Rockwell Automation process efficiency and improve sustainability at ADIPEC 2022

The oil and gas sector is amid a fast-moving transition to a low-carbon future. As the shift accelerates, the industry faces many challenges, including a retiring workforce and the subsequent need for upskilling, increasing capital and operational costs, aging equipment and infrastructure, market volatility, and growing sustainability commitments.

Driven by the Internet of Things (IoT), automation technology enables the monitoring of capital assets. It uses data for predictive and preventive maintenance to achieve a connected enterprise, offering solutions to global challenges. Over the four days of ADIPEC, Rockwell Automation will showcase its end-to-end solutions to improve efficiency and drive sustainability along the entire oil and gas value chain.

Sustainability is driven by optimising efficiency

Sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial to oil and gas operators as they strive to play a role in the energy transition to a low-carbon future while still providing the energy security that the world demands. Rockwell Automation solutions focus on improving efficiency in every stage of the oil and gas production lifecycle and, by doing so, enhance the sustainability of all operations.

With the focus on emissions growing, oil and gas operators are required to meet the continuous emissions monitoring requirements of local, state, national, and global regulations and trading programmes. These requirements include periodic accuracy verification and near 100% monitor uptime. Therefore, implementing a monitoring system must meet these regulatory demands while also being cost-effective to operate and maintain.

The Rockwell Automation Software, Continuous Emissions Monitoring (CEM) is a patented, model-based, Predictive Emissions Monitoring System (PEMS) that provides a certifiable, cost-effective alternative to hardware-based Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS). Powered by the Pavilion8 software platform, Software CEM delivers a reliable emissions monitoring solution to address regulatory requirements worldwide. It utilises powerful analytic models of the emissions source with real-time sensor validation to predict emission values, prompting informed decision-making that ultimately drive lower emissions with unparalleled accuracy.

PlantPAx, a modern DCS for oil and gas operations

The PlantPAx distributed control system (DCS) utilises a common automation platform for seamless integration between critical process areas and the balance of the oil and gas facility. The Rockwell Automation stand at ADIPEC will feature a demo highlighting how this modern DCS system connects process, discrete, power, information, and safety control into one plant-wide infrastructure.

Unifying sensing, intelligence, and action

Also on the Rockwell Automation stand at ADIPEC will be Sensia - a joint venture between Rockwell Automation and Schlumberger - displaying Avalon, its open digitalisation platform that underpins the latest portfolio of autonomous, automated, and connected solutions. Avalon enables operators to introduce intelligent action into every component of oil and gas operations.

Augmented reality enhances workforce productivity

An important capability for oil and gas operators is the application of augmented reality (AR). Integrated correctly, AR offers advantages, playing a vital role in training staff, retaining valuable knowledge, and facilitating the connected worker concept.

FactoryTalk InnovationSuite digital workforce productivity solutions empower workers with role-based tools and diagnostics to improve job performance optimise productivity and minimise downtime. Employees can access work instructions through a unified operator screen that visually guides them through the proper part assembly.

Delivering remote operations capabilities through the Connected Enterprise

Rockwell Automation solutions on display at ADIPEC are helping operators realise the Connected Enterprise and reap the exponential benefits from the convergence of automation, communications, and information technology across digital oilfields, pipelines, and refineries through a holistic approach.

Accessing and monitoring assets from upstream, midstream, and downstream operations and merging disparate oilfield data into streams of ctionable information – anywhere, anytime – are essential to remaining competitive as the industry landscape continues to fluctuate and evolve. 

Backed up by a comprehensive ecosystem of partners

Together with Sensia, Rockwell and its ecosystem of partners offer comprehensive expertise to match customer needs, that can accelerate digital transformation for the oil and gas sector. At ADIPEC, Rockwell Automation will emphasise collaboration with partners Al Ghandi, Dragos, Cisco, Endress+Hauser, Prosoft, ProcessVue, and nVent Hoffman, demonstrating how the sector’s scalable and sustainable productivity can be amplified.

Sebastian Grau, Regional Vice President Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, says: "To affect the energy transition required to meet net-zero targets, strategic partnerships will be key as organisations take steps towards decarbonisation. Partner ecosystems are essential to accelerate to the next level of digitalisation. Customers capitalise on the best technology available – from Rockwell Automation and our PartnerNetwork – to deliver exceptional results at all stages of the business lifecycle. Our expansive global community, with local specialists, delivers customers unique solutions regardless of region or industry to improve productivity and agility in our rapidly changing environment. We are stronger together than we are alone."