SNEWS

Recent article in the Oil Review Africa :‐
Integrated Operations – The Missing Link

Issue 2, 2010

Integrated Operations

As the Oil and Gas Industry ventures into increasingly more remote and inhospitable locations around the globe, the need for reliable communications links has never been more acute. These links are a lifeline to critical technical resources and form an essential part of any INTEGRATED OPERATIONS (IO) structure. VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) satellite communication technologies provide this vital link from the worksite to the control centre. IO is most often associated with the Offshore environment and data transfer from SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) systems. However, this is just part of a multitude of IO applications when you have a VSAT Network solution as the communication link. A satellite communication system is capable of linking securely into any Local Area Network (LAN), providing portable remote internet links enabling a comprehensive suite of audio,
visual and data communication to be connected at several locations. With increasing levels of automation, it is becoming possible to control more and more devices from remote locations, this can include camera control, valve operation or any number of linked automated devices. A well orchestrated IO structure can be designed to handle the transmission of numerous data streams from any location, both offshore and onshore, allowing a comprehensive reliable link from the remote site to the control centre. The scope of facilities offered by these always‐on communication technologies is almost endless – and the savings offered by a kilfully designed communications structure are significant.

Managing Finite resources

The ability to make efficient and effective use of a finite and shrinking resource of skilled people in the industry is driving the need for more comprehensive remote site communications. With an investment in the right technology, an engineer based at a central location can access worksites directly from their control centre office, supervise numerous data feeds and have
real time audio visual communications with the remote site – enabling the engineer to offer real‐time advice on a field situation by seeing the activity as it happens and communicating directly with the field operative – almost like standing right next to them. This can be repeated over several locations offering an extremely efficient use of resources and a viable
alternative to the cost and security issues that arise when flying these skilled people around the world. This system ensures that best practice is being consistently observed at all locations and offers the remote site personnel the security of knowing that the control centre’s expertise is only seconds away and can be called on at any time.

Stay Connected

Project Management of the process is a critical aspect in order to ensure the system is effectively deployed and that the IO structure is looked at as a whole and that field staff are trained in the set‐up of the suite of communications and satellite equipment and that your choice of satellite provider has a reliable global networkThe nature of field service operations will necessitate simultaneously deploying teams to several remote locations, both offshore and onshore – this drives the need for a portable communications solution. The ability to efficiently transport this vital communications link to site together with the equipment will ensure that even the most remote and temporary location can be reliably connected with the control centre.

These temporary bases offer new communications, safety and often security challenges – this is where a reliable, portable and comprehensive communications solution comes into its own – using VSAT technology the communication links remain as reliable as they are at base, allowing full internet access and data transfer. Combine this with field‐safe audio
visual equipment and the field team is connected directly to base or any other remote site.

The system can be combined with Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) cameras to enable monitoring of the site – and camera control from base if required – this ensures the site is always monitored.



Andrew Jack
Development Director – Eye2Sky.

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