Oil and gas industry operations need reliable and fast interconnectivity, especially in the field. However, conventional cloud-based computing solutions can have long latency periods, unreliable connectivity, poor cybersecurity, and challenges complying with local regulations. Edge computing in oil and gas offers a better solution that meets the dynamic challenges of this industry. It bridges the gap between remote oil fields and centralized operations by processing data close to or at the “edge” of the network, reducing latency periods and strengthening cybersecurity.
Learn more about how oil and gas edge computing products can provide real-time insights, increase security and safety, and reduce costs.
Providing Real-Time Data Analysis and Predictive Maintenance
With edge computing, operators can analyze vast datasets from pipelines, oil rigs, and refineries in real time without the delay of sending the information to central servers. Oil rigs alone generate more than one terabyte of data each day, most of which traditionally goes unused due to cloud computing latency issues. Edge computing can take all of this data, analyze it on-site, and produce real-time actionable insights.
Furthermore, sensors powered by edge computing can monitor equipment 24/7 and identify irregularities before they cause equipment failure. This capability minimizes unexpected downtime, saving facilities up to $25 million a day.
Edge computing also improves worker safety by detecting potential risks and automating the appropriate response. For example, it can trigger automated valves to isolate pipeline leaks. Ultimately, any oil and gas facility can take advantage of the continuous learning capabilities of edge computing to improve resource tracking and predictive maintenance.
Improving Cost Efficiency and Infrastructure Optimization
Investing in edge computing in oil and gas also improves cost efficiency. Processing data locally reduces bandwidth needs so you can rely less on expensive cloud computing infrastructure. By enabling remote diagnostics, edge computing also reduces physical site visits for maintenance tasks.
Edge computing doesn’t require a complete overhaul of existing infrastructure; rather, you can use legacy equipment while scaling with new, modular edge devices. To meet evolving operational needs, you can integrate new edge sensors and algorithms that streamline your existing system. Furthermore, by keeping sensitive data within geographical boundaries, edge computing systems help you comply with local data security and privacy regulations.
Enhancing Security and Environmental Responsibility
Oil and gas operations need to maintain robust physical security as well as cybersecurity. Through edge computing, your facilities and sites can protect data by:
- Shortening the route data travels, thereby reducing exposure
- Layering communication streams between edge nodes and centralized infrastructure
Edge computing can also reduce your operation’s environmental impact by monitoring in real time for spills or leaks and using predictive analysis to optimize resource utilization and minimize emissions. Edge computing has industry-wide implications for the oil and gas industry, aligning with sustainability goals and protecting critical energy infrastructure.
Edge vs. Cloud Computing
Cloud computing centralizes information processing and storage in designated data centers. Cloud storage allows organizations to access their data from anywhere at any time without the need to have on-site physical infrastructure. Data centralization offers more flexibility and easy scalability for growing businesses. Cloud computing is also cost-effective since it doesn’t require a significant initial investment in physical hardware. However, cloud computing has limitations that edge computing is designed to address, with solutions that are especially crucial in the oil and gas industry.
Edge computing processes site data on local devices on the edge of a network, keeping the data decentralized and reducing reliance on faraway data centers. Although edge computing does require more investment in physical equipment, oil and gas operations can benefit greatly from the real-time data processing capabilities in these key ways:
- Less Bandwidth is Required: Edge computing reduces the amount of data sent to the cloud, saving bandwidth and keeping the data safer from cyber threats.
- High Speed: By processing data near where it is generated, edge computing dramatically reduces latency and improves responsiveness in time-sensitive oil and gas operations.
- Better Reliability: Your sites can continue to function smoothly even in remote areas with less stable Internet access.
How Daisy Data Displays Supports Edge Computing for Oil and Gas Companies
Daisy Data Displays offers embedded PCs and large-format touchscreen HMIs that feed information to a local server rack. These local servers process and analyze large volumes of data close to where it is collected, reducing latency and improving efficiency. Our systems give oil and gas facility managers real-time insights so they can respond quickly to changes or potential problems.
Our PCs and touchscreen HMIs are built to withstand the rigors of oil and gas environments, such as UV exposure, temperature extremes, hose-directed water spray, saltwater, vibration, flammable gases, and chemicals. They are also customizable to fit the unique edge computing and operational needs of various facilities.
Learn More About Edge Computing in Oil and Gas
Oil and gas businesses gather and use immense amounts of data for everything from remote oil fields to processing centers to pipelines. To remain competitive amid uncertain global demand for oil and natural gas, companies industry-wide should adopt new technologies like edge computing. Local data processing in the oil and gas industry can increase productivity and reduce long-term costs while addressing growing cybersecurity risks, sustainability regulations, and data protection requirements.
At Daisy Data Displays, we specialize in creating ruggedized HMIs, PCs, and displays that support edge computing for oil and gas companies. We have more than 40 years of industry experience designing and manufacturing industrial computers and accessories for the toughest operating environments.
Download our free eBook to learn more about our oil and gas product offerings. Contact us or request a quote to discuss your unique requirements.