RFID Technology for the Oil and Gas Industry Stig Petersen, SINTEF ICT
Image source: Statoil Agenda Industrial RFID Communication Challenges Noise, interference and obstructions Industrial RFID Application Performance Radio planning and deployment RFID in Oil & Gas Conclusions
Image source: Statoil Noise Definition Negative influences on a radio system from machines and equipment emitting electromagnetic radiation Sources Switchgears, relays and drives Frequency converters Induction heaters Consequences Bit errors Packet losses
Image source: ZVEI Noise Severity of performance degradation depends on Radio system properties Frequency band Transmission power Modulation and coding Operational environment Types of machines and equipment in the area Distance between radio transceivers and noise sources Noise from machines and equipment varies over time
Interference Definition Radio systems which negatively influence each other Sources Radio systems which transmit On the same frequency At the same time In the same location Frequency Consequences Bit errors Packet losses Time Location
Interference Spatial overlap depends on radio planning Location and range of radio transmitters
Interference Spatial overlap depends on radio planning Location and range of radio transmitters Frequency overlap depends on technology selection Frequency band of radio solutions
Interference Spatial overlap depends on radio planning Location and range of radio transmitters Frequency overlap depends on technology selection Frequency band of radio solutions Temporal overlap depends on application and technology Nature of medium access How often are messages transmitted? Duration of medium access How long does it take to send a message?
Interference Severity of performance degradation depends on Transmission power High power vs. low power
Interference Severity of performance degradation depends on Transmission power High power vs. low power Radio 1 Bandwidth Full or partial frequency overlap Radio 2
Interference Severity of performance degradation depends on Transmission power High power vs. low power Bandwidth Full or partial frequency overlap Range Distance between the radio transceivers
Interference Coexistence Radio systems which fulfill expected functions despite interference Application performance Requirements Boundary conditions Radio systems can be designed for improved interference immunity Modulation Error-correcting codes Clear channel assessment
Physical Obstructions Non-Line-of-Sight Definition Physical objects blocking radio communication Sources Permanent obstructions Buildings, metal structures, pipes, Temporary and mobile obstructions Vehicles, trucks, cranes, people, Consequences Bit errors Packet losses No signal
Physical Obstructions Non-Line-of-Sight Severity of performance degradation depends on Material of the obstruction Concrete, metal, wood, glass, Radio system frequency High frequency = higher attenuation Low frequency = lower attenuation Difficult to plan for mobile obstructions
Physical Obstructions Multipath Fading Definition Self-interference from reflected electromagnetic waves Sources Permanent obstructions Buildings, metal structures, pipes, Temporary and mobile obstructions Vehicles, trucks, cranes, people, Consequence Bit errors Packet losses
Physical Obstructions Multipath Fading Severity of performance degradation depends on Distance to the reflecting object Material of the reflecting object Concrete, metal, wood, glass, Radio system properties Frequency Modulation and coding Transmission power and range
Noise, Interference and Obstruction Challenges Common consequences from noise, interference and obstructions Bit errors Packet losses How do bit errors and packet losses affect RFID systems? Increased tag response times Reduced read range Undetected tags How to avoid performance degradation? Radio planning Deployment considerations
RFID Radio Planning Radio planning is crucial for successful industrial RFID application performance Key elements to proper radio planning Obtain full overview and knowledge of all deployed radio solutions Collaborate with solution providers Find suitable frequencies for RFID Avoid interference between radio systems Avoid frequency bands prone to noise
RFID Deployment Considerations Deployment considerations are crucial for successful industrial RFID application performance Key elements to proper RFID deployment Identify suitable physical locations for RFID readers and tags Avoid blocking line-of-sight Maintain distance to other radio systems operating on same frequency Consider possibilities of mobile equipment Especially important for RFID tags
Oil & Gas Specific Challenges Harsh environments Extreme ambient temperatures (from arctic to desert) Extreme weather (from snow storms to sand storms) Extreme heat and pressures in drilling / pipelines Hazardous environments Certification requirements (ATEX/EX) Intrinsic safe and explosion proof casings Consumer electronics not always suitable Need custom-made robust technology and devices Limitations on available products and solutions
OLF* Guideline No.112** Deployment of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) in the Oil and Gas Industry Technical Sections Deployment Areas 1.General principles for deployment 2.Architecture and integration 3.RFID technology 4.Unique identification number 5. Personnel (HSE) 6. Cargo carrying unit (CCU) 7. Drill string components 8. Mobile equipment 9. Fixed equipment * The Norwegian Oil Industry Association **Available at http://www.olf.no/en/publica/guidelines/
Conclusions RFID is a mature technology and is ready for adoption in Oil & Gas Successful RFID application deployment depends on Integration with existing systems Data management and data exchange Architectures, semantics and ontologies Availability of certified and robust industrial equipment and technology Technology and standard selection depends on application requirements Active vs. passive tags Trade-off between read range and battery replacement Inductive vs. radio-based communication Depends on physical properties of deployment, i.e. tag orientation, read range,
Conclusions RFID application performance can be degraded by Noise Interference Physical obstructions Blocked line-of-sight and/or multi-path fading Successful RFID applications can be achieved by Plant-wide radio planning Obtain full overview and knowledge of all deployed radio solutions Know your plant Deployment considerations Install RFID equipment in suitable locations Minimize effects from noise, interference and physical obstructions Understand and respect the harsh and hazardous environment!