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MDT Sample Handling Training
This section is divided into the following topics:
Basic Overview
Introduction
Principles Of Operation
Objectives
Safety
Summary
Self Test
Glossary
Useful Websites
Basic Overview
The MDT uses four sample chambers to retrieve samples, the Oilphase 450cc
SPMC, 450cc MPSR, 1 gallon MRSC and the 2-3/ 4 gallon MRSC. With the
exception of the MPSR which is US DOT exempt all the other chambers must
be transferred into certified shipping bottles at the well-site prior to shipment for
laboratory analysis.
Introduction
The MRSCs and SPMCs are not approved for shipping as transportable
pressure vessels. Shipping regulations are strictly enforced and the MRSCs
and SPMCs are always transferred at the well-site into Oilphase sample
bottles, which are US DOT exempt, DOTE-11670. The only alternative is to de-
pressurise the chambers prior to shipping. To allow the SPMCs and the
MRSCs to be set up and transferred, the following equipment is required.
1. MDT Field Transfer Unit (FTU)
2. Transfer Frame
3. Transfer Manifold
4. Purge Manifold
5. Validation Manifold
6. Gas Booster
7. Agitation Frame
8. Pressurised Heating Jacket
Oilphase
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The 1 gallon MRSC is 7 feet long and weighs 100kg, the 2-3/ 4 gallon MRSC
is 11 feet long and weighs 145kg. Because of the size of these chambers they
are not easy to heat or agitate.
The agitation frame (AF) is a collapsible frame that can be used with the
pressurised heating jacket (PHJ), allowing the 1 gallon MRSC to be held
vertically with 180 rotation. The 2-3/ 4 gallon, because of its length is held at
45 and this can be rotated through 90. To aid the recombination of the
samples, the Oilphase piston and agitation ring should be used in the MRSC.
This must be fitted in the workshop prior to going to the well-site.
MDT Agitation Frame
For MDT 1 & 2.75 gallon sample chambers
Allows inversion of chamber @ Res P&T
For sample agitation using a split-piston agitator
To remove immiscible mud contamination prior to recombination
Oilphase
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Principles of operation
The PHJs use a fluid filled annulus to allow uniform heating and also
interchangeability between the different diameters. H2S service chambers
have a 5 diameter and the non-H2S service chambers are 4-3/ 4 diameter.
At present the maximum temperature that the MDT sample chambers can be
heated to for transfer is 130 F.
Heating J acket
Takes sample chamber to transfer T in less than 1 hour
Temperature controlled to within +/ - 2 F
Indirect heating through liquid filled annulus to avoid hot spots
Custom built version for both sizes of chamber
Oilphase
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The MDT-Field Transfer Unit (FTU) is a 20,000psi pump unit. It has two pumps,
a high volume water pump and a small volume oil pump. The MDT-FTU comes
with the Transfer Frame, which allows three Oilphase sample bottles to be
mounted horizontally for transfers. The Purge Manifold is mounted on the MDT-
FTU , this allows the transfer lines from the MRSC to be purged and to check
fluid content. The MDT-FTU is also used for the set up, charging and transfers
for the SPMC. The Gas Booster is used in conjunction with a Conventional
Sample Bottle (CSB) to achieve high pressure oxygen-free nitrogen.
Transfer Unit
20,000 psi WP
One high volume water pump
One low volume oil pump
Dedicated hoses for all transfer fluids
Stainless steel construction
Oilphase
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Objectives
Upon completion of this training section and associated practical exercises, you
should be able to do the following tasks:
Understand the reasons behind field transfers.
Explain the various applications and functions of the MDT equipment.
Demonstrate competence in the assembly and use of the MDT handling kit.
Explain the reason for heated and agitation during transfers.
Demonstrate safe operation of the sample heating jacket.
Safety
The operation of MDT sampling equipment requires the safe manipulation of
pressurised fluids and gasses, refer to the Schlumberger Pressure Operations
Manual section 7.0 (Sampling Equipment) for full guidelines.
It is essential that the latest controlled Oilphase Operating Procedures are
followed as the procedures are the correct and safest way to carry out
normal sampling operations.
All sampling equipment shall be pressure rated. It is forbidden to submit
any piece of sampling equipment to a pressure higher than its working
pressure.
Full PPE must be worn while working with sampling equipment.
Ensure the work area is always clean, tidy, well lit and ventilated.
Schlumberger and local working legislation including the permit to work
system must be adhered to.
The area used for pressure sampling operations must be cordoned off with
all personnel and rig authorities informed.
Pressurised samples are only to be transported in designated pressure
vessels. On no account should samples be transported from the well-site in
downhole tools, unless these have been approved for transportation by the
local governing agency.
MDT equipment is heavy. Where possible use a crane or the assistance of
a colleague. Strictly adhere to good lifting practises.
Never allow problems to go unreported.
Oilphase
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Summary
This summary is an overview of the most important points presented in this
training section. It is included to help you review the information. In this
section we have presented the following:
The MDT uses four chambers, the SPMC. MPSR, 1 gallon and 2-3/ 4 gallon
chambers.
The only chamber certified for sample shipment is the MPSR.
Kit comprises, Field transfer unit, Transfer frame, Manifolds, Gas booster,
Agitation frame and Heating jackets.
Agitation frame allows agitation and removal of mud contamination prior to
transfer.
Heating jacket heats sample for transfer.
Transfer unit comprises oil and water pumps for set up, transfer and
validation of samples.
Applications include, sample validation and well-site transfer.
Self Test
Which sample chambers must be transferred prior to shipment?
Describe the MDT handling kit components and their usage.
What is the maximum temperature for heated transfers?
What is the maximum working pressure of the MDT FTU?
What is the gas booster used for?
Glossary
A glossary can be found at the following wed address:
http:/ / glossary.connect.slb.com/
Other Useful Websites
The above information gives a very basic overview of the MDT, with a bias
towards sampling, for a more in depth understanding of the MDT consult the
attached operating procedures. Additional information can be obtained from
the following websites,
http:/ / www.sugar-land.spc.slb.com.
http:/ / www.aberdeen.oilphase.slb.com/ Departments/ TrainingPages
http:/ / www.hub.slb.com/ index.cfm?id=id14216
Oilphase