Offshore Technology Conference

1–4 May 2006 SUT Houston Branch supported conference, Houston, Texas, USA

Report by Sharla Wisialowski and Brian Young

Report

This year's Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) attracted record crowds as companies from all over the world displayed their expertise. OTC offered a multitude of exhibits, technical presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and other special events.

OTC's Spotlight on New Technology, an awards presentation, recognized the following advancements: Aker Kvaerner Subsea - MultiBooster; Baker Oil Tools - Z-Seal Technology and Smart Intervention System; CDS Engineering and FMC Kongsberg - Tordis, a compact subsea separator with integrated solids handling; Draka Marine Oil and Gas - Flex-Flame HC 1100/30 hydrocarbon fire-resistant cable; FMC Technologies - Subsea Electric Actuator System for Manifold Retrofit; Halliburton - Slimhole Reservoir Drilling and Evaluation System; PowerWell Services - PowerAMPS managed pressure drilling system; ProPure - The CTour Process; Schlumberger - EcoScope multifunction logging-while-drilling service and Quicksilver Probe wireline-sampling tool; V-Tech AS - UniTong, and Weatherford International Ltd - PowerStroke milling system.

From a recent college graduate's perspective, OTC was a first-rate opportunity to learn more about the industry and new technology, as well as gain valuable acquaintances.

Clem Leyendecker, Christopher Lindsey-Curran and Ian Gallett at the SUT stand

At first blush OTC seemed overwhelming due to its size, but taken in bite-size pieces, it was invaluable. It would have been easy to spend the entire day on the exhibition floor meeting new people while viewing the products companies had to offer. The range of products and services extended from pipe insulation to underwater welding to logging while drilling technology. Spending simply one day at OTC left a sense of excitement about the potential of the energy industry.

One thing that quickly became evident was the unique oil and gas vocabulary required. To a new engineer, it could seem like people were speaking a different language. And with the diversity in the industry, many different languages could be heard. It was fascinating to see the many countries and languages represented at OTC.

The different exhibits offered many displays and demonstrations that served as good learning tools. The models of construction and installation vessels and floating production facilities were particularly helpful. Some other interesting exhibits were those containing sample separators, generators, and full-scale subsea Xmas trees. Specialised workshops and presentations from participating companies, such as MCSs Fatigue Evaluation and Life Extension for Flexible Pipe and Steel Tube Umbilicals, and Halliburton's Alberta's Heavy Oil and Oil Sands, were another part of OTC. In conclusion, OTC was a great experience and would be essential to anyone looking to broaden their industry awareness.