Atlas Copco recently delivered two TwinAir compressors to Weatherford International’s Dubai-based facility. They were ordered through Atlas Copco’s local dealer Inma and are the first time such compressors have been supplied in the Middle East.
Recognised as one of the top five global oilfield service companies, Weatherford has a fleet of more than 300 compressors at the Dubai facility alone.
The company has had to meet constraints of a 20-ft skid frame/container to provide a free air delivery (fad) of 1,350 cfm (637 l/sec) when it used compressors of other brands, a statement said.
Pradeep Achamveetil, maintenance supervisor at the Dubai base for controlled pressure drilling and testing services, said the latest TwinAirs offered a fad of 2,000 cfm (944 l/sec) with the same footprint; an increase of almost 43 per cent.
“This is obviously of importance to us in terms of reduced transportation costs and the increased air volume. We will analyse the performance of the two TwinAirs with great interest” he said.
Both units are set initially for air drilling with oil exploration rigs in Yemen and Abu Dhabi.
Later, the TwinAir compressors will also be used for mud drilling and nitrogen purging applications, said Achamveetil.
Revolutionary concept
“The recently introduced TwinAir range of containerised air compressors introduces a revolutionary concept offering the largest volume of air flow with the smallest possible footprint,” says Atlas Copco.
The TwinAir range of air compressors has 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 20-ft ISO container to provide a robust, energy efficient and safety enhanced air supply at medium and high pressure.
Weatherford’s two XRV 2000CD6s deliver a free air delivery of 1,975 cfm (936 l/s) at a working pressure of 365 psi (25 bar).
The TwinAir compressors are housed within a standard ISO container which 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 additional DNV certification allows the upgraded unit to be used on offshore rigs
High-specification paint finishes for corrosion protection make the containers eminently suited for harsh environments.
Prime power is provided by two Caterpillar C13 Acert, six cylinder in-line diesel engines each rated at 328 kW (440 hp) to provide a combined total of 656 kW (880 hp) at 1600 rpm. The engines meet stage 3A (EU) Tier III| (EPA) legislation.
Large service doors provide easy access for walk-in servicing and maintenance.
