Converging communications

Transitioning from existing industrial communication systems to next-generation networks presents dual challenges for oil and gas operations.

“To transport industrial networks into the next generation for oil and gas operators, equipment and solutions providers must have the flexibility to respond quickly to changing application requirement”

The case for all-IP transport    
Oil and gas companies have much to gain from the convergence of voice and data communications over a single packet-based network. The consolidated network offers long-term cost savings in terms of reduced hardware and streamlined operations, while offering powerful new features that provide greater ease of use for all the users – from field operators to executive management. Yet transitioning from existing industrial communication systems to next-generation networks presents dual challenges for oil and gas operations.

Challenge One: Legacy Applications: Mission-critical SCADA applications must be preserved. Existing meters, EFMs, RTUs, PLCs and the like are typically based on narrowband synchronous and asynchronous technologies as V.35 and V.24/EIA-232. Replacing these legacy devices with Ethernet-ready alternatives can be cost-prohibitive, and in many cases such next-generation alternatives are not yet developed.

Challenge Two: Harsh Environments: Packet-based communications equipment is typically designed for installation in heated and air-conditioned office buildings or climate-controlled data-centers. Installation sites for oil and gas operations involve such harsh environments as offshore rigs, desert and arctic climates. For these deployment scenarios, network devices must be hardened against environmental extremes that include extreme temperatures, high humidity, dust, dirt, oil and/or corrosive chemicals, splashing seawater, hose directed water, wind, rain, snow, and ice.

Addressing the challenges
To address the dual challenges of transporting industrial networks into the next generation, expertise in multiple domains is required. In-depth knowledge of legacy and state-of-the-art telecom technologies including experience with TDM and packet-based systems is needed. This domain knowledge must be combined with expertise in synchronous and asynchronous data communications protocols and practices. Manufacturing capability of hardened industrial enclosures is also needed, in addition to knowledge of and compliance with NEMA standards.

Remote Site Requirements
To modernize an offshore oil rig for an all-IP transport network, the following applications and equipment must be supported by a connection to a local Ethernet interface:
• Voice Communications: Traditional Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) handsets
• Data Communications: Computer equipment (PCs, laptops)
• Device Communications, including:
     o RS-232 SCADA devices
     o V.35, X.21 or E1/T1 composite links

A Case of Unique Capabilities   
Patton Electronics has the engineering and manufacturing capabilities to provide network equipment customized to the detailed requirements of specific industrial applications.
Patton has developed a converged-IP transport solution for the oil industry that supports voice, data, and SCADA/device applications – either separately or simultaneously.
While offering a gradual transition path from existing synch-serial to next-generation Ethernet/IP composite links for asynchronous devices, the customized multiservice CPE solution provides connection to a WiMAX, WiFi, or VSAT backhaul network for all remote-site devices.

Voice and data streams from all devices located at the remote oil-rig site are multiplexed and routed (or bridged) over Ethernet-IP and/or sync-serial connections.

Example: Converged Communications Solution for Oil Industry

Patton’s solution for the oil industry delivers the functionality of the following types of networking equipment – either separately or integrated within a single enclosure:

• Multi Port Analog Voice-over-IP Gateway Routers
Converts analog voice into digital signal, encapsulated into packets for transmission over a converged private IP network or the Internet. Provides FXS/FXO and Ethernet interfaces.

• Ethernet Extension Devices
Extends standard Ethernet segments up to five miles at full line rate over installed copper twisted-pair. Models are available with auto-rate adaptation that ensures reliable connections in the presence of electromagnetic interference, while achieving the highest possible speed across the maximum possible distances.

• Managed Multiport RS-232 Async.-Over-IP Statistical Multiplexers
Transmits the composite data-stream from multiple async devices over the Internet, a private IP network, and/or a low-cost PPP, Frame Relay, or T1/E1 service. Provides up to 8 RS-232 ports, a synchronous-serial V.35 or X.21 or T1/E1 port and dual Ethernet ports.

• Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) Switches
By delivering power and data simultaneously over the Ethernet cable, Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology streamlines installation while reducing cost and cable clutter. The switch provides a common communication path for multiple Ethernet devices.

Patton can provide all the above functions as an integrated solution enclosed in a single environmentally-hardened cabinet. As an alternative, any of the above functions may be provided by separate off-the-shelf or customized products, for installation in existing environmentally hardened enclosures located on the oil rig.

Environmental Requirements and the NEMA IV Standard
NEMA IV computer enclosures are constructed for indoor or outdoor use to provide protection against falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, windblown dust, splashing water, and hose-directed water; the external formation of ice on the enclosure. Going above and beyond the standard, Patton’s NEMA IV equipment is capable of operating within the following environmental conditions:
• Temperature: -40o to +85 o C
• Humidity: 5% to 95%
• Vibration: 2 degrees to 11 degrees

Flexibility   
In the real world of industrial networking, application scenarios run the gamut: from IP-enabling a single asynchronous meter, to converting analog handsets to VoIP, to multiplexing a range of PLCs over a V.35 composite link, to migrating an entire company network to next-generation Ethernet/IP. To meet the requirements of oil and gas operators, equipment and solutions providers must have the flexibility to respond quickly to changing application requirements and provide solutions that are:
• Customized for the required application.
• Adaptable based on feedback from the field and easily modified in the factory.

With engineering design, hardware and software development, and manufacturing teams all under one roof, Patton has the capability to quickly produce and adjust prototypes, as well as making design modifications to existing products. Virtually any combination of interfaces, software, and enclosures can be accommodated.

Patton’s EnviroNET™ Solutions
In order to address the challenges of transitioning industrial networks to the next-generation of all IP communications, Patton Electronics has developed the EnviroNET™ brand of ruggedized, environmentally-hardened communications equipment for telecom, datacom, enterprise and industrial networks. The product line includes WAN Routers, VoIP Gateways, Ethernet Extenders, Device Servers and DSL modems, all designed specifically for the rigors of heavy industry, mobile and/or outdoor networking applications. EnviroNET™ equipment can deliver voice, video, and data communication services in arctic cold (down to -45° C), desert heat (up to 85° C), wind, rain, snow, hail, high humidity, dust, dirt, corrosive chemicals, and worse.

Safely housed in NEMA4-compliant, environmentally-sealed and thermally-controlled enclosures, EnviroNET™ equipment lets you deliver voice, video and data in the toughest of industrial, enterprise, and telecom environments – indoors or out.

EnviroNET™ Equipment is ideally suited for...
• Oil Wells & Refineries
• Mines & Quarries
• Ships & Seagoing Vessels
• Railroad Environments

Patton’s EnviroNET™ solutions include POTS-over-Ethernet extension, T1/E1 extension, routed broadband-access, Voice-over-IP, xDSL, RS-232 device networking, and more.

For more information about Patton’s networking solutions for next-generation oil and gas communications, or to discuss your custom requirements, contact sales@patton.com.