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Compressor constraints conquered

Global oilfield service company Weatherford International has taken delivery in the Middle East of two TwinAir compressors from provider of industrial productivity solutions Atlas Copco. The TwinAir compressors were delivered by Atlas Copco to Weatherford International’s Dubai-based facility. Ordered through the local dealer INMA, these are the first in the Middle East.

As a major global oilfield service companies, Weatherford has a fleet of more than 300 compressors at the Dubai facility alone. Previously Weatherford has had to meet the constraints of a 20ft skid frame/container to provide a free air delivery (fad) of 1350 cfm ( 637 l/sec). However, it has been reported that the TwinAir compressors offer a fad of 2000 cfm ( 944 l/sec) with the same footprint — an increase of almost 43 per cent.

Both units are set initially for air drilling with oil exploration rigs in Yemen and Abu Dhabi. At a later stage they will also be used for mud drilling and nitrogen purging applications.
The recently introduced TwinAir range of containerised air compressors introduces what the company calls a revolutionary concept offering the largest volume of air flow with the smallest possible footprint. The range has, the company says, been designed to meet the high demands of specialised drilling with increased capacity compressors and enhanced productivity. It features two operationally independent compressors with interconnected air manifolds housed within a standard 20ft ISO container to provide a robust, energy efficient and safety-enhanced air supply at medium and high pressure.

Weatherford’s two XRV 2000CD6 compressors deliver a free air delivery of 1975 cfm (936 l/s) at a working pressure of 365 psi (25 bar). They are housed within a standard ISO container which, says Atlas Copco, ensures fast installation and minimised set up times. CSC approval also means that the unit is easily and legally transportable as container cargo, resulting in reduced transportation costs. The containerised unit also features forklift slots and lifting eyes for ease of mobility on-site and loading onto, for example, flat bed trucks. The additional DNV certification allows the upgraded unit to be used on offshore rigs.

High specification paint finishes for corrosion protection make the containers suited for harsh environments. They also feature stainless steel door locks and hinges to provide additional corrosion resistance and added security. Door safe-hooks also avoid accidental closure when servicing.

Prime power is provided by two Caterpillar C13 Acert, six cylinder in-line diesel engine. Independent access controls for both the engines provide the option to operate a single compressor for half the maximum flow if required.

Large service doors provide easy access for walk-in servicing and maintenance, while the open layout design allows a technician to stand up and move around the interior of the container.

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