Understanding zonal contribution is imperative when developing stacked plays where a primary appraisal objective is to quantify zonal productivity to determine which layers of the formation to target. One proven evaluation method is the use of chemical-based tracer technology. In this blog post we will provide a real case example of where chemical tracer technology was used to determine zonal contribution and assist in the planning of future well and field development. 

Topics: chemical tracers, unconventional wells, reservoir, fracking, reservoir characterisation, unconventional oil and gas

Tru-Grid™ Scans reveal vital process information that helps solve operating problems.

 

A Tru-Grid™ Scan of packed towers is a reliable and widely used field measurement used for evaluating the hydraulic performance in packed beds, including the results from plugging / fouling or damage. When experiencing problems there are two important questions you would like answered:

 

1. Where is the fouling / plugging or damage?  

2. What is the extent of the hydraulic problem due to fouling or damage to the packing?

Gamma scanning has proven to be an essential measurement tool to supplement operating history data analysis. Process engineers and operations personnel need to know what is happening inside their process equipment so they can take corrective action. A Tru-Grid™ Scan provides a density profile of the internal process to diagnose hydraulic operating conditions such as damage to internals, flooding, liquid levels on trays and distributors, and liquid distribution through packed beds.

Performing Tru-Grid™ Scans before a scheduled shutdown can help capture real-time data to optimize your turnaround and reduce cost over-runs. Scan results will prepare those planning the turnaround activities with the knowledge needed for critical path decisions. Scans performed five to six weeks prior to a scheduled shutdown usually provides enough time to order new equipment without expediting charges and to schedule the required manpower. 

In this latest blog, Tracerco, part of Johnson Matthey Plc, discusses how an unexpected pressure surge affected the performance of an acid solvent recovery column.

Topics: Gamma Scanning, Tru-Grid Scan, gamma scan, packing mal-distribution, liquid distribution, quantitative analysis pack beds, PackView Analysis, packed bed towers, packed bed scan

Tracerco will be highlighting our latest technology and improved analysis, PackView™ for packed towers, at this year's AIChE 2017 Spring Meeting in San Antonio, Texas.

Topical 8 - Session: Kister Distillation Symposium 2017:

Distillation Troubleshooting and Controls: Lessons Learned 

 

Tracerco Presentation Details:

"Packed Bed Performance Analytics Based on Gamma Scans"

Wednesday March 29, 2017 8:05 am 

Room 302 AB, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center 

Mark your schedule to sit in on the paper "Packed Bed Performance Analytics Based on Gamma Scans" presented by Lowell Pless - Business Development Manager - Distillation Applications for Johnson Matthey - Tracerco. The presentation will provide actual case studies illustrating how this advanced analysis provides a new method of extracting quantitative information from gamma scan data to diagnose and characterize operation of distillation and separation towers. Read more about the the presentation in the following abstract that will provide an overview of what will be presented.

Topics: Gamma Scanning, Tru-Grid Scan, gamma scan, packing mal-distribution, liquid distribution, quantitative analysis pack beds, PackView Analysis

Tracerco Diagnostics™ FMI (Flooded Member Inspection) technology has become the industries number one choice for inspecting platform members for water ingress. Over recent years we have seen reduced time for inspection campaigns in order to meet the new financial demands expected from the Oil and Gas Industry. At Tracerco we continue to put an emphasis on successful initial inspections, ensuring that there are no unnecessary delays. This ensures that inspections are right first time and reduces the risk of far greater financial impact which can be associated with repeat inspections, or remedial work that may not even be required.

The FMI system can measure the degree of water ingress into platform structural members indicative of through wall defects without any need to remove marine growth or specialist coatings. It is operable as a simple attachment to any Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) or can be manually deployed by a suitably trained diver. A highly focused beam of gamma radiation and an ultra-sensitive detector unit are mounted on opposite forks of a variable yoke system and positioned across the diameter of the member under inspection. The transmitted radiation intensity is measured and compared to the intensity expected for a dry member based upon the particular member’s diameter, wall thickness and system calibration. Water inside the member will result in a decrease in the expected “dry member” transmitted signal. Each response is evaluated by our bespoke software and trained Offshore Technicians to provide a full report of platform jacket integrity.

Topics: Subsea Technology, Subsea Technologies, Subsea, FMI, FMD, Flooded Memeber Inspection, Platform Members, Platform Memeber Integrity, Platform Structural Members, Subsea Inspection, Subsea Integrity, Water Ingress

Tru-Scan™ is used by refineries to define foam profiles and verify level detection devices in their coke drums. A Tru-Scan™ can determine the difference in vapour density throughout a typical drum cycle.

In this latest blog, Tracerco, part of Johnson Matthey Plc, discusses how a Tru-Scan™ can be a powerful tool for gathering much needed information to optimise a coke drum cycle.

Topics: Gamma Scanning, Tru-Scan, coke buildup, coke deposits, gamma scan, level detection devices, coke drum cycle, coke drum optimization, coke drum, foam profile, coker optimization, coker units, delayed coke drum

The loss of catalyst through reactor or regenerator cyclones is a fairly common problem. Identifying the reason for the loss is often difficult.

In this latest blog, Tracerco, part of Johnson Matthey Plc, discusses how a Tru-Scan™ can be a powerful tool for gathering much needed information regarding the loss of catalyst.

Topics: Gamma Scanning, Tru-Scan, fcc unit, fcc, fcc diagnostics, fccu process, fccu studies, cracking unit, fcc troubleshooting, fcc units, fcc unit process, fluid catalytic cracking diagnostics, fluid catalytic cracking services, fluid catalytic cracking unit, Catalytic cracking, fcc cracking, reactor cyclone, gamma scan, fcc additives, fcc services, reactor distributor, riser reactor, fcc reactor, reactor riser, reactor stripper, regenerator cyclone, catalyst loss, Intercat, fcc addition systems

Flowrate and leak testing applications, pipe scanning and meter proving services are fast, accurate and cost-effective methods to determine the flow of vapour, carryover of liquid, build-up of sludge and fouling materials in piping, as well as the calibration of flow meters.

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Topics: process systems, Process Diagnostics, process diagnostics technologies, tracerco diagnostics, flare gas flow meter, flare gas meter, gas flow meter proving, Flow Study, flowrate, flare study, flare flow measurement, flare system tracers, gas flow meter prover, flare flow, flare gas flow measurement, excessive flare flow, flare flow meter, flare gas measurement, flare flowrate data, flare lines, Process Diagnostics Technology, process diagnostics systems, flare measurement, flare gas meters, gas meter proving techniques

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The verification of flare gas flow rates is an ongoing issue for many hydrocarbon producers globally, with strict environmental legislation continuing to impact oil or chemical processes. In this blog post we will review how the use of a Tracerco Diagnostics™ Flow Study can allow you to verify and calibrate flare flow meters, and locate the source of any fugitive flare flow, ensuring effective environmental reporting, as well as process optimisation and reduced downtime.

Topics: Process Diagnostics, flare gas flow meter, gas flow meter proving, flowrate, flare study, flare system tracers, flare flow, environmental reporting, flare gas flow measurement, excessive flare flow, fugitive flare flow, verify flow meters, flare flow meter, flow rate calculations, calibrate flow meters, Process Diagnostics Technology, flare measurement, flare gas meters

NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material) or TENORM (Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material) is a known problem and is likely to be present on every Oil and Gas facility. Concluding that NORM will not be an issue during decommissioning because it has not presented during production or maintenance shutdowns, could lead to substantial delays and unpredicted significant costs. If there is a known history of NORM, it is likely that many more locations will be contaminated that have not previously been identified. Flushing and cleaning will not remove all contamination.

Topics: Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material, NORM Detection, NORM, NORM Management, Decommissioning, Radiation Waste Adviser, TENORM, Radiation Protection, Radiation Protection Adviser

Scanning technology can provide a valuable insight when critical process equipment is experiencing problems and producing off-spec product. Based on the results provided, the best course of action to correct the problem can be identified in the least amount of time in order to save valuable process system downtime.

Topics: Process Diagnostics, Tru-Scan, Tray Damage, tower scan, process diagnostics technologies, tower scanning, trayed columns, flooded trays, beer column, process equipment, fouled trays, Process Diagnostics Technology, process diagnostics systems, tray fouling, mechanical integrity