Remotely controlled, autonomous, offshore cementing improves operational efficiency and consistency
Talk to an expertLOGIX™ automated cementing marks the next milestone in automated offshore cement operations. This service allows full remote control of an offshore cement unit from onshore and combines remote control functionality and automation to help improve operational efficiency, execution, and flexibility.
Automated actuators and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) connect the offshore cement unit’s manual controls, valves, and ancillary equipment to a single human machine interface (HMI) during a LOGIX automated cementing operation. This HMI is replicated onshore and allows operators in the remote operations center (ROC) to remotely perform the same functions.
The main challenge with remote offshore equipment operation is maintaining communication. Satellite-linked networks often experience limited bandwidth and intermittent connectivity loss. LOGIX automated cementing permits a digital connection to the cement unit’s control system. The onshore supervisor controls the offshore operation and monitors data from the unit’s controller, including but not limited to, cement density, tub level, liquid additive rates and concentrations, flow/fluid path diagram, and live video of the operation.
Connectivity loss can jeopardize operational execution and safety. Automation in the LOGIX automated cementing service mitigates these challenges and helps facilitate operational efficiency and consistency.
Conventional cement operations require hundreds of actions. LOGIX automated cementing consolidates them into fewer than five automated steps. Once programmed, the cement unit automatically executes each step, monitored by the onshore supervisor.
As a security measure, the initial secure data connection requires manual authorization from offshore to verify that the operating company and rig are ready to transition control to the onshore operator.
Once authorized to begin, the platform allows alternating between automatic and manual mode. It frees the operator to oversee critical parameters, such as cement rate and pressure, to improve service quality. It also reduces time to test BOPs and improves job placement time through quicker stage transitions and mixing operations. LOGIX automated cementing can analyze real-time slurry/mix rate inputs faster than humans to maximize rig uptime.
The offshore cement unit contains the automated programming. This safeguards the operation from connectivity variances and eliminates latency issues in commands from shore. If communication with the onshore supervisor is lost, the cement operation continues as programmed.
LOGIX automated cementing can activate failsafe mode in the event it cannot self-diagnose a problem and will move itself into a safe state, initiate a washup sequence, and notify the rig to resume control. Decades of Halliburton experience and best practices are programmed into the platform to help execute a safe, consistent, and quality operation every time.
LOGIX automated cementing service adapts to diverse operational needs and can be run from an onshore ROC, a rig-based cementing room, or by an optional emergency operator offshore. The potential for offshore personnel to perform additional tasks, such as running liners or other service tools, can further improve operational efficiency. Automation is custom-configured, and each option provides repeatable, consistent results.
