

 design

photography CobraMax® stimulation

print service delivers increased
web
production and efficiency
in the Montney
Halliburton Canada shale gas team lead
By Eric Schmelzl

L
ong horizontal sections and the maximum number of high-volume fracs per section are
the keys to operators’ success in the Montney shale gas play. This lesson has been driven
home since the first horizontal Montney well was drilled in 2005 and completed with
Halliburton’s CobraMax® pinpoint stimulation service.
On that first horizontal well, the CobraMax service fractured five intervals. The result: pro-
duction 600 percent higher than the operator’s offset vertical well. Since then, with over 50 suc-
cessful wells, the advantages of using the CobraMax service have become even more compelling
for operators in the Montney.
CobraMax technology is well suited for fracturing multiple-interval horizontal sections com-
403.475.0146 pleted with unperforated, cemented casings. It perforates and fracs in the same trip, without using
millstonecommunications.ca mechanical plugs that must be removed
later. Instead, it uses gel/sand based plugs
to isolate intervals, and these can be cir-
culated out of the hole with the coiled
tubing. And it uses a long-life bottomhole
assembly that can perforate 22 sections
before change-out. These features make
CobraMax ideal for an environment that
needs precise, high-volume fracs in mini-
mum time.

Wells stimulated with CobraMax service produce more gas

Montney horizontal wells fractured using CobraMax service are out-producing wells stimu-
lated in other ways by a substantial margin. In an area of about 3,000 square kilometers with
homogeneous lithology, these wells averaged 40 percent more production in the first year when
compared to other techniques. At current gas prices, that translates into about $4.6 million in
additional production per well in the first year alone – results that are attracting attention from
more operators every day.

The safety record of Halliburton’s CobraMax

service crews in the Montney is also
outstanding – there has not been a single
recordable incident in 2008.

CobraMax treatment yields greater conductivity

CobraMax service allows placement of very large concentrations of proppant, as much as
1500 kg/m3 vs. 800 kg/m3 for competitive treatments. This dense near-wellbore proppant pack
creates superior conductivity, which is one of the primary sources of increased production from
these treated wells. Higher proppant concentration also means less frac fluid pumped, and this
means quicker, more effective clean-up.

CobraMax frac operations are fast and efficient

Data from actual Montney CobraMax service jobs show nine zones fractured in 57 hours, from
pumps-in to pumps-out; seven zones in 45 hours; and seven zones in 41 hours. Overall, experi-
ence shows an average of 6 hours per interval, compared to about 24 hours per interval from
perf-and-plug techniques.
These efficiency gains come from a combination of technology and the operational efficiency
Halliburton has achieved through systematic crew training with the organization’s Montney
playbook and the logistical support that keeps the equipment working 24 hours a day.

20 Oil & Gas Network, February 2009

CobraMax service reduces risk and lowers stimulation costs
Perf-and-plug techniques run a high risk of premature plug setting, resulting in up to six
days of NPT to remedy. Openhole packers also risk screenouts when combined with high prop-
pant concentrations, which can result in significant cost and downtime.The CobraMax service
reduces or entirely eliminates these risks. Its sand plug is reliably circulated out of the hole
with the coiled tubing. Reliable performance without NPT is the key to the CobraMax service
cost advantage over alternative technologies.
The safety record of Halliburton’s CobraMax service crews in the Montney is also out-
standing – there has not been a single recordable incident in 2008.

Fifty wells stimulated with CobraMax service help build reservoir understanding
Shale gas plays are complex geological and technical challenges, and Montney is an espe-
cially difficult and heterogeneous basin. Halliburton’s CobraMax team now has the experience
of stimulating over 50 Montney wells and has captured a significant amount of reservoir
understanding. The team is also fortunate to be part of Halliburton’s continent-wide network
of shale gas tech teams that share experiences and accelerate learning. Halliburton’s accumu-
lated experience in other basins has contributed to the CobraMax service team’s success in
the Montney.The combination of local experience and knowledge gained in shale plays all over
North America enables the CobraMax service team to contribute to the well completion plan
at a level beyond the stimulation process alone.

Montney horizontal wells benefit from an integrated solution

The experience and reservoir understanding gained with by stimulating 50 wells with the
CobraMax service is benefiting customers over the full well construction process. This experi-
ence has created the ability to link all well construction and completion services into a seam-
less, integrated process based on superior understanding. Montney horizontal wells are especially
well suited to a holistic approach, and with the experience provided by the CobraMax service
team, Halliburton customers will benefit in the Montney over the life of the field.

Oil & Gas Network, February 2009 21

Piping without Welding
G
S-Hydro is the world’s leading supplier of non-welded piping technology – “Piping with-
out Welding”. GS-Hydro has experience over 35 years of hydraulic systems and non-
welded connection technology. As a continuum of development work GS-Hydro brings
now out the latest development of non-welded connection technology.
GS-Hydro’s new innovative GS-HP Retain Ring™ pipe connecting method allows piping sys-
tems with workings pressures up to 400–420 bar to be assembled without welding. The GS-HP
Retain Ring™ system provides fast and easy method to connect pipes with the highest possible
quality and reliability, completely leak–free with high levels of joint integrity in the most effi-
cient manner.
GS-Hydro’s in-house developed GS-HP Retain Ring™ technology – continues the success of
“Piping without Welding” technology and provides now even improved features with numerous
benefits:
• Proven, leak-free technology - which is simple, reliable and safe
• Highest level of fatigue resistance
• Intrinsically clean joint
• Small space requirement
• Easy and fast to install
• No hot-work needed
• Environmentally friendly
Connection techno
The GS-HP Retain Ring™ system provides compact, high pressure joint, in which the flanges
are held to the pipe by a solid retain ring halves which are sitting in a machined groove on the
pipe end.This new system has been subject for rigorous burst and impulse testing.The pipe ends
are pressed against the seal/each other when tightening the screws. The HP-retain rings, flanges
and screws absorb the axial forces and shocks. The combination of retain rings and flanges
22 Oil & Gas Network, February 2009
strengthens the pipe (at the location of the groove) in such a manner that connection is stronger
than the pipe itself!
GS-Hydro provides various alternatives where new GS-HP Retain Ring™ system can be used.
This flange system corresponds to ISO 6162-2 SAE J618 bore pattern (6000 psi) for nominal sizes
24–32 and ISO 6164 (350–400 bar) bore pattern for nominal sizes 40–48.
• Pipe to pipe connections
• Flange to port connections
• Pipe to block connections
• Hose fitting connections
• Male / female thread connections
• Welding hub connections (in the case of connecting to welded systems)
• Reducer connections
• Vibra- bulkhead connections
The unique characteristics of the GS-HP Retain Ring™ connection
The excellent sealing performance and very high mechanical strength of new HP-invention
has been proven by external testing laboratories. New form of connection technology has unique
resistance against external loads.
GS-Hydro’s GS-HP Retain Ring™ connection is the right solution when the final customer
application is using thick wall pipes (wt > 8 mm) , high working pressures (up to 400–420 bar)
in the application where the pipe connections are under specific stress caused by external load,
dynamic impulses and vibration. Because of freely rotating flange connection and self-centering
sealing element, the GS-HP Retain Ring™ connection is easy to install and certainly leak proof.
Extensive testing completed
Comprehensive fatigue strength test range accomplished by external test labs by using servo
hydraulic test systems. All tests were made under load control and also using constant ampli-
tude controlling. In each case the fatigue test was continued until at least 2 million cycles were
reached. Using this approach it is apparent that the new HP-construction has superior me-
chanical characteristics under pulsating load and also in the case where the maximum working
pressure (400–420 bar) occurs.
Extensive testing has shown the suitability of the GS-HP Retain Ring™ System for high pres-
sure piping systems in a wide range of different materials ranging from mild and stainless steel
to duplex and titanium pipe materials with an elongation above 20%.
Numerous Benefits to Customers Worldwide
The GS-HP Retain Ring™ system can be used in a broad range of high pressure piping appli-
cations in a wide variety of industries ranging from offshore and marine to various industrial pip-
ing systems.The new retain ring system is suitable for various media e.g. high pressure hydraulic
oil, lubricating oil, fuel oil, sea water and fresh water.
Especially this new invention will provide benefits in the most demanding applications like
with pipe and hose connections where hydraulic system and its components are effected by
pulsating load, shocks and constant vibration.
The GS-HP Retain Ring™ system provides a proven, reliable and leak-free piping solution.
New design and improved characteristics lead to a minimised need for maintenance, repair or
replacement of piping components.
The new innovation is widely patented in several countries.
Human Process Management Helps Oil and
Gas Organizations Deal with Information Overload
By Jacob Ukelson, D.Sc., chief technology officer of ActionBase

S
tructured processes account for less than 20 percent of all work performed today in most
organizations. The other 80 percent of work is completely tacit and therefore dynamic.
Human Process Management (HPMS) focuses on the human side of business processes –
managing the human interactions that take place as part of an implied, dynamic or unstructured
business process where humans play the key role. The role of a Human Process Management
Solutions (HPMS) are to help an organization effectively manage the 80 percent of business
processes not handled by Business Process Management (BPM) or other automated systems
(e.g. ERP).
E.ON is a subsidiary of E.ON AG, the largest privately owned power and gas company in the
world, active in markets across Europe, Russia and the U.S. The company needed a way to track
all business critical actions in order to gain full control over audit and compliance management.
This initiative supports E.ON’s corporate strategy of creating an integrated business and cen-
tralized corporate knowledgebase.
E.ON generates and distributes electricity, and retails power and gas to millions of customers.
E.ON needed an off-the-shelf action tracking solution that supported a collaborative approach
to corporate accountability and responsibility for achieving operational excellence. ActionBase,
a provider of HPMS, was deployed as a part of E.ON’s Action Tracking initiative in an effort to
seamlessly integrate organizational processes within E.ON’s operations and regulations.
Working in a complex environment in the oil and gas industry causes actions to come from
many different cross organizational processes such as operations and regulations, internal and
external audit reviews, HSE, incident management, etc. The HPMS integrated with Microsoft
Office follows the audit trail on all assigned action items and creates a central repository for
assigning, tracking and resolving all of E.ON’s actions.
E.ON is using the HPMS as a way to focus on business processes when dealing with compli-
ance and regulations. Businesses spend resources in making sure they are compliant with health,
safety, environmental and financial regulations standards, procedures, directives and regulations.
A HPMS is designed for the auditor, compliance officer, CFO and the process owners involved
in the organizational process of adhering to industry standards or regulations.
The HPMS enable managers to initiate and engage in human business processes that are usu-
ally handled through documents, Microsoft Excel check lists and e-mail correspondence. It pro-
vides managers with real-time status and full visibility over the whole process, optimizing
resources and enhancing communication and collaboration with effective reporting, alerting and
syndication.
With a HPMS, managers and process owners have the process visibility needed to make
informative decisions and react in time, not when it is too late. The organization gains a system
of record for all of its business critical human processes, and can be driven by best practices and
benchmarks for its human processes. Solutions like HPMS provide workplace software that un-
derstands human work patterns and supports the inherent spontaneity of human interaction. It
does not focus on “straight-through” business processes, but rather on the way people really work
- via interactions, which lead to commitments, which in turn lead to actions. The key to manag-
ing human processes is to harness those human interactions and give people the collaborative
framework they need to interact and work on a process, but in a manageable way.

Canada Energy Partners Announces

Commencement of Gas Sales From
the First Commercial Coalbed

C
anada Energy Partners Inc. has commencement of gas sales from eight wells on its 50,788-
acre Peace River Coalbed Methane Project Canada Energy owns a 50 per cent working
interest in the Project and GeoMet, Inc. through its wholly-owned subsidiary Hudson’s
Hope Gas, Ltd., owns the other 50 per cent and is the Operator. This significant achievement is
the first commercial CBM project in British Columbia and is a result of eight years and more than
$45 million cash invested by the Company and its partners into acquisition of lands, exploration
and development.
In conjunction with the announcement, Honourable Richard Neufeld, Minister of Energy,
Mines and Petroleum Resources of British Columbia, commented: “I would like to congratulate
you and your entire exploration and production team for reaching this significant milestone.This
event signifies the first commercial production of coalbed gas in the Province of British Columbia
and, as such, it is especially noteworthy. Unconventional gas development plays an important role
in British Columbia’s future energy security. Investment in coalbed gas development and the
realization of gas royalties and taxes from coalbed gas production and sales will help fuel the
Province’s economy.The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources acknowledges your
accomplishment in coalbed gas development and looks forward to continuing to work with
industry to allow the sector to succeed, while balancing economic and social priorities and pro-
tecting our environment and quality of life.”
Ben Jones, Canada Energy President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “After eight
years of tremendous collaborative effort, it is a distinct pleasure to see this milestone
achieved. I believe this project will be of a great value to our shareholders and will benefit
the community, region and the Province of British Columbia. We look forward to its contin-
uing development.”
Darby Ser?, GeoMet President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We are excited to
achieve the first coalbed methane gas deliveries in British Columbia.We expect to increase gas sales
from the Peace River Project for many years as we continue the development of the project.”
Canada Energy also holds a 50 per cent interest in the gas treating and compression facilities
installed on the Project. The facilities are scalable and modular and can be expanded with an in-
creasing production base. The Company believes that in addition to the processing of the CBM
these mid-stream facilities will be strategic in the commercialization of the Moosebar Shale, the
Montney Shale, and other deeper formations. Exploration programs on Moosebar Shale and
Montney/Doig formations are currently underway on the lands covered by the Project.
The current eight wells on production represent the first phase of a scalable project with 315
potential well locations (based on 160 acre spacing). The Company expects to have an updated
independent reserve report including the recent activities completed on the CBM Project later
this February 2009.
The 2009 CBM development program will be finalized with the joint venture partner in Q1
2009 and the Company anticipates an additional multi-well production drilling program to start
in July 2009.

Oil & Gas Network, February 2009 23

geoLOGIC buys Calgary-based Whitehot Innovations,
adds QFind Document Management module to geoSCOUT
U
sers of geoSCOUT, the cutting-edge, easy-to-use E&P decision support system from
geoLOGIC systems ltd., will soon be able to augment their mapping and analysis capa-
bilities with point-and-click access to all relevant, available documentation for oil and gas
properties – without ever having to leave the map they are viewing.
Under an agreement announced
this past month, geoLOGIC systems
ltd. has purchased the assets of
Whitehot Innovations Corporation.
The purchase includes all proprietary
technology and surrounding assets.
Four Whitehot staff, including com-
pany president Lori Adams, have
already made the transition to geo-
LOGIC and are working on the team
responsible for the integration of
Whitehot’s QFind Document Manage-
ment asset with geoLOGIC’s signature
product, geoSCOUT.
Ms. Adams has some 20 years of in-
dustry experience, including 10 years
in management roles and extensive
experience in new product line development. In 2001, she joined Rapid Technology to oversee
product development and large-scale technology projects specifically in oil and gas. Ms. Adams
was instrumental in the building and subsequent sale of Rapid Technology’s RapiDataTM product.
She started Whitehot Innovations in 2007 after purchasing the newly commercial QFind asset
from Rapid Technology.
“The completion of this purchase is a vision realized for me, and for the Whitehot team,” said
Ms. Adams. “QFind’s smart indexing allows it to sift through any available documentation more
accurately and quickly so you only get the most relevant documentation. But the real power comes
in the fact that you will be able to access all this information directly through a map within
geoSCOUT. The implications for efficiency and workflow enhancement are tremendous.”
With many industry experts predicting a rise in M&A activity in Canada, geoLOGIC sees the
acquisition of Whitehot and the addition of QFind functionality to geoSCOUT as an opportunity
to help companies address the challenge of keeping up with documentation, as well as merging
existing documentation from different sources.
“Recent reports have indicated that Canadian oil and gas assets are already the most actively
traded in the world,” said geoLOGIC President David Hood. “So it is more important than ever
that oil and gas companies are able to easily and intuitively make use of the data that is avail-
able to them. As much as we can, we are trying to offer our customers cost-effective choices
that support enhanced workflows. The addition of the QFind module to geoSCOUT will allow
us to offer document management capabilities that are fully integrated into their enterprise-wide
decision support tool.”

North Rig Catwalk Technologies Ltd.

“The Power Catwalk People”

A
s of November 24, 2008, North
Rig Catwalk Technologies
Ltd. is the proud owner of
the Power Catwalk designs of
Hunterwood Technologies Ltd.
Former General Manager and Vice
President of Hunterwood, Adrian
Prudden, is the principal of the new
catwalk company. North Rig will
continue to build on the strong fif-
teen year reputation of Hunterwood
by providing first class power cat-
walks (pipe handling equipment) to
the Oil & Gas Industry.
North Rig Power Catwalks differ
significantly in three distinct areas
from most other catwalks being
built today.
• The open belly design of North
Rig’s catwalks allows the catwalk to
move over existing well heads as the
rig moves from hole to hole on loca-
tion. Expensive, time consuming
teardown/set-up of the catwalk, sep-
arate from the rig, is unnecessary.
• Built into the V-door is a lift-up
system (patent pending) for optimal
pipe presentation to the drilling
floor. Available on the C22 and the
C26, the hydraulic lift extends up
from the V-door, bringing the pipe
to a comfortable working height as
predetermined by the operator and
programmed into the PLC for con-
venient remote operation.
• The self contained power pack houses an electric motor North Rig will provide their clients with the ultimate in safe-
and hydraulic pump combination which makes up the “Hydraulic ty and performance designed systems to achieve production
Load Sense System”, unique to very few manufacturers. This sys- targets in a competitive market. All products are designed using
tem allows the hydraulic system to run in a low pressure mode, 3D CAD modelling systems and are manufactured with the high-
saving power, until a demand is sensed and the system kicks into est production standards.
high gear to accomplish the task at hand.

24 Oil & Gas Network, February 2009

Schlumberger Opens Technology Center in Calgary
Facility to focus on efficient heavy oil recovery in Alberta and Alaska

S
chlumberger has inaugurated a
new oilfield technology center in
Calgary, Alberta. The state-of-the-art
center will work directly with oilfield
technical teams and regional research
facilities to help customers increase
heavy oil production, reduce technical risk
and minimize environmental footprint.
The Heavy Oil Regional Technology
Center (RTC) will provide a working
environment where clients can work
hand-in-hand with Schlumberger geosci-
entists and petroleum engineers to solve
key technical challenges associated with
heavy oil recovery. These research proj-
ects include, but are not limited to, inno-
vative geological and geophysical
services, advanced well placement strate-
gies, new formation evaluation and char-
acterization techniques, and novel
integrated completions and monitoring
programs.
“The Heavy Oil RTC will act as a focal
point for scientific and technological
advancement in Canada by communicat-
ing regional customer needs to the
worldwide research and development
organization of Schlumberger,” said
Ken Havlinek, RTC center manager,
Schlumberger. “Client-specific problems
can be fast-tracked to the right global experts, and solutions center, and an interactive collaboration space designed to Schlumberger RTCs specialize in addressing key issues in the
developed within a framework of local, integrated knowledge accommodate locally based scientists and engineers as well as drilling and production industry such as unconventional gas,
of heavy oil exploration and production processes.” short- and long-term visiting experts and clients. gas condensates, carbonates and sub-basalt imaging.
The Heavy Oil center features a 3D visualization center, a This is the seventh Schlumberger RTC to open and the sec- For further information about the Schlumberger commitment
high-performance computing cluster, a multi-use conference ond to focus on heavy oil. Located around the world, to heavy oil, please visit www.heavyoilinfo.com.

Brochures for Oil and Gas CygNet Invests for Growth

Drilling Operations Now as Oil & Gas Industry
Available from Automation Demands Software to Increase
Products Group Operational Efficiency
Company Expands U.S. Headquarters;
A
utomation Products Group, Inc. (APG) has avail-
able a brochure on Sensor Solutions for Oil and Opens Calgary Office
Gas Drilling Operations, including mud pressure,
mud tank level, liquid level sensing, general purpose

monitoring and pressure calibration equipment.
The brochure reviews potential oil and gas sensing
solutions, including APG’s HU <http://www.apgsensors.
com/hammer-union/hu.html> intrinsically safe
Hammer Union pressure transmitter, PT-400
<http://www.apgsensors.com/pressure-transducer/pt-
400.html> pressure sensor, PT-500 <http://
www.apgsensors.com/pressure-transducer/pt-500.
html> hydrostatic pressure level transmitter, PG-7
<http://www.apgsensors.com/digital-pressure-guage/pg-7.html> digital
pressure gauge, LPU-2428 <http://www.apgsensors.com/ultrasonic-sensor/lpu-
2428.html> ultrasonic level sensor, LPU-2127 <http://www.apgsensors.com/ultrasonic-
sensor/lpu-2127.html> ultrasonic sensor, KA Kari <http://www.apgsensors.
com/liquid-level-sensor/ka.html> cable suspended f loat switch, PC-10K
<http://www.apgsensors.com/pressure-calibrator/pc-10k.html> hydraulic pressure com-
parator/calibrator and the RPM <http://www.apgsensors.com/liquid-level-
sensor/rpm.html> resistive chain level sensor. The depth and breadth of APG’s sensing
solutions enables them to provide an unbiased technology recommendation in oil and
gas applications.
www.apgsensors.com <http://www.apgsensors.com/> .
C
ygNet Software www.cygnetscada.com, a leading provider of enterprise operations software
and solutions for the oil and gas industry, has announced it has expanded the size of its head-
quarters in San Luis Obispo, Calif. and opened a new office in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The
company’s growth includes the recent commissioning of CygNet software on an additional 6,000
miles of gas pipeline operated by CygNet clients and a more than 30 percent increase in employ-
ee headcount during the past year. This expansion is a direct result of strong demand for its enter-
prise operations software, which drives market responsiveness and operational efficiency.
As energy companies face mounting pressure to maintain profit profiles in a volatile market
environment, they have increased their focus on investments in improving operational efficiency
and productivity.
“The momentum that CygNet experienced during better economic times has only accelerated
as the oil and gas industry struggles with recessionary forces,” said Chris Smith, president and CEO,
CygNet Software.“The ability to collect, manage and distribute large volumes of vital real-time pro-
duction and contract information across the entire enterprise means our customers are able to work
more efficiently and accomplish more with fewer resources. By investing in the most talented
technologists, engineers and professional services experts, we will ensure the continued delivery
of breakthrough solutions that help our customers increase their competitiveness despite the tighter
environment.”
CygNet’s new Calgary office is located at 525 Eleventh Avenue SW, Suite 410 in Calgary, Alberta,
Canada. The sales and professional services personnel at the new facility will support CygNet’s
installed base and its targeted areas of growth.

Oil & Gas Network, February 2009 27

 SMU Professor Got It Right:
Pulling Geothermal Energy from Oil and Gas Wells

W
hen Ormat Technologies recently demonstrated how it is generating geothermal ener-
gy from a producing oil well in Wyoming, the company had Southern Methodist
University geothermal expert Dr. David Blackwell to thank for it.
Blackwell and fellow SMU researcher Jason McKenna published a paper in Sept. 2005 propos-
ing that the hot water gushing as a byproduct from many oil and gas wells could be harnessed to
produce electricity. Pass the nuisance hot water through a small, specially designed binary power
plant, he wrote, and producers ought to be able to generate enough electricity to draw oil and gas
to the surface – nearly for free. Hook up a field full of these special geothermal mini-plants,
he concluded, and geothermal energy would produce enough electricity to light up nearby homes,
business and schools.
“Blackwell’s work to identify the potential of co-production from oil and gas wells dramati-
cally expands the scope and potential of geothermal energy in the US and around the world, said
Karl Gawell, executive director of the Geothermal Energy Association.“It is important for decision
makers to understand that geothermal energy is an enormous resource with widespread poten-
tial to help address our environmental and national security needs. Dr. Blackwell has been instru-
mental in delivering that message.”
Most people associate geothermal energy with extremely high heat – think geysers. But the
Geothermal Map of North America produced by Blackwell and SMU researcher Maria Richards for
the American Association of Petroleum Geologists in 2004 revealed locations all over the United
States where subsurface temperatures are high enough to drive a small, binary power plant and
generate electricity. This kind of power plant is similar to an air conditioning unit run backwards,
using heat to generate electricity. The hot water that runs through one chamber in the pump heats
fluid with a lower boiling point in an adjacent chamber, which expands into high-pressure vapor
and drives a turbine.
Blackwell’s “light bulb” moment came when he realized that oil and gas wells all over the coun-
try were spewing moderately hot wastewater, but petroleum company executives were unaware
of the resource they were pumping back into the ground.
Deep drilling through hard rock is expensive: that’s one reason traditional geothermal energy
development has lagged behind green technologies like wind and solar power.
But Blackwell’s mapping has proven that many existing oil and gas wells in Texas, Louisiana,
Mississippi, Alabama and some mid-continent states reach shallower depths where temperatures still
range from 200-300 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s hot enough for a binary power plant to do its job.
“This was just a flash of light,” Blackwell says. “It seemed to me it ought to work.”
Blackwell is not trying to convince anyone that piggybacking geothermal pumps onto existing
oil and gas wells is the answer to all of America’s energy needs. But the technology could gener-
ate enough electricity to power as many as 4.5 million homes, and make it possible for petroleum
producers to continue pumping low-producing wells that the high cost of purchased electricity
might otherwise force them to shut down.
“What is important about this work is its sense of vision of what is possible from geothermal
energy,” Gawell said.

Control Microsystems Announces the

SCADAPack 330E and 334E Controllers
C
ontrol Microsystems, global developer of ad-
vanced SCADA products, has announced the
release of the SCADAPack 330E and 334E, two
exciting additions to the SCADAPack family of teleme-
try and control devices. These cost-effective con-
trollers are based on the popular SCADAPack 330/334
hardware platform and address the growing demand
for secure and authenticated data.
The SCADAPack 330E and 334E provide multi-ven-
dor interoperability and reliable communications
through native DNP3 and IEC 60870-5. Data integri-
ty for billable applications or critical operations is sup-
ported with AGA12 encryption.
“The popularity of E-Series features has driven the
growth of the product line”, said Dale Symington, VP
Product Strategy. “DNP3 and IEC 60870-5 allow the
slave controller to store a time-stamped event when-
ever data points change and continuous recording
means there are never holes in the data, even when communication links go down.”
The E-Series controllers support a full-featured FAT32 (PC compatible) file system and command
line, which is accessible over FTP, Telnet, DNP3 or local serial port. The command line provides
direct access to the file system and configuration commands. An IEC 61131-3 programming envi-
ronment provides support for two logic applications running simultaneously. This allows system
integrators to introduce password-protected applications that offer value-added functionality in their
chosen industry, all while leaving the second application open for the end-user to add custom con-
trol if required.

28 Oil & Gas Network, February 2009

Experion Process Knowledge System R310
H
oneywell’s Experion® Process Knowledge System
(PKS) R310 is an enhanced version of Honeywell’s
award-winning process automation and control system
that improves safety by allowing plant operators to carefully
coordinate process control, safety shutdown and fire and gas
mitigation steps. Through the unique safety instrumented sys-
tem (SIS) integration, Experion provides crucial safety and fire
and gas information, such as pre-shutdown alerts, directly to
operators. Operators can easily access plant-wide SIS point data,
diagnostics and system information, as well as alarms and
events, operator displays and sequence-of-event information. It
also decreases overall system and maintenance costs by reduc-
ing the amount of installed field sensor equipment.
Additionally, Experion R310 helps improve plant operations
through embedded simulation capabilities used for training
operators and validating controls, displays and procedures.The
system feeds data from critical plant subsystems directly to
operators to help improve decision making in the control
room. The system also includes new integrated batch func-
tionality that can significantly increase production as well as
reliability for chemical and life sciences companies. The
embedded batch functionality allows chemical and life sciences
customers to execute batches at the control level, versus using
a separate server, which makes the system more reliable, less
complex and easier to maintain.
Another key capability of Experion is a unique alarm shelv-
ing utility that allows operators to better manage and prioritize
alarms on their displays.This capability is based on several years
of collaboration between Honeywell and the Abnormal
Situation Management® consortium in the interest of improv-
ing operator effectiveness during abnormal situations that can
lead to process upsets.
Experion R310 more easily integrates with simulation
tools and safety systems. It features data exchange and control
OneWireless
H
oneywell’s updated version of its OneWireless™ in-
dustrial wireless network equipment is designed to
be compatible with the end-user driven ISA100.11a
industrial wireless communication standard. The latest
OneWireless release is the process industries’ first mesh net-
work with ISA100-ready hardware. The network can be easily
upgraded to the ISA100.11a standard, when it is completed,
through an over-the-air software update.
communication protocol that allow safety engineers to design
and build plant-wide safety strategies while providing plant
operators with crucial system information.
Experion R310 is the most efficient system of its kind, and
that efficiency translates to safer, more reliable and more prof-
itable plants. Experion R310 provides crucial safety information
directly to operators using a common display. Experion R310
continues to deliver on Honeywell’s commitment to enhance
safety by minimizing the impact of incidents, keeping plants on-
line longer and reducing the total cost of ownership.
For more information about Honeywell’s Experion solution,
visit http://hpsweb.honeywell.com/Cultures/en-US/Products
/Systems/ExperionPKS/default.htm.
Manufacturers have been asking for a secure and reliable
multi-functional wireless network that can handle the thou-
sands of devices they use within their plants. Until now, the only
way to do so was with proprietary systems. The ISA100.11a
standard will allow OneWireless users to achieve this vision
using a standards-based network.
The new version also extends Honeywell’s product line of
transmitters with a new XYR™ 6000 Digital Input wireless
transmitter. OneWireless supports a broad range
of both wired and wireless transmitters,
including corrosion, gauge pressure, differential
pressure, high-level analog input and tempera-
ture transmitters. As a single network support-
ing both sensors and IEEE 802.11-based
applications, OneWireless also supports mobile
worker devices, such as Honeywell’s IntelaTrac
PKS and Experion Mobile Station, and can
improve plant safety by helping customers
quickly locate employees.
In addition, the latest OneWireless release
expands the interface capabilities of the system,
supporting the HART protocol. HART is com-
monly used by asset management applications
such as Honeywell’s Field Device Manager.
OneWireless system management software
makes any XYR 6000 transmitter communicate
to existing HART-enabled applications in the
same manner as to a wired HART device.This
continuous evolution of the OneWireless plat-
form highlights the multi-protocol capabilities
of the Honeywell system.
For more information about Honeywell’s
OneWireless solution, visit http://hpsweb.hon-
eywell.com/Cultures/en-US/ Products/wire-
less/default.htm.
UOP Master
Simulation Models
T
he UOP Master Simulation Models are an exclusive series
of UOP process technology-based operator training sys-
tems (OTS) delivered through Honeywell’s UniSim® fam-
ily of process modeling and simulation technology. The UOP
Master Simulation Models contain embedded UOP mathemat-
ics and kinetics in the UniSim framework, so the simulation
environment is as close to real-life refining operations as you
can possibly get. UniSim improves plant safety and efficiency
by allowing manufacturers to design and test processes before
they are implemented in their plants, as well as train operators
to use those processes and reduce errors that could lead to
plant incidents. Because the UOP Master Simulation Models
have the UOP intellectual property embedded in the software,
they are as close as a plant operator can possibly get to a real-
life refining operation.
The UOP Master Simulation Models are based upon UOP’s
proprietary process design package which includes engineer-
ing specifications for the process streams, equipment, reactors
and instrumentation. They are a high fidelity representation of
UOP’s process design. While they are not customized to the
customer’s actual production capacity and tag naming con-
ventions, the general process configuration and operating con-
ditions are similar to the customer’s actual installation.
The regulatory control and safety systems integrated with
the process model are based upon UOP’s standard control
strategies. The control package is used to interface the trainee
with the plant simulation through the operator station graph-
ics, trends and alarm configurations.
UniSim has proven an effective tool for improving operator
performance, which ultimately leads to a more efficient work-
force and better business results. Because it captures UOP’s
extensive process knowledge within UniSim, the UOP Master
Simulation Models provide an even more realistic simulation
environment.
Manufacturers from a wide range of industries use UniSim
to train operators before new process units are commissioned,
or before new processes are implemented in existing plants.
Operators also practice start-up and shutdown sequences for
plant processes and learn how to sustain unit operation at peak
performance levels.The results include safer and more efficient
operation and less unplanned downtime.
For more information about Honeywell’s UOP Master
Simulation Models solution, visit http://hpsweb.
honeywell.com/Cultures/enUS/Products/ControlApplications
/simulation/default.htm.
Oil & Gas Network, February 2009 29
Safety Manager
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reliability and maximum operability with proven solutions that applications. Baker Hughes Canada OF CANADA
integrate process safety data, applications, system diagnostics For more information about Honeywell’s Safety Manager solu- www.bakerhughes.com www.petrohrsc.ca
and critical control strategies.As a component of Experion PKS, tion, visit http://hpsweb.honeywell.com/Cultures/en-US/
Camoplast Track Vehicles R & M Energy Systems
Safety Manager features tight integration with Experion alarm Products/Systems/SafetySystems/SafetyManager/default.htm
and events capabilities for www.camoplast.com www.rmenergy.com
smooth plant operation and Dyna-Flo Control Valve Rogers Wireless
easy post-mortem analysis with Services Ltd. www.rogers.com
a single window access on the
www.dyna-flo.com Singletouch Canada Inc
Experion human machine in-
terface (HMI). Flexpipe Systems www.singletouch.com
In sharing critical informa- www.flexpipesystems.com SMi Group
tion between Safety Manager
FLIR Systems Ltd. www.smi-online.co.uk
and the Experion C300
process controller, the system www.flir.ca Telus Business Solutions
can provide plant-wide SIS Halliburton Energy Services www.telus.com
point data, diagnostics and www.halliburton.com Volant Products
system information, as well as
ICOM Canada www.volantproducts.ca
alarms and events, operator
displays and sequence of event www.icomcanada.com Wainbee
information to any Experion Inmarsat www.wainbee.com
station located in a plant. This www.inmarsat.com/oilgas Wellstream Canada Limited
integration allows plants to
INNOVENG www.wellstream.com
improve production by mini-
mizing intervention and shut- www.INNOVENG.com West Coast Resorts
downs, and recover more Langara Fishing Adventures www.westcoastresort.com
easily from process upsets. It
www.langara.com Wood Group ESP, Inc.
also reduces hardware and in-
stallation costs. Additionally, Mattracks Inc. www.woodgroup-esp.com
operators are not required to www.mattracks.com
learn different systems for
process control and SIS.

A LAWSUIT WAS FILED BY FISHER

Uniformance Process Studio
H
oneywell’s Uniformance Process Studio is a desk-
CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC top software package that allows plant engineers
to improve overall plant efficiency by more eas-
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT ily analyzing process performance. The user-friendly
interface includes workflow management applications
COURT FOR THE OUTHERN that enable engineers to build trend graphs and graphics
with minimal training or manual configuration.
DISTRICT OF IOWA AGAINST DYNA- Uniformance Process Studio is designed for use with
FLO CONTROL VALVE SERVICES, Honeywell’s Uniformance Plant History Database, which
gathers critical data from equipment and instrumentation
LTD., AND AMICABLY SETTLED. located throughout a plant. In the event of a plant upset,
for instance, users can pull historical data to examine how
a certain unit functioned in the moments leading up to the
incident and use that information to avoid future upsets.
As part of the settlement, Dyna-Flo has For engineers, using Uniformance Process Studio for
removed the DF1 and DF2400 Control trend analysis is as easy as selecting tags from additional
information management systems and using a drag-and-
Valves from the marketplace in view of drop function to insert them into a trend graph or table.
Many commonly used options, such as selecting trend
Fisher’s United States Patents Nos. times and sampling methods, are also available through
4,986,300, 5,791,629, 6,866,244, 6,991,218, simple drop-down menus. Uniformance Process Studio
also provides a variety of trend styles. A multi-trend view
and 7,185,672. Dyna-Flo acknowledges allows engineers to view the status of numerous trends,
making it easy to monitor the status of several processes
the validity, and does not contest its or pieces of equipment at once.
The Uniformance desktop includes powerful graphics
infringement, of these patents. based on Honeywell’s HMIWeb technology. Such graph-
ics may be used to review current operating conditions
or users may scroll back in time to view historical process
conditions. The HMIWeb graphics builder comes with a
comprehensive graphics library. Existing graphics may
also be copied and converted from a Honeywell’s
Experion® system, saving the cost of building special
graphics for engineers and other business data users.
Uniformance Process Studio increases overall plant
efficiency by making the engineer’s job easier. Uniformance
allows users to organize information in personal and
shared workspaces, making it easier for users to find rele-
vant process trend information.These workspaces are not
limited to plant historian information; users can include
Web page links, applications and a variety of documents.
With this approach, engineers aren’t required to constantly
switch between Uniformance and Internet browsers.
Having a keen understanding of how a plant has per-
formed in the past is critical to maximizing business
results and improving safety, reliability and efficiency.
Uniformance Process Studio was designed to help engi-
neers make sense of relevant data faster and easier.
Engineers can perform basic functions with only a few
mouse clicks so that their time is spent analyzing the
process, not manipulating the tool.
For more information about Honeywell’s Uniformance
Process Studio solution, visit http://hpsweb. honeywell.
com/Cultures/enUS/Products/OperationsApplications/I
nformationManagement/UniformanceProcessStudio/d
efault.htm.

30 Oil & Gas Network, February 2009