RFID technology optimizes riser asset tracking, maintenance

With offshore drilling being far-reaching and expansion happening across the globe, it is a challenge for companies to keep track of all documentation requirements. This, compounded with the need to operate across multiple jurisdictions, also translates to a magnitude of regulatory requirements. As drilling contractors look to secure bids and work across multiple regions, maintenance records must be accessible worldwide via an enterprise asset management (EAM) system. Shipping, inspection, and maintenance paperwork are just a few of the items that need to be managed.

Long-term exposure to seawater and hydrostatic pressure demands special RFID tags tags and mounting designs. This new patented solution for RFID tagging of subsea assets has been lab-test as well as extensively field-tested with working pressures of more than 5,000 psi. (Images courtesy of National Oilwell Varco)

Riser joints fall under particularly high compliance regulations. These regulations are necessary because marine risers are exposed to great stresses with repeated drilling in deep waters. A lack of proper paperwork can be more painful than "waiting on weather" when looking to get onsite quickly.

Contractors typically have comprehensive records for their risers; however, one challenge facing the industry is linking data to physical equipment assets in rig fleets. Identifying a riser joint on rigs and interacting with related data on location is key. Using radio-frequency indentification (RFID) technology, rig personnel can access relevant information about riser assets and input new information into the rig EAM system.

Managing global riser assets

RFID technologies are considered to be the most reliable mechanism to link data and a management system with physical assets in the field. A robust management system combined with the benefits of an RFID link between riser joints and databases increases accuracy and reduces risk. National Oilwell Varco (NOV) has expanded its RigMS web-based EAM application to include advanced riser management capabilities.

Teams are equipped with handheld computers featuring RFID readers. These computers run RigMS field software, prompting rig personnel for information directly associated with the riser joints they are working with. Additionally, historical information and comments from past maintenance also is made immediately available to teams inspecting the riser. As handheld computers are directly linked to a network database (typically via a satellite internet connection), RigMS field software makes available field information to the RigMS web server application, effectively linking local rig crews and riser information with remote operations teams who are managing a fleet of global riser assets.

While RFID technology may be in everyday use at grocery or electronics stores, subsea assets pose unique challenges for RFID tagging. Long-term exposure to seawater and hydrostatic pressure demands special RFID tags and mounting designs. NOV provides a patented solution for RFID tagging of subsea assets. These solutions have been lab-tested as well as extensively field-tested with working pressures of more than 5,000 psi.

Benefits for drilling contractors

Handheld computers featuring RFID readers allow rig personnel to access information directly associated with the riser joints they are working with. Additionally, historical information and comments from past maintenance also is made immediately available to teams currently inspecting the riser.

Deepwater drilling contractors have significant investments in riser assets, which have to perform without failure. RigMS provides instant information on the location and status of each riser joint so that high-integrity riser runs can be planned and executed for every well. Engineers and rig supervisors have to make sure needed riser assets are onboard, ready to run, and are picked up in the most appropriate configuration (e.g. in accordance to use with associated depth). Once a riser run is planned and configured using RigMS, it is available globally and may be modified by drilling contractor personnel at the office or on location with predetermined authority to make changes. Effective "run planning" for riser, execution, maintenance, and optimized utilization of these assets produces significant economic benefits and improved visibility on maintenance, potentially corresponding to safer operations for contractors and operators drilling in deepwater environments.

Offshore drilling contractors are committed to preventing structural failures of riser string. The capability to access specifications and historical records, together with current and planned maintenance and inspections for each riser joint, enables the design of a high-integrity riser run. While utilizing RigMS, drilling contractors have been able to create riser run plans prior to shipment and verify runs are completed as ordered via RigMS handheld computers. This ensures a proper calculation of wet/dry days as well as equipment wear.

As a result of RFID technology investments, "purpose built" systems for upstream oil and gas applications are rapidly improving the ability of drilling contractors to manage their equipment assets globally and in real time. Through the use of NOV's RigMS, drilling contractors can now achieve a reduction in unplanned maintenance along with higher levels of comprehensive planned maintenance procedures. As a result, RigMS users will see increased technical uptime, higher levels of visibility for fleet management, and an increase in overall operating profit.

Staying on track

Integrated oil and gas companies, land and offshore drilling contractors, crew boats, and vessel operators all share a common problem: high dollar value capital assets operating under extreme conditions in remote locations. The distributed nature of the business adds to the complexity of this issue as equipment assets frequently move. Up-to-date and instant availability of information incorporating historic records, documentation, modifications track, and regulatory compliance has historically been a labor-intensive, time-consuming, and challenging task. Recent regulations and compliance in offshore drilling has made this information imperative for tracking a company's riser assets. Through the use of NOV's RFID tags and RigMS EAM system, users can properly maintain, document, and track a fleet of risers.