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He says using a clean sheet and an objective driven design is the way forward, not working from the last best design and tweaking it. Also, concepts needed to be included as

PRODUCTION the feasibility study and concept selection phase to ensure that operations perspectives are clear and included in the commercial framework for a project.

As an example, DNV GL has developed the Solitude concept – based on an un- manned FLNG installation.

DNV GL’s concept. Solitude Image from DNV GL.

While the tough LNG reliability of model prediction and companies, which is dif? cult in a frag- market might not see Solitude come process optimization for the operation mented industry operating within silos. to market in the near-term future, the in question. “This is a multi-level scheme that has concept has been widely embraced by

Furthermore, IE use depends on been proposed by various authors,* based the industry, Boyle says. What’s more: open digital communications, which on ISA-95, that is applied to various “Many elements of Solitude can be a company might perceive as a threat industrial manufacturing enterprises. implemented independently and some to its constructed barriers. “For drill- Essentially drilling optimizes to a series are already available,” he adds. “For ex- ing systems automation, SPE’s Drilling of constraints. One example would be ample, operators control subsea installa-

Systems Automation Technical Section’s allowable equivalent circulating density tions and simple, ? xed offshore instal- (DSATS) ? rst proposal was to adopt (ECD), which depends on the operating lations from shore. With continuing

Object [Linking and Embedding] for window, bounded by fracture pressure advances, unmanned offshore installa-

Process Control Uni? ed Architecture and pore pressure – a KPI would be how tions are a natural development.” (OPC UA) as an open communications well this ECD is maintained. Another Indeed, this type of activity is already protocol. That proposal was about six might be allowable tripping speed at hole happening in the subsea sector, where years ago, yet only now are we seeing depth, which varies depending on the al- minimal intervention strategy is being emergent OPC UA systems for drilling lowable margins between surge and swab pioneered, Boyle says. (OE: March 2015). The adoption rate is speeds and fracture and pore pressures “In other industries, such as automo- low, in part because existing companies respectively.” tive, the use of data sensors to determine prefer to operate behind barriers.” effective service activity is gathering

Unmanned movers

There’s also a lack of a technical road- pace, while further disruptive technolo- map, he says. “For any business to com- Another area of intelligent energy focus gies in the form of the Google car will mit funds to developing and supporting is removing people entirely from the further step change IO use,” he says. systems automation, it has to see the work site, with completely unmanned

What next long-term strategy within the industry,” facilities, could also be a way the indus-

Iversen says. try works more smartly in the future. Gilman says that new technology start-

Systems engineering also needs to “Removing people is a fundamental ups could help inject some innovation be addressed. “Practices are really not principle of inher- into the oil and gas sector. But, she says employed in the drilling industry at ently safer design,” that it’s also about existing players and the level one would expect,” he says. says Peter Boyle, a those looking to take on IE technologies “Systems engineering within silos does leader within the UK working together differently. occur, but systems engineering does not risk advisory group For Edgerton it’s quite simple: “IE occur at an industry level. It is therefore of DNV GL. “This in technologies help us enhance our under- dif? cult to build a vertical model that turn produces addi- standing of complex systems and to op- is automated from the wellsite to the tional design, weight timize them. Reducing complexity helps

Peter Boyle enterprise level.” and cost savings.” overcome one of the biggest barriers to

Finally, it’s about metrics and how Boyle says that an aversion to risk, the changing business performance. IE solu- you can measure the impact of IE on race to be second, has impaired the oil tions are a methodology, not a goal, and drilling. “The ultimate goal of IE is, and gas industry’s ability to innovate in remembering this will help as companies possibly, to develop a systems engineer- this area. But, the “brutal wake-up call” look to deploy tools and apply new con- ing approach to drilling, and then one of the oil price slump, could open the cepts to improve the business.” has to measure KPIs (key performance door to more use of intelligent energy * J.L. Thorogood, Drilling Global indicators) representing adherence to technologies, such as integrated opera- Consultant LLP; J.D. Macpherson, Baker optimized constraints. This means tions, or IO, where platforms are oper- Hughes; R.A. Macmillan, National information sharing between multiple ated remotely. Oilwell Varco.

August 2016 | OE oedigital.com 56 054_OE0816_Production1_SPE IE.indd 56 7/25/16 11:07 AM