Vortex Applications: Overview

Background

Since 2001, VortexTools LLC has been developing tools to improve the efficiency of fluid flow for the oil and gas industry. Working with technology partners and operators in the U.S. and Canada, VortexTools LLC manufactures surface and downhole tools that assist with the deliquification of gas wells and mitigates build up of stagnant fluids and paraffin in flow lines and gathering systems.

At Vortex, we recognize the significant impact that liquid loading can have on the efficient performance of gathering lines and on the optimum recovery of oil and gas from producing wells. We also understand that problems are often unique for each field and facility. To address these issues, Vortex Flow provides engineering support to assist in candidate selection and we offer a range of tools that can provide benefits for your well completion and for well or facility remediation; and, our tools work well with other deliquification technologies such as surfactants, intermitters and plunger lift.

Patents and Research

VortexTools LLC utilizes the patented Ecotech process in the manufacture of our tools. We are the exclusive licensor of the Ecotech process for use in the oil and gas industry. Our current patents are listed below:

• 6,155,751
• 6,659,118
• 6,749,374

We have additional patents pending and continue to work with Ecotechnology, Ltd. and other industry partners to provide research and improvements within the field of fluid flow.

In the past, we have worked with Texas A&M, The Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center and the Department of Energy (Stripper Well Consortium) to test and develop our tools. SPE Paper #84136 was written at Texas A&M and can be accessed through http://www.energy.psu.edu/swc/news/Vortex_Flow_paper.pdf. A summary of this paper was recently published (November 2005) in the SPE Production & Facilities Journal.

Today, we are excited to announce that we are working with C-FER Technologies of Edmonton, Alberta to test developments for our downhole tools. We look forward to the information that this provides and will be sharing this with our customers and partners as we complete the work