Production

The Digital Oilfield







  



	Improvements in oilfield performance and energy reduction can be achieved with intelligent pumping and system optimization.


	
	
by Jack Creamer, Dan McGinn, and Jim Morgan, Schneider Electric


	

	



	

	

	Intelligent pumping is simply defined by ARC Advisory Group as the combination of a pump and a VFD with digital control capability. While this defined the beginnings of the intelligent pump trends, we now see numerous specific drivers around topics such as:



    
	
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		Energy management
	
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		Application specific algorithms
	
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		Pump OEM specific application programs
	
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	Improvements in oilfield performance and energy reduction can be achieved with intelligent pumping and system optimization.At the same time, the term intelligent pumps is broadening to include the sensors that collect data and transmit pumping system performance. Taking a quick look at some key attributes involved with intelligent pump systems—factors such as variable speed and multiple pump control come into play.




	

	Intelligent Pumps and Energy Savings




	

	While the building automation industry has embraced the intelligent pumps trend strongly, accounting for almost 50 percent of all intelligent pumping revenues, many other industries are leading the way—such as water/wastewater, mining and minerals, and pulp and paper. One specific industry we will address in this article is the oil and gas industry.




	Figure 1 shows the areas in which industries can take action to reduce energy consumption. While many companies focus on areas such as HVAC systems and motor retrofits, it is clear that pump system upgrades provide the largest energy savings potential.




	Figure 2 provides insight into the key industry segments that have the most to gain from energy-savings initiatives. The potential in energy savings with intelligent pumping can add as much as 20 percent to the bottom line according to the U.S. Department of Energy.




	In addition to energy, other key drivers include OEM initiatives, such as OEM personalization. , OEMs can customize software to either match pumping systems to application needs and/or pre-load pump data to greatly simplify start up and commissioning requirements.




	To date, ARC reports good growth in intelligent pumping system sales as noted in Figure 3, forecasting 4 percent annual growth well into the future.




	

	Intelligent Pumps in the Oil & Gas Industry




	

	One industry where there is particular excitement about intelligent pumping solutions is oil and gas, specifically in the opportunities to improve the output of mature oil fields.



	
	







			
	

  


  

    

          
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