Biyernes, Oktubre 3, 2014

Oil Well Intervention: More Oil from your Well

With the increasing energy demands of the modern world, a lot of oil companies want to maximize the amount of oil they can get from wells. Oil wells may seem like durable and tough pieces of equipment, however they are actually a lot more delicate than people think. For example, a reduction in productivity from a well may cause its tubing to be less stable. Moreover, corrosion and wear-and-tear may reduce a well’s production. This is where an oil well intervention may be needed.

Well intervention comes in various forms to restore an oil well’s production. It comes in several forms:

Lunes, Setyembre 29, 2014

The Biggest Things Ever Moved on the Road

Man has moved countless things on the road. But what if those loads were supersized? Would it be impossible for people to move cargo that weighs hundreds of tons on the road? Not with specialized heavy haul trailers around.

A space shuttle – NASA’s Space Shuttle Endeavor, the successor to the ill-fated Challenger, was transported on a heavy haul trailer 12 miles from LAX to the California Science Center in Inglewood where it stays on display today.

Huwebes, Setyembre 25, 2014

Facts about Concrete Batching Plants

The modern world can barely exist without concrete. It is the structure that makes up a huge portion of every construction made today. So what makes concrete so sturdy and dependable that no structure of importance (or of lesser interest) is without it?

Aggregates

Essentially, concrete is a mixture of two components: aggregates and paste. The former is the main component that determines the strength, durability, and flexibility of the concrete, whereas the former binds it all together into a solid mass. Modern aggregates include various types of components, such as gravel and stone. Cement serves as the primary paste material.

Martes, Setyembre 16, 2014

Advancements in Oil Drilling Technology

The oil industry is essentially the most demanding infrastructure today, with hundreds of other industries depending on the main or by-products the oil industry produces for these companies’ survival. Thankfully, technological advancements over the past century or so have moved in leaps and bounds, allowing oil drilling to remain one of the most efficient ways to gather fossil fuel.

Lunes, Setyembre 1, 2014

What it’s like to Work as an Oil Rig Worker

Drilling rigs explore new areas to tap for oil. They operate 24/7 and whoever is working on them will most likely be moving to a new place every few months. While working on a drilling rig can be rewarding, it is not for everyone. Here are a few things one can expect:

Huwebes, Agosto 28, 2014

Custom Heavy Haul Trailers Help Promote Safe and Efficient Drilling


Despite this history, DeHaemer points out that “new real-time seismic techniques, octopus drilling technology, and flexible jackup rigs, coupled with $102 oil prices, would make these wells pay.” Specialized heavy haul trailers that transport bulky equipment enable drilling companies to reach oil reserves and tap into these rich wells of buried black gold.
http://www.loadcraft.com/blog/custom-heavy-haul-trailers-help-promote-safe-efficient-drilling

Miyerkules, Agosto 27, 2014

When Your Trailer Just Needs More Wheels

When transporting heavy loads, the difference between success and failure can sometimes come down to the number of wheels on your flatbed or lowboy trailer. The greater the number of wheels on a vehicle, the better its weight distribution, so having more wheels definitely counts as an advantage when you’re tasked to haul exceptionally heavy loads.

Martes, Agosto 26, 2014

Workover Rigs Help Boost Oil Supplies and Lower Gas Prices Nationwide


According to a survey, a growing number of Americans are calling for increased domestic oil production. In turn, many oil and gas companies see fit to buy additional workover rigs that are used to drill for oil. This boom has caused oil supplies to increase, hence the decrease in gas prices. With the federal government likely to open up additional offshore drilling sites, oil supplies are expected to increase in the near future.
http://www.loadcraft.com/blog/workover-rigs-help-boost-oil-supplies-lower-gas-prices-nationwide

Linggo, Agosto 24, 2014

Concrete Batch Plant Mixes Quality Concrete that Doesn’t Crack Easily


Not all concrete batch plants are created equal, however. Count on a top manufacturer like Loadcraft Industries to offer a quality concrete batch plant for sale manufactured domestically in a state-of-the-art facility. By using reliable batch plants and mixers in place, those in the construction industry can minimize structural issues.
http://www.loadcraft.com/blog/concrete-batch-plant-mixes-quality-concrete-doesnt-crack-easily

Biyernes, Agosto 22, 2014

Drawworks Manufacturers as a Part of Every Endeavor to Discover Oil


Once there is reason to believe the existence of black gold on a site, the drilling team moves in with their mobile drilling rigs. Standing at around 40 ft. high, these rigs consist of a winch and drilling shaft. The winch is connected to high-powered drawworks beside the rig tower, which in turn controls the drilling shaft’s ascent and descent. While the drilling shaft does all the heavy work, isolated components like drawworks enable it to do its job.
http://www.loadcraft.com/blog/drawworks-manufacturers-part-every-endeavor-discover-oil

Using Quality to Battle Increasing Building Costs

While the amount of space is finite, there will always be a constant need to build new buildings and other structures. If not to occupy available land, building is commonly done to replace or renovate an older structure.

Unfortunately, while the technologies and methods in building have advanced greatly, inflation has not made the cost of doing so any cheaper. Establishing a great structure always means investing money, and not spending the right amount may lead in a compromise in structural integrity.

Lunes, Agosto 18, 2014

Drawworks: Why the Oil Field Industry Needs Them

As technical as they may sound, various types of oil field transportation and heavy haul equipment all play vital roles in ensuring success in these industries. Drawworks is just one of the many forms of heavy duty equipment that carry a huge responsibility when it comes to drilling requirements. But what essentially are drawworks and how do they actually work?

Linggo, Agosto 17, 2014

Pointers on Proper Use of a Concrete Batch Plant to Ensure Safety


Construction firms should know that even the most experienced and well-trained laborer can encounter safety risks because of faulty equipment. Inspections must be done regularly to check if machines are indeed up to standards. If maintenance efforts no longer help, construction companies should look into buying quality concrete batch plants for sale as replacements. Injury rates may have significantly decreased in construction sites, but construction company owners and managers should continuously work to ensure laborers’ safety. One way is to rely on quality construction equipment like the ones manufactured by Loadcraft Industries, Ltd. This company also provides quality service and parts.
http://www.loadcraft.com/blog/pointers-on-proper-use-of-a-concrete-batch-plant-to-ensure-safety

Biyernes, Agosto 15, 2014

Tips on Choosing Good Oil Drilling Equipment and Parts like Drawworks


For hassle-free oil extraction, oil producers should look into equipment from top manufacturers and have a good reputation on the market. The fact that they are well-known manufacturers means they have access to the latest technologies to deliver products with advanced capabilities. Oil companies seem to be facing a hurdle these days due to the increase in operational expenses. To make up for this, they should rely on quality equipment from established designers and manufacturers like Loadcraft Industries, Ltd. This company also offers a parts and field service distribution to repair any faulty components and restore the equipment to normal.
http://www.loadcraft.com/blog/tips-on-choosing-good-oil-drilling-equipment-and-parts-like-drawworks

Miyerkules, Agosto 13, 2014

Keeping Top-caliber Workover Rigs in Action Despite Oil Fluctuations


At present, Iraq still maintains a daily output of 3.3 million barrels a day. Rahemtulla notes that the potential loss of oil from Iraq if ISIS struck at oil fields in the southern provinces may not be missed. Production capacity in Saudi Arabia can combine with increased U.S. output to compensate, he adds; news of low-key U.S. military support even helped lower crude-oil prices. Some experts are saying, however, that a serious drop in Iraqi oil production– say, a 1.5-million barrel loss every day- can trigger a price hike of 25% in the U.S. market unless a spike helps avert a recession. Such a development may prompt smaller oil firms to purchase used workover rigs for sale to help increase drilling efforts. On the bright side, the scenario has not developed due to tougher defenses by the Kurds in Iraq’s northern oil fields and a recently successful evicting of ISIS militants by security forces from an important oil refinery in Baiji town.
http://www.loadcraft.com/blog/keeping-top-caliber-workover-rigs-in-action-despite-oil-fluctuations

Martes, Agosto 12, 2014

Safety in Oilfield Sites

In any oil extraction field, it is rather easy to spot the workover rig. This large piece of machinery is attached to a trailer that is then driven by a cab to different work sites. Workover rigs are oftentimes mistaken for drilling rigs.
However, there is a notable difference. Simply put, drilling rigs are used to punch holes on the ground. Workover rigs, on the other hand, enter the picture after drilling rigs have completed their job. The latter are responsible for installing casing tools that are needed for constructing wells.
Workover rigs vary in terms of mass and horsepower, features that matter in terms of the depth requirements and job specifications. In any case, workover rigs must meet all quality standards to avoid accidents due to malfunctions. Critical parts that need repairs or replacements also deserve prompt attention.
Meanwhile, safety guidelines extend to both the equipment and its operators. Back in 2013, an oilfield worker got into an accident by mistaking a safety chain for a floor chain. The fact that he was wearing a safety helmet at the time did not at all spare him from the unfortunate event. In short, quality equipment should always go hand-in-hand with proper use in any oil extraction operation.

Lunes, Agosto 11, 2014

Using Quality Heavy Haul Trailers for Large-scale Oilfield Operations


North Dakota’s local oil industry was all but given up for dead at the turn of the century, until new drilling technology used a few years ago started tapping into the Bakken formation. Although the oil fields in the state have churned such a large output, the only refinery in the area could not process more than 68,000 barrels of oil a day. The excess output gets sent to other off-state refineries for processing. The size of inbound refining equipment may dictate the projected load you need when scouting hauling trailers for sale. Some insiders note that two refineries are planned for construction in North Dakota in the future. In addition, demand is growing for more housing facilities to accommodate the rising numbers of employees.
http://www.loadcraft.com/blog/using-quality-heavy-haul-trailers-for-large-scale-oilfield-operations

Martes, Agosto 5, 2014

Factors to Consider for Mobile Concrete Plants

The ready mixed concrete manufacturing industry yields an estimated $30 billion in product value, according to the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA). If you want to be part of this lucrative sector, you may want to consider operating mobile concrete plants. By using the right equipment and methods in keeping with regulations, you can generate a healthy and steady income stream.

Securing permits
Aside from acquiring the standard business authorizations, you have to obtain special permits from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Since concrete batching produces gas emissions, it is regulated to limit harmful effects on the environment. Make sure that the materials and equipment you use are in line with EPA standards

Maintaining consistency
Your business can only be successful if your products are of excellent quality. Construction companies want only suitable materials for their projects, and you can expect them to be repeat clients only if you sell high-grade concrete. Make sure that you use equipment specified for ready mixed concrete production. Look for heavy haul trailers that allow you to transport and maintain the quality of your heavy machines and products.

Employing professionals
You also need to maintain a competent team of professionals. Highly skilled people should operate your equipment and supervise your manufacturing and delivery processes. These individuals can contribute immensely to the success of your mobile concrete plant business.

Martes, Hulyo 29, 2014

Producing Blast-Resistant Concrete

If you travel to Normandy in France, you'll still see the remains of the German bunkers used in the failed attempt to hold the beaches during D-Day. On another note, the bunker deep inside the Cheyenne Mountains is designed to withstand a nuclear blast equivalent to 1,875 Hiroshima bombs. What makes both structures tough enough to withstand the test of time?

Part of the secret lies in the quality of the concrete used. This simple mixture of cement, water, rocks, sand, and air creates a composite material known to be not only long-lasting but tough. Provided that the right mix is achieved, buildings can benefit from the strength and endurance of this material, which has been around since Roman times.

To avoid miscalculating concrete mixes, contractors normally set up concrete batch plants on site. These massive mixing systems provide cement trucks with the right concrete mix for various applications. As there's no universally accepted recipe, the task of achieving the right mix still falls upon the operator. The system will, however, take into account calculations like the water/cement ratio.

The mixture is then loaded onto a cement truck at the distribution station. Thereafter, the truck will keep the mix fluid until it reaches the site, where it will be casted onto the framework.

Martes, Hulyo 22, 2014

Land-Based Drilling Still Dominant

The Gulf Coast accounts for a tenth of total U.S. oil production. However, America's status as a major oil producer can also be attributed to its land basins.

The largest concentration of oil and gas fields can be found in three major areas. The first one, the Appalachian basin, stretches from the southern coasts of Lakes Erie and Ontario all the way to the southern edge of Kentucky. The other two areas can be found within Texas, with one stretching from the Mexico-U.S. border to the tip of Alabama.

The immense activity in these fields is fueled by the simplicity of land-based drilling. The rigs used at these sites are smaller than most oil rigs, but they're easy to set up and operate. Such a rig may be no larger than a house, helping prospectors save on construction and maintenance costs. In addition, looking for oil on land doesn't require a system as complex as a drillship.

That said, a simple land-based rig is complex in its own right. After all, this system consists of various parts and equipment working together to establish new wells in response to increasing demand for fossil fuel. For instance, the drawworks controls the depth of the drill bit and pulls it out when the drilling rig hits jackpot.

Biyernes, Hulyo 11, 2014

Safety Reminders When Squeezing Cement

There are many reasons why squeezing cement may be necessary. Although the reasons are different, the safety protocols remain the same. Regardless of where you are in your career as a workover rig worker, a refresher course on safety is a good thing. With that in mind, here are a few safety reminders to remember when working:

Pressure Buildup

When squeezing cement, the primary concern is the immense pressure the process generates, as the added pressure could ruin equipment. Ideally, one person should be dedicated to monitoring the pressure at all times. You should also make sure that all connections and equipment ratings have been tested properly, so as to avoid equipment failure and damage.

Personal Protective Equipment

The cement pumped into the well is an extreme irritant, so make sure that you are outfitted with the proper personal protective equipment. The less skin exposed, the better. In particular, you should prioritize wraparound goggles when squeezing cement, as getting cement in the eyes could cause permanent damage.

It takes both a personal and collective effort to keep your colleagues and yourself safe when working. Do your part by adhering to the safety reminders above, and don’t be afraid to remind your co-workers if you notice that they are not complying.

Martes, Hulyo 1, 2014

Stuff to secure on Lowboys

Heavy haul trailers such as the so-called “lowboy” models are often a boon to companies seeking transport of a large volume of materials. As their name implies, the main cargo bed is already machined to be more aligned with the trailer wheels’ axles, allowing for a lower center of gravity. Some sellers have models of between 55 tons to 60 tons. The design helps in the ease of loading, but the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has limited the types of materials that can be loaded onto lowboys. Here are a couple of them:
Vehicles
A lowboy trailer may have space for at least one vehicle, whether it’s an automobile, van, or light truck, as long as they each weigh no more than 10,000 pounds. However, if each vehicle’s weight is above the specified limit, especially for heavy machines, extra care is needed to secure it well. Machines with articulated parts, such as backhoes and cranes, should be locked down to prevent movement in transit.
Pipes
Pipes on low-boys provide a spiffy challenge for transport crews. When several pipes are bundled together on the bed, they must be adequately tied down to prevent them from rolling while in transit. The tie-downs must have an aggregate working load limit that is equal to at least half the total weight of all pipes.
Lowboy trailers provide adequate stability for materials during road transit. Proper stowage will add to the stability.
Sources:

Martes, Hunyo 17, 2014

What are Concrete Batch Plants?

Colloquially known as concrete mixing plants, these are the places where concrete is manufactured. The process involved in creating concrete is called batching, hence the name, which is comprised of cement being mixed with coarse aggregate (graded crush) and fine aggregate (sand, particularly pit sand), as well as with water.
There are two main types of concrete batch plants, namely the ready-mix and central mix ones. Ready-mix plants involve the combination of all abovementioned ingredients, with the exception of water. Here, the so-called “dry” mixture will be loaded onto a ready mix or concrete transport truck and dispatched to the site where mixing is required. Afterwards, water will then be added to the dry mixture during the actual journey to the mixing site.
On the other hand, central mix plants are a bit of a contrast – in here, either all or some of the dry ingredients will be combined. Then, water will also be added while the mixture is still held in the central location. Afterwards, the now-wet mixture is transported to the subsequent mixing site.
Nowadays, it’s not all about traditional methods as computers are now prevalent and ever-present in batch plants. A vast majority of these plants are now equipped with an array of computers to guide the concrete processing, allowing for a faster, more accurate mixing of ingredients.

Parts of an Oil Drilling Rig

Offshore oil drilling rigs stand as massive structures usually found in the middle of a vast sea without any land mass around. These giants pump petroleum from off the ground for processing and transport to refineries, where oil is refined for various purposes. Here are some of the most essential parts of the drill rig:


Drawworks


Drawworks (or draw-works) refers to the hoisting mechanism that raises and lowers traveling blocks for the rig. Modern drawworks are made up of five components: the motor, reduction gear, drums, main brake, and auxiliary brake. They can either be powered by a DC or AC motor, or connected directly to external diesel engines via metal belts.


Drill Line and String


The drill line is the sturdy wire rope that is threaded and reeved through blocks, and is used to facilitate the lowering and raising of the main drill string in and out of the wellbore. The string on the other hand, is a column of drill pipes that transmits fluid and torque into the drill bit. Its other components include the bottom hole assembly and transition pipe.


Derrick


The derrick is the machine that’s responsible for lifting the entire rig’s drill mechanism. It can either be a tower or a guyed mast that’s hinged freely at the bottom. The oil derrick also contains the mechanism for turning the drill bit into the hole or wellbore.




Lunes, Hunyo 9, 2014

On the Benefits of Local Oil Generation

The United States, along with the rest of the world, will have to depend on fossil fuels until there is a way to utilize more environmentally-sustainable forms of energy. Fossil fuels power the industries that help move the human race forward into discovering newer and safer technologies.
The United States’ biggest oil-related problem is the prevalence of imported oil. At least 60% of the country’s oil usage comes from imports, with 13.15 million barrels imported in a single day. If the United States produced more of its own oil, it could reap great benefits:
Energy Security
The biggest problem the United States has to deal with in competing for international oil is the scarcity of product set against an entire planet of competitors to obtain it. More locally produced oil means that the United States won’t have to depend wholly on the availability of supply worldwide to thrive.
Improved Trade
Americans spend a lot of money to obtain oil from an ever volatile global market that keeps on inflating. If the U.S. were to produce more oil locally, then they won’t have to bend to the whim of the global market, and funds can be focused on improving the nation.
More Jobs

Increased efforts toward harvesting local oil means good for the American people. It won’t just decrease oil prices; it’ll also increase the local generation of oil, and thus more jobs.

A Look at the Different Types of Trailers

Shipping is an integral part of the American economy; in 2010, the United States was listed as the biggest importer of goods from around the world. This distinction can be attributed to the existence of freight trucks that deliver the goods from the ports to the stores, making them an important component of life in the United States.

However, trucks cannot simply do the work without the help of trailers. There are also different kinds of cargo that need to be transported, which gave rise to different types of trailers meant to cater to different shipping and transportation needs. Here are some of them:

Flatbeds
Flatbed trailers are one of the most prevalent types of trailers in the open. Their versatility and stability make these trailers a favorite among truckers. These trailers can handle cargo reaching up to 48,000 lbs.

Extendable Flatbeds
These trailers are similar to their flatbed cousins, save for the fact that they can extend themselves to accommodate freight that are usually difficult to transport with an ordinary flatbed. However, extendable flatbeds sacrifice length for strength, as these trailers can only handle a maximum weight of 43,000 lbs.


Double Drops
These trailers help truckers transport oversized cargo through highways. The lower deck will transfer cargo taller than 10’ safely through the city. Three sections of the double drop combine to carry an overall weight of 40,000 lbs.

Huwebes, Hunyo 5, 2014

Common Pointers on Batch Plant Maintenance

A concrete batch plant is an asset to the construction industry. Whether you have a ready-mix or central-mix affair, the plant will be there when you need to generate a fresh supply of concrete for various uses. However, even big machines like them break down from time to time, warranting maintenance solutions to keep them running. There are a number of cardinal points to consider.

First, you must draft a schedule for maintenance operations at the plant. The work will entail checking the plant from top to bottom, including inspections of the air system and filters, bearings, and the belts. The inspections themselves should be logged down for future reference.

Any loose bearings should be replaced immediately so as not to disrupt operations at the plant; the new blades must also be properly lubricated. The batching blades must be secure in their fittings while any liquid transfer pipes are to be drained of fluid and cleaned after every use.

When you purchase the batch plant, consult your seller about purchasing a stock of spare parts and storing them on site. You can arrange for new supplies later on. The move enables immediate action on emergency repairs with what you have on hand.

Preventive maintenance of the concrete batch plant is what will save your business in the long run. It will also save you a lot of money in the process.    

Maximum pull with the clutch

Every drawworks you see will be capable of using massive amounts of power to pull drills and piping thanks to heavy torque. However, all that power and torque causes a great strain on the line, and the design of the clutch will determine whether the line holds together or snaps. Better understanding the drawworks’ function requires learning about some of the types of clutches present in them.

Mechanical
Mechanical clutches have one pressure plate and at least one friction plate. Release springs are used to separate the plates. Drawworks with mechanical clutches require a non-locking cone instead of locking ones to prevent damaging the block and sending the parts flying. A derivative of this model, the mechanical-positive clutch, contains a jaw- or pin-type clutch working alongside a master clutch. However, operators must ensure that only one of them is active at any given time.

Walking on Air

Technology has enabled the development of drawworks clutches where air chambers will be pushed against two plates instead of a pressure group, plus spliunes in the hub, backplates, and the drive ruing. The diaphragm-type air clutch fills up with air fast at 100 pounds per square inch. Tube-type air clutches have the regular air chambers fashioned like a car’s inner tube. The tube-type drum-type friction surface clutch is unique in the sense that it’s basically a cast iron drum with an air tube that has friction shoes.