RFID Tagged Well Equipment Tracking During Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for inspecting and monitoring equipment and assemblies used in well operations during storage and shipment are inadequate, leading to equipment loss and costly suspension of operations when components go missing, as they lack effective tracking and verification mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) devices encoded with component information, attached to equipment and modules, allowing real-time monitoring during transport and storage, and transmitting data to a central location for verification and inventory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional manual inspection and monitoring methods are used for equipment during transport and storage, then the system complexity is low, but equipment integrity and tracking reliability deteriorate leading to loss and misplacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated monitoring systems with sensors that continuously track equipment location, condition, and status during transport and storage. This feedback mechanism provides real-time data to stakeholders, enabling immediate detection of equipment misplacement or damage, thereby maintaining high reliability without requiring complex manual inspection procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID tags and barcode labels as intermediary elements attached to equipment components. These intermediaries carry identification and tracking information that can be automatically read by scanners at various checkpoints, eliminating the need for complex manual verification while ensuring accurate equipment tracking and integrity monitoring
2Productivity
If manual counting and verification of equipment components are performed, then the monitoring system is simple, but time consumption and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical counting and verification processes with automated optical scanning systems using barcode readers and RFID scanners. These systems can instantly read and verify equipment identification tags without physical contact or manual intervention, dramatically increasing verification speed while minimizing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements pre-attached RFID tags and barcode labels on all equipment components before shipment. This preliminary action ensures that tracking information is already in place and can be automatically captured at checkpoints without requiring time-consuming manual attachment or counting procedures during verification
3Loss of information
If equipment is transported without individual tracking identifiers, then the logistics process is simple, but the ability to detect and prevent equipment loss deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RFID tags and barcode labels as intermediary elements that carry equipment identification, location, and status information. These intermediaries can be automatically read by scanners at checkpoints, providing continuous tracking information without requiring complex manual record-keeping systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal tracking system where RFID tags and barcode labels serve multiple functions: identification, location tracking, condition monitoring, and verification authentication. This multi-functional approach consolidates multiple tracking requirements into a single integrated system, reducing overall complexity while preventing information loss
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures the integrity of shipments by preventing equipment diversion and misplacement, reducing operational disruptions and associated costs by enabling real-time tracking and accurate inventory management.
Implementation Method 1
Information about the components of the shipment is encoded into radio frequency identifiers. The encoded radio frequency identifiers with information about components are then attached to the respective components.
Data Source
AI summary
Items of equipment and assemblies for use in drilling or completion of a well or in other well operations are monitored from the time they are assembled for shipment to a particular well site for a job through the time of delivery and installation at the well site. Radio frequency identifier devices (RFID's) are mounted with the items to electronically tag them as they are assembled for shipment. The items are assembled into containers which can be readily inventoried during transit to detect loss or pilferage. Detailed information about the individual items can be encoded into the RFID at the time of electronic tagging. If desired, the shipping containers can be provided with separate RFID's detailing the particular items within the container and the progress of the shipment monitored remotely by satellite or the like.