Nov/Dec 2011

iLevel and iChem launched from Ferguson Beauregard
Ferguson Beauregard™ announces the availability of its new iLevel Tank Level Measurement System and iChem Solar Chemical Injection System.

The iLevel features a level sensor that is certified for Class I Division I environments when used with a solar-powered iLevel multi-tank controller mounted in a Class I Division II area. The iLevel probe, based on proven magnetostrictive technology from Ferguson Beauregard’s sister company OPW Fuel Management Systems, continuously measures two liquid levels in each tank, such as oil and water. The iLevel interfaces with most Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and can connect directly to SCADA systems, allowing 24x7 knowledge of tank level status.

A joint engineering effort with sister companies Blackmer and Neptune, part of Dover’s Pump Solutions Group, produced the iChem Solar Chemical Injection System. iChem's diaphragm pump design allows it to deliver consistent, accurate injection rates at well pressures up to 1,200 psi.

NOV opens new Downhole power section facility
National Oilwell Varco has opened its new, state-of the-art power section facility located at 8018 Breen Road in Houston. This new NOV Downhole facility replaces the former Park 10 NOV Monoflo location. According to NOV Downhole President Mike Matta, “This new facility will enable Downhole to manufacture its power sections more efficiently and in greater quantities allowing us to better serve National Oilwell Varco customers all over the world.”

Globe acquires Tech Management
Globe Energy Services, LLC has acquired Tech Management, a specialty and production chemicals company headquartered in Midland, Texas, which provides services in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. Tech Management will continue to operate under its own name as a subsidiary of Globe Energy Services, LLC., and all employees will join Globe.

Wild Well Control's SYSTEM 21 gets major overhaul
Well Control School and 3D Interactive Inc. (3DI) have joined forces to overhaul and enhance the SYSTEM 21 well control e-learning platform.

“Today’s younger workforce relates very well to gaming technology and SYSTEM 21 needs to implement the highest level of graphics into our training systems. This is why we selected 3DI for the upgrade – they amazed us with their simulations and understanding of our industry’s training challenges,” said Ed Geissler, president of WCS.

Bishop acquires Atomic Industrial Marine and Supply
Bishop Lifting Products Inc. (BLP) has acquired Atomic Industrial Marine and Supply, a New Orleans-based sling fabricator and marine supplies shop.

The 20,000 square-foot facility stocks domestic and imported rigging hardware, wire rope, chain and marine supplies. The facility will fabricate its synthetic web and round slings, along with wire rope and alloy chain slings. Proof testing up to 200 metric tons will also be performed.

Additionally, BLP announces an immediate company name change from Atomic Industrial Marine and Supply to Bishop Lifting Products, Inc., as it is now BLP’s seventh branch location, forth along the Gulf Coast.

Rangeland Energy Services touts safer, faster solutions
Rangeland Energy Services of Calgary, Alberta is providing the well servicing industry with safer and faster solutions by manufacturing leading edge automated catwalks to pipe handling tools. The company says their 3500 series automated catwalk is able to run pipe at three joints per minute with fewer men on the floor.

The company claims to offer the only automated remote-controlled power tongs for service rigs. Its designs and products are inspired by demand for field solutions, driven by customer input.

Watson to replace Bromwich
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has named Rear Admiral James A. Watson IV as director of the Interior Department's Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). Watson replaces Michael R. Bromwich.

Oil Lift acquired by Dover
Dover Corporation has acquired Oil Lift Technology, a highly-respected designer and manufacturer of progressive cavity pump products within the artificial lift systems market, based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Oil Lift will become part of Norris Production Solutions (NPS), an operating unit within Dover’s Fluid Management segment. Oil Lift employs over 150 people in facilities within Canada, the US and Australia. The company has a strong international focus with significant activity in Latin America and the Middle East.

“This acquisition is an excellent strategic fit for Norris Production Solutions that will allow us to offer customers an expanded product line and enhanced technical service capabilities” said Dan Newman, president of NPS.

Crosby's bundle clip and vertical clamp
Crosby’s new Bundle Clip is a great alternative for transporting bundles of pipe and other cylindrical items. The design allows the choker hitch of the sling to maintain its position, and the shape of the choked bundle, even after the tension of the load is released. The G-460 is designed for use with “Soft Eye” wire rope slings. The G-461 is designed for use with “Thimble Eye” wire rope slings. Importantly, these wire rope bundle clips meet material traceability, not addressed by ASMEB30.26.

The company also introduced two new Grade 100 Swivel SHUR-LOC® Hooks. The S-1326 and S-13326 are rated for use with wire rope and Grade 80/100 chain. The S-1326 is designed for infrequent, non-continuous rotation under load applications. The S-13326 utilizes an anti-friction bearing that is designed for frequent rotation under load applications and allows the hook to rotate freely under load. Both swivel hooks are forged alloy steel and have a positive lock latch system that self-locks when the hooks are loaded.

Superior Energy to buy Complete Production
The boards of directors of Superior Energy Services, Inc. and Complete Production Services, Inc. have unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement combining the two companies into the premier diversified mid-cap oilfield services company. Globally the combined company will continue to rank behind the so-called Big Four services companies, Schlumberger, Halliburton Co., Baker Hughes Inc. and Weatherford International Ltd. But the combination will likely produce a formidable competitor.

Petroleum Technology classes to begin Spring 2012
Classes in petroleum technology will be offered at the Nacogdoches Technical Training Center beginning with the upcoming Spring 2012 semester. The Petroleum Technology Program is designed to help students prepare for careers in the oil and gas industry, where they will perform the duties of lease operators and function as a member of an oil and/or gas production team. The Petroleum Technology Program represents a partnership between Angelina College, which will operate the Nacogdoches Technical Training Center, and Panola College. The Petroleum Technology Program is a four-semester program of study.

GP II Energy selects SkyBitz
SkyBitz®, the leader in remote asset tracking and information management solutions, announced that GP II Energy, Inc., a leader in the oil and gas drilling and rental equipment industry, has selected SkyBitz’s GLS asset tracking solution for more than 600 of its frac tanks and other equipment.

MiX Telematics names Creager
MiX Telematics, a leading global provider of vehicle tracking, driver safety and fleet management solutions, announced that telecommunications veteran Ken Creager has been tapped as the new president and CEO of MiX Telematics North America. Creager recently filled the position to assist MiX Telematics with expanding its presence in the U.S. and Canada markets, as well as establishing better business process flows and corporate growth for the division.

In Memoriam
Moriah Lynn Lewis was born in Taft, California on October 29, 1976 and went to rest in the arms of her Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 12, 2011.

Moriah was raised and educated in Taft and graduated from Taft High School in 1995. She was a homemaker the past few years dedicating her time and devotion to her two children. Moriah had a life long passion for animals, primarily her horses, dogs and cats and has passed on that care and love to her children. Moriah never felt comfortable with fancy clothes, (much less dresses) but felt it was important to just be herself at all times. Her favorite thing to do was to take leisurely rides on horses with her children. We, who love her, place our hope and faith in being with her again. We love you so much. Moriah was preceded in death by her grandmother Audrey LeVezu and her brother Gordon Jason Isbell. Her survivors include her children, Jaylyn and Sara, and husband Kevin. Also, her mother Diane Bettencourt and her husband, Bobby, all of Taft; her father Gordon Isbell and his wife, Roberta, of Bakersfield; and her grandfather Bud LeVezu of Taft. She also leaves her sister-in-law, Melissa Isbell and nieces, Bethany and Jordan, along with nephew Braedon, all of Taft.