Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the compressibility (K) of a fluid circulated by a positive displacement pump that comprises: a pressure sensor for sensing a pressure P of a fluid confined in a fluid module of the pump; a position sensor for sensing the position X, of a piston in the fluid module and a control unit communicating with the pressure sensor and the position sensor adapted to: log the pressure (P) and piston position (X) substantially synchronously; using (X), calculate the volume (V) of the confined fluid in the fluid module; and using (P) and (V), calculate the compressibility (K).

Abstract: A system is disclosed for determining the position of a downhole drill pipe relative to a pipe handling device. The system comprises: an imaging means arranged to capture an image of the drill pipe in a region of the pipe for engagement by the device; and a processor operable to analyze said captured image and to determine therefrom the position of the drill pipe relative to said device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the compressibility (K) of a fluid circulated by a positive displacement pump that comprises: a pressure sensor for sensing a pressure P of a fluid confined in a fluid module of the pump ; a position sensor for sensing the position X, of a piston in the fluid module and a control unit communicating with the pressure sensor and the position sensor adapted to: log the pressure (P) and piston position (X) substantially synchronously; using (X), calculate the volume (V) of the confined fluid in the fluid module ; and using (P) and (V), calculate the compressibility (K) .

Abstract: A crane control system for determining a suitable real-time operating regime for a crane arranged to lift cargo from a marine vessel, the system includes an imaging means associated with the crane, a processing means, and a memory means. The imaging means is arranged to capture images of the vessel when it is located generally below the crane and within the operational range of the crane. The processing means is operable to calculate from the captured images movement parameters characterizing the movement of the vessel relative to the crane. The memory contains performance data representative of the performance characteristics of the crane and cargo data representative of the weight of individual items of said cargo. The processing means is further configured to compare the calculated movement parameters to the performance data and the cargo data and to determine from said comparison a safe operating regime for the crane.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for transferring electrical power to a rotating shaft. An apparatus for transferring electrical power to a rotating shaft, the apparatus includes a first winding in a stationary part of the apparatus around the shaft, a second winding on the shaft adjacent to the first winding, a sensing device adapted to sense the rotational frequency of the shaft, and a variable frequency drive. The variable frequency drive is adapted to adjust an input current frequency to the first winding as a function of the rotational frequency of the shaft, whereby a desired output voltage and frequency in the second winding on the shaft is obtained.

Abstract: A riser and a method for reducing the risk of failure of a riser system comprising a riser (100) arranged between an installation and a subsea well the riser (100) having a bore (116) for conveying fluids therebetween, the method comprising the step of providing at least one vortex shedding member (111) in said bore (116) of said riser (100) and flowing the fluid between the subsea well and the installation.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for determining the position of a downhole drill pipe relative to a pipe handling device. The system comprises: an imaging means arranged to capture an image of the drill pipe in a region of the pipe for engagement by the device; and a processor operable to analyse said captured image and to determine therefrom the position of the drill pipe relative to said device.

Abstract: A crane control system for determining a suitable real-time operating regime for a crane arranged to lift cargo from a marine vessel, the system includes an imaging means associated with the crane, a processing means, and a memory means. The imaging means is arranged to capture images of the vessel when it is located generally below the crane and within the operational range of the crane. The processing means is operable to calculate from the captured images movement parameters characterising the movement of the vessel relative to the crane. The memory contains performance data representative of the performance characteristics of the crane and cargo data representative of the weight of individual items of said cargo. The processing means is further configured to compare the calculated movement parameters to the performance data and the cargo data and to determine from said comparison a safe operating regime for the crane.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for operating a winch system comprising a wire spooled onto a drum rotatably mounted to a shaft. A permanent magnet is mounted to the drum such that, when an electric current is applied to a coiled winding mounted to the shaft, the drum rotates about the shaft. The winch comprises a first braking system that controls the rotation of the drum about the shaft by controlling the application of the electric current to the coiled winding. The winch also comprises a second braking system that mechanically engages the drum so as to prevent the rotation of the drum about the shaft. The winch is used in conjunction with a control system that facilitates the use of the winch with lifting and supporting personnel working in elevated environments.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for operating a winch system comprising a wire spooled onto a drum rotatably mounted to a shaft. A permanent magnet is mounted to the drum such that, when an electric current is applied to a coiled winding mounted to the shaft, the drum rotates about the shaft. The winch comprises a first braking system that controls the rotation of the drum about the shaft by controlling the application of the electric current to the coiled winding. The winch also comprises a second braking system that mechanically engages the drum so as to prevent the rotation of the drum about the shaft. The winch is used in conjunction with a control system that facilitates the use of the winch with lifting and supporting personnel working in elevated environments.