PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BECKLEY, WV 25801 PERMIT NO.19
P.O. BOX 1441 • OAK HILL, WV 25901 | WWW.ONGMARKETPLACE.COM
SEPTEMBER 2015
O&G: UPSTREAM - Page 6: The Surveyor – The First Eyes on the Ground O&G: MIDSTREAM - Page 8-9: Through the Pipeline INDUSTRY INSIGHT - Page 12: Training for the Oil and Gas Industry NEW TECHNOLOGY - Page 16-17: Fairmont Brine Processing – An Alternative to Deep Injection HEALTH & SAFETY - Pages 22-23: Health, Safety, and the Environmental Benefits (HSE) and Profits Gained
Page 2
The Northeast ONG Marketplace
your
one source for secondary containment
Matt Huff, Beth Powell and Bob Beck
Tired of paying multiple people to handle your secondary containment, only to have them drop the ball somewhere during the process? New Pig Energy has the know-how to manage the entire project from start to finish. Our one-source approach eliminates the finger-pointing, breakdowns and B.S. to spare you the headaches and save you money.
Been there. Lined that. As the industry leader since 2011, we know secondary containment better than anyone. We manufacture our own PIG Liner, we install it, we even remove and recycle it for you. We’ll work with you to improve yields and efficiencies through re-engineering, not by throwing more labor at the problem. Plus, you always get 24/7 access to our technical expertise, real-world experience and regulatory knowledge.
The ONLY company that manufactures, installs and removes well pad liner. • Patent-pending PIG Liner developed from the ground up • Site planning including CAD drawings • New Pig Energy installation crews • Liner maintenance: patch/repair, add-ons, berming • Removal, disposal and recycling services • Dedicated reps for one-call support
CALL NOW to start working with the experts:
One call, one source, one solution.
855-PIG-LINER
Stop second-guessing your secondary containment — and start trusting your operation to the experts at New Pig Energy.
pigliner@newpigenergy.com • newpigenergy.com
Secondary Containment from the Leak & Spill Experts.
®
(855-744-5463)
September 2015
Page 3
NETWORKING EVENTS September 9 Oilfield Christian Fellowship Bridgeville, PA | www.oilfieldchristianfellowship.com
September 24 Delaney Heler Foundation Charity Golf Tournament Williamsport, PA | csimmons@spartansenergy.com
September 15 Natural Gas End Use Reception Philadelphia, PA | www.marcellusevents.com
October 7 YPE Crew Change at Fortis Energy St. Clairsville, OH | www.ypepittsburgh.org
September 17 OOGA Region I and II Golf Outing Orville, OH | www.ooga.org
October 14 Oilfield Christian Fellowship Bridgeville, PA | www.oilfieldchristianfellowship.com
September 24 Sporting Clays 101 Farmington, PA | www.womensenergynetwork.org
October 16 SOOGA Fall Clay Shoot Whipple, OH | www.sooga.org
Page 4
The Northeast ONG Marketplace
ASSOCIATION MEETINGS OGA Annual Meeting | September 9, 2015 Columbus, OH - www.ohiogasassoc.org
WVONGA Fall Meeting | September 21-24, 2015 Roanoke, WV - www.wvonga.com
PIOGA Annual Membership Meeting | September 29, 2015 Greensburg, PA - www.pioga.org
IOGANY Annual Meeting | October 21-22, 2015 Amherst, NY - www.iogany.org
IADC Annual General Meeting | November 4-5, 2015 San Antonio, TX - www.iadc.org
ARTICLES
ADVERTISER INDEX
O&G: UPSTREAM: The Surveyor – The First Eyes on the Ground......................................................... 6
ALBERTA RIG MATS.............................................. 4 ALLEGHANY INSULATION.................................... 5 ALPINE ELECTRIC............................................... 15 BRAD PENN LUBRICANTS................................. 11 CHANCELLOR INSURANCE................................ 15 CPI SERVICE.......................................................... 7 CST INDUSTRIES................................................ 18 ECOM................................................................... 11 ERNST SEED........................................................ 19 ETC......................................................................... 3 FAIRMONT BRINE................................................. 1 HKRENTS.COM.................................................... 23 LEE REGER BUILD............................................... 15 LEE SUPPLY........................................................... 7 LYDEN OIL COMPANY......................................... 10 MID-ATLANTIC STORAGE.................................. 11 NEW PIG ENERGY................................................. 2 NORTH AMERICAN FIELD SERVICES................ 15 ONG ONE CALL................................................... 19 PERMA-FIX.......................................................... 13 PPC NAT GAS SOLUTIONS................................. 11 PREMIER SAFETY & SERVICE INC.................... 19 PSB INDUSTRIES................................................ 11 RIJA, INC.............................................................. 11 RJR SAFETY INC.................................................. 15 SHALE MARKETS.................................................. 4 SHEPHERD TECHNOLOGIES.............................. 10 STEELNATION STEEL BUILDINGS..................... 19 STEEL TANK & FABRICATING CORP................. 15 UNIT LINER............................................................ 5 WEAVERTOWN ENVIRONMENTAL.................... 11
O&G: MIDSTREAM: Through the Pipeline.......... 8-9 INDUSTRY INSIGHT: Training for the Oil and Gas Industry................................................................. 12 NEW TECHNOLOGY: Fairmont Brine Processing – An Alternative to Deep Injection...................... 16-17 HEALTH & SAFETY: Health, Safety, and the Environmental Benefits (HSE) and Profits Gained..... 22-23
CALENDARS ASSOCIATION MEETINGS.................................... 4 NETWORKING EVENTS........................................ 3 TRAINING & WORKSHOPS................................ 15 UPCOMING EVENTS........................................... 20
EVENTS ARIES................................................................... 13 PIOGA CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW............. 18 SHALE INSIGHT.................................................. 21 WVOGE................................................................ 24
SAFELAND TRAINING www.shalemarkets.com
CONTACT US FOR ADVERTISING, INFORMATION OR MAILING LIST CHANGES:
The Northeast ONG Marketplace P. O. Box 1441 • Oak Hill, WV 25901 855-269-1188 Fax: 304-465-5065 E-mail: info@ongmarketplace.com
The Northeast ONG Marketplace will not be liable for any misprint in advertising copy which is not the fault of The Northeast ONG Marketplace. If a misprint should occur, the limits of our liability will be the amount charged for the advertisement. We do not assume responsibility for the content of advertising or articles herein. Any warranties or representations made in the advertisements are those of the advertisers and not The Northeast ONG Marketplace. Any warranties, representations or opinions made in the advertisements or articles are those of the contributors and not The Northeast ONG Marketplace.
September 2015
Page 5
PROTECTING YOU AND THE ENVIRONMENT Temporary Containment Systems
Flexible Spill Containment
Enviro-Guard Containment Systems
Polyurea Spray-In Liners
Heavy-Duty Walk-Overs
Complete Secondary Containment Structures Call For A Quote Today!
WWW.UNITLINER.COM Protecting You And The Environment Since 1967
Interlocking Tank Pads
(888) 748-5463
Dennis Campbell (405) 481-8074
Matt McAnally (405) 481-8075
Page 6
The Northeast ONG Marketplace
O&G: UPSTREAM
THE SURVEYOR – THE FIRST EYES ON THE GROUND By: Bryant Bowman, Allegheny Surveys
are not safety issues per se but no one else but the surveyor is on the ground as much and is able to determine the answer to these questions. He or she must have communication with someone from the exploration department of the company that has the authority to address them. Yes we have regulations concerning these issues. However without experienced surveyors and crews on the ground that are keenly aware of these concerns the regulations are merely ex post facto assistance. They cannot prevent accidents, prevent drilling in a wrong location, or keep issues from impacting someone negatively until after the fact. If we reach the point of regulatory reference, then it is too late. I hope the days of referencing two marked trees and measuring back to the well after the location is built are gone. It serves no purpose to have equipment and technicians that can obtain accuracies heretofore not considered possible and then have the dozer operator and someone operating a chainsaw be responsible for “setting” the stake at the proper location of the well so it can be drilled. “Ludicrous” best describes that antiquated practice. The surveyor should be the only one responsible for “staking the well”.
There have been so many changes and advances in the last few years in technology and ability that the natural gas industry can no longer conduct itself as in the past. There was a time when a representative would call a surveyor and simply give him some instruction where his company wanted to drill and maybe even visit a proposed site. The surveyor would make the journey to the local courthouse, find the appropriate land owner records and produce a plat for the drilling permit. Depending on the company or the contracted driller the well may have been drilled on the proper farm or lease, but not necessarily the specific, surveyed location. Those days have passed and for the good of all involved. We have entered an era in which safety and accuracy are far more important than speed and money. It is a time when we enter the earth’s crust with a well bore and travel miles from one location. From that one location we may penetrate many coal seams owned by different entities leased to different lessees, and sub-leased to others, then operated by corporations or individuals that have no attachments to the owner. The risks here are apparent but are they always addressed properly? Have we operated the way we should or have we just been extremely fortunate? Only time will answer that question. The surveyor is tasked with those issues and although others perform parts of the effort, it is the surveyor who signs and seals the document that says “Here is the location of the wellhead on the face of the earth and shown on the plat are the entities that are involved and impacted”. The responsibility falls to no one else in the final analysis. Although technology has given us so much capability, we must understand that a pair of coordinates doesn’t guarantee accuracy. How were they obtained? What is the capability of the equipment that captured them? What is the experience of the surveyor in this particular field? What is the origination of the surface monuments or lease monuments that proves the well’s location? Is there communication with all of the coal entities? Have sufficient studies and research been done that would allay concerns about former or present mining? What is the history of drilling in the vicinity of the proposed well? The last paragraph briefly addresses some of the safety issues but what about the issues of the accuracy of the description of the surface tract or the accuracy of the lease involved? How will the location and drilling of the well impact the local environment? What is the impact on local roads and the community? These
It is the responsibility of the natural gas industry to ensure that methods and practices are in place that maintain our environment and keeps us all safe. But it is the surveyor, in the end, that has his or her name on a document that all parties concerned will rely upon in the event of some accident or trespass. The natural gas industry is under pressure to cut costs due to the economy and the price of its product but the industry should not try to cut costs related to the surveying of the location of its wells. The impact on the environment, safety of those involved, accuracy to address concerns of the geologists, and other issues should cause the industry to understand that the cost of the proper location of the well and supporting documents are not for sale to the lowest bidder but are trusted with those that are equipped to recognize those issues I have discussed. This is just a start in addressing issues the industry should be concerned with, but I hope to encourage all of us to be more aware of the importance of surveying and what it means to the efforts of supplying natural gas, not only to our nation, but to the world. For more information, contact Drema Dodrill at 304-649-8606 or ddodrill@ alleghenysurveys.com
September 2015
Page 7
1 800 675 6646
Quality
PEOPLE • PRODUCTS • SERVICE Since 1954
Largest
HDPE Pipe
Stocking Distributor in the Eastern United States
Your
HDPE Specialists: Fabrication Fusion Pipe I Soil Stabilization •
1-800-353-3747 • www.leesupply.com
•
Page 8
The Northeast ONG Marketplace
O&G: MIDSTREAM
THROUGH THE PIPELINE By: Kristie Kubovic, Director of Communications, Shale Media Group Images Courtesy of: Williams
The shale oil and gas industry is broken into three sectors: upstream, midstream, and downstream. Upstream is the first stage and involves exploration and production. The midstream stage is associated with the processing, storing, transporting, and marketing of natural gas. The final stage, downstream, is after production through the point of sale. The midstream sector alone accounts for a multi-billion dollar industry in the Marcellus and Utica Shale plays in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. The discovery of these plays along with the advent of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling has led to a shift in America’s natural gas supply landscape. As a result, the popularity of this abundant domestic resource with environmental advantages has soared, while natural gas prices have even dropped to historic lows in some regions. However, a lack of pipeline infrastructure has prevented many consumers across the country from realizing the product’s full economic advantages. One company that is extracting this American economy changing product from the ground is Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation, an independent oil and gas company active in the development, exploitation, and exploration of shale oil and gas properties. Cabot focuses on natural gas development in the Marcellus Shale in northeastern Pennsylvania and on oil development in the Eagle Ford Shale in south Texas. According to Cabot’s website, “As of December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately 7.4 trillion cubic feet equivalents (Tcfe) of total proved reserves.” Once the natural gas is extracted from deep below the earth’s surface by Cabot, it needs to ultimately reach the consumer. Brittany Thomas, Coordinator of External Affairs, Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation, explained, “Cabot is the largest producer of Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania and we rely on pipelines to move the produced gas in northeastern Pennsylvania to consumers all across the eastern seaboard. Williams [an energy infrastructure company] is our midstream partner in the Commonwealth so it is important to work closely with them on gathering lines to existing pipelines, as well as planning for the future with the construction of new pipelines. Williams is currently planning and constructing two pipelines to take natural gas from our area of production into new markets like Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. The Constitution Pipeline will run north to eventually service the northeastern coast and the Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline is planned to head south towards the nation’s capital.” Constitution Pipeline The Constitution Pipeline is a major transmission pipeline project that will connect abundant Marcellus Shale natural gas supplies in northeastern Pennsylvania to major northeastern markets. The approximately 125 mile project will extend from Susquehanna County, PA, into Broome, Chenango, and Delaware Counties in NY, then end in Schoharie County, NY at the Iroquois Gas Transmission and Tennessee Gas Pipeline systems. Chris Stockton, Spokesperson, Williams, says, “The Constitution Pipeline is creating a direct connection between New England, New York, and one of the most abundant and cost-effective natural gas supply basins in the world. This
direct connection simply doesn’t exist today. New England and New York remain dependent on natural gas originating in Canada and the Gulf of Mexico, while far more cost-effective supplies are literally in their back yards waiting to be tapped.” Stockton added, “Consider this; last December, natural gas futures in New England traded at the highest rates in the world, (Constitution Pipe Yard in Albany County, NY) while a few hundred miles southwest in Pennsylvania, natural gas futures traded at the lowest rates in the world. The reason is the lack of pipeline capacity. In fact, New England paid higher gas prices last winter than Japan, India, or Europe, all of which are dependent on imports. The US recently surpassed Russia and Saudi Arabia as the world’s top producer of petroleum and natural gas. As a result, US oil imports are dramatically falling. The Marcellus Shale is expected to provide more than half of the country’s natural gas by 2020. The problem is that the pipeline infrastructure in this region is still basically the same as it was prior to the advent of the Marcellus. That is why pipeline projects like Constitution are so critical.” The Constitution Pipeline has been designed to carry 650,000 dekatherms of natural gas per day through a 30-inch underground pipeline, which is enough natural gas to serve approximately three million homes. “The need for this critical infrastructure was apparent way back in 2012, but for three years the market has had to wait while we navigate what is a very long permitting process. The biggest challenge is designing the project so that it avoids or minimizes impacts on people
Constitution Pipeline Points to Ponder (Information Provided by Williams) New England • New England gets about half of its electricity from natural gas. • Since November 2014, New England has had the highest average spot natural gas prices in the nation. • New England Governors have pushed for more natural gas pipelines. New York • Constitution Pipeline is specifically called out in the New York State 2015 Energy Plan as critical gas transmission infrastructure necessary to meet New York’s expanding energy needs. • The New York State Energy Plan calls for a 32 percent increase in natural gas usage. • The high demand for natural gas within NYC has historically resulted in some of the highest residential gas prices in the country. • New York is the fourth largest natural gas consuming state in the country; 97% of New York’s gas supply comes from other states. • In 2013 Constitution Pipeline and Leatherstocking Gas Company, LLC announced plans to install four delivery taps along Constitution’s proposed route to facilitate local natural gas service to homes and businesses in southern New York and northern Pennsylvania.
September 2015
Page 9 the Transco pipeline reached a tipping point and now receives more of its gas from production points in PA than from its original supply area, the Gulf of Mexico. Since July 2011, we’ve seen Marcellus receipts on Transco increase from approximately 250 MMcf/d to 3.5 Bcf/d. That number is expected to climb to about 7 Bcf/d by July 2017. To put that into further perspective, today Transco receives about 1 Bcf/d from the Gulf of Mexico.” The Atlantic Sunrise Project expansion is designed to add 1.7 million dekatherms per day of pipeline capacity to the Transco system. The project will alleviate pipeline capacity constraints that lead to higher energy bills. By connecting producing regions in northeastern Pennsylvania to markets in the Mid-Atlantic and southeastern states, the project will supply natural gas to service seven million homes.
and the environment, while working closely with dozens of different state and federal permitting agencies. For Constitution Pipeline, for example, we introduced the project to the public and began the FERC pre-filing process in the spring of 2012. Since then, we have made changes to more than 50% of the 125-mile route,” explained Stockton. Construction on the Constitution Pipeline has not begun yet, but is getting close. Williams received Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approval in December; however, the company is still waiting for a few key state and federal permits, before they can obtain their FERC Notice to Proceed. Stockton updated, “Right now we are hoping to begin construction in September, but again, that is dependent upon obtaining our remaining regulatory authorizations.” In terms of being fully operational, Williams’ goal is to begin making deliveries in the second half of 2016. Atlantic Sunrise Project The Atlantic Sunrise Project offers similar benefits to the Constitution Pipeline, but rather than sending natural gas north, the project moves it south and is actually an expansion of Williams’ existing Transco natural gas transmission pipeline. The Transco Pipeline moves natural gas to customers located throughout the eastern US. The project includes expanding the existing Transco transmission pipeline in Pennsylvania, in addition to modifying some existing Transco facilities in other states, to move gas from vast Marcellus Shale natural gas supplies in northeastern Pennsylvania to markets as far south as Alabama. Stockton explained, “The Atlantic Sunrise Project is the largest expansion in the 60-plus year history of the Transco pipeline. Due to the scale of the project, there are many challenging components: 185 miles of greenfield pipe, two compressor stations, 12 miles of looping, 2.5 miles of pipe replacement, and numerous horsepower additions. The total price tag is close to $3 billion.” In total, there will be facility additions or modifications in five states: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. According to Williams’ Atlantic Sunrise website, “The project will consist of compression and looping of the Transco Leidy Line in Pennsylvania along with a greenfield pipeline segment, referred to as the Central Penn Line, connecting the northeastern Marcellus producing region to the Transco mainline near Station 195 in southeastern Pennsylvania. Additional existing Transco facilities are being added or modified to allow gas to flow bi-directionally.” Stockton added, “An important piece of this project is the addition of facilities to allow the Transco pipeline to flow gas bi-directionally. The natural gas supply landscape has shifted as a result of new gas discoveries, particularly located in the Northeast. As a result, pipelines like Transco are being modified so that gas that used to flow south to north can flow the other direction, north to south. Recently,
Stockton pointed out, “Natural gas originating in Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale typically trades at half the cost of natural gas sourced from other North American supply basins. The problem is that without adequate pipeline infrastructure, most consumers won’t realize the full economic advantages of this abundant domestic resource. Transco pipeline consumers in the MidAtlantic and Southeast would have saved approximately $2.6 billion in energy costs from 2012-2014 had the Atlantic Sunrise project been in place, according to researchers at the Pennsylvania State University.” In terms of challenges for the project, Stockton says Williams faced similar challenges to the Constitution Pipeline. “We have made adjustments to about half of the proposed Atlantic Sunrise greenfield route as a direct result of feedback from landowners, communities, and agencies. Anytime you are proposing greenfield facilities, it is important to work very closely with stakeholders to develop plans that identify and address potential environmental issues.” Construction has not begun on the Atlantic Sunrise Project. Stockton updated, “The project was just filed with FERC this past spring. We are hoping for approval sometime in the spring of 2016.” Williams expects the project to be fully operational in July 2017. Stockton relayed, “The production gushing from America’s shale oil and gas deposits will create true energy independence, but that can’t happen without much needed pipeline capacity.”
Shale Media Group (SMG) is the news, information, and education resource dedicated to the shale oil and gas industries by messaging across video, Internet, publications, events, and radio. For more, check out ShaleMediaGroup.com to access all platforms. Kristie Kubovic is the Director of Communications at Shale Media Group. Contact her at Kristie@ShaleMediaGroup.com.
Page 10
The Northeast ONG Marketplace
ONG MARKETWATCH
Guiding & Guarding We know how to communicate IT with our clients
ROLL OFF TRAILER & TRUCK SAFETY BENLEE ADDS BACKUP ALARM TO ALL MODELS Romulus, MI. August 26, 2015 – BENLEE the leading manufacutrer of Roll Off Trailers, Roll Off Trucks, Dump Trucks, Dump Trailers, Crushed Car Trailers, Pup Trailers and Open Top Gondola Trailers has added a back-up alarm as a standard feature to all models. This added safety feature will enhance the safest trailers in the industry and help prevent accidents. It is a rugged wheel mounted 8”- bell, completely mechanical device made of zinc plated 10 gauge steel for durability and less maintenance. Importantly, this back up alarm is ready to go and requires no extra wiring for the tractor or trailer due to it’s mechanical nature. For more information please contact John Tobolski at john.tobolski@benlee. com or 734-890-6822. Visit our website www.benlee.com to view our full stocked product line of Roll Off Trailers – The Super Mini Roll Off Truck replacement, Heavy Duty Conventionals, 80,000# GVW Bridgemaster, Super Mini Long, Two Box and Pup Trailers. About BENLEE: BENLEE is a full service manufacturer and seller of Roll off Trailers, Open Top Scrap Gondola Trailers, Pup Trailers, Dump Trailers and Crushed Car Haulers. We stock parts for all makes and models of Roll off Trailers, Roll Off trucks and Dumps. Visit our on line 24/7 Parts store located at www.benlee.com or by calling our Parts Hotline at 734-722-8100. Repair, Service, Rebuilding and Frame Straightening is also available. BENLEE 30383 Ecorse Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 – www.benlee.com
Leveraging years of experience and focusing on client communication, Shepherd Technologies is the premier Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Management Service Company at the forefront of technology and always just a phone call away.
Shepherd Technologies Managed IT Services Network Security Cloud-based Solutions Security User Training
Quality Lubricants & Fuel Since 1919 Five Divisions Youngstown, OH Massillon, OH Walbridge, OH Shelby Twp, MI Lansing, MI
Services • Lube Surveys • 24-Hour Delivery • Technical Assistance • Lube Equipment Sales, Service & Maintenance
www.lydenoil.com | 800-362-9410
(412) 741-0440 www.ShepherdTechCorp.com Info@ShepherdTechCorp.com
September 2015
Page 11
Everyone knows that me equals money and that experience and service levels determine who succeeds and who fails. PPC NAT GAS SOLUTIONS, a division of PPC Lubricants Inc., focuses on all aspects of the industry while also invesng in our infrastructure in order to deliver not only the experse that you expect, but the service levels required in order to keep your operaon producing 24/7! We have over 2 million gallons of bulk lubricant storage capacity and adding more...we have over 400k gallons of bulk DEF storage capacity and adding more...and we are adding storage capacity at our Butler, Washington and Jonestown Pennsylvania facilies for products like: TEG, Methanol, etc. Our Product Offering includes ALL of the following: •
Complete lines of high quality finished lubricants • Heat Transfer Fluids • Coolants • TEG • Methanol • Oil Analysis Reach out and contact us today by calling 888-437-5823 or vising us at www.ppclubricants.com
SIGN UP TODAY FOR YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTION www.ongmarketplace.com | 855-269-1188
RiJa, Inc. GEAR MANUFACTURING
Quality Focused, Customer Driven Contact us for your custom gearing and machine parts needs. Direct 304-469-3309
Cell 304-663-8841
Custom Purification Systems - Natural Gas Drying & Purification - Regenerative Dryers - Refrigeration Dryers Deliquescent Dryers - Filtration Systems - Custom Fabrication High Pressure Ball Valves - Center Guided Check Valves Specialized Precision Machining Visit us at www.psbindustries.com Call us at 1-814-453-3651
Page 12
The Northeast ONG Marketplace
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
TRAINING FOR THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY By: Westmoreland County Community College Nestled in the rolling hills of Mt. Pleasant, PA, Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC) repurposed 73,000 square feet of an industrial site, and has been quietly operating a state of the art training facility with degree, diploma and certification programs. The Advanced Technical Center (ATC) provides specialized training designed to supply the Marcellus Shale Employers and other locally established industries with the trained workforce they need now and in the future. Our newest programs, funded by a DOL grant (ShaleNET US), established a four school partnership with Starke State in Ohio, Penn College in Eastern PA, Navarro College in Texas for the original grant and we welcome our newest partner Pierpont in WVA. WCCC’s ShaleNET US programs have received wide support from the gas industry with scholarships awarded and available from Chevron, XTO, American Gas Association and Chesapeake for gas related studies. Though only 2 years old WCCC has awarded over 200 certificates, degrees, and/or diplomas for gas related studies, serving 176 full time credit students (including 22 students who received Veterans or TRA benefits) and placing 57 in industry. ShaleNET US developed an educational model based upon multiple pathways to a career. Based upon stackable credentials our students have been gainfully employed in as little as 1 semester, and have often returned to add to their credentials. More information about career pathways and programs of study can be explored at the ShaleNET website www.shaleNET.org. Upon researching the various careers, our students are able to pursue the following program pathways.
©marc soracco photography inc.
Certificates are 16-18 credits and can be completed in 1 semester. Upon completion the student has 2 options: seek employment or continue study. Completing a second certificate leads to a diploma in 1 year of study. Upon completion the student has 2 options: seek employment or continue study. Completing a third certificate or allowable electives plus the required electives leads to an Associate’s Degree.
September 2015 WCCC offers the following certificates under the auspices of ShaleNET: Mechatronics Systems- equivalent to a Siemen’s Level 1 Operator. Mechatronics Technician I & II- equivalent to a Siemen’s Level 2 Technician. Natural Gas and Oil- entry level training. Petroleum and Instrumentation Process Operation Technology-technician level training on Industrial Control. Pipeline Mechanic WCCC offers the following degrees under the auspices of ShaleNET: Applied Industrial Technology, AAS Mechatronics, AAS Petroleum, AAS. Though just now 2 year old, placement has been strong. Our certificate, diploma or AAS degree studies graduates are working in field and plant operations for Gas companies or their contractors, Equipment service, repair and installation for Gas service companies, plastics manufacturers, and a brewery, and as maintenance and calibration techs. Other degree options at WCCC, should you or your family member be uninterested in an industrial positions, include Nursing, Dental Technician, Business, Horticulture, Drafting, Transfer, Etc. Additionally WCCC would like to invite any oil/gas experts near our Mt. Pleasant location with a desire to help train your future workforce to join us on our Advisory Committee, work as an adjunct teacher, or help with curriculum/lab development to join us. For more information about ShaleNET, the schools in the consortium, and program offerings, please visit the ShaleNET website at www.shaleNET.org. For information about the ShaleNET programs or to hire graduates from Westmoreland County Community College, please contact Elaine Fisher at 724-696-4594, or fishere@ wccc.edu.
Page 13
nuclear
technical
waste
NORM/TENORM Engineering Perma-Fix Environmental Services offers expertise in radiological engineering for the Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale mining industry. We have a fifteen year history and proven track record providing expertise with naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) and technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material (TENORM). With an office in the center of the Marcellus and Utica Shale mining states, Perma-Fix is uniquely and strategically located to serve the mining industry. Services Include: • Radiation protection awareness training • Management and consulting services • Equipment and tooling decontamination services • Radiation dosimetry programs • Exposure assessments • Gamma survey and sampling • Site characterization and waste characterization • Waste disposition support • Regulatory support For more information contact: Operations Business Center 2800 Solway Road Knoxville, TN 37931 Phone: (865) 690-0501 jbowers@perma-fix.com www.perma-fix.com
Technical Services Office 325 Beaver Street, Suite 3 Beaver, PA 15009 Phone: (724) 728-3960 alombardo@perma-fix.com
Page 14
The Northeast ONG Marketplace
855-269-1188 P.O. Box 1441 Oak Hill, WV 25901 www.ongmarketplace.com info@ongmarketplace.com
ADVERTISING RATES & SPECS Ad Size
1 Month
3 Months
6 Months
12 Months
Business Card 3.25” W x 1.85”H
$110
$105/Month
$100/Month
$95/Month
1/12 Page Ad 3.25” W x 3.00” H
$200
$190/Month
$180/Month
$170/Month
1/8 Page Ad Horizontal - 5.0” W x 3.00” H Vertical - 3.25” W x 6.0” H
$390
$375/Month
$350/Month
$320/Month
1/4 Page Ad Horizontal - 6.75” W x 5.125” H Vertical - 5.0” W x 6.25” H
$735
$700/Month
$670/Month
$640/Month
1/2 Page Ad Horizontal - 10.25” W x 6.25” H Vertical - 5.0” W x 12.8” H
$1,050
$1,000/Month
$950/Month
$900/Month
Full Page Ad 10.25” W x 12.8” H
$1,580
$1,500/Month
$1,420/Month
$1,360/Month
Back Cover Ad 10.25” W x 12.8” H
$1,700
Front Cover Ad 10.25” W x 9.0” H
$2,500
2 Page Center Spread 21.44” W x 12.8” H
$2,600
Page 2 or 3
Additional 10%
ALL ADS ARE IN
FULL COLOR
Digital files may be high resolution PDF, TIFF, or Adobe Photoshop. Submit photos not less than 200 dpi. Logos, text or other images should be sent 400 dpi or greater as JPEG, TIFF, or EPS file. Our color process is CMYK, color text or text within a color background needs to be bold for proper registering with this type of printing process. If you don’t have a prepared ad but have a draft designed; we can work with you to create your advertisement at 20% with two revisions. Email info@ongmarketplace.com
September 2015
Page 15
TRAINING & WORKSHOPS SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
1 Safeland USA Monroeville, PA www.shalemarkets.com
1 SafeLand USA – AWARE IADC Rig Pass Washington, PA www.rjrsafety.com
3 SafeLand USA – AWARE IADC Rig Pass Washington, PA www.rjrsafety.com
3-4 Responding to Oilfield Emergencies Workshops Applecreek, OH www.oogeep.org
8 SafeLand USA – AWARE IADC Rig Pass Bridgeport, WV www.rjrsafety.com 9 H2S Basic Awareness Training Washington, PA www.ypepittsburgh.org 12-13 Responding to Oilfield Emergencies Workshops Applecreek, OH www.oogeep.org
RJR Safety Inc Wayne Vanderhoof CSP
Safety Professional/President Claysville, PA 15323 724-809-4234 cell wayne@rjrsafety.com www.rjrsafety.com
Consulting & Training – partnering with clients to develop/improve worker safety
“Working Safe, Preventing Injuries, Protecting Profits”
sales@stafco.net Phone 800-852-9102 www.steeltankandfabricating.com
8 Assertiveness Skills for Career Success Canonsburg, PA www.womensenergynetwork.org 13 SafeLand USA – AWARE IADC Rig Pass Bridgeport, WV www.rjrsafety.com
17 SafeLand USA – AWARE IADC Rig Pass Washington, PA www.rjrsafety.com
15 SafeLand USA – AWARE IADC Rig Pass Washington, PA www.rjrsafety.com
17 Roll Off Trailer and Truck Safety Romulus, MI www.benlee.com
19 PEC Basic Orientation Pittsburgh, PA www.amhealthandsafety.com
21 PEC Basic Orientation Pittsburgh, PA www.amhealthandsafety.com
27 SafeLand USA – AWARE IADC Rig Pass Caldwell, OH www.rjrsafety.com
22 SafeLand USA – AWARE IADC Rig Pass Caldwell, OH www.rjrsafety.com
NOVEMBER
22 Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training Belmont, OH wayne@rjrsafety.com
St eel T ank & F a br i ca t i n g C or p s i n ce 1952
6 SafeLand USA Monroeville, PA www.shalemarkets.com
24 Western Kentucky Technical Seminar Owensboro, KY www.kyoilgas.org 29 Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Training Bulter, PA wayne@rjrsafety.com
3 SafeLand USA Monroeville, PA www.shalemarkets.com 5 SafeLand USA – AWARE IADC Rig Pass Washington, PA www.rjrsafety.com 7-8 Responding to Oilfield Emergencies Workshops Applecreek, OH www.oogeep.org
CHECK OUT OUR NEW TRAINING CALENDAR ONLINE AT WWW.ONGMARKETPLACE.COM/TRAINING
Page 16
The Northeast ONG Marketplace
NEW TECHNOLOGY
FAIRMONT BRINE PROCESSING – AN ALTERNATIVE TO DEEP INJECTION By: Brian Kalt, General Manager, Fairmont Brine Processing
With suppressed natural gas prices and oil sub $50/bbl, many exploration and production (E&P) companies have suspended shale gas completions activities. This suspension results in the growing reserves of produced water. Typically,
in the Marcellus approximately 2/3 of produced water is recycled in subsequent hydraulic-fracturing activities, with the balance disposed of. As fracturing dries up, produced water disposal increases. With limited number of available deep injection wells in the region, an alternative to deep injection is paramount. Fairmont Brine Processing (FAIRMONT) has developed an alternative to deep injection and currently has the only commercially viable, full-scale frac water treatment process. In 2013, FAIRMONT pioneered a patented brine water recycling process that includes chemical precipitation and multiple effect evaporation & crystallization. This process is an environmentally responsible and cost-affective alternative to deep well injection. FAIRMONT operates under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, also known as an NPDES. This permit allows FAIRMONT to discharge distilled water into the Monaghalea River. In addition, FAIRMONT produces saleable salts including sodium and calcium chloride. Fairmont’s patent on this process is enforceable for the next 20 years, which protects their Intellectual Property (IP) for the recycling of E&P brines into distilled water and salts. Although evaporation has been going on since the dawn of time and
crystallization since the 19th century, the art, and FAIRMONT’S patent, is based on the knowledge and understanding of all the steps necessary to make the salts saleable (or at least not radioactive waste), as well as, the correct pretreatment chemicals and their dosing rates. Putting it all together under one process is extremely difficult, and why Fairmont has a patent. If one was to not sell any salt (sodium or calcium chloride), significant pretreatment is still necessary to remove the barium and associated radium. Barium can be problematic during the crystallization process as it can co-precipitate as barium chloride (BaCl2) with sodium chloride. In addition, barium removal is essential to remove associated naturally occurring radioactive materials. One Hundred percent (100%) of the produced waters received at the current facility in Fairmont, WV are recovered as distilled water and ASTM industrial grade salts. Furthermore, FAIRMONT and TETRA Technologies, Inc. (TETRA (NYSE:TTI) have signed a fifteen (15) year deal for the sales, marketing and distribution of sodium and calcium chloride salts produced at the Fairmont Brine Processing facility in Fairmont, WV. The deal includes two automatic five (5) year renewals. TETRA will purchase, market and distribute all salt products produced at the facility. FAIRMONT currently produces 60 dry tons per day of sodium chloride and 55 dry tons per day (equivalent) of calcium chloride as a clear brine fluid. The Fairmont, WV plant is only the second plant in the world to produce ASTM grade sodium and calcium chloride salts from a mixed salt brine feedstock, and the only such plant to do it on a shale brine feedstock. Since FAIRMONT began operations in 2014, they have been looking for a strong partner with intimate knowledge of the salt market, as well as the oil and gas market, and TETRA provides both. In addition, this deal includes salt produced at all subsequent facilities including a second plant to be built in the West Virginia Pan Handle. That plant will be a 50,000 bbl/day facility and will produce upwards of 240,000 dry metric tons (DMT) of sodium chloride and 120,000 DMT of calcium chloride. The Pan Handle plant will produce a dry, ASTM grade calcium chloride product, as well as clear brine fluids. According to a report prepared for the Groundwater Protection Council, 63,372,459 bbls of water returned to the earth’s surface as a result of the drilling and hydraulicfracturing process throughout the Appalachian Basin. Of that total volume produced, 25,428,503 bbls of water were sequestered back down beneath the earth’s surface via deep well injection. Although the Marcellus and Utica shale gas plays have the potential to become the world’s second largest natural gas field, a key challenge to fully developing this resource is water management. Whereas source water is abundant compared to other plays, produced water disposal by deep-well injection is severely limited. Through a simulated life cycle analysis of a finite development area (e.g., a county), as more wells are brought into production, which generates
September 2015
Page 17 more produced water, and the rate of new completions peaks and begins to decline (requiring less produced water for blend-stock to be used in subsequent fracturing operations), the supply of produced water will eventually overtake the demand for produced water. Thus, in the long term, for sustained development of the Appalachian Basin, economical water and
term, there will be a growing need for processes to economically recover produced water as clean water that can be either utilized for beneficial purposes or discharged safely. Fairmont Brine Processing has a lot to offer the E&P industry, through our patented process and our intimate know-how and trade secrets not detailed in our patent. While Fairmont may be a small company today, it’s entrepreneurial spirit coupled with its continued ability to be the only company in the world that is able to produce saleable salts from a mixed brine E&P feedstock, offers the industry significant value and the only commercially available option to deep injection of frac and produced water. For more information, contact Brian Kalt at 412-680-6244 or BKalt@fairmontbrine. com
salt recovery options are needed. Throughout the years, deep well injection has served as the primary outlet for the disposal of the wastewater produced throughout the drilling and hydraulicfracturing process. However, the current landscape of the geological formation simply can’t support what stands to be produced. Over the past several months, there has been an uptick in the media’s coverage of deep well injection. Behind closed doors, industry veterans would tell you that the drilling and fracturing process is not causing the induced seismic activity, but rather sequestering trillions of gallons of fluid beneath the earth’s surface is the real culprit. Unfortunately, these numbers are not inflated-- in ten years, the industry would have to pump almost 400,000 bbls of water back down hole on a daily basis and maintain sufficient pressure to keep it there. This is simply not feasible, and the industry recognizes this. Reuse of such a large fraction of the produced water for hydraulic-fracturing, while economically and environmentally beneficial, is not sustainable. In the long
CALL FOR WHITE PAPERS! Share your expertise with over 11,000 monthly readers. Contact us to schedule an opportunity for the industry to learn what you know.
ONG Marketplace
info@ongmarketplace.com
855-269-1188
Page 18
The Northeast ONG Marketplace
The longest-running event of its kind in the East, produced by the industry for the industry.
Tanks & Domes
October 27-28, 2015 Monroeville Convention Center Monroeville, PA
Frac Storage Great programming! ➤ Excellent networking opportunities! ➤ The latest in products and services to help you do your job more efficiently! ➤
World’s largest provider of glass bolted storage tanks
Attendee and exhibitor information: www.pioga.org
ONG MARKETWATCH
• • • • • •
Long life Fast construction Easy to relocate Never needs painting Local Authorized Dealers Factory trained and certified erection crews
Deist Industries, Inc., (Corporately located in Hadley, PA) announces Dennis Racine as President of Deist and its four operating divisions Bucks Fabricating, Switch-N-Go, AmeriDeck, and Rolloffparts.com. Dennis brings to the company years of experience that includes start-ups, directing turnarounds, and providing innovative and pioneering growth solutions for small to midsized industrial manufacturing companies. Please join us in welcoming Dennis to our company.
• Frac & flow back water applications • Safely stores flowback • Chemical resistant glass coating
Statewide
Mid Atlantic
Deist Industries Inc. | 3550 Perry Highway | Hadley | PA | 16130
1551 Robinson Road Washington C.H., OH 43160 740-335-2019 www.midatlanticstorage.com
6010 Drott Drive East Syracuse, NY 13057 315-433-2782 www.besttank.com
September 2015
Page 19
Responsible Reclamation
THE WORLD’S QUIETEST, SAFEST AND COOLEST GAS COMPRESSOR STATIONS
An opportunity to restore diversity • Conservation seed mixes • Native seeds • Pollinator forage • Bioengineering materials
ernstseed.com sales@ernstseed.com 800-873-3321
Design/Build • Engineering Manufacture • Erect Sound Mitigation & Air Handling ISNetworld & SafeLand Certified
Train Employees For LESS Than
$10 A YEAR For additional information on safety training contact us at: 1-800-828-1080 • www.premiersafety.com • orders@premiersafety.net
1120 Washington Road/Rt 19, Washington , PA 15301 Phone: 724.225.2202 | www.steelnationbuildings.com
Abandoned Well Location Air Compressors Bearings Bits Calibration Casing Cutting Cementing Cleaning Coatings Coil Tubing Communication Systems Completion Tools Compressor Parts Containment Systems Corrosion Control Cranes Cuttings Handling Defoamers Degreasers Directional Drilling Disposal Electrical Equipment Rental
Don't know who to call? Don't have time to call around? Call ONG One Call
Excavation Fabrication Fasteners Fencing Filters Fishing Fittings Flare Control Flocculants Flow Meters Flowback Equipment Fluid Services Foam Berms Frac Tank Cleaning Generators Heat Exchangers Heaters Hoses Hot Shot Inspections Installations Land Clearing Lighting
Liners Lubricants Lubrication Equipment Mud Motors NDT Testing Orphan Well Location Pads Power Generation Power Transmission PPE Pressure Washers Pumping Services Pumps Reclamation Remediation Repair Services Roustabout Rig Moves Rigging Sandbags Sandblasting Scaffolding Secondary Containment
844-541-2255 ANYTHING OILFIELD - 24/7 To make sure you’re part of our network call 855-269-1188
Seeds Separators Snubbing Spill Boxes Spill Response Surveying Tank Cleaning Tanks Testing Tires Tools Totes Transportation Tree Clearing Trucking Tubing V-Belts Vacuum Trucks Valves Viscosifiers Water Hauling Welding Well Servicing
Page 20
The Northeast ONG Marketplace
UPCOMING EVENTS SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
16-17
13-15
Shale Insight
SPE Eastern Regional Meeting
Philadelphia, PA | www.shaleinsight.com
Morgantown, WV | www.spe.org
16-17
(cont.)
16
IADC Asset Integrity & Reliability Conference
Odyssey Day
Houston, TX | www.iadc.org
Oakdale, PA | www.pgh-cleancities.org
16-19 ADDC Annual Convention Lubbock, TX | www.addc.org
18-23 SEG International Exposition and Annual Meeting New Orleans, LA | www.seg.org
17 SOOGA Annual Trade Show
25
Marietta, OH | www.sooga.org
WING & WELA Awards
20-23 Environmental Considerations in Energy Production Pittsburgh, PA | www.smeenviro.com
21-23 AESC Annual Tradeshow and Conference Ft. Worth, TX | www.aesc.net
28-30 SPE Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition Houston, TX | www.spe.org
OCTOBER 7
Southpointe, PA | www.shalemediagroup.com
27-28 PIOGA Eastern Oil & Gas Conference Monroeville, PA | www.pioga.org
NOVEMBER 4-5 OOGA Technical Conference and Oilfield Expo Cambridge, OH | www.ooga.org
8-10 IPAA Annual Meeting New Orleans, LA | www.ipaa.org
Morgantown, WV | www.wvoilandgasexpo.com
DECEMBER
13
10-11
Tri-State Shale Summit
2015 Utility Regulation Conference
Morgantown, WV | www.tristateshalesummit.com
Washington, DC | center.snl.com
WV Oil and Gas Expo
Denotes National Event
Visit our website for links to these events
WWW.ONGMARKETPLACE.COM/EVENTS
September 2015
Page 21
REGISTER NOW
ONG MARKETWATCH SCHLUMBERGER ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE CAMERON • Offers new growth opportunities by creating the industry’s first complete drilling and production systems • Integrates complementary downhole and surface offerings through software optimization and automation • Total transaction value of $14.8 billion as of August 25, 2015 Cameron shareholders to receive 0.716 Schlumberger shares and $14.44 in cash for each share of Cameron • Transaction expected to be accretive to Schlumberger earnings per share in first year after closing • Combined company expects $300 million and $600 million in synergies in first and second years HOUSTON, August 26, 2015—Schlumberger Limited (NYSE: SLB) and Cameron (NYSE: CAM) today jointly announced a definitive merger agreement in which the companies will combine in a stock and cash transaction. The agreement was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies. Schlumberger expects to realize pretax synergies of approximately $300 million and $600 million in the first and second year, respectively. Initially, the synergies are primarily related to reducing operating costs, streamlining supply chains, and improving manufacturing processes, with a growing component of revenue synergies in the second year and beyond. Schlumberger also expects the combination to be accretive to earnings per share by the end of the first year after closing.
www.shaleinsight.com/ONG
The nation’s leading forum for public-private dialogue on shale development FEATURED PRESENTATIONS
Hon. Rudolph W. Giuliani Partner, Bracewell & Giuliani LLP Former Mayor of New York City
Natural Gas, Energy Security, and Enhancing US National Interests Abroad Sponsored by Range Resources Corporation in partnership with Bracewell & Guiliani LLP
Robert Bryce
Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute Journalist and Author
Innovation, Shale, and the Second American Century
Randy Nickerson
Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer MarkWest Energy Partners, L.P.
Building the Infrastructure for Liquids Management in the Appalachian Basin
Captain James McCormick US Army (Ret.) State Program Director, Vets4Energy
Energy Security = National Security
ATTEND l SPONSOR l EXHIBIT
The transaction combines two complementary technology portfolios into a “pore-to-pipeline” products and services offering to the global oil and gas industry. On a pro forma basis, the combined company had 2014 revenues of $59 billion. Paal Kibsgaard, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Schlumberger remarked, “This agreement with Cameron opens new and broader opportunities for Schlumberger. At our investor conference in June 2014, we highlighted how the E&P industry must transform to deliver increased performance at a time of range-bound commodity prices. With oil prices now at lower levels, oilfield services companies that deliver innovative technology and greater integration while improving efficiency, which our customers increasingly demand, will outperform the market. “We believe that the next industry technical breakthrough will be achieved through integration of Schlumberger’s reservoir and well technologies with Cameron’s leadership in surface, drilling, processing and flow control technologies. Deep reservoir knowledge further enabled by instrumentation, software and automation, will launch a new era of complete drilling and production system performance. “In addition, we will achieve significant efficiency gains through lowering operating costs, streamlining supply chains, and improving manufacturing processes while leveraging the Schlumberger transformation platform. We look forward to welcoming the talented employees of Cameron and are pleased that they will be joining the Schlumberger team as our fourth product group.” Jack Moore, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cameron, added, “This exciting transaction builds on our successful partnership with Schlumberger on OneSubsea and will position Cameron for its next phase of growth. For our shareholders, this combination provides significant value, while also enabling them to own a meaningful share of Schlumberger. Together, we will create a premier oilfield equipment and service company with an integrated and expanded platform to drive accelerated growth. “By bringing together Cameron and Schlumberger, we will be uniting two great companies with successful track records, performance and value creation. We look forward to working closely with Schlumberger to achieve a seamless post-closing integration and long term value for all of our stakeholders.” The transaction is subject to Cameron shareholders’ approval, regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. It is anticipated that the closing of the transaction will occur in the first quarter of 2016. Goldman, Sachs & Co. is acting as financial advisor, and Baker Botts LLP and Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP are serving as legal counsel, to Schlumberger. Credit Suisse is acting as financial advisor and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is serving as legal counsel to Cameron.
Page 22
The Northeast ONG Marketplace
HEALTH & SAFETY
HEALTH, SAFETY, AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS (HSE) AND PROFITS GAINED THROUGH AUTOMATION By: Glen Mann, Regional Sales Manager, Eastern US, Oleum Tech As producers seek to attract investment in lean times, the use of automation continues to enjoy spectacular growth to deliver needed results. Modern drilling techniques have generated tremendous growth in unlocking energy reserves. Production fields are enjoying similar growth as the drilling slows down. Many producers have migrated to monitoring critical process parameters on location to optimize performance. Examples of these parameters include: Level, flow, pressure, temperature, the state of a switch or valve. Let’s expand these from a list to a table with application specifics and a graphic for each. To capture these values from around the location, many operators have chosen wireless methods to shield themselves from installation costs and the effects of nearby lightning events, which often compromise wired systems. Heavy truck traffic over hastily laid conduit is starting to call for rework.
To help these top-performing producers stay out in front, efforts have begun to apply enhancements to the monitoring of several key areas. 1. Monitoring and alarming of separator and glycol heater temperature. Sufficient separator temperature and pressure allows the operator to ensure optimal liberation of gas from liquids. Gas has market value, but in some regions where gas take away capacity is constrained, the gas is burned off in a flare stack or combustor on site. Not only does the gas not reach the market where the royalty payments to the landowners are lost, the environment is penalized. Due to several tragic deaths from railcar explosions caused by derailments, the regulators have begun to impose rules to ensure gas is removed from the crude oil at the source. To bring the operators into compliance, it is now necessary to monitor and report the separator temperature on location. To quickly and effectively address this need, operators are deploying battery-powered, intrinsically safe sensors rated for Class I; Division 1 application. Level, pressure, temperature, and flow make up a large percentages of the sensors. These sensors with integrated radios deliver critical data to a local data logger (RTU) which can be retrieved by an operator on site or via SCADA and telemetry from the location to the operator remotely.
The latest trend in this direction has evolved from serving production needs to include Health, Safety, and the Environmental (HSE) requirements. Recent news about emissions in the LA Times on worker deaths from benzene exposure has scientists from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health looking into development of alternative tank gauging procedures to protect workers from having prolonged exposure to benzene.
While optimized production is always a key goal of an operator, HSE policies must always be revisited to ensure profit is not placed ahead of Health, Safety, or the Environment. The HSE needs can now leverage the installed base of wireless networks to add vital information to ensure the operator is staying current with the best available methods with respect to HSE. Many operators work to exceed state and federal rules and regulations. These operators choose to lead by example, rather than limiting investment to meet the minimum standards directed by government. Companies that take this approach enjoy consistently better results, which attracts higher quality employees, suppliers, investors and the support of the affected populations near the production areas.
2. Thief hatch monitoring. With the advent of reliable automated tank gauging systems, the need to climb the catwalk to gauge [strap] a tank has been eliminated. Operators still have a considerable number of thief hatches as a legacy to the days of strapping a tank. Some operators have begun to permanently seal the thief hatch or remove them from the tank design altogether. Signs are prominently displayed requesting all personnel to ensure all thief hatches remain closed at all times. Below are some major reasons a thief hatch should not be opened: a. Many sites are designed to operate a vapor recovery circuit which relies on the positive pressure exerted on the sealing surface of the hatch. b. Gases emerging from the tank expose the workers to unhealthy fumes and can render them unconscious. c. The environmental impact of uncombusted methane or benzene (fugitive emissions) vented by a thief hatch opening event has become a major topic of discussion in the public. This has prompted the government to impose stiff regulations and fines for neglecting these hatch events. d. Allowing atmospheric oxygen to flow into a “compromised� vapor recovery circuit will allow that oxygen to enter the compression circuit resulting in an explosion event. A thief hatch presents a considerable opportunity for oxygen to be induced into the vapor recovery circuit.
September 2015 3. Ensuring flare stacks are accounted for. If the flare stack is not burning the surplus gas, the environment is being negatively affected. There is also an accumulation of a very large explosive cloud of gas that may encounter an ignition source (such as a process heater with an exposed flame) with devastating consequences. To combat these risks, operators have begun to place temperature sensors on these flare stacks to ensure the flare is operating correctly. Combustors are another type of system that relies on combustion for a more complete burn of the gases. These “combustors” rely on a sophisticated control system to ensure ignition progresses in a safe and reliable way. Often the manufacturer will supply a standalone igniter control system associated with the unit. The operator who with HSEs to know the status of the ignition control system employs the wireless system to link this stranded data back to the SCADA system. 4. Monitoring access to the catwalk. With all of the risks associated with walking up a catwalk, operators have worked to reduce the need for an operator to ascend the stairs. Some operators have begun to eliminate catwalks altogether. Others have placed gates across the stairs with numerous warning signs. Despite these efforts, operators have taken the additional step of monitoring the access to the gate with a switch connected wirelessly to an RTU/SCADA system. 5. Blowdown valve status. If a thief hatch must be open, many operators have placed quarter turn ball valves on the vent stacks. Before opening a thief hatch, the operator will vent to atmosphere until the pressure is relieved. To account for this event and to ensure the valve is returned to the closed state, the operator will install a wireless switch on the valve. Having all of these switches and measuring devices will continue to appeal to the operators that choose to invest in best practices. There are several established suppliers ready to offer these components. It quickly becomes apparent to the operator that there are many ways to accomplish the task. The suppliers that are focused on upstream production environments have anticipated these needs and
Page 23 incorporated additional discrete inputs to complement existing process signals such as: level and temperature. All built on a CID1 transmitter with a long-lasting battery. To achieve long battery life, the system is architected around the model of the field device remaining asleep until a discrete switch event or scheduled process variable update occurs. For customers that depend on wireless discrete Inputs to affect an ESD trigger, the system should employ a “heartbeat” to ensure the loss of the field device communication is noted and acted on according to the operator’s control system policy. As margins retreat, the operators that invest in automation will be rewarded with top performance in HSE, production gains, top employee talent, and investor returns. For more information contact Oleum Tech at 866.508.8586 or Sales@OleumTech. com
Page 24
The Northeast ONG Marketplace