Sustainable strategies

Digitalization

"More-complex operations result in greater efficiency but also demand the use of digitalization to maximize safety and performance. A digital technology using industrial Internet of things (IIoT) edge computing and cloud analytics for the automation and control of frac valves is presented. It enables operators to deliver more fracturing stages with less nonproductive time (NPT) while enhancing visibility, safety, and integrity.

The digital solution integrates supervisory applications, control systems with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), networking devices, instrumentation, digitally enabled skids, and cloud solutions. The system uses an edge application that provides the ability to monitor valve status, control valve actuation, and automate valve greasing, using customizable software workflows and safety controls and alerts following standards managing wellsite safety. It eliminates valve operational errors using enforced workflows and interlocks based on operational awareness and instrumentation. The unintentional cutting of wireline (WL) has effectively been eliminated through the use of a proprietary detection algorithm that uses input from nonintrusive and intrinsically safe sensors in real time. Pumping detection algorithms eliminate human error and prevent the overpressurization of valves using interlocks embedded in the software.

Using digitally enabled controls that streamline frac tree and manifold valve operations, operators can reduce safety risks by reducing the headcount on location and eliminating red-zone activities; operational integrity is secured by enforcing the digital handshake and providing isolation valve interlocks between the well stimulation and well control equipment to prevent overpressurizing or washing out the frac valves. By integrating complex new workflows and flow control technology with digital controls, transition times are shortened, enabling maximum pumping time per day. The operational integrity provided by the embedded safety interlocks empowers operators to operate efficiently and without worrying about safety".[1]