June
2016
HYDROCARBON
ENGINEERING
52
operational efficiency of existing projects, and
maintenance of assets and infrastructure, are key areas
of investment over the next two years (Figure 1).
Technology that has been based on the internet of
things (IoT) is now viewed as a foundational enabler in
the connectivity of new or existing assets, producing
rich data sets.
However, in order to meet efficiency and
productivity goals, the data produced must be
actionable. In other words, data must be created,
gathered and delivered in such a way that people and
processes can use it effectively to make better
decisions. Historical and real time streaming analytics
allow this wealth of data to be addressed in a secure
way that effectively bridges the divide between
operational technologies (OT), information
technologies (IT), and their respective teams.
As technology evolves and more devices are
connected to the network, OT and IT converge, and
attackers use increasingly sophisticated methods, the
protection of assets, people and intellectual property
from cyber and physical threats becomes increasingly
important. Thus, security is paramount.
It is essential to understand that no single
technology can enable the industry to meet these
requirements. Only a properly architected, secure
integration of a number of wired and wireless
technologies and applications in the plant (Figure 2) will
help reduce cost, improve efficiencies, keep workers safe
and continue to drive innovation.
As a result of close cooperation with customers and
partners, Cisco has founded innovative solutions that
have been implemented to help end users address some
of the oil and gas industry’s key trends.
Unified industrial wireless and
mobility
With increased reliability, throughput and security,
wireless technology is being installed at a rapid rate in
the plant to replace cables, connect the unconnected
and allow for innovation.
Open standard wireless networks can support both
operational and multi-service applications. Industrial
wireless infrastructure connects instrumentation and
sensors over the IEEE 802.15.4 spectrum (typically
WirelessHART and ISA100.11a protocols), and wireless
multi-service infrastructure using IEEE 802.11 (WiFi)
enables multi-service use cases such as wearable
technology, handheld devices, smart glasses, personal
mobile gas detection, security, voice and video.
By deploying wireless technology for
instrumentation, process monitoring and control,
operators can gain real time visibility and access to
sensor level information. This allows consistent
condition-based monitoring from equipment at all times,
delivering high system reliability and reducing unplanned
downtime.
With a proliferation of hazardous location
intrinsically safe mobile devices now available to host
multiple communication and workflow applications, the
opportunity exists for the fully mobile worker to
operate safely and efficiently anywhere in the plant
environment.
Cisco continues to work closely with industry
partners to successfully deliver industrial and
multi-service solutions in a number of refinery and
processing facilities globally. Leveraging mobility and
location-based technologies has
shown a marked increase in the
operational efficiency of
workers and reduced return on
investment (ROI). In four recent
projects for a single oil and gas
major, between 24 - 34% savings
have been made during
turnaround, with an ROI for
these projects between 40 and
60 days.
Operators can optimise
man hours by connecting the
traditionally unconnected
skilled workforce within the
plant. For example, workers have
used radio communications for
years, but this still requires a
person, or group, to physically
move about for tasks such as
Figure 1.
Industry investment areas.
Figure 2.
Cisco refinery and processing reference architecture.
