In the world of oil and gas, competency and compliance are critical components of operational excellence. From ensuring job site safety to meeting rigorous industry standards, having the right tools to manage training, certifications, and service quality can make all the difference. At ProTorque, we’ve embraced Workhub as a cornerstone of our operations, ensuring that our teams are not only prepared but also positioned to deliver exceptional results on every job.

Meeting the Industry’s Demands

The oil and gas industry operates under intense scrutiny. Clients and regulators expect a level of precision, safety, and accountability that leaves no room for error. At ProTorque, we recognize that meeting these expectations starts with our people. That’s why we’ve invested in Workhub, a compliance management system that ensures our employees are fully equipped to meet the demands of even the most challenging projects.

How Workhub Works for ProTorque

Workhub is much more than a digital filing cabinet. It’s a comprehensive system that allows us to manage training, track competency, and capture service quality events—all in one place. Here’s how it helps us deliver on our promise of safety and excellence:

The Competitive Advantage

In the tubular running services (TRS) space, many companies still rely on manual processes to manage compliance and training. This lack of structure can lead to inefficiencies, missed certifications, and, ultimately, lost client trust. Workhub sets ProTorque apart by providing:

• Verifiable Data: Clients can see exactly how we track and manage our team’s readiness, instilling confidence in our processes.
• Proactive Compliance: By staying ahead of regulatory and site-specific requirements, we reduce downtime and ensure smooth operations.
• Continuous Improvement: With insights from service quality events, we’re constantly refining our processes to deliver even better results.

Why Competency and Compliance Matter

At its core, competency and compliance are about trust. Our clients trust us to deliver safely, efficiently, and on time. Workhub allows us to uphold that trust by ensuring our teams are not only trained but also continually improving. Whether it’s tracking the smallest detail of a certification or analyzing a service quality event, Workhub helps us maintain the high standards that ProTorque is known for.

A Commitment to Excellence

At ProTorque, we believe that operational excellence starts with the basics—ensuring our people have the skills, certifications, and tools they need to succeed. Workhub is not just a system; it’s a reflection of our commitment to safety, efficiency, and client satisfaction. By investing in tools like Workhub, we’re not only meeting industry standards but also setting new ones.

If you’re looking for a partner who prioritizes safety and operational excellence, contact ProTorque today to learn how we can help you achieve your goals.

When running casing, the traditional reliance on truck-powered hydraulic units often leads to elevated fuel usage, more frequent maintenance needs, and occasional downtime. ProTorque’s Electric Hydraulic Power Unit (eHPU) offers a cleaner, cost-effective alternative by drawing power directly from the rig, reducing reliance on diesel engines and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. 

About eHPUs

An eHPU replaces a conventional truck-based hydraulic system (commonly powered by a diesel engine’s power take-off) with a self-contained unit that uses electricity from the rig. By tapping into a resource that’s already available on-site, the eHPU lowers diesel consumption and eases the maintenance burden usually associated with truck engines. Its design integrates neatly with existing rig setups, simplifying both equipment arrangement and daily procedures.

Key Benefits of the eHPU

1. Reduced Fuel Costs and Emissions
   • Lower Diesel Usage: Instead of relying on a continuously running truck engine, the eHPU runs on electricity produced by the rig’s power system. This shift dramatically cuts diesel consumption and associated costs.
   • Decreased Carbon Footprint: Burning less diesel equates to fewer emissions. For operators aiming to reduce greenhouse gases, the eHPU is a direct step toward more sustainable operations.
     
     
2. Simplified Maintenance and Reliability
   • Fewer Moving Parts: With no diesel engine to maintain, the overall system requires less upkeep. That translates into lower long-term expenses and fewer mechanical failures.
   • Enhanced Uptime: When a truck-powered system fails, downtime can halt operations. The eHPU’s design provides a backup if the hydraulic lines from a truck have issues, helping crews stay on track even in unexpected conditions.
     
     
3. Optimized Rig Integration
   • Seamless Design: The eHPU slots into existing rig layouts with minimal structural changes, leveraging rig power instead of separate fuel tanks or complicated add-ons.
   • Faster Setup and Teardown: Crews can spend less time preparing equipment and more time on the actual operation. The eHPU’s compact form factor reduces the extra hoses, cables, and warm-up times for diesel engines.
     
     
4. Improved Crew Safety and Efficiency
   • Less Engine Noise: With fewer diesel engines running, the rig floor is quieter, improving communication and overall working conditions.
   • Stable Power Supply: With the eHPU tied into the rig’s electrical system, pressure and flow remain consistent, helping eliminate the fluctuations that can happen when relying on engine RPMs for power.

Practical Applications in the Field

ProTorque has deployed eHPUs on multiple rigs, notably in Canada, where environmental goals and operational costs highlight the benefits. Crews report a noticeable decrease in diesel expenses, and managers appreciate the system’s steady performance. When a rig is remote or faces challenging conditions, the eHPU’s simplified logistics contribute to smoother day-to-day operations, reducing the need for frequent fuel resupplies and lowering the risk of mechanical issues.

Why the eHPU Matters for Oil and Gas Operations

With margins under pressure and sustainability concerns growing, the eHPU stands out as a strategic upgrade for rig operators. By cutting fuel usage, minimizing emissions, and streamlining setup, the eHPU offers a more sustainable approach without sacrificing efficiency or reliability.

At ProTorque, we see the eHPU as part of our broader commitment to innovation: making rig work safer, cleaner, and more productive. As the industry continues to evolve, solutions like the eHPU help operators adapt while staying competitive and mindful of their environmental impact.

If you’d like to learn more about adding an eHPU to your operations or want details on our broader range of casing solutions, contact ProTorque today and discover how we’re redefining rig efficiency.

In oil and gas, where every detail matters, even small changes can have a big impact. ProTorque’s Flush Mounted Spider (FMS) implementation is a solution designed to improve how casing operations are handled—bringing safety, efficiency, and precision front and center. Successfully implemented in the US and now being rolled out in Canada, the use of the Flush Mounted Spider showcases how ProTorque continues to push forward with practical innovations that solve real challenges on the rig floor.

What Sets the Flush Mounted Spider Apart?

The Flush Mounted Spider is a hydraulically operated slip system that integrates seamlessly into the rig floor. Unlike traditional systems that rely on manual slips or cumbersome equipment, the FMS simplifies and secures casing operations in three critical ways:

1. Enhanced Safety for Crews
   By eliminating manual slips, the FMS reduces the strain and risks typically placed on workers. Instead of workers manually pulling slips, the FMS allows operators to control the system hydraulically, removing physical hazards and ensuring greater consistency. The flush design also eliminates tripping hazards, creating a safer rig floor for everyone.
2. Streamlined Operations
   The FMS doesn’t just protect workers—it works harder, too. It can hold up to 50,000 ft/lbs of torque on the first casing joint, allowing crews to skip the oversized equipment usually needed for early stages of a casing run. With the ability to automate key tasks like slip control, the FMS minimizes downtime and ensures smoother operations.
3. Learning from the US Rollout
   The FMS has been rigorously tested in US operations, where valuable lessons have informed ongoing improvements. Adjustments to hydraulics, control systems, and operational procedures have made the tool even more effective. This refined approach is now being applied as we roll out Canadian deployments.

Canadian Rollout: Building on Success

ProTorque’s Canadian teams are preparing deployments of the FMS, leveraging the experience and insights from its US operations. By integrating feedback and adapting to specific rig conditions, we’re ensuring that the FMS rollout in Canada delivers the same operational and safety benefits.

A Better Way to Handle Casing

The FMS doesn’t just replace traditional equipment—it redefines the process. It reduces the need for multiple pieces of bulky hardware while enhancing the precision and reliability of casing operations. For clients, this means fewer delays, safer crews, and tools that are purpose-built to meet today’s demands.

Looking Ahead

ProTorque’s Flush Mounted Spider is just one example of how we’re improving everyday rig operations through smarter tools and better processes. If you’re interested in learning more about the FMS or how it can benefit your next operation, contact us today. Together, we can make every casing run safer, faster, and more reliable.

As carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) projects expand globally, they bring unique challenges that demand specialized expertise. ProTorque recently demonstrated its ability to meet these challenges with a successful chrome casing run for Shell’s CCUS project. This effort highlights how careful planning, advanced tools, and a skilled team can drive success in even the most demanding operations.

Why Chrome Casing Requires Precision

Chrome casing is essential for CCUS projects due to its resistance to corrosive environments. It ensures long-term integrity in wells designed for CO2 injection, where traditional materials like carbon steel can quickly degrade. However, chrome casing comes with its own complexities:

• Delicate Handling: Even minor scratches on the chrome surface can compromise its effectiveness, requiring meticulous care during transport, handling, and installation.
• Custom Equipment: From elevators to tongs, every piece of handling equipment must be specifically designed for chrome casing to prevent damage.
• Specialized Procedures: Running chrome casing involves carefully planned procedures, from crane lifts to controlled torque applications, to ensure every piece is installed without incident.

A Proven Track Record of Success

For this CCUS project with Shell, ProTorque’s team delivered results that reflect our deep understanding of chrome casing requirements:

• Flawless Execution: The chrome casing was handled with the precision and care needed to maintain its integrity, ensuring no damage or delays.
• Custom Solutions: ProTorque’s specialized equipment and procedures were tailored specifically to the demands of chrome casing, demonstrating our ability to adapt to unique project needs.
• Client Confidence: The success of this operation reinforced the client’s trust in ProTorque’s expertise, positioning us as a preferred partner for CCUS projects in Alberta and beyond.

The Growing Role of Carbon Capture

Carbon capture and storage is a critical component of the energy transition, and demand for CCUS wells is expected to grow in the coming years. Chrome casing will remain at the center of these efforts, and ProTorque is uniquely positioned to support clients with the knowledge, equipment, and precision required for these complex operations.

What Makes ProTorque the Right Partner?

When it comes to chrome casing runs, there’s no room for error. ProTorque’s expertise lies in managing the delicate balance between operational efficiency and the specialized care required for materials like chrome casing. Our team is equipped with the skills, tools, and mindset to meet the exacting demands of CCUS projects.

Let’s Work Together

ProTorque’s work on chrome casing runs and carbon capture wells represents the future of energy operations—one where precision and sustainability go hand in hand. If your next project requires expertise in chrome casing or carbon capture, contact us today to discuss how we can help ensure success.

At ProTorque, we are always looking for ways to improve efficiency and streamline operations for our clients. In the energy industry, where every second counts, even small adjustments can make a significant difference. This was highlighted recently when a client approached us with a challenge: they needed faster turnaround times for casing runs. Rather than simply delivering a standard solution, we took the opportunity to innovate, developing a modification to thread protectors that drastically reduced time spent on each connection.

The Challenge: Efficiency Above the Rotary Table

Casing runs are a critical part of drilling operations. They involve lowering casing strings into a wellbore to protect and reinforce the walls of the well. Efficiency in these operations is essential to minimize non-productive time and ensure smooth transitions between phases of the drilling process. One area where delays often occur on the rig floor is the removal of thread protectors—an essential part of maintaining the integrity of the casing during transportation and handling.

Traditionally, removing thread protectors requires eight to nine turns to detach. While this may seem insignificant on its own, when multiplied over 100’s of connections during a casing run, it adds up to a significant amount of time. Our client recognized this inefficiency and turned to us for a solution that would help accelerate their operations without compromising safety or quality.

The Solution: Modifying Thread Protectors

Our team at ProTorque prides itself on its ability to develop custom, “outside the box” solutions tailored to our clients’ needs. After analyzing the situation, we developed a modified thread protector designed to significantly reduce removal time. By altering the threading, we were able to reduce the required number of turns from eight or nine to just one or two.

This simple yet effective modification saves between 10 and 15 seconds per connection. Over the course of a full casing run, this adds up to a considerable time savings, allowing our client to stay on the critical path, reducing flat time, while maintaining the same high standards of safety and precision.

The Results: Improved Efficiency and Client Satisfaction

The impact of this small change has increased productive time. By cutting the time it takes to remove thread protectors, we were able to reduce flat time above the rotary table and increase operational efficiency. For the client, this meant not only faster completion of their casing runs but also lower operational costs due to reduced flat time and increased time spent on the critical path.

Beyond the immediate time savings, this solution exemplifies our commitment to client-driven innovation. At ProTorque, we don’t just offer off-the-shelf solutions; we take the time to understand our clients’ unique challenges and develop solutions that provide real value. Whether through, refining processes, or adopting new technologies, we are always looking for ways to help our clients stay ahead of the curve.

A Culture of Innovation

This thread protector modification is just a small example of how ProTorque consistently strives to set new standards in the oil and gas services industry. Our approach to innovation is rooted in collaboration with our clients, allowing us to tailor solutions that meet their specific needs and improve their operations in measurable ways.

As the energy industry continues to evolve, so too will the challenges our clients face. At ProTorque, we are committed to staying at the forefront of these changes, delivering solutions that drive efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the highest levels of safety and quality in every project we undertake.

At ProTorque, we’re committed to driving industry standards and ensuring unparalleled service quality through our advanced Competency Program. This initiative not only empowers our workforce but also delivers significant benefits to our clients. Let’s dive into how ProTorque’s Competency Program sets us apart.

1. Building a Solid Foundation: Understanding Competency Programs

Developing competency-based training programs ensures your organization has the skills and resources to achieve its goals. These programs provide employees with a clear understanding of what they need to succeed, fostering a learning environment that helps individuals lead initiatives, solve problems, and contribute to the organization’s success.

2. Safety and Efficiency: Our Twin Pillars of Success

Our Competency Program is a cornerstone of ProTorque’s commitment to safety and efficiency. By investing in comprehensive training, we ensure that our crews operate with the highest standards of safety, minimizing risks and enhancing productivity.

• Safety First: A highly trained workforce translates to a safer work environment, reducing risks for both our personnel and clients.
• Increased Efficiency: Competent technicians complete tasks more quickly and accurately, maximizing rig uptime and minimizing costly downtime.

3. Consistent Quality: The Bedrock of Our Service

Consistency is key in delivering exceptional service. Our Competency Program guarantees that every ProTorque crew member meets the same high standards, ensuring reliable and consistent quality across all operations.

• Standardized Expertise: Our rigorous competency program ensures that every team member delivers high-quality service, regardless of the project or location.
• Continuous Improvement: By archiving graph data from all jobs and leveraging machine learning, we continuously enhance our services and maintain our competitive edge.

4. Client-Centric Benefits: Drilling for Success

Our Competency Program not only benefits our internal operations but also directly impacts our clients’ success and business growth. By fostering trust and delivering consistent quality, we build strong, long-lasting relationships with our clients.

• Proactive Problem Solving: Well-trained personnel can identify potential issues early and implement effective solutions, ensuring project success and minimizing delays.
• Stronger Client Relationships: Our consistent, high-quality service builds trust, fostering long-term partnerships and driving new business opportunities.

A Word from Landon McDonald, President

“Our Competency Program is not just about training; it’s about setting a new standard in the industry. By investing in our people, we ensure that our clients receive the best service possible, leading to safer, more efficient operations and stronger partnerships.”

ProTorque Energy Canada Ltd. (“ProTorque”) is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of Hybrid Energy Services Ltd. (“Hybrid”), with an effective date of August 1, 2024.

Hybrid has diversified TRS operations in Calgary, Grande Prairie, Edson and Red Deer, all in Alberta and Fort St. John, British Columbia. Hybrid will continue to provide Tubular Running Services from each of these locations and will remain operating as Hybrid Energy Services, a ProTorque Energy Canada company.

This acquisition reinforces and strengthens the ability of both companies to deliver services to its clients in a timely and cost-efficient manner, as they adapt to the needs of the energy industry and adjust to a continually changing operating environment, which emphasizes safety, climate awareness and flexibility in operations. 

With this acquisition, both ProTorque and Hybrid emerge as stronger, more diversified energy service companies.

ProTorque wishes to thank Jason Lytwyn and his team at Hybrid for their support and effort in completing the transaction. We look forward to working with the Hybrid team. 

About ProTorque Energy

ProTorque is an industry-leading energy service provider of Integrated Tubular Running Services and Midstream Construction Solutions, with operations in Western Canada, the USA and Colombia. For more information, contact us.

At ProTorque, we recognize that our success hinges on the skills, dedication, and well-being of our people. That’s why we’ve made People Ops a cornerstone of our company. This comprehensive approach encompasses:

• Talent Development: Attracting, training, and retaining the industry’s top talent. We invest in our people, providing opportunities for growth and ongoing development to ensure they reach their full potential.
  
  
• Operational Excellence: Providing our team with the tools, resources, and clear processes they need to perform at their best. This includes a strong emphasis on mentorship and knowledge transfer.
  
  
• Safety Culture: We create a work environment where safety is everyone’s responsibility. Through training, open communication, and empowerment, we foster a culture where identifying and addressing hazards is a priority.
  
  
• Disrupting the Market: We encourage innovation at every level. Our team’s ideas and insights are invaluable in developing the new solutions that set us apart.

What is People Ops?

People Ops is about ensuring our team is equipped, motivated, and aligned with our overall goals. It answers key questions like:

• Safety: What tools and training do our people need to maintain a safe work environment?
  
  
• Competency: How do we ensure consistent skill levels and identify areas for development?
  
  
• Operational Excellence: Are our processes efficient, and do they support our team’s success?
  
  
• Measurement: What metrics track our progress in building a skilled, safe, and engaged workforce?

Who Owns People Ops?

“Operations OWNS Everything,” and that includes People Ops.  Our leadership team champions this philosophy by setting the vision for safety and excellence, providing resources, and guiding the overall direction.  Managers are key in implementing programs, supporting their teams, and fostering open communication.  Most importantly, every ProTorque employee is empowered to contribute ideas, flag potential issues, and embody our commitment to a safe and productive work environment.

While our leadership sets the tone, true success in People Ops comes from the ground up. We’ll develop the framework, but the real power comes from the input of our people.  It’s their insights that help improve processes, solutions, and ultimately make us a better company. 

The ProTorque Difference: Our People

Our dedicated and skilled team is what sets us apart. Their expertise translates into:

• Problem-Solving: The ability to quickly analyze issues and find effective solutions.
  
  
• Efficiency: Proficiency and streamlined processes minimize downtime and errors.
  
  
• Safety Focus: A proactive approach to hazard identification and mitigation.
  
  
• Client Success: Our team’s dedication ensures projects are completed safely, on time, and to the highest standards.

The Approach: Operational Excellence

Our focus on People Ops is a key part of our commitment to operational excellence. This includes:

• Customer Alignment: Understanding your needs to tailor our solutions.
  
  
• Our Values: Guiding our actions and interactions.
  
  
• Project Planning: Thorough assessments to ensure the right people, tools, and processes are in place.
  
  
• Competency Assurance: Ongoing training and skill verification.

Continual Improvement

People Ops isn’t static – it’s about continuous growth. We use KPIs, assessments, and feedback to identify areas for improvement and empower our team to be part of the solution.

About ProTorque Energy

ProTorque Energy is a leading international provider of Total Rig Solutions and midstream construction services for the oil and gas industry. With a focus on safety, technology, and their skilled team, they empower their clients to achieve their goals. For more information, contact us.