Technology

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.”

By re-engineering the feed interface, Cleanova OMNI helps transform filtration performance. (Image source: Cleanova)

Cleanova, a global leader in advanced filtration solutions, has launched Cleanova OMNI, a patent-pending feed interface system engineered to address the point where slurry enters the press

Designed for universal compatibility across a wide range of filter press configurations, plate designs, and sizes, OMNI establishes a more durable, consistent, and high-performing foundation for filtration — enabling operators to improve reliability without requiring major equipment changes. 

It is particularly well suited for industries where abrasive or high-solids slurries place significant stress on filtration systems, including mining and mineral processing; chemicals; wastewater treatment; battery materials and other advanced process industries.

In many filter press operations, performance challenges such as premature cloth failure, leakage, and inconsistent filtration results can be traced back to the feed interface — where high-velocity slurry, abrasion, and sealing limitations place significant stress on the system.

“Filter cloth performance has traditionally been treated as a downstream maintenance issue, but in reality, the root cause often lies upstream at the feed interface,” said Terry Morley, technical director for Liquid Filtration at Cleanova. “With OMNI, we’ve re-engineered that critical connection point to create a more stable and durable foundation for filtration performance — helping operators move from reactive maintenance to more controlled, predictable operation.”

By addressing performance at the source, OMNI improves filtration stability, extends cloth life, and reduces unplanned downtime in demanding operating environments.
Developed as a universally adaptable solution, the system can be deployed across a broad range of plate sizes and is compatible with sidebar, overhead beam, and quad press configurations. It enables the use of single-panel filter cloths, allowing cloth replacement without removing filter plates.

“Our customers are under constant pressure to increase throughput while reducing both planned and unplanned downtime,” said Jason Wettstaedt, senior VP of Sales, Americas & Global Marketing.

“Cleanova OMNI delivers a practical, scalable solution that improves uptime, extends cloth life, and simplifies maintenance — all while working within existing equipment.”

OMNI is particularly well suited for industries where abrasive or high-solids slurries place significant stress on filtration systems, including mining and mineral processing; chemicals; wastewater treatment; battery materials and other advanced process industries.