China Offshore Intelligent Oilfield Production Monitoring System: Design and Technical Path Forward for Implementation
Authors: Cheng Zhong , Wan Huan , Niu Hongbin , Qu Xiaohui , Ding Xiangxiang , Peng Hongtao , Zheng Yi 
Published: October 2023

The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has precipitated a digital metamorphosis in oil companies, presenting a singular path towards cost reduction and heightened efficiency. As a pivotal direction, the intelligent oilfield represents an intricate, integrative information system. Its capacity to orchestrate petroleum exploration, production decisions, and other relevant sectors through data technology facilitates the standardization and automation of oilfield exploitation. In pursuit of this goal, we propose a novel digital technology solution specifically designed for offshore oilfields. Harnessing state-of-the-art computer technologies such as big data, cloud computing, edge computing, optical fiber communication, and IoT, our aim is to establish an inclusive data integration platform and deliver unified data services to enhance the efficiency of information utilization.

Within the landscape of the digital oilfield, offshore production monitoring and optimization emerges as a promising sector where data processing and advanced analytics can be employed to boost revenue, curtail costs, and mitigate risks. Constructing a data mining and analytics engine to utilize data from wells, equipment, facilities, and field personnel, however, poses a formidable challenge. The workflow of data acquisition from offshore production platform groups—comprising main production platforms, sub-production platforms, transport vessels, and FPSOs—along with the transmission, processing, and timely analysis of data, are major factors in formulating a data service solution. Consequently, an integrative system encapsulating all necessary tools can significantly expedite addressing these challenges in a timely manner.

This paper provides a comprehensive technical elucidation of the currently devised intelligent oilfield production monitoring system. The data service system encompasses four subsystems: (I) Production management, encompassing remote operation monitoring, production dynamic tracking, reservoir dynamic management, and well pattern injection and production deployment management; (II) Equipment and facilities management, which includes equipment health management, submarine pipeline operation and maintenance management, submarine cable management, and inventory management; (III) Scheduling management, integrating personnel dynamic dispatching, ship dynamic dispatching, and meteorological and hydrological monitoring; and (IV) Safety management, ensuring operational safety and personnel status and location management.

These subsystems are seamlessly integrated and engage in intercommunication, functioning as microservices, cloud-based container services, or edge computing services. They provide a comprehensive solution for real-time offshore production optimization and monitoring. The edge-cloud collaborative system, established on this blueprint, has undergone successful testing and application in a Bohai oilfield.

This paper will be beneficial for oil and gas organizations contemplating the implementation of an offshore intelligent oilfield as part of their digital transformation strategy. Moreover, it will offer valuable insights to any parties interested in acquiring a deeper understanding of intelligent oilfields.