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
• The low-profile heat exchanger reduces overall height by 1. 7 in. from the
4045AFM85
• Water-cooled exhaust manifold creates a
cooler and quieter environment for both
passengers and crew. •
AFGlobal debuts MPD test rig, launches new technologies
John Deere unveils latest marine engine
The Power Tech 4045SFM85 engine
will be available for order in early
2018. (Image courtesy John
Deere Power Systems)
AFGlobal’s Active Control Device is
designed to replace the traditional
rotating control device for deepwater
applications.