Technology

The M6000 Launch and Recovery System (LARS). (Image source: Forum Energy Technologies (FET)

Houston-headquartered Forum Energy Technologies (FET) has unveiled the Model 6000 (M6000) Launch and Recovery System (LARS), a compact, all-in-one solution for inspection and light work-class ROV operations

Part of FET’s Dynacon product line for subsea operations, the M6000 integrates the A-frame, winch and hydraulic power unit into a single skid-mounted package, allowing for a single-point lift with no need for additional cabling or hose connections. This design streamlines mobilisation and demobilisation, significantly reducing vessel interface time and onboard footprint.

Developed for deployment with inspection and small work-class ROVs such as FET’s Comanche and Super Mohawk, the system delivers optimal performance for inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR), cable lay, and pipeline or structural inspections. Applications are versatile, ranging from wind farms and dam surveys to pre-survey and light construction tasks.

Key features include a gimbal docking head with swing and sway functionality, a compact footprint and pre-wired, plug-and-play electrical integration. Together, these developments enhance safety and efficiency by minimising setup time and maximising reliability in the field.

The M6000’s design is DNV-certified and incorporates the latest hydraulic and control technologies. With a safe working load of up to 5,200kg and umbilical capacity of 3,300m, it provides robust handling performance within a reduced footprint.

The first M6000 system, equipped with a Perry Super Mohawk ROV, was manufactured and tested at FET’s US manufacturing facility in Bryan, Texas and delivered to a US-based client this year. It is now in operational service.

Kevin Taylor, vice president at FET Subsea, said, “The M6000 reflects our ongoing commitment to deliver more integrated solutions for subsea operators to maximise cost effectiveness. By combining all topside components in a single compact package, we’re helping customers mobilise faster and operate more efficiently. This is a system built with versatility and performance at the forefront.”

The technology automates the design of rod lift systems to optimise surface and downhole components. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

LUFKIN Industries, a leader in rod lift optimisation solutions, products, automation, software technologies and services, has enhanced its intelligent rod lift design platform with the launch of SROD V9.5.0

The technology automates the design of rod lift systems to optimise surface and downhole components, thereby enabling the maximisation of production from the well..

SROD V9.5.0 allows engineers to seamlessly migrate existing well design files from various platforms to the SROD system, saving hours of data entry as well as allowing engineers to quickly determine if mature wells are underbalanced, over-torqued or using excessive energy. The software leverages its proprietary wave equation and Multi-Case Generation Wizard to test hundreds of simulations in seconds to determine the physical limits of the equipment, and applies iterative balancing to ensure motors use the least amount of effort to reach those limits.

SROD V9.5.0 promotes greater operational efficiency and equipment longevity through the new Counterbalance Report which automatically calculates the most economical counterbalance configuration to efficiently balance well designs, using the counterbalance weights now embedded in the SROD library. A number of user enhancements are also included to streamline the user experience.

“We’re continuing to invest in rod lift optimisation technology to help operators enhance productivity and efficiency of wells,” said Brent Baumann, chief executive officer for LUFKIN Industries. “SROD V9.5.0 automates key design development requirements, providing accuracy and speed like never before. Operators now have access to designing the most accurate, cost-effective rod lift systems.”

The AI technology will help engineers spot early warning signs in energy assets. (Image source: Stuart Holmes, KBR)

KBR has announced a strategic investment in UK-based Applied Computing, its first strategic investment in an AI company, as it looks to advance the delivery of AI solutions across the energy, chemical and industrial sectors

The companies will together accelerate the development of new digital products and expand AI capabilities across KBR’s global technology portfolio. The deal also includes a multi-year agreement to co-develop exclusive AI tools for the energy sector.

The companies will integrate Applied Computing’s proprietary Orbital foundational model with KBR’s licensed process technologies, domain expertise in capital projects and supply chains to deploy and develop new technologies across the full energy lifecycle, covering asset operations, capital projects, and the derisking of next generation technologies. The focus is on using physics-based models to analyse process data in real time, helping engineers spot early warning signs, optimise performance and make more reliable decisions across complex assets.

KBR chief digital and development officer Greg Conlon, said, “We’re very excited about what this technology could unlock across the full lifecycle for multiple industries, and we’re thrilled to make this investment in Applied Computing to spur future technologies.

“This investment strengthens KBR’s position at the forefront of applied AI and enables us to scale innovations across our full range of licensed technologies and has the potential to create a new paradigm for OpEx analytics and NextGen CapEx delivery. Together, we’re redefining how AI powers the critical systems that drive global economic growth.”

Callum Adamson, CEO of Applied Computing, said, “It’s our mission to provide operators with a foundation model that unlocks advantage at scale while delivering pathways to production that are safer, more efficient and far less carbon intensive.

“KBR is a natural fit for that mission. Their decades of data, industry domain knowledge and global reach mean we can now accelerate deployment of Orbital across the sector.”

The Volta all-electric control system architecture helps deliver maximum resolution and faster zonal control. (Image source: Halliburton)

Halliburton has launched the Volta all-electric control system, part of SmartWell intelligent completions portfolio, which delivers intelligent completion, zonal control and real-time reservoir management for optimal performance

The system allows operators to execute continuous reservoir monitoring and gain critical insights to improve well performance, thereby increasing well output, and avoiding deferred production through reduced recovery time from planned or unplanned shut-ins. The integration of Clariti® digital reservoir management suite identifies opportunities to further optimise well performance.

The Volta all-electric control system architecture helps deliver maximum resolution and faster zonal control, which supports a wide range of well types and completion applications. The standardised configuration provides multi-zone flexibility, making it easier to adapt to changing reservoir conditions.

Its mono-conductor, single-line design eliminates hydraulics to streamline deployment and minimise operational risk, helping operators reduce complexity, lower emissions, and improve operational efficiency across multi-zone wells. The modularity of the Volta all-electric control valve improves flexibility and reduces inventory. Pre-installation preparation of system sub-assemblies accelerates execution and supports consistent service quality.

The Volta all-electric control system combines advanced hardware with intelligent software to transform well completions into a fully integrated, digital process. This gives operators real-time, precise, bidirectional control to make faster, better-informed decisions, optimise production strategies, and maintain consistent performance in varying reservoir and wellbore conditions.

“As the company who introduced SmartWell® intelligent completions to the industry, the Volta all-electric control system represents a breakthrough in intelligent completions technology,” said Maxime Coffin, vice president, Halliburton Completion Tools.

“With EcoStarsafety valves, we are now the first to propose a fully electric completion to the industry. Its all-electric architecture reflects Halliburton’s focus on technology leadership, engineering excellence, and technical expertise in completion design and execution. It provides operators with a greater degree of precision, response speed, and improved efficiency to help maximise value throughout the life of the well.”