Computer-Assisted Operations — A Practical Approach To Networking Field Computers
Authors: Hiltz G.P. 
Published: March 2010

Computer Assisted Operations (CAO) is a computer network using new techniques and available technology to transfer information electronically between computing systems located in the field. Field computing systems have historically been data capture mechanisms developed to funnel data to a central computing facility. CAO is unique in that the network is designed for multi-directional data flow, enhancing computerized decision support to field personnel. Field staffs are given PCS at their field facilities for local decision support.

A central PC, called a CAO Host, provides a repository of area data and local CAD network control at the operating centre. The Host recognizes each piece of data and knows which PCS on the network require a copy. For example, gas charts are integrated in a central office, and then passed via the network to the PC at the facility where the chart originated. The PC then uses the information in its facility, modeling programs.

A pilot CAD installation was successfully tested at Amoco's Pembina Cardium operation. The pilot field locations do not have telephone communication. This does not present all obstacles because CAO user hand-held computers as the medium through which the network transfers data.

Introduction

Successful exploration and production companies consistently make profitable decisions in all areas of their business activities. The importance of effective decision making is not new, but the pace at which decisions must be made and executed is accelerating. Effective computing tools for decision support stimulate and sustain the competitive health of these companies. Systems professionals have done an admirable job in identifying and developing new computing opportunities in the office environment, and are now beginning to supply field operations with practical decision support systems.

Reasons for the lack of computer use in field locations are many and varied, but a factor common to many operations is the absence of a computer infrastructure in remote field locations. Communications, processing power, and user support that are taken for granted in office environments are not readily available in many field requirements, field computer applications will become increasingly prevalent. Measured by new systems installed, field operations will be the largest growth sector of petroleum computing in the next decade.

Field computing systems have historically been intended as monitoring systems. They are designed to capture data and then feed it to central systems. Little emphasis has been placed on providing information access back to field staff, particularly at locations remote from an area office. For example, Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems have been used for many years to gather data. SCADA systems are designed to funnel electronically monitored field data to central computing systems, however, field access to this information is generally limited to printed reports or occasional remote terminal access. Very few SCADA systems are designed to automatically communicate information to and from other computing systems in a network.

New applications for on-site decision support have begun to proliferate, but have been limited by an inability to share information with other systems.