From rig to refinery to distribution: enterprise mobility is enhancing the safety, efficiency and performance of oil and gas companies

Working in some of the world’s most challenging locations and in some its most competitive markets, Oil and Gas companies are continually focused on enhancing safety and increasing productivity while concurrently reducing costs.

In this article, Tarek Hassaniyeh, Regional Sales Manager, CIS, Turkey and Middle East, Motorola-Enterprise Mobility, explains how these apparently conflicting objectives are being achieved through advances to technology: Wireless networks, remote equipment monitoring systems and powerful handheld computers, support the seamless flow of real-time data and communications across the business. Throughout the enterprise employees are empowered with the information they need to make more informed decisions and complete tasks with a high degree of safety and efficiency.

Key technical advances
Technical advances are achieving the vision of the ‘Seamless Enterprise’ where information doesn’t reside in inaccessible back-office databases, it’s put to work. As soon as data is generated, it’s recorded and is made available across the business in real-time. While a number of technologies underpin this development three are particularly important.

First is the availability of low-cost, easy to install and reliable wireless networks. The technology ensures that far-flung facilities can be covered with broadband connectivity. This local coverage is linked via wireless, fixed lines or satellite communications to the corporate network. Second, are Direct Part Marking (DPM) and Radio Frequency (RFID). DPM imprints (which can be read by handheld computers) can be used to track products throughout their life cycle to advance production efficiency and enhance a range of applications including managing manufacturing quality, warehouse and other line-side functions. RFID tags are also increasingly being employed in Oil and Gas facilities to identify equipment and make it easy for engineers and monitoring teams to locate the performance of parts.

Powerful partners
Examples of the rugged, powerful computers available to personnel include the MC9000 series, a handheld computer for indoor and outdoor use in areas such as the warehouse, loading bay or factory floor. With a comfortable pistol grip, it’s especially designed to cope with ‘scan-intensive’ applications through a design that reduces user fatigue and supports 1D, 2D and DPM image capture. With WLAN and PAN compatibility, the device, built on an industry standard operating platform, supports a wide range of data capture applications. One of the recent deployments has been implemented by LUKOIL, one of the largest refining companies in Russia. Handhelds are now used to support teams in running an efficient operation in the company’s Permnefteorgsintez manufacturing warehouse site which is among the largest such facility in the world.

Third, Internet Protocol (IP), the communications standard that underpins the internet, makes it easier to connect wired, wireless and cellular systems. So information flows seamlessly across companies’ systems delivering integrated voice and data communications to users.

These developments support a wide range of applications and services. Highlights include:

Enhancing connectivity
Communications networks keep teams hooked-up to data and communications wherever they are – from facilities in built-up areas to those in very remote regions. The connectivity is enabled by a range of technologies including TETRA, wireless wide area networks (WWANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs) and Personal Area Networks (PANs – where Bluetooth® enabled devices allow users to wirelessly connect to corporate systems and other equipment) with information seamlessly flowing across these systems to where it is needed. Also, new handheld computers are available which are compatible with different communications networks.

Advanced data capture: Equipped with powerful handheld devices with scanning capabilities, maintenance teams can use RFID tags to keep a watchful eye on key equipment such as pipelines, pumps and safety gear. The many parts of a pipeline can be serialized with tags, from flanges, to gaskets to bolts. When an engineer is sent to a piece of equipment, they can read the chip using their handheld computer. This identifies that they are reviewing the right part and also accesses corporate systems to present all relevant information on that part – including maintenance history, the next service date and past problems.

The information provides the intelligence to assess if pre-emptive work or maintenance needs to be carried out, reducing the scope for leaks and failures to keep critical systems continually available. RFID also advances monitoring. Traditionally, teams that monitor equipment would write down readings returning to base to re-enter the data on corporate systems. Using their devices, the RFID tag is simply read to identify that the right equipment is being reviewed. The user can then enter the data using the keyboard and wirelessly update back-office databases or connect a lead to automate the process. Based on this intelligence the control team can assess if remedial work is required while teams can stay in the field for longer, administration is reduced and data entry is more accurate.

Safety: With wireless coverage available providing communications across working areas, control rooms can keep a constant eye on teams. GPS capabilities of handheld computers ensure personnel are instantly supported based on their location information.

With seamless information, emergency response is improved. System messages can be sent automatically to team members warning of an imminent problem and advising on standard procedures to follow. When search and rescue teams are involved, their productivity is improved by the ability to use real time information including work plans, voice and instant messaging ensuring proper risk assessment in harmful environments.

Efficiency: With mobile solutions the dispatch team can have a complete view on team status and can immediately respond to the situation; optimizing resources and enhancing productivity.

Productivity: With access to a range of services on their handhelds users’ productivity is improved. For instance field engineers can log into work remotely, file electronic timesheets, receive job order in the field and confirm that they’ll take the job. When they’re on site, they can easily access the company IT system, call up manuals and review work that has been conducted on the equipment previously. Teams can also easily fill in a record of their work (using template forms that are designed to speed up data entry) and file this immediately without standardised electronic capture of information reduces incidents of manual data entry errors.

Warehouse and asset tracking: Warehouse teams have complete vision from their handheld devices of where equipment is stored, what has been requested, what has been sent out and what needs to be ordered. With real-time seamless information, teams ensure that the parts and service operations that keep the company functioning work to optimum capabilities. Within warehouses sensitive or hazardous materials can also be RFID tagged which raise an audible alarm if a substance is inadvertently stored near another material that could cause a dangerous reaction.

Quality control: Handheld computers are also used by Motorola customers to track and trace (by lot or batch number) the parts or ingredients used in the manufacturing process to ensure quality across the supply chain and transforming operations.

From the clipboard to the computer
Oil and Gas companies are increasingly moving to create seamless access to information and applications from powerful handheld devices. The developments deliver a range of advantages including:
• Enhancing team safety
• Advancing the maintenance and operating life of key equipment
• Running effective logistics and warehouse operations, and
• Ensuring field resources are optimally managed and improving the way emergencies are managed.

Collectively, these improvements can transform the performance of the enterprise, optimizing plant performance, reducing operating costs, driving team productivity and enhancing safety. These gains are key benefits in the highly competitive world of Oil and Gas exploration, production and distribution. 

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