Custom-designed Titan Torque unit to enhance onshore safety and efficiency

Announcement posted by Titan Torque 11 Nov 2010

Innovative energy sector solution developed by Aberdeen-based drilling services specialist

Oilfield equipment specialist Titan Torque Services has developed and built a new piece of drilling installation equipment designed to enhance operational safety and performance.

The breakthrough kit introduced by the award-winning business to its operations uses an innovative technology-led approach to pre-make and install liner and casing hanger running tools.

The Aberdeen-based company says its Push Pull Unit has been specially designed to put the running tool in place in a process that is more controlled and measurable than existing industry techniques.

It is the latest addition to Titan’s service portfolio, which is focused upon pre-made drilling assemblies and innovative drill bit protection equipment.

Managing Director Keith Gaskin said: “We recognised there was a clear opportunity for us to come up with a new solution for this important installation process that significantly improved upon the methods commonly used at present, and we’re delighted to have our first unit in active use.

“For us it represents an investment that broadens our market offering and reflects our core objectives of providing services that improve safety and cost-efficiency.

“In practical terms it creates a more controlled process that delivers robust installations, generating even greater confidence among customers.”

The hydraulically-controlled 75-foot unit can carry an assembly of up to 20 tons, and has a pull and push capability of 12 tons and 15 tons respectively. It can install liner/casing from 4” to 36”and digitally measures and records the forces deployed.

It has also been designed to be adaptable, lending itself to a variety of other potential applications.

“We’ve essentially invested in something new for the industry,” said Keith Gaskin. “We believe that since we were established in 2008 our services and products have made a positive contribution to offshore safety – we think this new unit helps us do likewise in terms of onshore safety.”

The company, which is aiming to achieve a turnover of 2million in this financial year, has recently doubled the size of its facility in Aberdeen’s East Tullos Industrial Estate to 10,000sq ft to accommodate its growth.

Earlier this year Titan Torque landed the Wood Group Award for Innovation at the Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise for its Drill Bit Protector, a patented protective casing for bottom hole drilling assemblies that reduces rig time and improves safety.

The company was also shortlisted in the Research and Development category at the Northern Star Business Awards, the flagship event of the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce.

Titan Torque Services recently secured a three-year contract to support the UK North Sea operations of Premier Oil. It will perform all bottomhole assembly make up and break out, and pressure testing work, in support of Premier’s drilling programme in a deal worth up to 500,000 over its term.

Titan Torque Services specialises in the make up and break out of bottomhole assemblies and drill string components. Its capabilities extend to make up of over 150,000ft lbs and break out of over 200,000ft lbs of torque, enabling it to provide tailored solutions to all torque requirements.

Titan’s specially-designed drill bit protector, already in use by many major North Sea operators, saw the company win the innovation award at the 2010 Grampian Awards for Business Enterprise.