HSE

HBC Systems, a newly created joint venture between Hydration Technology Innovations (HTI) and Bear Creek Services (BCS), is setting its sights on the water-intensive process of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale gas production. The company's Bear Creek Green Machine is reportedly the first energy efficient system for recycling the millions of gallons of fresh water used daily in fracturing jobs industrywide. Read more »

In choosing valves for severe service use, one could traditionally count on paying a premium. Mogas Industries has responded by designing its patented thermally-compensated mounting flange, which is suitable for high temperature applications but replaces expensive titanium with stainless steel to offer reliable and safe service at a lower price. Read more »

Flexible-pipe specialist flexlife recently launched a prototype for a new spin-off of its patented ultrasonic scanning technology. The new product offers a permanent, in-situ monitoring solution for flexible risers, providing early warning of the potential for expensive and environmentally damaging events. Read more »

Calgary-based Suncor Energy is moving forward with a new technology that promises significant improvement in the speed of reclamation of oil-sands tailings. Studies have been so promising with the technology, known as Tailings Reduction Operations (TRO), that the company has submitted a regulatory application in Canada to implement it at existing oil-sands operations near Fort McMurray. Read more »

Sonsub, a division of Saipem UK, recently announced that its dive support vessel Bar Protector reached a milestone achievement of 1,000 days without a lost time incident. The company states that this is particularly significant accomplishment given the large tides in which the vessel carried out a variety of projects over the past year. Read more »

A new research partnership was recently announced between Rice University and Canada's Alberta province, aimed at using nanotechnology to produce Alberta's vast oil sands in a more environmentally sustainable way. Read more »

Conventional heavy oil production scenarios require sizable upfront energy investments, often with mixed and environmentally damaging results. A new technology from PyroPhase promises to change this by converting heavy oil deposits into flowable production using renewable energy, without generating CO₂. Read more »

Energy giant Royal Dutch Shell is rolling out technology aimed at eliminating the negative environmental impact of oil-sands production. The process known as high-temperature froth treatment reportedly cuts carbon emissions during crude extraction by 10 to 15%, putting it closer in line with carbon emissions from conventional oil wells. Read more »

R&M Energy Systems has improved upon its Sentry pipeline and vessel closure technology with an innovative one-piece sealing system promising improved safety and lower cost. Read more »

Reflex Marine recently unveiled a new offering to its marine personnel transfer portfolio which includes innovative design improvements requested by the offshore E&P industry. The company's TORO personnel transfer device combines advanced passenger protection, comfort, and speed of entry and exit in a system that can be used for both routine and emergency transfer situations. Read more »