Alberta has always had a reputation for harvesting entrepreneurial heroes in the petroleum industry. None more so than Robert and Ray Mills, owners and operators of KUDU Industries Inc. in Calgary, Alberta.
The company was spawned in the late 1980s in the humble garage of Robert Mills, KU DU’s co-founder, and Chief Executive Officer. After discovering a need for more efficient method of Progressing Cavity Pump technology in sand-laden heavy oil and highwater-cut oil wells, Robert previously patented a novel PCP drive system in 1982.
His son Ray, a fellow gear head, was always part of the team. Together, they redefined PCP distribution in Canada and eventually distributed directly to customers across worldwide, raising the innovation benchmark and adding heat to an already competitive market.
Over the years, the company has set itself apart, including the personal attention to customized products and service beyond average industry standards.
“Our philosophy offers something you don’t get from our competition—continuous collaboration for product and producer performance,” says Ray Mills. “Our team of specialists offer product maintenance, technical support and training 24/7, every ay of the year. That’s rare in our industry.”
Safety is also a high priority. KUDU has implemented ISO standards and boosted research and development—leading to over 20 PCP patents in the artificial lift field.
The family-run business is also respected for its core values and ethical practices. So much so, KUDU has been lauded with the Innovation Insights Award for Manufacturing Practices from the National Research Council of Canada, Canada’s Top 50 Best Managed Private Companies, Calgary Manufacturing Industry’s 2008 Best Employer for medium sized manufacturers and the Alberta Export Award for Oil and Gas Manufacturer 2009.
KUDU introduced three key innovations, all of which are quickly gaining momentum in the industry:
- KUDU’s PCM Vulcain™ Metal-to-Metal Pump for SAG -D and CSS applications is now hard at work in Alberta oilfields and is one of the first companies in the world to provide this breakthrough technology. Built for high thermal applications, the PCM Vulcain pump allows for operations up to 350°F. It accommodates a wide range of viscosities, temperatures, pressures and flow rates with no gas lock or rod fall issues. A demonstration of the PCM Vulcain will be presented during the Heavy Oil Congress in Edmonton, Alberta March 15-17, 2011.
- The SAM PCP Well Manager, a dual innovation designed by KUDU and Lufkin Automation, offers a combination of software and on-site hardware that provides an effective control algorithm which automates and optimizes a well. It enables producers to gather data, measure, monitor, and adjust torque to ensure maximum output. A safety mechanism steps in and controls the speed and prevents pump off and breakage. The Data Logging also provides Real Time management of centralized information using a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. The diagnostic tool also allows a user to remotely control changes. The SAM PCP Well Manager is CSA approved as well as IPC and ISO certified.
- Tough Coat™ is KUDU’s solution for prolonging the life of PCP rotors, adding a longer life span and increasing efficiency over chrome-plated counterparts. It’s applicable in light, medium and heavy oil applications and lasts longer in adverse and highly abrasive conditions and environments. The payoff? Increased well revenue, no weakening or wear, (typical of chrome otors in similar applications) lower operating costs, and improved pump life. KUDU has seen vast expansion over the past 22 years, with field offices spread across the Canadian Prairies, United States, Australia, Kazakhstan, Oman and Russia. KUDU technology is found in over nearly 30 countries, in some of the most inhospitable climates.
“Our products can accommodate any environment,” adds Ray Mills. “We’ve got over 200 employees across the planet tapping into a growing global market. We’re poised and ready for the next wave.”
To find out more about KUDU products, visit www.kudupump.com or call (800) 642-5519.
