Jan 17 2014
Block Engineering, the leading manufacturer of Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) and miniaturized Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy solutions, announced today that it has signed a long-term Supply Agreement with a provider of hardened, field-based systems in the oil and gas drilling industry.
Specifically, Block's Mini-FT (TM) Spectrometer provides for real-time monitoring of C1-C5 hydrocarbons to enable drilling operations to proceed more efficiently with better knowledge of the underlying geology.
"Monitoring and reporting gases is a critical need in the oil and gas industry with applications ranging from mud-logging to hydraulic fracturing, drilling and refining. Our customers are looking for direct, on-line solutions in order to provide real-time process control and minimize waste, due to delayed corrective actions," said Scott Riggi, VP of Sales at Block Engineering. "Block's Mini-FT OEM product is a well-tested and validated, rugged engine that meets our customers' requirements."
Petros Kotidis, CEO of Block Engineering, commented, "I am very pleased to announce this OEM Supply Agreement in this new market for Block, which is a validation of the potential of our products to significantly improve the efficiency of these operations and reduce the cost of exploration, drilling and refining. I look forward to introducing more of our products into the dynamic and growing oil and gas industry."
Block's gas monitor comes with a wireless radio communications and custom-developed software integrated inside a compact (7x9x11 inch) explosion-proof enclosure that enables mounting of the system directly at the mud-pit. The key benefits are:
(a) Rapid (1-2 sec), directly on-line measurements, eliminating the delays associated with the physical distance between measurement location and conventional trailer-based analytical instruments;
(b) No consumables, which shows the clear advantage of this technology over gas chromatographs;
(c) No vacuum pumps and associated equipment as is typically required by mass spectrometers;
(d) Rugged, miniaturized FTIR design.
About Block Engineering, LLC:
Founded in 1956, Block Engineering, LLC is a leading manufacturer and marketer of high performance Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) and FTIR spectrometers for commercial, industrial, military and government customers. Block's Mobile Chemical Agent Detector (MCAD) system is a fixed site, passive FTIR spectrometer offered in partnership with Northrop Grumman Corp. Block's PORTHOS (TM) is a portable, passive FTIR spectrometer system that remotely detects chemical threats as far as three miles and protects against chemical warfare agents and weapons of mass destruction. Block's OEM FTIR spectrometers are finding applications in the Oil & Gas Industry for gas analysis and process control. Block Engineering is also manufacturing and selling a line of unique QCL-based spectrometers, including the LaserScan Analyzer, for applications ranging from detection of explosives and liquid/solid chemical warfare agents to control of manufacturing operations and verification of surface conditions in a variety of industrial processes, including drug manufacturing, coating and paints application and gas analysis. Block also offers the LaserTune product line of QCL-based Infrared Sources for corporate research and academic markets.
Block Engineering is located in Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA. For more information, visit http://www.blockeng.com.