EXPLORATION • DRILLING • FIELD SERVICES
THE MERITS OF WIRELESS NETWORKS
Reliable communications technology is enabling operational gains across the sector but particularly in operations such as drilling, explains Al Rivero
T
he oil and gas sector generates billions worldwide annually, and this growth is showing no sign of seizing up anytime soon. New global
players have also come to the fore in recent years, with the likes of China and Russia increasing their production levels to remain on par with competing nations across the globe. However, with the ever-changing
volatility in oil prices, operators realise the need to become more agile and innovative in how they prepare for inevitable market shifts. Consequently, their focus has turned to finding the best opportunities to ways in which they can optimise production efficiency while minimising expenses. If operators are to achieve the operational gains that they are craving, they must have a fully integrated view of the oil field. Tey need to understand all aspects of the assets and personnel operating within it – and this demands a communications network that can provide ultra-reliable, real-time access to data and analytics.
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AN EVOLVING INDUSTRY Due to its continuous expansion, the oil and gas sector is helping to create thousands of jobs and fulfil requirements worldwide. Despite this, operators are having to stay afloat and prepare for inevitable market shifts – including the shift to onshore rigging. Whilst offshore drilling has more significant levels of productivity and tends to last for a longer sustained period of time, onshore oil drilling now encompasses 70% of the worldwide oil production. Te amount of precious natural resources on offer is plentiful for a host of countries globally, and more are seeking to pursue onshore options as opposed to offshore ones. Furthermore, offshore drilling has typically proven to be a challenge when trying to ensure a stable work surface is in place to hold the equipment and facilities when out at sea. It also removes the need for workers to remain on the rig for potentially lengthy periods of time.
Nevertheless, onshore rigging also
presents its challenges due to oil exploration and extraction in the land, meaning a number of other options are also being considered. If oil and gas operators are to thrive in these evolving market conditions, they must be able to achieve new levels of operational integration and performance. Coupled with this is the need for them to minimise their costs, all whilst ensuring environmental regulations are met. To stay ahead of the curve, it’s critical that these operators fully embrace the digital technologies at their disposal.
CHALLENGING TERRAIN When drilling down to the earth for natural elements, operators must have the most extensive system in place to ensure that safety and efficiency are met seamlessly. For onshore drilling, downhole pumps
used to lower bottom hole pressure and improve well production rates are usually spread across hundreds to thousands of
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