PRODUCTION • PROCESSING • HANDLING
X-Band radar systems can create sophisticated, high-resolution models to predict rain, wind and other weather phenomena without requiring a large physical footprint. Tese radar systems trump traditional C-Band radar systems that require advanced engineering to erect a full tower to engage the radar. In a package roughly the size of your average human, the mobile installation of these systems makes civil engineering efforts easier. Once installed, X-band radars can
be run at a high resolution to more effectively prepare the rig for incoming weather and allow its operators to make better decisions in the face of poor conditions.
When the data from the radar is combined with weather models, it can be used to predict the direction of weather patterns. Crews can receive precise forecasts of how their specific location might be impacted by weather that is 50- 60 miles away, providing sufficient notice to take action without overcompensating for storms headed away from their location. With this new capability, an offshore oil exploration and production rig can achieve the following:
l Decreased risk of crew injury l Lower equipment failure risk l Reduced number of unnecessary
X-Band radar systems enable regular crew members to interpret the data, meaning that on-site meteorologists are not required
shutdowns and transportation delays l Improved maintenance efficiency
ADVANCED ANALYTICS: NO INTERPRETER NEEDED Weather modelling is a complex science with a wide range of factors. Interpreting weather data can be challenging and is the job of a meteorologist rather than platform crews. Unless advanced data visualisation techniques are applied, the average crew member would have no way to apply the data to their current
situation. But with these new X-Band radar systems, an on-site meteorologist is not needed to interpret the reported information. Te Weather Company, an IBM
Business, has pioneered the art of making complex forecasts actionable. Tanks to advances in data visualisation born from decades of serving consumers, pilots and even retail marketers, Te Weather Company is applying these same techniques to on-rig weather systems to enable all crew members to react to weather events with ease.
FURTHER SUCCESS FORECAST Te oil industry is not for the faint of heart, and large investments are being made to erect these rigs in dangerous parts of the world where mature weather forecasting technology is not available. Te advantages of weather radar technology make sense to insure this investment and ensure that companies are protecting their on-site assets and crews with proper precautions, no matter what the weather conditions. l
When data from the radar is combined with weather models, it can be used to predict the direction of weather patterns
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www.engineerlive.com
Jim Menard is head of Energy and Utility at the Weather Company, an IBM Business.
www.business.weather.com
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