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Discuss this article (0 Comments)World without wires
by ArabianBusiness.com staff writer on Saturday, 24 November 2007
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Other examples can be found in offshore production, where the use of mobile video and new sensors reduces the need for personnel who can carry out their duties onshore, meaning less transport to and from the site reducing costs and risk. Also, enhanced monitoring systems mean problems can be identified and addressed more speedily.
"For example, the application of WiMax in the field of upstream applications has a real benefit as data generated during exploration can be transmitted in real time to engineers, who can make informed decisions," said Ferhad Patel, regional business manager, Gulf countries, Intel.
Almost certainly the most important obstacle has been the lack of progress in the various standardisation bodies - Todor Todorov.
"Additionally oil drilling platforms can be connected to each other and to shore based facilities. Voice, video and data can be transmitted cost effectively, reliably and securely thus providing a command centre with information on weather conditions, oil rig equipment information and work progress.
"The enhanced recovery of limited oil and gas reserves through the use of real time information systems will allow timely business decisions that generate revenue and save money," said Patel.
"Field and refinery resources can be monitored and maintained based on their condition resulting in cost savings, in addition to facilitating better collaboration between remote resources and centralised decision makers."
Driving development
The requirements of the industry as a whole will be the drivers behind most of the development in specialised areas of the oil and gas industry. It will be important for any technology developed to have the capability to seamlessly integrate into existing systems, across platforms and brands.
"In the case of industrial technological advancement the evolving needs, requirements and growth of the industry form the backbone on which technology is tailored," said Todorov.
Patel believes there are already enough compelling reasons for the industry to use wireless technology.
"The oil and gas industry has been deploying satellite communication technology but now have a more cost effective and robust alternative," he said.
"Real time information allows for quicker and more efficient decision making. In an industry where milliseconds can mean the difference between success and failure, any technology that can help will be adopted and retained. It will be driven by the need to remain competitive in the world markets by enhancing the efficiency of the oil field and the refineries."
Technological breakthroughs over the last few years are also contributing to a growing interest in applying the technology.
"Developing the 802.15.4 low power radio on a chip coupled with mesh networking technology is a major technology advancement enabling industrial wireless," said Kagan. "Additionally the proliferation of the WiFi standards - 802.11xxx and WiMax 802.16xxx have helped spur [the development of] wireless solutions."
Todorov highlights similar points, suggesting that the concept of ‘mesh' networking is perhaps the biggest breakthrough.
"The mesh is a network of many intelligent ‘nodes', each communicating to one of the nodes next to it in the network topography - the more nodes the better the mesh," he said.
"With an abundance of communication paths redundancy is assured, because if a node drops out of the network for one reason or another, the other nodes around it are smart enough to realise it is no longer there and work out for themselves an alternative communications path."
Wireless applications
Hesh Kagan, director, Technology Services, Applications, and Solutions for Invensys Process Systems describes some of the prominent applications for wireless technology.
Mobile Workforce - provides employees in the field with secure roaming access to real-time control systems, enterprise applications, documents, and other information via wireless hand-held devices and hardened Mil Spec and NEMA 4-rated tablet personal computers.
Field Data Logging - enables personnel to quickly and accurately upload device and equipment status and diagnostic data to maintenance systems from the field.
Condition Monitoring - wireless connection to remote sensors provides incremental measurements (tank levels, temperatures, pH, vibration, etc.) to provide a richer real-time database to support highly effective model-based predictive maintenance strategies.
Asset Tracking - uses RFID technology to provide accurate identification and location of fixed and rolling assets with optional visualisation on a hand-held device.
Physical Security - provides flexibility to implement any combination of mobile video, fixed surveillance cameras, intrusion detectors, and proximity sensors as required to cost-effectively extend the reach of physical security throughout a building, plant, or an entire complex.
Personnel Safety - provides a means to accurately identify physical location of personnel in real time, notify first responders of safety shower activation, provide ‘man-down' notification for emergency services, and remote evacuation alarming.
Communications - provides secure integration of multiple wireless technologies (including both VoIP and high-speed back haul communications) to cost-effectively connect people, facilities, and systems.
Hesh Kagan, director, Technology Services, Applications, and Solutions for Invensys Process Systems describes some of the prominent applications for wireless technology.
Mobile Workforce - provides employees in the field with secure roaming access to real-time control systems, enterprise applications, documents, and other information via wireless hand-held devices and hardened Mil Spec and NEMA 4-rated tablet personal computers.
Field Data Logging - enables personnel to quickly and accurately upload device and equipment status and diagnostic data to maintenance systems from the field.
Condition Monitoring - wireless connection to remote sensors provides incremental measurements (tank levels, temperatures, pH, vibration, etc.) to provide a richer real-time database to support highly effective model-based predictive maintenance strategies.
Asset Tracking - uses RFID technology to provide accurate identification and location of fixed and rolling assets with optional visualisation on a hand-held device.
Physical Security - provides flexibility to implement any combination of mobile video, fixed surveillance cameras, intrusion detectors, and proximity sensors as required to cost-effectively extend the reach of physical security throughout a building, plant, or an entire complex.
Personnel Safety - provides a means to accurately identify physical location of personnel in real time, notify first responders of safety shower activation, provide ‘man-down' notification for emergency services, and remote evacuation alarming.
Communications - provides secure integration of multiple wireless technologies (including both VoIP and high-speed back haul communications) to cost-effectively connect people, facilities, and systems.
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