This adopted report is to drive the deployment and integration of remote logging operations in Oil and Gas. Likewise, the role was to drive acquisition and setting up of applicable assets, enforce laid policies, training of selected personnel, supervising remote operations, monitoring, and developing on existing models.
Introduction
With advancements in the technological world, John Chambers (executive chairman and former CEO of Cisco) estimated that as much as 40 percent of companies now in operation around the world will not exist “in a meaningful way” sometime within the next two decades except they reinvent themselves by integrating digitization into the fabric of their business strategy. The need to integrate advanced and technological solutions to businesses became imperative especially with dwindling economies, the rise of artificial intelligence and increasing demand for products and services.
The remote operations (RO) solution was incorporated to transform the way that field operations are run, it leverages on the company’s vast solutions, IT adaptations, competencies, and expertise to provide top-notch solutions. If implemented properly, it promises to increase crew competency, allow for better work-life balance, and ultimately improve the bottom-line for all involved parties.
This project will describe the processes carried out to drive the deployment of the remote operations model for the wireline segment in Niger delta of Nigeria.
Scope
Remote logging operations involve carrying out field expositions with less crew physically at the wellsite but a large real-time technical support from remote locations all over the world. It requires steady and fast internet connectivity, surface systems connectivity on a shared network, dedicated acquisition system and well-trained crew members. A lot of planning must go into any of such operation as a failure of any of the required components could result in catastrophic failure of the entire operation.
In previous times, a basic wireline logging operation would be made up of 6 crew members; two (2) engineers, two (2) crew chiefs and two (2) equipment operators who would work on twelve (12) hour shifts each for the duration of the operation. With the introduction of remote operations and its different models – Full RO, Single shift RO, Specialist RO, and Competency RO, these crew dynamics would change. On the Full RO model, no logging engineer is physically present at the project location, trained crew chief and operator are sent to complete the equipment setup and interface with the client while all data acquisition is done remotely by a team of engineers who could be handling more than one project simultaneously. The Single shift model has only one logging engineer physically at location while the second shift is handled remotely. The competency and specialist models are similar in that the full crew is on board but they either lack the competency for the operation or require support for a specialized service requested.
As applaudable as this concept is, deployment and implementation in various parts of the world came with specific challenges. In Africa and by extension Nigeria for instance, some of the field locations are miles away from any form of civilization limiting the chances of intercepting good mobile 3G/4G network, they may have lots of natural habitat around and unbalanced terrain which constitute problems when trying to lock in on the satellites for internet connectivity using VSAT real-time remotes. Asides from these, there is always the initial opposition to change based on misconceptions or poor communications, modalities of reward systems and unavailability of required equipment.
Project Methodology
To properly drive deployment, the first step for this project was to perform a survey and assess what is already obtainable in the location in terms of infrastructure and personnel, common issues faced, and environments frequently worked on. Then the results were collated, studied, and compared with the required ideal model, this revealed a clearer picture of needs and problematic areas, some of which are highlighted below.
- Lack of training
- Very remote work terrains
- No 3G/4G coverage
- Old and unreliable VSATs
- No approved reward system
- Surface equipment not set up
- Un-leveled and not dependable surfaces at the location
- Unfavourable weather
Having identified the issues, the next logical action was to address them one after the other and as thoroughly as possible.
Very remote work terrains
Hydrocarbons could be discovered at any location. In most cases, they are explored in locations that are not very close to civilization either for safety reasons, legislative reasons, abundance, or operational reasons. Years of surface data gathering give a better estimate of the place to explore which from experience are in very remote areas. This translates to less access to motorable roads, top-notch amenities and of course internet connectivity which is the basis of remote operations.
This is a challenge that could not be fixed directly during this project as the decision of locations are solely the client’s responsibility. However, mitigations were put in place which included always having the VSAT RTRs mobilized on every such job as a backup to the 3G/4G connectivity. So, if no mobile connections at the location, the RTR will be deployed for connectivity.
Figure 1: VSAT RTR
No 3G/4G coverage
Some logging expositions happen miles from civilization and as would be expected, the mobile service providers do not have coverage in those areas. With the expectations that a stable and fast internet connection be available for remote operations logging, unavailability of 3G/4G coverage constitutes a major setback.
The alternative was the same as above which is to deploy the VSAT RTRs as a backup plan. In some cases, the client already has internet connections in their location. In such cases, a long ethernet cable needs to be mobilized alongside to tap from the client’s server to the logging unit. However, such provided connectivity has to meet certain criteria before they would qualify for remote operations otherwise, they cannot be used.
Old and unreliable VSATs
The Very small aperture terminal (VSAT) is real-time remote equipment used at locations to intercept internet signals from a dedicated satellite. It works on the basic communication principles of transmitting and receiving signals using an outdoor and indoor unit. The outdoor unit is made up of a dish, a block-up uplink converter (BUC), a low noise block (LNB) and depending on the setup, could have stood to support them. The indoor unit consists of a coaxial cable and a network modem.
From findings, the available sets of these VSATs were old and the signals from the modems, LNB and BUC were greatly deteriorated, easily affected by weather and/or obstructions, the terminations on the coaxial cables were loose and easily damaged. Moreover, the way the set was assembled or packaged as individual components exposed them to greater chances of mishandling between different crews. All these build up to unstable connectivity which is not good for remote operations.
Part of the objective of this project became to sort out a more updated and reliable VSAT that could adequately weather the terrains and provide better connectivity. Asides from this, the satellite in use also had to be changed. This led to the acquisition and lease of the Winegard VSATs. Faster deployment, assets come packaged as a unit rather than separated components leaving very small room for mishandling, faster connectivity, could be deployed in any position and chances of forgetting any component greatly reduced. Personnel were trained on how to set up this new system and how to maintain it.
Figure 2: Winegard VSAT (stow position)
Surface equipment not set up
For remote operations to function properly, another key component is the surface equipment. To successfully log in and access acquisition systems remotely, they all have to be connected to the same network. This involves physical ethernet connections to a router and IP configurations as well. Only then can a remote engineer gain full access to all the systems and controls and be able to perform the logging operation remotely and safely.
During the initial survey, it observed that most of the logging units were lacking in such setup; some of the units were not equipped with the required version of network drawers, and routers, some had no physical connections and others didn’t have the right system configurations.
Figure 3: Required Network drawer/router connections
As such, the appropriate network drawers had to be purchased and all logging trucks inspected to fix their unique problems to make them RO compliant.
Un-leveled and not dependable surfaces at the location
Asides from some locations being in a very remote environment, the surfaces of the work area are not usually at its best. Sometimes, vegetation would have to be cleared to make up accessible workspace, tall trees would still surround the area which could limit the ability for the VSAT to get a clear path to the satellites, unbalanced and muddy surfaces would also pose a challenge to the setup.
Figure 4: Example of unfavourable location
Again, this was not something that could be fixed within the scope of this project as locations are the client’s responsibility. However, with the availability of the easy- deploy, stable-based Winegard RTR, they could be placed on top of stable containers or structures by forklifts, limit personnel involvement at height and still get the required connectivity.
Unfavourable weather
Rainy and windy weathers affect the quality of internet connectivity especially in Nigeria whose rainy season could span up to seven months at times. This is a force majeure and not something that can be controlled but can only be managed by improving all the other factors mentioned above that are within control.
Ultimately, the goal after fixing all these issues was to carryout successful remote operations logging expositions in wireline, Nigeria. In the period of this project, at least three (3) of such operations were successfully deployed. After each one, setbacks and lessons learnt were reviewed to make the subsequent ones better.
Figure 5: Typical Remote operations network
Conclusion
Driving the deployment of new technology is not always the easiest task. Asides from the setbacks from equipment, people constitute the largest opposition to change. This project was able to identify and address possible problem areas, perform training for personnel on the new technology itself and the vast benefits it brings.
Recommendations
The project focused on the wireline logging trucks when setting up surface equipment. The trucks only represent about 25% of the available logging units in any location as such for future projects, setup should be extended to all the offshore units as well.
Additionally, more ROEx needs to be trained to adequately cover the vast number of operations currently ongoing and those expected soon. This will ensure no gaps are encountered due to a lack of qualified personnel for Remote operations.
Contributor: Mkpouto Umana Okoko (adopted report)
