For ADCO, Smart Field is seen as one of the strategic options for the company
In the last few years, the Smart Field concept, has gained momentum within the oil and gas industry since oil demand is increasing, operations are becoming more complex, and reserves are becoming increasingly difficult to replenish. Different operating companies call it differently such as "Smart Field", "Field of the future", "Integrated Operations" and "e-field"; however it all revolves around the same idea.
The concept strives to enhance quality and speed of decision making and execution. This is achieved by integrating people, process and technology supported by access to (real-time) data, information, use of simulation models and other analytical tools. This enables the asset team to monitor the performance of wells and field facilities against target in order to realize the differences and detect anomalies at an early stage.
For ADCO, Smart Field is seen as one of the strategic options for the company. A department called "Automation and Smart Field" (ASF) has been formed in mid 2007 to identify the requirements for implementing the concept for brown fields as well as green fields. The department identifies and implements fit for purpose solutions for all Smart Field elements ranging from subsurface and surface measurements, automation and control systems, telecom and IT infrastructure and real time modeling and collaboration. One of the key deliverables of the department is to deploy integrated collaboration centers; (CWE) for every asset and corporate Production Real Time Operating Center (RTOC) as main elements of the Smart Field concept.
The CWE provides a collaborative environment that bridges the gap between the field and the HQ where the availability of real time validated data, work processes and tools allow engineers at both sides to arrive at optimal and timely decisions. It provides the basic information and tools to manage the asset by exception. This is expected to lead to a more efficient use of staff who can concentrate on analyses and corrective actions rather than on routine cumbersome surveillance.
The CWE will provide the following benefits:
- Meeting reservoir management plan and production/injection targets / VVR
- Optimizing production (facility, wells, availability, uptime) and reducing inactive strings
- Improving planning and coordination of activities/resources/production at office and field
The RTOC (Production) will provide a higher level of coordination involving more stakeholders such as town, fields, terminals, and customers to meet the monthly quota and satisfy the dynamic gas demand.
Another functionality of the RTOC (Production) is to provide performance monitoring and diagnosis of critical production equipment that can be monitored centrally from town office utilizing shared expertise that are difficult to obtain.