Transforming measurement accuracy in O&G gas ops

Developments in remote technology are helping to take the time, cost and potential risks out of remotely verifying instruments in dispersed desert fields, John Green of ABB Measurement and Analytics, tells OGN

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THE need for accurate measurement in oil and gas applications is critical as producers seek ways to maximise output and profitability whilst meeting regulatory, environmental and sustainability goals.

While the emergence of green power technologies is seeing a transition away from conventional fossil fuels, there is a continuing need for oil and gas, with an estimated growth in demand of around one million barrels per day in 2025[1].

For producers, the challenge is to strike a balance between efficient, profitable extraction whilst adhering to stringent regulatory and environmental requirements.

Producing around 31 per cent of global oil supplies [2] and 23 per cent of natural gas[3], the Middle East is home to some of the world's largest oil and gas fields.

Covering areas spanning thousands of square kilometers, these fields are populated by hundreds of oil and gas wells using thousands of measurement instruments and analysers, each of which needs to be meticulously managed, monitored and maintained to ensure optimum performance.

As two of the world's largest oil and gas producing areas, spanning 8,400 sq km and 560,000 sq km respectively, the Ghawar and Rub' al Khali fields highlight the scale of the challenges faced by operators when it comes to the management of measurement devices.

In many cases, key tasks such as collecting data, configuring devices and performing checks and maintenance have traditionally involved physical visits to instruments in dispersed locations, with engineers travelling long distances to carry out the work.

Aside from the time, cost and safety implications involved, this approach also increases the scope for potential errors.

An operator must travel from their location to each device to carry out maintenance, relying on them having the correct parts and tools to carry out the work.