Sensors – Revolutionizing The Way We Do Business

The world we live is demanding. Not only are we demanding energy, more crude oil and natural gas, but we are demanding more efficient capitalization and consistent operations of these resources.

Essentially, we want more bang for our buck – but who doesn’t?

In a world that constantly seeks to operate in the most successful manner, technology is playing a fundamental role. Sensing technology, in particular, is helping to create some of the most efficient, most accurate and most stable working conditions in the oil and gas industry.

The ability to sense, that is to detect, characteristics of the ever-changing environment are paramount in this industry. Sensors have the ability to detect downhole parameters, such as temperatures, pressures, levels, and flows.

Parameter profiles over the entire span of the wellbore can be analyzed in real-time to convey data that is used for troubleshooting and production optimization. As a result, sensors give us the ability to detect change at benchmark speeds and react to these variations accurately, promptly and safely. They are revolutionizing the way we do business.

The roles of sensors are more important than ever, especially with the array of new techniques and new regulations continuously being established.

Common applications for sensors are in downhole drilling, production monitoring, drilling fluid (“mud”) tank monitoring, hydraulic and lubricating oil reserves, storage tank level monitoring, spark protection in fuel transportation and chemical injection.

However, with every application there are implications. With fluid leaks and cross-sensitivity of other gasses a realism, there is the potential for inaccurate data to be conveyed. The shortcomings of technology are ones we all understand, from malfunctions and breakdowns to expensive and sometimes timely repairs.

Conversely, a major advantage that cannot be overlooked with sensing technology is safety. Sensing technology allows for benchmark working environments when it comes to safety standards. Sensors have been around for many years, and even under the toughest conditions, they can withstand the surroundings and produce very precise data. They can diagnose and relay problems early, thus mitigating the risks of occupational hazards, such as oil spills, explosions, and fires.

Looking into the future

With such revolutionizing technology, the future of the oil and gas industry is promising. But, many naysayers claim otherwise. Why? Well, many believe that the upward demand for oil means that the Earth has surpassed its maximum amount of oil reserves. The theory of peak oil – the point at which the Earth’s oil supply begins to decline – has been a hot topic in recent years.

Sensors make this debate exciting. Sensors give us the ability to tap into reserves in some of the most unconventional ways. They give us the ability to extract oil from harsh environments that would have otherwise been impossible.

We know there is a plethora of untapped oil from reserves that have already been discovered. And, we know there are a plethora of assumed undiscovered reserves left to explore. However, the reality is that much of the oil left will be found in deeper, harsher and harder-to-reach conditions. Looking ahead, sensing technology is going to play a vital role in tapping into these harder-to-reach reserves.

Once a reservoir has been exploited, you may think the oil extraction process has ended. But, in order to meet the global demand for crude oil, special procedures are now being used to extract additional crude oil from these already depleted wells.

Given the extreme environments faced by the oil and gas industry, superior-quality and dependable sensors are essential, and will continue to be essential to the future.

Imagine a wellbore system that can generate unambiguous information for perfect decision making. Imagine that this operating system has no risk, no downtime, low operating costs, and utmost efficiency. A hope for the future? Of course. But maybe this vision is not that far away.

Currently, fiber optic sensing technology for extreme conditions, such as aerospace and nuclear fusion, is being explored. Innovations like these will reform the oil and gas industry where conventional sensors are not practical or profitable. Fiber optic sensing technology represents the future of well monitoring.

Fiber optic sensing technology allows for comprehensive, immediate views of downhole conditions without any wellbore intervention. When fiber optics are installed inside a well, we can say goodbye to the days of traditionally run production logs and tracer surveys. Now, operators can obtain multiple diagnostic measurements on a single fiber optic cable. Operations with low risk and low operating costs are not only the way of the future, they are the way of the present.

Sensors have the potential to revolutionize the future of oil and gas. Although they are not new technology, their efficiency and precision continue to be adapted and expanded.

As we look for new ways of energy exploration to meet the world’s ever-growing demands, the use of sensors is, and will continue to be paramount.