International Petroleum Technology Institute recognizes engineering achievement at 2006 OTC

John Varrasi
ASME Communications

The ASME International Petroleum Technology Institute (IPTI) presented the 2006 Woelfel Best Mechanical Engineering Achievement Award to Noble Technology Services of Sugar Land, Texas, and the 2006 Woelfel Distinguished Innovation Award to Kalsi Engineering Inc., also of Sugar Land.

IPTI honored the two companies in an awards ceremony held May 1 during the 2006 Offshore Technology Conference in Houston. The Petroleum Institute, based in Houston, provides educational and technology transfer opportunities for engineers and other professionals in fields related to energy exploration, extraction, and production.

Noble Technology Services received the Best Mechanical Engineering Achievement Award for the development of an aluminum alloy riser that allows deepwater oil and drilling on conventional offshore platforms.

Noble's riser brings cost and weight advantages to offshore drilling operations. Typically made of steel, risers serve as conduits for carrying fluids between the drill bit and drill pipe. At 17,000 pounds, Noble's technology weighs 30 percent less than a steel riser, and also is sufficiently durable to withstand the forces of waves and strong currents. A key advantage of Noble's aluminum alloy riser is easy storage on standard drilling vessels.

Kalsi Engineering received the 2006 Woelful Distinguished Innovation Award for a thrust bearing specially designed with a lubricant film providing reduced friction and increased shock-load capacity.

The three other finalists in the 2006 Woelful Best Mechanical Engineering Achievement Awards competition were Access Oil Tools LP, Cudd Pressure Control Inc., and Welker Engineering Co. The award competition is in its 23rd year.

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