Page 22: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (Mar/Apr 2014)

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Digital Oilfield

Fig. 5: An OPC server with a local datastore and OPC HDA support.

data in its datastore repository, and then ultradeep semisub- resume HDA playback where it left off, mersible rigs have once communications have improved. many different

Fig. 6: OPC HDA data collection from several rigs across an enterprise.

Finally, access out on a rig to the rich systems and equip- applications of an enterprise historian ment on board, (computer architecture element) can be including dynamic positioning, vessel of those who need it most, is available challenging and too expensive for the management, power distribution, driller today. This technology is based on OPC task at hand. An additional bene? t of operations, and subsea systems. Each of standards. having an OPC HDA server located on the these systems typically has its own OPC An OPC server coupled with a local order to reduce satel- rig is that it allows for local operational server. However, in datastore and OPC HDA support provides lite communications to the rigs, Seadrill trending analysis and troubleshooting real-time data access at the drill site by deploys an additional OPC server that acts when coupled with a light-weight OPC moving data collection and storage closer as an “aggregator.” It is in constant commu-

HDA application. The relatively low cost to the data source. This gives on-site nication with all of the OPC servers on the and reduced complexity enable engineers operations teams access to local data for rig, but is the only connection to shore that closest to the process to leverage histori- troubleshooting production issues and communicates over the satellite network. cal data. Onsite data visibility improves optimizing highly-automated but discon-

This architecture provides the additional troubleshooting, reduces risk, and nected rig sub-systems. safety bene? t of completely shutting down improves operational ef? ciency. Incorporating the solutions presented the ability to write data directly to the OPC in this whitepaper requires minimal

Field-proven examples servers on the rig, preventing an accidental downtime, as con? guration can be

Several companies have working solu- accomplished without disrupting estab- command from reaching a piece of equip- tions in the ? eld to reliably collect data. lished communications. Furthermore, ment that could cause potentially cata-

One of them is Marathon Oil Corp., these solutions are cost effective, secure, strophic events. which has developed a remote monitor- and ? eld-proven.

Conclusion ing application called MaraDrill that collects drilling data such as rate of Increased demands for operational ef? - Steve Sponseller is a penetration, weight on bit, revolutions ciency, reporting, and safety are driving product manager at per minute, mud ? ow rate, and torque at the automation revolution in the explora- Kepware one-second intervals. This data is known tion and production segment of today’s oil Technologies with a as WITS, or wellsite information transfer & gas industry. To satisfy these ef? ciency, strategic business speci? cation, that was speci? cally devel- reporting, and safety requirements, com- development focus oped to support the oil & gas drilling panies are now remotely collecting data on the oil and gas industry. This data is also used for post- and monitoring drilling operations 24x7. market. well analysis for improved logistics and Though remotely collecting this critical He has a Bachelor’s degree in planning for subsequent wells. data has its challenges, the technology and Mechanical Engineering from the

Seadrill is an example of a company know-how required to improve communi- University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s that is remotely achieving reliable data cations, prevent data loss, and put critical degree in Engineering from Norwich collection. Their complex drill ships and real-time and historical data in the hands University.

March 2014 | OE oedigital.com 24 022_OE0314_coverstory_Kepware_B.indd 24 2/21/14 11:41 AM