Offshore Magazine - December 2017

AFGlobal has announced an array of new technologies and testing facilities, designed to bolster its managed pressure drilling (MPD) portfolio and capabilities.

On display at a recent media event was the company’s new test rig, designed for testing of MPD equipment, mimicking actual drilling conditions – rotating and reciprocating drill pipe against wellbore pressure – to better understand equipment performance.

This rig is capable of testing equipment to all requirements of API 16RCD.

AFGlobal also launched its proprietary Active Control Device (ACD), the industry’s first purpose-built marine control device, replacing the traditional rotating control device (RCD) for deepwater applications. The company says that the ACD provides the prerequisite seal and diversion of annular wellbore returns using a novel, non-rotating seal.

Using proprietary sealing elements, the ACD is designed to eliminate bearings and rotating components that can be a regular source of maintenance and failures in traditional RCDs.

“We are leveraging our manufacturing experience and deployment of more than 40 MPD-ready systems to drive the next phase of MPD – active pressure management,” said Mark Mitchell, President of Oil & Gas at AFGlobal.

“Working closely with all the stake-
holders, we have designed, built, and
installed the industry-leading equip-
ment that is enabling a global fleet of
MPDready rigs.”
In addition to AFGlobal’s offshore
offering, the company showcased its
land (L-Series) RCD, designed for ease
of maintenance, longevity and repeatable
performance. The MPD Technology
Showcase event was held Thursday, Oct.

12, 2017, at the company’s Advanced Technology Center in Houston, Texas. •

John Deere Power Systems has introduced the 4045SFM85 marine engine. The new 4.5L engine offers high power to weight ratio for repowering and new boat construction, and is ideal for planing and semi-displacement hulls.

The new Power Tech 4045SFM85 has two ratings for light-duty commercial vessels, high-speed governmental applications and high-speed pleasure craft, which includes an M4 rating with 205 k W (275 hp) at 2,600 rpm and M5 rating with 235 k W (315 hp) at 2,800 rpm.

The new engine ratings join the existing lineup of John Deere Marine Tier 3 propulsion engines. The 4045SFM85 ratings will meet US Environmental Protection Agency Marine Tier 3 and Recreational Craft Directive II emissions regulations, as well as International Maritime Organization Tier II standards for commercial and recreational applications.

The engine is pending approval by American Bureau of Shipping, DNV GL, Lloyd’s Register, and Bureau Veritas. Also, it will be the only ABS-certified, 315 hp, 4-cylinder in-board diesel engine.

“We’re excited to offer type approvals for
this power range in the near future,” said
Heather Balk, marine market planner for John
Deere Power Systems.

“Type approvals offer piece of mind to boat
owners that this new engine from John Deere
will pass marine authority safety tests and
design reviews.”
The engine uses a waste-gated turbocharg-
er that provides more torque capability at the
low and middle rpm range, which is most no-
table during vessel accelera-
tion, and features replaceable
cylinder liners, making it
possible to rebuild the engine
for extended service life.

Additional features of the
4045SFM85 engine include:
• Standard front fuel service,
optional left-hand or right-hand
oil filter options for twin engine
applications
• Upgraded valve train. It delivers
a 40% increase in power and a 9%
reduction in total engine weight
for a 53% increase in power density
compared to the 4045AFM85