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February 2009 Volume 10, Number 1

Contents5 Celebrating 15 Years of Keeping STARS in the Sky7 Annual Reports 1017 Help Keep STARS in the Sky8 Frac-Point™ Isolates Fracs in Tight Gas Wells to Increase

Productivity and Accelerate Return on Investment10 Fossil Fuels to Play Key Role in Ending Recession11 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 Program14 Remote Gas Monitoring Systems16 Driller Friendly GatorBACK Casing Running Tool 18 UBD Hybrid Benefits Environment and Budget18 Garlock Adds Custom Flue Duct Expansion Joints18 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 Welding23 Human Process Management Helps Oil and Gas

Organizations Deal with Information Overload23 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 geoSCOUT24 North Rig Catwalk Technologies Ltd.27 Schlumberger Opens Technology Center in Calgary27 Brochures for Oil and Gas Drilling Operations Now

Available from Automation Products Group27 CygNet Invests for Growth as Oil & Gas Industry Demands

Software to Increase Operational Efficiency28 SMU Professor Got It Right28 Control Microsystems Announces the SCADAPack 330E

and 334E Controllers29 Experion Process Knowledge System R31029 OneWireless29 UOP Master Simulation Models30 Safety Manager30 Uniformance Process Studio

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Oil & Gas Network, February 2009 3


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Celebrating 15 Years of KeepingSTARS in the SkyThe PSAC Perspective

Rob Gray, Manager Communications & Member Relations

Safety is a key issue for PSAC and its members. Despite our best efforts, accidentscan happen – and most often occur in very remote locations, far from emergencymedical 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 intoa 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 thenews. His wife was in bad shape and needed medical attention quickly.

Maureen had been airlifted by STARS to Edmonton. Her condition was dire, but thanksto the quick efforts of STARS, she would be okay. After several weeks in rehabilitationshe returned home, and eventually recovered, shortly thereafter becoming a mom.

The Sehlstrom’s story serves as a vivid reminder that at any moment your phonecould 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, chancesare that the Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) already has one of theirshiny red choppers on the way.

Often, these bright red beacons of hope and the emergency medical response teamthey 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 stayin the air.

What began 15 years ago as an industry/community partnership to support safetyhas grown into the PSAC STARS & SPURS Gala, renowned as one of the longest runningand 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 togethermore 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 wellsurpassed the $3 million mark. In honour of this ongoing partnership, the PSAC logo isproudly displayed on the STARS helicopters as a symbol of the role that the Associationand its members have played in supporting this tremendous cause.

In honour of the 15th Anniversary, PSAC would like to thank all the organizations andindividuals who have contributed to the success of the Gala over the years. While theorganizations and individuals who have supported this event are too numerous to rec-ognize individually, PSAC does wish to acknowledge those companies recognized as apart of the Anniversary Gala for their long-term and significant support of the event. Thisincludes Benefactors: Trican Well Service Ltd.; EnCana Corporation; and FirstEnergyCapital Corporation, along with the following Honorary Patrons: JuneWarrenPublishing/Nickle’s Energy Group, Canadian Mountain Holidays, and Cargill Foods.

Even in times of economic uncertainty, industry has remained steadfast in its supportof this event, and for that we are both proud and grateful. Throughout industry’s ups anddowns, this event has continued to grow, and so on this – our crystal anniversary year,PSAC felt it appropriate to thank everyone who has supported the Gala – both past andpresent, for being a part of something great.

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With the Recession in full swing, cratered commodity prices and the general mood of doomand gloom said to pervade Canada’s oilpatch, I must confess I am rather looking forward tothis years’ crop of annual reports and AGMs.

Having “authored” five annual reports for a “major Canadian energy producer” almost a decadeago, I still delight in these staples of spring. For an investor and even the casual observer, there’s nobetter way to learn how a company truly sees itself than by reading their AR and attending their AGM.

As early as the late 90s, pundits were predicting the demise of the printed annual report; secu-rities regulations continue to evolve but it hasn’t happened yet. If anything, today’s AR is even moreimportant – meeting a regulatory requirement but, for many, also serving as a company’s centralmarketing piece.

It’s an urban myth, perhaps, that PR & corporate communications is one of the first disciplines tosuffer 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 bothshort and long term.

So if you’ve already toasted your communications department, here’s some free advice – the thingsI’ll be looking for when this year’s reports hit the street.

THE COVER 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 goodtimes either.

It’s even more important, then, to craft a message that truly differentiates your company from thethundering 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 establishesthe theme.

Image-wise, it’s all about focus. Avoid the ubiquitous collage that attempts to show the diversity ofyour operations. Pick a winner, the best single image that supports what you’re trying to get acrossthematically. If you’re going to be laying off 500 employees, you might favor a facility shot, for instance.

FORMATAn unorthodox size may make your book stand out, but functionality is king. This year, you will

look flaky if you produce anything horizontal or smaller than the standard 8 X 10.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEWe are going to be treated to hundreds of views about the poor economic conditions, how com-

panies are coping and how “well” they are positioned moving forward. One way to improve your let-ter is to move the employee message front and centre, instead of tacking it on at the end of (presumably)more weighty matters. You need to at least create the illusion that people come first. Graphic pullquotesand photos of people on the job are two other effectiveways to reinforce this concept.

OPERATIONS REVIEWFor many, this has been replaced with the often-

pedantic MD&A. No reason this can’t be spiced up withphotograpahs, pullquotes and a painstaking PlainEnglish edit or two.

FINANCIALSAsk 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 theMD&A.

BACK PAGESHere’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 COVERValuable real estate, often wasted. You’re paying

handsomely for the cover stock and the back cover isoften displayed on someone’s desktop when they putthe book down – why not use this space to leave thereader with a simple closing message? And don’t forgetthe recycled logo – David Suzuki is watching.

Coll’s CornerBy David Coll

Help Keep STARS in the Sky

The sixteenth annual STARS lottery launched this month with 3,030 prizes worthover $4.9 million. Every ticket sold will help keep STARS in the sky including thenew AW139 helicopter arriving later this year. “It is an exciting time as we antic-

ipate the arrival of the new helicopter. It will fly farther and faster and help save livesthrough an advanced medical interior as well as the capacity to carry two critical patients,”STARS President and CEO Dr. Greg Powell said at the lottery launch.

The lottery is offering five grand prizes worth over $3.3 million retail, including fourbeautiful showhomes in Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton and Lethbridge. The fifth prize isa ‘home away from home’ truck and trailer worth $116,000.

There are also two exceptional early bird packages to be won including a Mercedes-Benz and travel package worth over $86,000 retail and a 2009 Porsche Boxter and LasVegas trip for four plus $5,000 cash prize. In addition to the grand and early bird prizes,there are 13 vehicles, 41 vacations, 2,329 electronic prizes, 339 cash prizes and 594other prizes including jewellery and luggage.

STARS is a non-profit, charitable organization and relies on the lottery to fund approxi-mately 50 per cent of mission operations. “Although there is global economic uncertainty,we hope that Albertans will continue to generously support our largest fundraiser as theyhave in the past,” said Dr. Powell.

STARS provides airborne intensive care to the critically ill and injured 24 hours a day,seven days a week with the familiar red BK117 helicopters from bases in Calgary,Edmonton and Grande Prairie. STARS has flown over 17,300 missions since 1985 andcurrently serves 94 per cent of Alberta’s population.

Annual Reports 101What to look for in this year’s crop of annual reports

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8 Oil & Gas Network, February 2009

Producing gas in tight shale formations often requiresmajor pumping investments. Traditionally, An operatordidn’t have many good choices when fracturing a tight

gas or oil well. One option was to simply pump frac fluid intothe open hole and hope for the best, which resulted in fracfluid flowing mainly to the area of least resistance, reducingproduction along the rest of the wellbore.

Another choice was to isolate each zone along a horizontalwellbore by repeatedly cementing, plugging, perforating, andfracturing. That meant multiple trips downhole, the expenseand risk of perforating, and the cost of having pumping truckson standby for days at a time.

Baker Oil Tools has developed a better option. The BakerOil Tools Frac-Point Open-Hole Fracture Completion Systemallows you to pinpoint fracture placements without cement-ing. That means improved initial productivity, acceleratedreservoir 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 OilTools delivers a solution that can improve production in tightshale reservoirs and turn otherwise unprofitable projects intomoneymakers.

Frac-Point™ Open-Hole Frac SystemThe Frac-Point system uses specially designed short-radius, open-hole

packers and frac sleeves to isolate intervals of a horizontal section andpinpoint fracture treatment placement.The result is greater control of thefrac treatment and the assurance of fracturing the entire length of the

lateral and increasing production. By eliminating the costly cycle ofcementing, plugging, and perforating, the Frac-Point system delivers threeimportant advantages to operators drilling in tight shale formations.

• No cementing. Open-hole packers provide isolation along the lengthof the liner. This eliminates the need to cement the liner in the lateralsection 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 theexpense of mobilization and demobilization of pumping equipment.

Getting Through the Tight SpotsOne major challenge in completing high-angle wells in open hole is

simply getting the tools through doglegs and other restrictions to totaldepth. Baker Oil Tools uses its design expertise and operational excel-lence to meet this challenge. Because Frac-Point packers are shorter thancompeting tools, they can navigate better through tight spots. Baker OilTools’ proprietary torque and drag software estimates the probability ofreaching total depth and helps eliminate wasted trips and wasted money.

The Frac-Point™ Open-Hole Fracture Completion System consists offour primary components: the liner top packer, open-hole packers, fracsleeves, and pressure-actuated sleeves (P-Sleeves).

Frac-Point™–How it WorksThe Frac-Point™ Open-Hole Fracture Completion System consists of

four primary components: the liner top packer, open-hole packers, fracsleeves, and pressure-actuated sleeves (P-Sleeves).

S-3™ Liner Top PackerThe 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 ofliner assembly.

Frac SleevesThe frac sleeves include ball seats sized accordingly. The sleeves are

then actuated open sequentially by deploying balls from the surface. Thisalso 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 bemaintained throughout the system if needed.

Short Radius Open-Hole PackerThe open-hole hydraulic set packers feature Baker’s patented anti-

extrusion packing element system and require no mandrel movementduring setting.

P-SleevesThe pressure-actuated sleeve is similar to the frac sleeve, but does

not contain a ball seat. The operator may choose to open the P-Sleeveat installation or have it remain closed until the frac crew is on site andrigged up.

Frac-Point™Isolates Fracs in Tight Oil & Gas Wells to IncreaseProductivity andAccelerate Returnon InvestmentQuick and to the Point

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 WellBaker Oil Tools’ Houston-based reservoir analysis team can model different completion

scenarios and estimate well deliverability for specific well parameters. Taking into accountfactors like reservoir size, temperature, pressure and permeability, fracture properties, andprojected 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 fractured2) Frac-Point Scenario A: Completed as a horizontal well (1,500 ft) (457.2 m)and fractured in three zones using Frac-Point3) Frac-Point Scenario B: Completed as a horizontal well and fractured in four zones usingFrac-Point

Model Well #1: Frac-Point™ Super-Charges ReturnsThis 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 fourmonths off the payback time by using a four-zone Frac-Point completion.

Model Well #2: Frac-Point™ Squeezes Out ProfitsIn 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 MMscfgas 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 #1

Model Well #2

AJM Petroleum Consultants released its first oil and gas priceforecast for 2009 with the prediction that short-term priceswill 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

or lower per gallon,” observed Ralph Glass, AJM’s Vice President ofOperations. “If President-elect Obama’s plans to put America backto 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 bottomaverage 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 inprices, basic supply and demand and the cost to bringon new production, will provide a truer picture of oiland natural gas pricing for forecast purposes.

AJM’s Q1 2009 price forecast, established effectiveDecember 31, 2008, shows crude oil prices in constantdollars based on a WTI forecast of US$55.00/bbl for2009, rising to US$75.00/bbl in 2010, then reachingUS$100.00/bbl by 2013 and holding at this level for thebalance of the forecast. The AECO US NYMEX naturalgas price in constant dollars is expected to averageUS$6.50/Mcf in 2009, rising with oil to a long-termprice in 2013 of US$9.50/Mcf. The Canadian pricedAECO forecast is expected to average C$7.00/Mcf in2009 rising to C$9.00/Mcf in 2013, corresponding withthe expected recovery of the Canadian dollar over thesame period. Complete forecast tables, commentary anddocumentation for AJM’s December 31 Price Forecastare available for download on the AJM PetroleumConsultants website at www.ajmpetroleumconsul-tants.com.

AJM Petroleum Consultants, a privately ownedCalgary-based company, has extensive experience incorporate reserve evaluations, acquisition and divesti-ture evaluations, and evaluations of unconventional reserves such as coal bed methane, tight gas, shale gasand bitumen/heavy oil. Diverse engineering and geo-logical capabilities combined with a forward-thinkingapproach to technology have allowed AJM to provideinnovative solutions to clients in the upstream sectorof the oil and gas industry in Western Canada, NorthAmerica and internationally. Over time, the company’sprice forecasts have proved to be more realistic thanothers in the industry.

Fossil Fuels to Play Key Role in Ending RecessionAJM Releases First Quarter Oil and Gas Price Forecast

The Canadian Energy Research Instituteis holding the following conference in thespring of 2009.

CERI 2009 NATURAL GAS CONFERENCE

Navigating a Clear Path in a Sea of Uncertainty

February 23-24, 2009Calgary TELUS Convention Centre

The last 12 months has seen the naturalgas market change from a healthy, positiveenvironment to one of turmoil, unknowns,tight credit and general unease. This con-ference will explore the events that led usto this point and the potential changes inconventional and unconventional gas de-velopments that could set a path out of thisturmoil.

UpcomingEvent


The year ahead won’t be the worst the petroleum indus-try has experienced, but the downward slide is expectedto continue.

Don Herring, president of the Canadian Association of DrillingContractors (CAODC), said drilling numbers in 2009 are alreadyproving to be falling from 2008 levels. “It will be essentially a con-tinuation in the decrease in activity we experienced in 2007 and2008, following peak rates in 2005 and 2006,” he said.

The last time the industry experienced such a slowdown, itlasted seven years.

“We went through seven very tough years starting in 1986with 36 per cent utilization. We didn’t see utilization levels goto 55 per cent until 1993,” said Herring.

In the first week of 2009, utilization levels were at 36 per centin Alberta. Herring said 50 to 55 per cent utilization is consid-ered a break-even point for industry, so that puts it in sub-eco-nomic conditions.

“Our current forecast calls for about 14,000 wells drilled in2009. We’re suggesting utilization will be around 39 or 40 percent and that may be slightly optimistic because the numberswe just got for 2008 show utilization at 40 per cent.”

This year will see a continuation in the trend for higher daysper well because of the focus on deeper natural gas wells, theCAODC reported. The estimate for slightly more than 14,000well completions in 2009 is down six per cent from 2008 and25 per cent from 2007. In 2005, utilization was a healthy 69 percent and wells drilled were 22,000.

This year is going to be quite different.Greg Stringham, vice president of markets and fiscal policy

for the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP),said 2009 is going to be a year of “a great deal of uncertainty.Planning has been very, very difficult.”

While everyone believes commodity prices will eventually goback up, the big question is when, he said.

Calgary-based Tristone Capital released a forecast inDecember predicting that oil will average $50.30 US per barrelin 2009.

“I’ve never seen oil prices drop over $100 a barrel over fivemonths,” said Stringham. “It would be nice to see some stabilityto return to the market.”

The course of action he has heard from companies is thatthey are tightening their belts for 2009. “They have to go back andlive within their means and being prudent enough to be resilientfor when commodity prices bounce back,” he said.

Stringham said it’s likely that mergers and acquisitions won’tbe as common in 2009 because banks are not as open to approv-ing credit. “The equity is not there.”

The opening months will tell the true tale of where 2009 isheaded because the first quarter is usually the busiest drilling season, he added. Back in the fall, CAPP predicted a 20 per centexpenditure drop for 2009, but that may have to updated asthings play out.

The slowdown in the petroleum industry has hit Alberta thehardest, according to statistics compiled by the PetroleumServices Association of Canada (PSAC).

Once a leader in drilling activity, Alberta has slipped to third,with the highest drilling numbers for 2009 expected to comefrom unconventional gas plays in British Columbia, followed bythe Bakken play in Saskatchewan.

PSACs 2009 Canadian Drilling Activity Forecast shows a fourper cent decrease in total wells drilled compared to 2008. InAlberta though, that decrease is expected to be 11 per cent.

“Alberta will see a drop of 1,350 wells, due in large part tothe province’s new royalty regime. The new regime simply makesit more attractive for companies to diversify into places like B.C.and Saskatchewan that are now seen as being more competitive,”said Roger Soucy, PSAC president.

In the pipeline side of the industry, things will be slightlymore level than the drilling side because the projects take solong to be pulled together, explained Brenda Kenny, presidentof the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA).

“It’s somewhat steady as she goes,” she said. “It’s too earlyto tell, but there may be a year of two of pushing back someprojects.”

What’s in store for 2009?Wood Group launches Chair ofArctic Engineering at the MemorialUniversity ofNewfoundland,Canada

International energy services company, John WoodGroup PLC (“Wood Group”), has launched its spon-sorship of a professorial chair in arctic engineering

at the Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) inSt John’s, Canada.

Mike Straughen, Group director & chief executive ofWood Group’s Engineering activities, said, “I am de-lighted to announce that, over a five-year period, we areinvesting C$500,000 to sponsor a new academic Chairat MUN, which will be known as the ‘Wood Group Chairin Arctic and Cold Region Engineering’. We already col-laborate with the university through J P Kenny and IMV,our engineering company based in St Johns. Our goal isto develop leading edge technology so we can sourcenew engineering solutions for our clients operating inthese emerging, strategic regions. MUN is a recognisedleader in this area, with a track record for research intothe unique challenges of ocean and ice engineering suchas seabed ice gouging and ice loads on ships.

“The combination of MUN’s expertise with WoodGroup’s experience working in the cold regions ofCanada, Alaska and Russia, through our IMV, Mustang andJ P Kenny engineering companies, will enable us to joint-ly find safe, cost-effective solutions for these untappedreserves,” added Mike Straughen. “Exploration in theArctic is still in its infancy and surveys produced by theUS Geological Agency suggest that the area may containas much as one fifth of the world’s yet-to-be discoveredoil & gas reserves. It is estimated that the Arctic may holdas much as 90 billion barrels of undiscovered oil reservesand 1,670 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.”

The professorial chair will be associated with MUN’sOcean Engineering Research Centre in the Faculty ofEngineering & Applied Science and will benefit bothundergraduate and post- graduate engineering students.At MUN, Wood Group plans to invest in research proj-ects focusing on topics including ice mechanics, arcticpipeline design and arctic structures to advance tech-nology for engineering in arctic and cold regions for theoil & gas industry.

“We are extremely pleased about this collaborationwith Wood Group,” said Eddy Campbell, acting presidentand vice-chancellor, Memorial University, “It is very important for an engineering school to have strong linkswith industry as this exposes students to a world outsidethe university. Our staff within the faculty will also ben-efit from similar exposure, especially when working infrontier regions.”

Given MUN’s geographic location and current aca-demic research & development programmes, there is anopportunity for Wood Group to raise its profile by col-laborating with the University. Wood Group companiesIMV and J P Kenny already collaborate with MUN on theCo-Operative Engineering programme, in which engi-neering undergraduates combine academic terms withextensive industrial internships in the oil & gas industry.

This sponsorship is the latest in a series of similararrangements Wood Group has made with universities inAberdeen, Australia, Dubai and Kazakhstan, to invest inthe future of the next generation of engineers and con-tribute to advances in technology and industry sustain-ability.


GeoLOGIC systems ltd. announced it has attained GoldCertified Partner status in the Microsoft PartnerProgram with a competency in Independent Software

Vendor/Software Solutions recognizing geoLOGIC’s expertiseand impact in the technology marketplace. As a Gold CertifiedPartner, geoLOGIC has demonstrated expertise with Microsofttechnologies and a proven ability to meet customers’ needs.Microsoft Gold Certified Partners receive a rich set of benefitsincluding access, training and support, giving them a competi-tive advantage in the channel.

A recognized leader with 25 years of experience supplyingknowledge management services to the oil and gas industry,geoLOGIC is a leading provider of value-added oil and gas dataand decision support tools based on Microsoft technologies.

“Achieving Gold Certified Partner status in the MicrosoftPartner Program is just one more way we are demonstrating ourcommitment to provide single-source solutions that can be reliably and effectively integrated company-wide,” saidgeoLOGIC Vice President of Operations and Technology, SeanUdell,. “The benefits provided through our Gold CertifiedPartner status will allow us to continue to enhance the offer-ings that we provide for customers.”

“We congratulate geoLOGIC systems ltd. for achievingMicrosoft Gold Certified Partner status, demonstrating theircommitment to delivering innovation and value to customers,”said Lora Gernon, Director, Partner Group, Microsoft CanadaCo. “The Microsoft Partner Program delivers tools and resourcesto help technology providers such as geoLOGIC succeed andmake an impact on the marketplace.”

As one of the requirements for attaining Gold CertifiedPartner status, geoLOGIC had to declare a MicrosoftCompetency. Microsoft Competencies are designed to helpdifferentiate a partner’s capabilities with specific Microsofttechnologies to customers looking for a particular type of solution. Each Competency has a unique set of requirementsand benefits, formulated to accurately represent the specificskills and services that partners bring to the technology industry. Within select Competencies, there are Specializationsthat focus on specific solution areas that recognize deeperexpertise within that Competency. Serving as a specializedpath 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. MicrosoftGold Certified Partners that have obtained this competencyhave a successful record of developing and marketing packedsoftware based on Microsoft technologies.

“Solutions competencies are an important way for Microsoftto better enable ISVs to meet customer needs,” said SanjayParthasarathy, corporate vice president of the Developer andPlatform Evangelism Group at Microsoft Corp. “They allow ISVsto keep and win customers through their deep knowledge ofsolutions-based Microsoft platform technologies. Microsoft hasa long history of working closely with ISV partners to helpthem deliver compelling solutions and applications to ourmutual customers, and the Microsoft Competencies are an important step in continuing to enhance vital relationshipswith ISVs worldwide.”

The Microsoft Partner Program was launched in October2003 and represents Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to thesuccess of partners worldwide. The program offers a single, integrated partnering framework that recognizes partner expertise, rewards the total impact that partners have in thetechnology marketplace, and delivers more value to help part-ners’ businesses be successful.

geoLOGIC systems ltd. Attains Gold Certified Partner Status in Microsoft Partner ProgramgeoLOGIC Further Distinguishes Itself by Earning a Microsoft Competency in ISV/Software Solutions


There are many facilities thatneed to monitor for hazardousgas leaks in areas where it is

not possible to install cabling forpower or signal. In these scenarios,the products must operate independ-ently. They must have self-containedpower supplies and methods of send-ing out alarm messages when gas con-centrations reach alarm levels. Thisbecomes essential when detecting gasin areas surrounded by residentialcommunities.

Lately, more exploration and pro-duction is occurring in areas thatwere never considered. Exploratorydrilling is occurring in backyards,school yards and community parks. Inmany communities, well heads orpumping units are being installedwithin or very close to residentialcommunities. It is important that themembers of these communities feelsafe and not threatened by gas expo-sure. To protect these areas, remote monitoring systems can be easily deployed while drillingoccurs, 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. Gasdetectors are used to detect hazardous levels of either toxic or combustible gases. When alarmconditions 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 alsobe 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 necessaryevacuations.

Industrial Scientific is able to offer such a system for monitoring several gas wells in NorthAmerica. 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 proofapproval, 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 gasconcentrations, 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

Remote Gas Monitoring SystemsIntelligent Solutions for the Oil & Gas Industry

Permanent pole mount


also upload concentrations or levels for each channelduring alarm events. A Web interface allows key managersto view the information from any computer. Reports canbe generated as well as automatic e-mail and telephonenotifications 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) canbe powered directly by any 12-24 VDC. If local power isnot available, an optional battery pack and solar panelcan be used to power the entire system. IndustrialScientific has installed a variety of options to meet thisneed including permanent pole mount installations, andmobile 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 willtrigger notifications. These events can include power fail-ures, gas alarms, or any type of level of flow alarm. Whenan event occurs, notifications can be sent by e-mail andphone. Multiple e-mail addresses and multiple phone numbers can be entered to receive thesealerts 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 any4-20 mA input (gas detector, anemometer, pressure, etc. The iTrans gas detector has internalrelays 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 Class1, Division 1 rated enclosures.

Power supply:Based on customer needs, various power supplies are available.

These supplies include direct DC power sources, AC/DC powersources, 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 monitoringprogram. Regardless of the options chosen, the most important thingto remember is that these systems are designed with one purpose,to protect human life. Selecting a manufacturer that can to providequality equipment and service will also ensure the highest possiblelevels of safety in, around and near a facility.

About Industrial Scientific CorporationIndustrial 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 achievethis 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 problemsbefore they happen. Employing over 850 people, Industrial Scientific has manufacturing operationsbased in Pittsburgh (USA), Arras (France), Dortmund (Germany) and Shanghai (China). The companyprovides 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.


After three years of field trials, along with extensive engineering and testing, theGatorBACK™ Casing Running Tool internal, CRTi has proven itself. These tools are beingmanufactured by Volant Products 2008 Inc. and now offered for sale.

Until recently, Volant Tubular Services Inc. was the only Canadian source of casing runningservices using CRTi technology. “Continuous evolution of tool design has yielded numerous refinements and improvements, maximizing the range of casing sizes and weights that can beserviced 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 ofdrilling 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 casingOur vision has always been to make these tools widely avail-

able for use in drilling and completion operations, and now withthe solidification of the design we are moving forward. The toolsare 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 WesternCanadian Sedimentary Basin, and particularly in the heavy oil belt. One driller has purchased toolsto equip multiple rigs which are destined for the Middle East. We have recently sold tools toAustralian drilling contractors. We are looking forward to strong growth of sales for this productline in 2009.

Driller Friendly GatorBACKCasing Running Tool

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

CERI 2009 OIL CONFERENCEThe Economy and Oil Demand:

Where are they Taking the Oil MarketApril 5-7, 2009

Calgary TELUS Convention Centre

Most of the OECD economies went into recession late last year and thegrowth 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 notseem promising. The 29th Annual CERI Oil Conference has invited promi-nent experts to address important issues affecting the global oil markets.

Upcoming Event

Flexpipe MAKES solutions. Flexpipe Systems saves on crew logistics and equipment cutting 30-50% on your pipeline project


Garlock Adds Custom Flue Duct Expansion Joints

Garlock Sealing Technologies, a leader in fluid sealing technology for more than 100years, adds the custom-engineered 8400-HT style expansion joint to its existing lineof flue duct products.

Available in a variety of configurations and material combinations, each component is de-signed and fabricated to meet specific system requirements. Ideal for low-pressure, light-weight piping and ductwork applications, the 8400-HT expansion joint can also withstandtemperature excursions from -75oF to +2,200 oF (-60 oC to +1200 oC).

Reflecting environmental focus on emissions control, the 8400-HT can be constructed witha proprietary blend of fluoro-polymers and reinforcing ma-terials that provide highresistance to corrosive gasessuch as SO2 and H2SO4, mak-ing the expansion joint suit-able for most operatingconditions in flue gas desul-phurization systems.

To assure safe operationand optimal performance, it is imperative that accurate application and dimensionalinformation is provided. AGarlock application data sub-mittal sheet can be providedto insure that the expansionjoints are engineered specifi-cally and [email protected].

UBD Hybrid Benefits Environment and BudgetGas lost to venting is now making its way tothe gas line, using an asset capture systemdeveloped from underbalanced drillingtechnology.

When 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 drywestern environment. For beleaguered operators, the venting also meant lost gas salesrevenue potential.

They all needed a solution; so a process that eliminated the venting and captured thegas for sale looked like a win-win situation to the Weatherford engineers.

Reducing Methane EmissionsMethane 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 removalprocess, typically used in conjunction with compressed air, gas and foam techniques, resultsin venting the returned gas.

Vented to the atmosphere, this greenhouse gas is potentially a serious enough pollutantto warrant an ongoing industry-wide emissions reduction program. In addition, dangerousgas build-up in the venting area or in low-lying areas may increase the chance of a fire orexplosion. Venting the gas during the short-term cleanout operations typically takes care ofmethane emission concerns. But burning was not the solution favored by many residentsliving atop the Fruitland formation, source of the world’s largest CBM field— with about55 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.

Launch of Turcon® Varilip®

PDR seals from TrelleborgSealing Solutions

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions announces the launch of its newTurcon® Varilip® PDR range for the oil & gas industry. These in-dustrial seals are the optimum solution for high-speed rotating

applications, as this range has exceptional low-friction characteris-tics, reducing torque. This in turn cuts power consumption, which

can contribute to lower equipment running costs and ulti-mately decreased energy bills.

Turcon® Varilip® PDR (Performance, Durability,Reliability) rotary shaft seals are constructed from one

or multiple Turcon® PTFE based sealing elementswhich are mechanically retained in a precision

machined metal body. The metal body gives arobust static seal against the housing,

preventing thermal cycling, while theTurcon® sealing element provides pos-

itive dynamic

sealing onthe shaft,leading to ex-cellent perform-ance at high rotaryspeeds. Characterizedby low friction and stick-slip-free running, the sealreduces temperature genera-tion, permits higher peripheralspeeds and lowers power con-sumption. This results in a long-serv-ice life, with maximized mean timebetween planned maintenance and greaterproductivity.

“Currently there is a big push by industry in generalto reduce power consumption and our carbon footprint,” says Dave Cummings, Product Managerfor Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Broomfield, CO, one location where Turcon® Varilip® PDR is man-ufactured. “Apart from showing responsibility for the environment, it has the benefit of loweringever-increasing energy bills.”Go to www.trelleborg.com/news

Chevron Canada launches award-winningeducational program in partnership withFort McMurray Historical Society

Chevron Canada has announced it has entered into a partnership with the Fort McMurrayHistorical Society to bring an award-winning educational program to elementary school stu-dents and teachers in the Wood Buffalo Region.

Under a multi-year funding agreement, Chevron will contribute more than $180,000 over fouryears to establish the Chevron Open Minds Program at Heritage Park, a unique educational, cul-tural and social venue operated by the Fort McMurray Historical Society.

Chevron Open Minds is an internationally recognized educational initiative that advances studentlearning by moving students out of regular school classrooms into enriching community environmentsfor a full one-week period. Heritage Park now joins other Chevron Canada Open Minds Programs insouthern Alberta, including the Calgary Zoo and Glenbow Museum, as well as a new site beinglaunched 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 diversehistory of northern Alberta,” said Mark Nelson, president of Chevron Canada. “By following theproven educational model of Open Minds, participants will gain hands-on experiences that willhelp 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. “TheOpen Minds Program will provide students with the opportunity to discover our community’s richhistory 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 theirteacher will study artifacts, experience the life of a trapper and learn about the skill of weavingand spinning wool.

It’s anticipated that a total of five classes will participate in the 2009 pilot year, with an equalnumber of classes participating in 2010 and 2011.

The Chevron Open Minds Program began in 1993 with the introduction of the first school atthe Calgary Zoo. It has since expanded to three other facilities in the Calgary area, including theGlenbow Museum, TELUS World of Science and the Cross Conservation Area, and has won over 30national and international awards. For additional information on the program, please visit http://chevronopenminds.ca

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GE Expands Award Winning TelematicsSolution to CanadaAnalytics and Consultancy HelpsCompanies Dramatically ReduceCosts, Increase Productivity & GreenFleet Operations

General 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 waysto 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 useintegrated platform,” says Stephen Ulanoski, General Manager, GE CapitalSolutions Telematics program.Visibility, Knowledge, Competitive Advantage

GE’s comprehensive telematics solution provides web-based accessto vehicle asset performance metrics including CO2 emissions as wellas related alerts, trend charts, exception reports, and customizable map-ping. The integrated solution not only allows customers to see in realtime 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 100customized reports. These allow businesses to take into account stop fre-quency, stop duration, and drive time, along with many other critical dataelements demanded by diverse fleet types. The reports and analysis helpscustomers understand the impact of each on their business.

“For example, if it takes 30 minutes to visit one customer and 60minutes another, the data and our analysis helps our clients understandwhat’s behind that. Once that’s captured and the costs are understood,we help our clients take proactive steps—whether it is better routeplanning or more strategic resource allocation and pricing—to opti-mize the operation. The results are immediate and significant, deliver-ing the competitive advantage our customers want and need, especiallynow,” Amit Jain, Product Manager, GE Capital Solutions Telematicsprogram.Big Results

Augmented with additional current fleetdata, actionable recommendations pro-vided by dedicated telematics con-sultants enable significantoperational improvementin a fleet’s perform-ance and costmanage-ment.

On average,customers have real-

ized double-digit percent-age improvements in workerproductivity, expanded businesscapacity, fuel consumption, carbonemissions, accident rates, and over-time costs.

Moreover, because delivery, salesand service calls are completed more efficiently, businesses using telematics arebetter able to meet their customer servicelevel agreements. This strengthens customerloyalty and drives more revenue.

Garlock Valve Stem Packing Tested to API 622 Fugitive Emissions Standard

Garlock Sealing Technologies, a leader in fluid sealing technology for morethan 100 years, has successfully tested its Style 1303-FEP valve stem packingfor compliance with the newly adopted API 622 Fugitive Emissions Standard.

Measured leakage confirmed the packing meets the requirements of the most stringent U.S. state air quality laws and consent decrees.

Yarmouth Laboratories, an independent testing facility in Yarmouth, Maine, conducted two iterations of

the test.The new API 622 standard reflects the

unique operating environment intoday’s hydrocarbon processing

facilities. Using methaneas the medium, the

test subjectedtheGarlockStyle 1303-FEPpacking to three ther-mal cycles, from ambient to500o F (260o C) and back again,simulating the real-world challenge ofprocessing different grades of crude oilthrough the same equipment. To model the min-imum desired packing life in difficult refinery envi-ronments, Yarmouth Laboratories also conducted 1,500actuation cycles at 600 psig (41 bar).

The 5-ring Garlock Style 1303-FEP packing sets exhibited excep-tionally low leakage rates, averaging just 41 PPMv and 53 PPMv in the

two iterations of the test. Refineries can obtain engineered set perform-ance from this fire-safe, spooled braided packing without the time and

expense of having to measure the valves. As such, it shortens turnaround win-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.

AVEVA PDMS: Setting the Standard in CostReduction and Productivity for Plant Operations

AVEVA’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 ofproductivity 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.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. A snapshot regarding some of the benefits in using PDMS is outlined as follows:

Reduced Site ReworkThese can be explained further such as reduced site rework improved higher quality design through the ability to

perform multiple design checks therefore eliminating errors. Accurate materials information eliminates over-ordering anddelays 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 andschedule 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 structureduring 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. AVEVAPDMS 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.


Long horizontal sections and the maximum number of high-volume fracs per section arethe keys to operators’ success in the Montney shale gas play. This lesson has been drivenhome 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 compellingfor operators in the Montney.

CobraMax technology is well suited for fracturing multiple-interval horizontal sections com-pleted with unperforated, cemented casings. It perforates and fracs in the same trip, without usingmechanical plugs that must be removedlater. Instead, it uses gel/sand based plugsto isolate intervals, and these can be cir-culated out of the hole with the coiledtubing. And it uses a long-life bottomholeassembly that can perforate 22 sectionsbefore change-out. These features makeCobraMax ideal for an environment thatneeds precise, high-volume fracs in mini-mum time.

Wells stimulated with CobraMax service produce more gasMontney 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 withhomogeneous lithology, these wells averaged 40 percent more production in the first year whencompared to other techniques. At current gas prices, that translates into about $4.6 million inadditional production per well in the first year alone – results that are attracting attention frommore operators every day.

CobraMax treatment yields greater conductivityCobraMax 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 packcreates superior conductivity, which is one of the primary sources of increased production fromthese treated wells. Higher proppant concentration also means less frac fluid pumped, and thismeans quicker, more effective clean-up.

CobraMax frac operations are fast and efficientData 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 fromperf-and-plug techniques.

These efficiency gains come from a combination of technology and the operational efficiencyHalliburton has achieved through systematic crew training with the organization’s Montneyplaybook and the logistical support that keeps the equipment working 24 hours a day.

CobraMax® stimulation service delivers increased production and efficiency in the MontneyHalliburton Canada shale gas team leadBy Eric Schmelzl

design

photography

print

web

403.475.0146

millstonecommunications.ca

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 service reduces risk and lowers stimulation costsPerf-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 servicereduces or entirely eliminates these risks. Its sand plug is reliably circulated out of the holewith the coiled tubing. Reliable performance without NPT is the key to the CobraMax servicecost 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 understandingShale 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 experienceof 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 networkof 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 inthe Montney. The combination of local experience and knowledge gained in shale plays all overNorth America enables the CobraMax service team to contribute to the well completion planat a level beyond the stimulation process alone.

Montney horizontal wells benefit from an integrated solutionThe 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 especiallywell suited to a holistic approach, and with the experience provided by the CobraMax serviceteam, Halliburton customers will benefit in the Montney over the life of the field.

GS-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-HPRetain Ring™ system provides fast and easy method to connect pipes with the highest possiblequality 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 numerousbenefits:

• 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 technoThe 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 thepipe end. This new system has been subject for rigorous burst and impulse testing. The pipe endsare pressed against the seal/each other when tightening the screws. The HP-retain rings, flangesand screws absorb the axial forces and shocks. The combination of retain rings and flanges

strengthens the pipe (at the location of the groove) in such a manner that connection is strongerthan 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 sizes24–32 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™ connectionThe 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 uniqueresistance against external loads.

GS-Hydro’s GS-HP Retain Ring™ connection is the right solution when the final customerapplication 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-centeringsealing element, the GS-HP Retain Ring™ connection is easy to install and certainly leak proof.

Extensive testing completedComprehensive 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 werereached. 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 workingpressure (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 steelto duplex and titanium pipe materials with an elongation above 20%.

Numerous Benefits to Customers WorldwideThe 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 hydraulicoil, lubricating oil, fuel oil, sea water and fresh water.

Especially this new invention will provide benefits in the most demanding applications likewith pipe and hose connections where hydraulic system and its components are effected bypulsating 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 orreplacement of piping components.

The new innovation is widely patented in several countries.


Piping without Welding


Structured processes account for less than 20 percent of all work performed today in mostorganizations. 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 unstructuredbusiness process where humans play the key role. The role of a Human Process ManagementSolutions (HPMS) are to help an organization effectively manage the 80 percent of businessprocesses 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 theworld, active in markets across Europe, Russia and the U.S. The company needed a way to trackall 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 approachto 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 toseamlessly 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 frommany different cross organizational processes such as operations and regulations, internal andexternal 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 involvedin 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, optimizingresources and enhancing communication and collaboration with effective reporting, alerting andsyndication.

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 systemof record for all of its business critical human processes, and can be driven by best practices andbenchmarks for its human processes. Solutions like HPMS provide workplace software that un-derstands human work patterns and supports the inherent spontaneity of human interaction. Itdoes 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 collaborativeframework they need to interact and work on a process, but in a manageable way.

Canada Energy Partners AnnouncesCommencement of Gas Sales Fromthe First Commercial Coalbed

Canada 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 workinginterest 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 isthe 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, explorationand development.

In conjunction with the announcement, Honourable Richard Neufeld, Minister of Energy,Mines and Petroleum Resources of British Columbia, commented: “I would like to congratulateyou and your entire exploration and production team for reaching this significant milestone. Thisevent signifies the first commercial production of coalbed gas in the Province of British Columbiaand, as such, it is especially noteworthy. Unconventional gas development plays an important rolein 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 theProvince’s economy. The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources acknowledges youraccomplishment 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 eightyears of tremendous collaborative effort, it is a distinct pleasure to see this milestoneachieved. I believe this project will be of a great value to our shareholders and will benefitthe 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 toachieve the first coalbed methane gas deliveries in British Columbia. We expect to increase gas salesfrom 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 facilitiesinstalled 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 CBMthese mid-stream facilities will be strategic in the commercialization of the Moosebar Shale, theMontney Shale, and other deeper formations. Exploration programs on Moosebar Shale andMontney/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 315potential well locations (based on 160 acre spacing). The Company expects to have an updatedindependent reserve report including the recent activities completed on the CBM Project laterthis February 2009.

The 2009 CBM development program will be finalized with the joint venture partner in Q12009 and the Company anticipates an additional multi-well production drilling program to startin July 2009.

Human Process Management Helps Oil and Gas Organizations Deal with Information OverloadBy Jacob Ukelson, D.Sc., chief technology officer of ActionBase


Users of geoSCOUT, the cutting-edge, easy-to-use E&P decision support system fromgeoLOGIC 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 systemsltd. has purchased the assets ofWhitehot Innovations Corporation.The purchase includes all proprietarytechnology 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 teamresponsible for the integration ofWhitehot’s QFind Document Manage-ment asset with geoLOGIC’s signatureproduct, geoSCOUT.

Ms. Adams has some 20 years of in-dustry experience, including 10 yearsin management roles and extensive

experience in new product line development. In 2001, she joined Rapid Technology to overseeproduct development and large-scale technology projects specifically in oil and gas. Ms. Adamswas 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 assetfrom Rapid Technology.

“The completion of this purchase is a vision realized for me, and for the Whitehot team,” saidMs. 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 comesin the fact that you will be able to access all this information directly through a map withingeoSCOUT. The implications for efficiency and workflow enhancement are tremendous.”

With many industry experts predicting a rise in M&A activity in Canada, geoLOGIC sees theacquisition of Whitehot and the addition of QFind functionality to geoSCOUT as an opportunityto help companies address the challenge of keeping up with documentation, as well as mergingexisting documentation from different sources.

“Recent reports have indicated that Canadian oil and gas assets are already the most activelytraded in the world,” said geoLOGIC President David Hood. “So it is more important than everthat 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 choicesthat support enhanced workflows. The addition of the QFind module to geoSCOUT will allowus to offer document management capabilities that are fully integrated into their enterprise-wide decision support tool.”

geoLOGIC buys Calgary-based Whitehot Innovations, adds QFind Document Management module to geoSCOUT

As of November 24, 2008, NorthRig Catwalk Technologies Ltd. is the proud owner of

the Power Catwalk designs ofHunterwood Technologies Ltd.Former General Manager and VicePresident of Hunterwood, AdrianPrudden, is the principal of the newcatwalk company. North Rig willcontinue to build on the strong fif-teen year reputation of Hunterwoodby providing first class power cat-walks (pipe handling equipment) tothe Oil & Gas Industry.

North Rig Power Catwalks differsignificantly in three distinct areasfrom most other catwalks beingbuilt today.

• The open belly design of NorthRig’s catwalks allows the catwalk tomove over existing well heads as therig moves from hole to hole on loca-tion. Expensive, time consumingteardown/set-up of the catwalk, sep-arate from the rig, is unnecessary.

• Built into the V-door is a lift-upsystem (patent pending) for optimalpipe presentation to the drillingfloor. Available on the C22 and theC26, the hydraulic lift extends upfrom the V-door, bringing the pipeto a comfortable working height aspredetermined by the operator andprogrammed into the PLC for con-venient remote operation.

• The self contained power pack houses an electric motorand hydraulic pump combination which makes up the “HydraulicLoad Sense System”, unique to very few manufacturers. This sys-tem allows the hydraulic system to run in a low pressure mode,saving power, until a demand is sensed and the system kicks intohigh gear to accomplish the task at hand.

North Rig will provide their clients with the ultimate in safe-ty and performance designed systems to achieve productiontargets in a competitive market. All products are designed using3D CAD modelling systems and are manufactured with the high-est production standards.

North Rig Catwalk Technologies Ltd.“The Power Catwalk People”


Schlumberger has inaugurated anew oilfield technology center inCalgary, Alberta. The state-of-the-art

center will work directly with oilfieldtechnical teams and regional research facilities to help customers increaseheavy oil production, reduce technical riskand minimize environmental footprint.

The Heavy Oil Regional TechnologyCenter (RTC) will provide a working environment where clients can workhand-in-hand with Schlumberger geosci-entists and petroleum engineers to solvekey technical challenges associated withheavy oil recovery. These research proj-ects include, but are not limited to, inno-vative geological and geophysicalservices, advanced well placement strate-gies, new formation evaluation and char-acterization techniques, and novelintegrated completions and monitoringprograms.

“The Heavy Oil RTC will act as a focalpoint 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 problemscan be fast-tracked to the right global experts, and solutions developed within a framework of local, integrated knowledgeof heavy oil exploration and production processes.”

The Heavy Oil center features a 3D visualization center, ahigh-performance computing cluster, a multi-use conference

center, and an interactive collaboration space designed to accommodate locally based scientists and engineers as well asshort- and long-term visiting experts and clients.

This is the seventh Schlumberger RTC to open and the sec-ond to focus on heavy oil. Located around the world,

Schlumberger RTCs specialize in addressing key issues in thedrilling and production industry such as unconventional gas,gas condensates, carbonates and sub-basalt imaging. For further information about the Schlumberger commitmentto heavy oil, please visit www.heavyoilinfo.com.

CygNet Invests for Growth as Oil & Gas Industry Demands Software to IncreaseOperational EfficiencyCompany Expands U.S. Headquarters; Opens Calgary Office

CygNet Software www.cygnetscada.com, a leading provider of enterprise operations softwareand 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 6,000miles 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 efficiencyand productivity.

“The momentum that CygNet experienced during better economic times has only acceleratedas 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 workmore efficiently and accomplish more with fewer resources. By investing in the most talentedtechnologists, engineers and professional services experts, we will ensure the continued deliveryof breakthrough solutions that help our customers increase their competitiveness despite the tighterenvironment.”

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.

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

Brochures for Oil and GasDrilling Operations NowAvailable from AutomationProducts Group

Automation Products Group, Inc. (APG) has avail-able a brochure on Sensor Solutions for Oil andGas Drilling Operations, including mud pressure,

mud tank level, liquid level sensing, general purposemonitoring and pressure calibration equipment.

The brochure reviews potential oil and gas sensingsolutions, including APG’s HU <http://www.apgsensors.com/hammer-union/hu.html> intrinsically safeHammer 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> digitalpressure 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 sensingsolutions enables them to provide an unbiased technology recommendation in oil andgas applications.www.apgsensors.com <http://www.apgsensors.com/> .


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

When Ormat Technologies recently demonstrated how it is generating geothermal ener-gy from a producing oil well in Wyoming, the company had Southern MethodistUniversity 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 toproduce electricity. Pass the nuisance hot water through a small, specially designed binary powerplant, he wrote, and producers ought to be able to generate enough electricity to draw oil and gasto 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, saidKarl Gawell, executive director of the Geothermal Energy Association. “It is important for decisionmakers 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 theGeothermal Map of North America produced by Blackwell and SMU researcher Maria Richards forthe American Association of Petroleum Geologists in 2004 revealed locations all over the UnitedStates where subsurface temperatures are high enough to drive a small, binary power plant andgenerate 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 heatsfluid with a lower boiling point in an adjacent chamber, which expands into high-pressure vaporand 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 unawareof the resource they were pumping back into the ground.

Deep drilling through hard rock is expensive: that’s one reason traditional geothermal energydevelopment 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 stillrange 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 petroleumproducers to continue pumping low-producing wells that the high cost of purchased electricitymight otherwise force them to shut down.

“What is important about this work is its sense of vision of what is possible from geothermalenergy,” Gawell said.

Control Microsystems Announces theSCADAPack 330E and 334E Controllers

Control Microsystems, global developer of ad-vanced SCADA products, has announced therelease 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 330/334hardware platform and address the growing demandfor secure and authenticated data.

The SCADAPack 330E and 334E provide multi-ven-dor interoperability and reliable communicationsthrough 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 thegrowth of the product line”, said Dale Symington, VPProduct Strategy. “DNP3 and IEC 60870-5 allow theslave controller to store a time-stamped event when-ever data points change and continuous recordingmeans 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 commandline, which is accessible over FTP, Telnet, DNP3 or local serial port. The command line providesdirect 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 systemintegrators to introduce password-protected applications that offer value-added functionality in theirchosen industry, all while leaving the second application open for the end-user to add custom con-trol if required.


Honeywell’s Experion® Process Knowledge System(PKS) R310 is an enhanced version of Honeywell’saward-winning process automation and control system

that improves safety by allowing plant operators to carefully coordinate process control, safety shutdown and fire and gasmitigation steps. Through the unique safety instrumented sys-tem (SIS) integration, Experion provides crucial safety and fireand 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 andevents, operator displays and sequence-of-event information. Italso decreases overall system and maintenance costs by reduc-ing the amount of installed field sensor equipment.

Additionally, Experion R310 helps improve plant operationsthrough embedded simulation capabilities used for training operators and validating controls, displays and procedures. Thesystem feeds data from critical plant subsystems directly to operators to help improve decision making in the controlroom. 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 sciencescustomers to execute batches at the control level, versus usinga separate server, which makes the system more reliable, lesscomplex and easier to maintain.

Another key capability of Experion is a unique alarm shelv-ing utility that allows operators to better manage and prioritizealarms on their displays. This capability is based on several yearsof collaboration between Honeywell and the AbnormalSituation Management® consortium in the interest of improv-ing operator effectiveness during abnormal situations that canlead to process upsets.

Experion R310 more easily integrates with simulationtools and safety systems. It features data exchange and control

communication protocol that allow safety engineers to designand build plant-wide safety strategies while providing plant operators with crucial system information.

Experion R310 is the most efficient system of its kind, andthat efficiency translates to safer, more reliable and more prof-itable plants. Experion R310 provides crucial safety informationdirectly to operators using a common display. Experion R310continues to deliver on Honeywell’s commitment to enhancesafety 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.

Experion Process Knowledge System R310 UOP MasterSimulation ModelsThe 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 UOPMaster 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 youcan possibly get. UniSim improves plant safety and efficiencyby allowing manufacturers to design and test processes beforethey are implemented in their plants, as well as train operatorsto use those processes and reduce errors that could lead toplant incidents. Because the UOP Master Simulation Modelshave 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’sproprietary process design package which includes engineer-ing specifications for the process streams, equipment, reactorsand instrumentation. They are a high fidelity representation ofUOP’s process design. While they are not customized to thecustomer’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 withthe process model are based upon UOP’s standard controlstrategies. The control package is used to interface the traineewith the plant simulation through the operator station graph-ics, trends and alarm configurations.

UniSim has proven an effective tool for improving operatorperformance, 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 MasterSimulation Models provide an even more realistic simulation environment.

Manufacturers from a wide range of industries use UniSimto 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 forplant processes and learn how to sustain unit operation at peakperformance levels. The results include safer and more efficientoperation and less unplanned downtime. For more information about Honeywell’s UOP MasterSimulation Models solution, visit http://hpsweb.honeywell.com/Cultures/enUS/Products/ControlApplications/simulation/default.htm.

Honeywell’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 latestOneWireless release is the process industries’ first mesh net-work with ISA100-ready hardware. The network can be easilyupgraded to the ISA100.11a standard, when it is completed,through an over-the-air software update.

Manufacturers have been asking for a secure and reliablemulti-functional wireless network that can handle the thou-sands of devices they use within their plants. Until now, the onlyway to do so was with proprietary systems. The ISA100.11astandard will allow OneWireless users to achieve this visionusing a standards-based network.

The new version also extends Honeywell’s product line oftransmitters with a new XYR™ 6000 Digital Input wireless

transmitter. OneWireless supports a broad rangeof both wired and wireless transmitters, including corrosion, gauge pressure, differentialpressure, high-level analog input and tempera-ture transmitters. As a single network support-ing both sensors and IEEE 802.11-basedapplications, OneWireless also supports mobileworker devices, such as Honeywell’s IntelaTracPKS and Experion Mobile Station, and can improve plant safety by helping customersquickly locate employees.

In addition, the latest OneWireless releaseexpands the interface capabilities of the system,supporting the HART protocol. HART is com-monly used by asset management applicationssuch as Honeywell’s Field Device Manager.OneWireless system management softwaremakes any XYR 6000 transmitter communicateto existing HART-enabled applications in thesame manner as to a wired HART device.Thiscontinuous evolution of the OneWireless plat-form highlights the multi-protocol capabilitiesof the Honeywell system. For more information about Honeywell’sOneWireless solution, visit http://hpsweb.hon-eywell.com/Cultures/en-US/ Products/wire-less/default.htm.

OneWireless


ABB Inc.

www.abb.com/oilandgas

ASCOValve Canada

www.asco.ca

Axia NetMedia Corporation

www.axia.com

Baker Hughes Canada

www.bakerhughes.com

Camoplast Track Vehicles

www.camoplast.com

Dyna-Flo Control Valve

Services Ltd.

www.dyna-flo.com

Flexpipe Systems

www.flexpipesystems.com

FLIR Systems Ltd.

www.flir.ca

Halliburton Energy Services

www.halliburton.com

ICOM Canada

www.icomcanada.com

Inmarsat

www.inmarsat.com/oilgas

INNOVENG

www.INNOVENG.com

Langara Fishing Adventures

www.langara.com

Mattracks Inc.

www.mattracks.com

North Rig CatwalkTechnologies

www.northrig.com

Oil Patch Challenge

www.maplejt.com/opc

PETROLEUM HUMANRESOURCES COUNCIL OF CANADA

www.petrohrsc.ca

R & M Energy Systems

www.rmenergy.com

Rogers Wireless

www.rogers.com

Singletouch Canada Inc

www.singletouch.com

SMi Group

www.smi-online.co.uk

Telus Business Solutions

www.telus.com

Volant Products

www.volantproducts.ca

Wainbee

www.wainbee.com

Wellstream Canada Limited

www.wellstream.com

West Coast Resorts

www.westcoastresort.com

Wood Group ESP, Inc.

www.woodgroup-esp.com

directory of advertisersHoneywell’s Safety Manager helps lower the cost of safe-ty and improves plant performance by reducing therisk of safety incidents, maximizing production up-time,

reducing the cost of compliance, and providing productivitytools that help you manage safety in your plant. The latest ver-sion of Safety Manager, integrated with Honeywell’s Experion®

Process Knowledge System (PKS), allows safety and processcontrollers to directly communicate with each other withoutdepending on intermediate interfaces such as PCs, and withoutcompromising operations security or data integrity.

Safety Manager aligns a plant’s goals for increased safety, reliability and maximum operability with proven solutions thatintegrate process safety data, applications, system diagnosticsand critical control strategies. As a component of Experion PKS,Safety Manager features tight integration with Experion alarmand events capabilities forsmooth plant operation andeasy post-mortem analysis witha single window access on theExperion human machine in-terface (HMI).

In sharing critical informa-tion between Safety Managerand the Experion C300process controller, the systemcan provide plant-wide SISpoint data, diagnostics and system information, as well asalarms and events, operatordisplays and sequence of eventinformation to any Experionstation located in a plant. Thisintegration allows plants to improve production by mini-mizing intervention and shut-downs, and recover moreeasily from process upsets. Italso reduces hardware and in-stallation costs. Additionally,operators are not required tolearn different systems forprocess control and SIS.

Safety Manager is designed for a wide range of industries including hydrocarbon processing, bulk and fine chemicals, oiland gas, and energy production. The solution helps improveprocess-safeguarding practices such as process and emergencyshutdowns, equipment protection, fire and gas monitoring andcritical control.

Built on the proven Quadruple Modular Redundant (QMR®)technology, Safety Manager is Honeywell’s next generationsafety system platform. QMR is a diagnostic-based technologythat enhances system flexibility, increases diagnostic messag-ing capabilities and improves system fault tolerance for criticalapplications.For more information about Honeywell’s Safety Manager solu-tion, visit http://hpsweb.honeywell.com/Cultures/en-US/Products/Systems/SafetySystems/SafetyManager/default.htm

Safety Manager

Honeywell’s Uniformance Process Studio is a desk-top software package that allows plant engineersto improve overall plant efficiency by more eas-

ily analyzing process performance. The user-friendly interface includes workflow management applicationsthat enable engineers to build trend graphs and graphicswith minimal training or manual configuration.

Uniformance Process Studio is designed for use withHoneywell’s Uniformance Plant History Database, whichgathers critical data from equipment and instrumentationlocated throughout a plant. In the event of a plant upset,for instance, users can pull historical data to examine howa certain unit functioned in the moments leading up to theincident and use that information to avoid future upsets.

For engineers, using Uniformance Process Studio fortrend analysis is as easy as selecting tags from additionalinformation management systems and using a drag-and-drop function to insert them into a trend graph or table.Many commonly used options, such as selecting trendtimes and sampling methods, are also available throughsimple drop-down menus. Uniformance Process Studioalso provides a variety of trend styles. A multi-trend viewallows engineers to view the status of numerous trends,making it easy to monitor the status of several processesor pieces of equipment at once.

The Uniformance desktop includes powerful graphicsbased 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 processconditions. The HMIWeb graphics builder comes with acomprehensive graphics library. Existing graphics mayalso be copied and converted from a Honeywell’sExperion® system, saving the cost of building specialgraphics for engineers and other business data users.

Uniformance Process Studio increases overall plant efficiency by making the engineer’s job easier. Uniformanceallows users to organize information in personal andshared workspaces, making it easier for users to find rele-vant process trend information. These workspaces are notlimited to plant historian information; users can includeWeb page links, applications and a variety of documents.With this approach, engineers aren’t required to constantlyswitch 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 fewmouse clicks so that their time is spent analyzing theprocess, not manipulating the tool.For more information about Honeywell’s UniformanceProcess Studio solution, visit http://hpsweb. honeywell.com/Cultures/enUS/Products/OperationsApplications/InformationManagement/UniformanceProcessStudio/default.htm.

Uniformance Process StudioA LAWSUIT WAS FILED BY FISHERCONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT

COURT FOR THE OUTHERNDISTRICT OF IOWA AGAINST DYNA-

FLO CONTROL VALVE SERVICES,LTD., AND AMICABLY SETTLED.

As part of the settlement, Dyna-Flo hasremoved the DF1 and DF2400 ControlValves from the marketplace in view of

Fisher’s United States Patents Nos.4,986,300, 5,791,629, 6,866,244, 6,991,218,

and 7,185,672. Dyna-Flo acknowledges the validity, and does not contest its

infringement, of these patents.

oil & gas network - february 2009

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