Technology
Wireless Measurement’s system consists of a proprietary dual layer wireless system. Firstly, data is gathered from sensors on a wellhead through a low powered, local wireless network and transmits it to a central gateway. Then secondly, a higher powered radio layer transmits the data from the central gateway to a server on a secure corporate office network.
Emergency Shut In System
When it comes to shutting in a well safely, Wireless Measurement's ESIS is simply safer. The self-contained control panel is quickly and easily installed with four bolts and two connections to an existing hydraulic control panel. Once installed an operator used a remote control handset to select the well of interest and with two key presses, shuts in the well from up to 1km away. The freedom of a radio remote control enables the operator to approach from upwind vastly reducing the risk of exposure to a gas cloud.
The self-contained unit includes a battery pack with 10 year life and this independent power source ensures that the system can be installed on wells with no other electrical power source. On wells with local PLC or RTU, the system can be interfaced directly and will continue to operate independently even if the RTU or its power source fails. Find out more here.
Wireless Combined Pressure and Temperature Sensors
Battery powered pressure and temperature sensors are very easily fitted to wellheads (and elsewhere if required) to measure process parameters, and can the system is simple to expand simply by adding in more sensors without any downtime. Being ATEX Zone 0 certified it can be installed, operated and maintained, including battery change, without interrupting oil production. The design of the sensor in a uniquely small and discreet unit makes it robust and unattractive to theft or vandalism. With up to 5 years battery life they can cover ambient temperatures between -10C to +80C and come in two versions, one with a pressure range of 0-5,000 psia and the other with a pressure range of 0-10,000 psia.
Encryption of all data also provides complete security. Using the latest digital radio technology they provide reliable, secure communication that can co-exist with existing wireless networks such as WiFi. Reporting and sampling intervals can be changed remotely and each sensor has a programmable name tag for full traceability. The sensor features non-volatile memory and logs up to six weeks’ readings. This unique capability ensures that data can be recovered even in the event of network failure.
Wireless Measurement sensors incorporate onboard radio to transmit their measurements, via a self configuring ZigBee mesh wireless network, to a central receiver or gateway.
MultiMesh Controller
The MulitMesh Controller gateway unit is located outside of the hazardous area, normally within 50m-100m of the sensors and can be autonomously powered by a solar panel and battery system. There is full compatibility with external data systems as it is able to receive data from both wireless sensors and wired data, including on board I/) for 4-20mA, digital, Modbus, FeildBus and other serial data protocols. It has on board GSM/GPRS and can interface with serial or Ethernet radio, WiMax, or Iridium satellite links. The precise geographical location of each sensor is obtained as it is commissioned and can be immediately identified. It acts as a process controller carrying out process calculations, such as AGA3 flow algorithms, orientating process actions including valve control. It also acts as a local data buffer to act in case of outage on the long range communications system.
WellMesh MODBUS Gateway
Wireless Measurement also provide a WellMesh MODBUS Gateway solution to interface the oil field wireless network with existing data communication or control systems, including via GPRS and broadband links. The WellMesh MODBUS Gateway hosts a network of up to 16 sensors, and interfaces wireless network data to field instrumentation systems by acting as a MODBUS device. It requires a 12-24DC supply and connects to a MODBUS master device using a cable serial interface. The Gateway can also be supplied in a DIN rail mount housing for use in a safe area or explosion proof enclosure.
Wireless Measurement Server
Data flows onwards from the MultiMesh Controller to a Wireless Measurement web located in the client’s corporate or operations office. The Wireless Measurement software logs all the measurements from the oil field onto a database and runs visualisation software to present the data in a standard web browser to the various users of the system.
Production engineers can make real-time decisions on oil field management and raise alarms direct with field operators to ensure rapid and focused maintenance interventions to maintain oil production. A complete history of the oil field provides a valuable resource for reservoir engineers and auditors wanting to estimate the size of the recoverable reserve.
Similarly the visualisation software gives production managers and reservoir engineers a human view of the oil field. Production managers are presented with a snapshot of process measurements at the present time. Pressures and temperatures that are outside preset limits are flagged up and any sudden changes are detected automatically and brought to their attention. Alarms for pressures, temperatures and other parameters, can be flagged on the desktop or sent via SMS text or email alerts direct to managers, engineers and operators. Fault conditions can be dealt with immediately and losses of production can be avoided by early observance of conditions that are heading towards faults.