Optimal Wireless Sensor Networks for Reliable Low Cost Smart Oilfields

摘要

Sensors provide engineers with the critical data to monitor oilfield activities for smooth operations of the well and equipments in the field. Almost every new well drilled has several sensors from the initial drilling stage to regular operations. Sensors systems form an inseparable unit for real time monitoring and control to provide a better understanding of the well performance and ensure safe operations. To develop and implement low cost optimal intelligent field is crucial to alleviate running costs and increase well performance. Current digital oil fields depend on seamless transfer of information between plant systems and business units to enable a robust real time field control. A wireless sensor network (WSN) technology with industrial field instrumentation has proven to be a reliable platform for data acquisition and transfer. By providing self-healing and self-configurable wireless communication networks, it is a cost effective alternative to traditional wired field instruments. WSN can greatly reduce the need for inspection and unexpected replacement costs. The state-of-art smart oil fields have deployed number of sensors to monitor and control various production parameters such as temperature and pressure. Such sensors are bound by reliability, cost and efficiency constraints. This paper presents a cost effective solution to increase reliability, reduce power and cost of ownership without compromising on Quality of Service (QoS). Further, we present most suitable applications that can be revolutionized with the approach presented.