Stuff You Should Know About Oil and Gas Production

Supply stores provide an important, frontline resource for energy companies—not only for products, but also local technical support to tap as production challenges arise.   In this episode, we talk with one such expert, Trey Jones from Regal Oil Supply in Alva, Oklahoma.  We discuss Trey's early days as a cowboy, the importance of relationships in business, changes he's seen in his 20+ years in oilfield work, and the impact younger generations are having on the industry. RESOURCES:MBO High Pressure Control Valve Regal Oilfield Supply STUFF WE LIKE:Kyle: The book Habits of the Household Trey: Family and friendsCurtis: Breakfast with your teenage children

Energy companies are setting aggressive goals to lower the emissions of natural gas into the atmosphere at their wellsites. But figuring out how to do this is very challenging. A typical producer has many different types of valves and controllers designed by many different companies, and now they must figure out whether these products emit, and if so, how much. Recently an energy consultant reached out to us from Canada. He works for a company that helps producers determine their emissions on their sites. He has a huge Excel spreadsheet of products that he doesn't know anything about, and he needs to know how the EPA views these products. In this ep, Jordan walks through how we answer this question for Kimray pneumatic products. Resources Valve Actuator Gas Volume Chart Emissions Solutions Stuff We Like Jordan: The movie Peanut Butter Falcon Curtis: Thunder / NBA Playoffs

Energy producers use temperature controllers to control temperature inside heated vessels like reboilers and heater treaters. In this ep, Kyle walks us through a handful of things you should know about temperature controllers. Resources mentioned: How to Repair, Test, and Calibrate a Temperature Controller How a Burner Management System Works Stuff We Like Kyle: Visit a Kimray Store! Curtis: Run with Horses by Eugene Peterson

Greg Chambers walks us through how natural gas producers use glycol pumps to optimize their gas dehydration systems. Resources mentioned: ⁠Video: Gas Dehydration System Overview⁠ 3 Types of Glycol Filtration How to Repair a Kimray Glycol Pump Stuff We Like "Our National Pastime" by Kevin Deyoung

Curtis has a brush with the grim reaper and Kyle walks through how energy producers use float-operated liquid level controllers on separators and other liquid accumulators. Resources mentioned: How to Install a Gen 3 Liquid Level Controller How to Repair a Liquid Level Controller Stuff We Like Kyle: Welding Curtis: MealPrepManual.com

Jeff Port walks us through Kimray's OG product—the gas pressure regulator. Resources mentioned: What is a Back Pressure Regulator? What's the Difference between a Back Pressure and Pressure Reducing Regulator? Eliminate Emissions from your Regulator with this Simple Conversion Stuff We Like Jeff: Chili Crisps Curtis: Walking

Energy producers around the globe use High Pressure Control Valves for processes like separation and pressure reduction.   In this video, we're going to look at what producers find so useful about this valve. Resources High Pressure Control Valves How to Reverse Your Topworks How and Why to Use Compressed air to Power Your Control Valves Stuff We Like Jordan: Hoopla Curtis: Walking

As the sole path for oil and water to leave a production vessel, dump valves are critical to any upstream operation. In this ep, Kyle shares 5 things you should know about Lever Operated Liquid Dump Valves.

Many energy producers are looking for ways to manage and ultimately decrease the natural gas emissions⁠ on their well sites.  In this ep, we'll help you identify 5 products may be emitting and offer some simple steps you can take to convert them to zero emission.  Resources Kimray Emissions Solutions

Daniel Beck and friends from DistributionNOW join us from ADIPEC 2023 in Dubai to discuss MENA production trends. Connect with Nick, Paul, and Daniel on LinkedIn.

Brady Holster joins us from Wichita Falls to talk about Liquid Level Switch. Topics include: Using a level switch as a primary controller How easy it is to test the level switch How to and why to change the level switch from direct to indirect How to check the filter How a Kimray video gets made Resources mentioned: Pneumatic Liquid Level Switch How a Liquid Level Switch Operates

Will and Jeff cover: How to safely use compressed air in your burner management system Differences between the Gen 2 and a Gen 3 liquid level controllers Kimray's options for reducing emissions on a well site Tricks to maximizing the life of your valves and control equipment Resources mentioned in this ep: Kimray Emissions Solutions How to Safely Reduce Emissions in your Pneumatic BMS Check out the Gen 3 Liquid Level Controller

Engineering Program Director at OBU and lifelong Eagles fan Chuck Baukal joins us to discuss: The engineer who didn't know what an Allen wrench was Why seasoned technicians are worth their weight in gold How engineering students can be more productive sooner after graduating Recommendations: Chuck: Say yes Breck: Don't fear failure Curtis: Read something on personal finance More info: Connect with Chuck or Breck on LinkedIn OBU's Engineering Program Project Lead the Way Kimray Training Options

100 episodes in, we take a minute to mark the milestone, countdown our top 5 episodes, reveal our new name, and preview the changes coming in season 5.

The 3 Types of Valve Actuators Why Larger Producers are Incorporating Electric Actuators How Non-vent Pneumatics Work How to Power Pneumatics with Air Compressors The Advantages of Electric Actuation Sneak Peek of the unreleased Kimray Electric Actuator  Resources mentioned in this episode Ep. #89: How to Get Electric Power in Remote Locations Video: How to Convert a Regulator to Non-vent  Video: How to Convert a Regulator to Accept Outside Supply  Recommendations Ryan: Tennis ¯_(ツ)_/¯ Curtis: Summer evenings outside Connect with Ryan or Curtis on LinkedIn

Jet setters Chase Hendley and Greg Chambers catch us up on the international upstream oil and gas industry. Topics include: Why paper is worth more than metal Working with government entities vs. private operators Who has better beef ribs — Odessa or Kuwait?   How Louisiana is like a foreign country The importance of good supplier-producer communication Resources mentioned in this episode 3 Keys to Selecting the Right Valve Elastomers Valve Seat Material Guide Recommendations Chase: The Green Chile Double CheeseBurger (with egg on top) at El Coyote in OKC Curtis: Sauted peppers and onions on everything Greg: Empathy Connect with Chase Hendley or Greg Chambers on LinkedIn.

Enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with Justin Overstreet, where we cover: The street-cred you get from growing up in Midland Texas baseball A program he created to rescue derrick workers  Advice on building an impactful career in the energy industry The key to holding yourself and others accountable Oilfield tech and how industry has changed in the last 20 years Recommendations: Justin: The show Peaky Blinders and the book Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink Kyle: Buying land Curtis: The story "Giant Man" on This American Life (Ep. 351, Act Four) Learn more about Wildcat Oil Tools and connect with Justin on LinkedIn.

Jordan and Kyle answer a question from Tulsa about bench testing valves for pressure decay a questions from Brazil about options for -22F production fluid. Resources mentioned Catalytic Heaters Control Valve Pilots Recommendations Kyle: Why Olympic Curling Stones are So Expensive Jordan: Haunted Cosmos podcast Curtis: "Down withe the Shine" by the Avett Bros Denny: Station 11 Soundtrack

Will and Jordan answer customer questions about the K-factor for a flow meter, master repair kits, mounting an actuator horizontally, how much supply pressure a valve needs from an air compressor, and choked flow. Resources mentioned: What Causes Choked Flow? Back Pressure Regulator with Outside Supply Flow Meters New Master Repair Kit Codes

Will and Curtis are in OKC while Ryan is in Ft. Worth at Super Dug 2023 (possibly wearing a cape) for this conversation about liquid level control. Topics Include: Vertical vs. horizontal separators Replacing vs. repairing the pilot on a level controller The life-changing experience of hearing a pop-off valve What happens when you over-pressure a vessel Customers' favorite part the new Gen 3 Displacer sizes in a level controller Recommendations: Curtis: Video about Mining for Lithium in Chile Will: Guardians of the Galaxy 3 Ryan: Tennis

Kristen Hincke, VP of ESG for Flogistix, joins us to talk about vapor recovery, greenhouse gas emissions, and why it's critical to be proactive on ESG. Topics include: Advice for energy industry suppliers about navigating ESG conversations How to provide ongoing ESG education to internal teams Tips for getting started on an ESG report Links mentioned in this episode: Flogistix ⁠Kristin on LinkedIn⁠ Kimray's Emissions Solutions Jeff, Denny, Curtis on LinkedIn Recommendations: Kristin: ⁠Scott Tinker's Ted Talk⁠ and ⁠Alex Epstein's books⁠  Jeff: OERB webinars Curtis: ⁠⁠Liberty Energy's Chris Wright interview Denny: Best mini-golf courses in America

Ryan and Will answer common customer questions:  Where can I find a valve's CV?  Can you disconnect the R2L from the valve body?  Can you use the same displacer with the new Gen 3 liquid level controller we used with a Gen 2?  What is Kimray doing to help producers lower their emissions?  Is bending tubing a science or art? 

Oilfield veteran Tommy Bruce joins us from Odessa to address some control valve misconceptions and what producers in the Permian and Delaware Basins are doing to lower their emissions. Resources mentioned in this episode: https://kimray.com/training/eliminate-fugitive-emissions-your-back-pressure-regulator-simple-conversion-0 https://kimray.com/training/control-valve-sizing-3-likely-symptoms-oversized-control-valve https://kimray.com/training/limit-emissions-non-venting-pneumatic-control-valves

Jordan and Kyle answer customer questions about emissions within a dehydration system, brackets, and what to do when sand washes out your valve.

We are joined by Brad Remley of Baseline Energy to discuss well site energy needs, opportunities for electric power in locations where infrastructure is limited, ESG, and the new Top Gun movie. Resources mentioned in this episode: Baseline Energy Connect with Brad Remley on LinkedIn

In this bonus episode, Producer Denny discusses the myriad things he learned researching for our video A Short History of Oil: 1700-1870.

Kyle Andrews and Ryan Spangler answer 5 customer questions: Why would I need two glycol pumps on a dehydration system? What is Kimray doing to address emissions concerns? Why are your lead times so long right now? How is the new Gen 3 level controller different than the Gen II? What kind of training does Kimray provide? Resources mentioned in this episode: Kimray.com/gen3 Kimray.com/emissions

Mike Fick joins us to discuss liquid level control and how a new product was developed to help producers achieve precise interface in their separation equipment. Resources mentioned in this eposide: Kimray.com/gen3

Ryan Spangler joins us to discuss BS&W—what it is, how it's measured, and what producers do with it. https://kimray.com/training/what-bsw-oil-production

Jeremy French joins us to talk oil emulsions. Topics include: When you drill a well, what all comes out of the ground? How are oil emulsions formed? What's the difference between oil-in-water and water-in-oil? What is an “immiscable” well stream? What is Mayonnaise? Resources mentioned in this episode What is an Oil Emulsion? 6 Ways to Separate an Oil and Water Emulsion Chemistry Class with Garrett Lee | Ep. #41

Our friends on the YouTube have questions, and we're here to answer them. In this ep, Jordan and Kyle get into how to establish a set point, Canadian crude, and how to repair a spring-loaded BPR without losing a digit. Also: Dinosaurs! Resources mentioned in this episode: Kimray's YouTube Channel Types of Crude Oil How to Repair a Spring-Loaded Back Pressure Regulator Kimray Repair Tools

In this ep. we cover the ten most common applications for a back pressure regulator, including on separators, VRUs, with liquids, and in emissions-free zones. Resources mentioned in this episode: 10 Applications for a Back Pressure Regulator

This was a fun one! Kyle and Jordan explore underground caverns, Delrin cages in Lever Operated Valves, and explain what NOT to wear if you're on a Kimray video. Email a question to Jordan and the Product Applications Team: prodtechsupport@kimray.com CCT8 Trunnion Assembly

Kyle and Jordan discuss the 4 types of oil & gas reservoirs, how they are produced, and what unique challenges producers face with each type. How the Most Common Types of Reservoir are Produced

Molly Determan, COO of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, joins us to discuss the labor shortage, recruiting, oil and gas TikTok, ESG, and why it's a great time to start a career in the energy industry. Check out Energy Workforce & Tech Council Connect with Molly on LinkedIn

Fugitive emissions are a growing focus in the oil and gas industry, and producers are being tasked with dramatically reducing their emissions. Today we're going to talk about some quick, simple steps you can take to prevent emissions from escaping your controllers. What are fugitive emissions? Where and why potential leaks are happening? What is preventative maintenance? Preventative maintenance in areas you may not think. Resources mentioned in this episode: Kimray Emissions Solutions Page Repair kits that can be installed on sealing surfaces in our control products include: Trunnion Assemblies Lever Operated Dump Valves Regulators High Pressure Control Valves Temperature Controllers Weight Operated Dump Valves

Jordan and Trent tackle the following customer questions: What is the optimal position for trunnion floats? Does Kimray offer SS bodies for their valves? Where can I find the face-to-face length of my valve body? What info can I get from serial number search? Resources mentioned in this episode: https://kimray.com/training/how-weight-float-ball-liquid-level-control https://kimray.com/training/3-types-control-valve-trim https://kimray.com/serial-number-search

In Part 2 of this special edition of Stuff You Should Know about Oil and Gas, we travel back to to Western Oklahoma to talk with Production Superintendent Jobey Toho. In this episode, he describes how different seasons affect his production, what it takes to be a pumper, and how new technology has changed his work.

In this special edition of Stuff You Should Know about Oil and Gas, we travel to a working oilfield in Western Oklahoma and introduce you to a Production Superintendent named Jobey Toho, who explains how his operation is set up to produce, separate, and sell oil and natural gas. Topics include: How Jobey's oilfield career got started What's a typical day for a pumper like? Equipment walkthrough What to look for when troubleshooting Where the resources go after they are separated

In this episode, Jordan and Kyle answer 5 customer questions: Does Kimray offer BP Regulator (integrated design) with 300RF Flanges? How can I know if my Kimray device has been affected by a product update? What would happen if my HPCV topworks were over-pressured? What is the grade of material on this product piece? What should I do if my Kimray product arrives damaged or broken? Resources mentioned in this episode: What is a Flange Valve? Kimray Product Updates

Jordan and Kyle answer customer questions! What is choked flow? How does critical flow effect liquid flow (cavitation and flashing)? Does Kimray support discontinued products? What is the difference between an indirect and direct pilot? Where can I find the repair kit for my Kimray device? When sizing a valve, why does my valve size decrease when my differential pressure increases, but my flow is the same? Resources mentioned in this episode: What Causes Choked Flow in a Control Valve? How to Reverse the Topworks of Your High Pressure Control Valve When to Use Direct vs. Indirect Control Valve Pilot

Jim Crompton from the Colorado School of Mines joins us to discuss Digital Analytics and what he calls Digital Oilfield 2.0. Jim spent 37 years with Chevron and has an extensive experience in oil and gas production. TOPICS INCLUDE: Incorporating operator and engineering experience with data Using data models to predict failures and act faster How producers can take advantage of emerging digital technologies in other industries The importance of verifying your data set is accurate RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE https://kimray.com/training/electric-valve-controller-easy-first-step-oil-and-gas-automation https://kimray.com/training/6-key-terms-upstream-oil-and-gas-automation Connect with Jim on LinkedIn.

In this episode, we provide an overview on Pump Jacks and how they bring oil to the surface. What is a Pump Jack? How does a Pump Jack work? Why is Rod Lift used? What Equipment is needed for rod lift? Surface Pumping Unit. Challenges with Pump Jacks. Resources mentioned in this episode: 5 Common Methods of Artificial Lift Common Oil and Gas Abbreviations

Aaron Alaniz, Kimray National Sales Director, joins the show to give us an overview of where the industry is, and where it's headed. Topics include: ESG goals Automation trends Kimray's increased presence in the Permian

Looking for an easy way to ruin your day? Damaging your control valve can do that and more! So if you are in the the mood for some frustrating downtime, follow these 5 ways to damage your valve. Resources mentioned in this episode: 5 Ways to Damage Your Control Valve The 3 types of control valve trim How to Select Valve Elastomers

In this episode, we answer customer questions about glycol pumps, LACT units, suction controllers, and more. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Best Suction Controller for a Gas Compressor What Does a LACT Unit Do?

In this episode, we tackle 5 common customer questions: How does Kimray classify their venting devices by EPA standards? How do I find what repair kit I need to use with my valve? Can Kimray regulators be mounted vertically? (Inlet/outlet moving vertically) How can I find the maximum volume I can move through my valve? How can I find information on my valves on Kimray's website? Resources mentioned in this episode: Kimray Emissions Solutions What is Valve Cv? Repair Kit Search Serial Number Search Have a questions? We want your hear about your toughest oil and gas control challenges. Drop us an email at podcast@kimray.com and we'll get you an answer.

ESG Commitments, how a back pressure regulator vents, and how to convert it to use an air compressor. Resources mentioned in this episode: https://kimray.com/training/eliminate-fugitive-emissions-your-back-pressure-regulator-simple-conversion https://kimray.com/training/how-convert-gas-regulator-vent-non-vent

In this episode, Kyle explains the liquid level control function "interface." Topics include: How do you know if your interface is accurate? Mechanical vs. Pneumatic vs. Electric? Troubleshooting What's the proper way to weight a float? How and why should you adjust the linkage rod? What is a torque calculator? Resources mentioned in this episode How to Weight a Float Ball for Interface Torque Calculator 2 Critical Adjustments for Accurate Liquid Level Control

Chase Hendley shares how a producer in Western Oklahoma dealt with sandy, erosive fluid that was causing premature valve washouts. Resources mentioned in this episode: https://kimray.com/training/t-body-field-study-western-oklahoma

Losing glycol in your Gas Dehydration system? In this episode we explain 5 common reasons and give solutions for each. Resources mentioned in this episode: https://kimray.com/training/top-5-reasons-youre-losing-glycol-your-gas-dehydration-process https://kimray.com/training/what-glycol-foaming https://kimray.com/training/glycol-filtration-3-types-and-how-they-work-clean-your-glycol