Wellsite Controller Self-Provisioning for MQTT-Based Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wellsite controller provisioning processes are time-consuming, prone to human error, and require manual labor, with SCADA systems offering inadequate data security and suboptimal data throughput for real-time monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A self-provisioning workflow utilizing MQTT protocol for communication between the wellsite controller and remote server, enabling automated configuration and data transmission with encryption, reducing manual tasks and enhancing data security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual SCADA configuration and provisioning processes are used, then system compatibility and established protocols are maintained, but setup time and labor requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wellsite controller automatically performs provisioning and configuration by generating registration messages, obtaining credentials, and configuring communication parameters without human intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual setup steps while maintaining system compatibility through standardized protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures communication parameters, credentials, and system mappings before actual operation begins. The controller obtains authentication credentials and configures communication settings in advance, so that when the system goes live, no manual configuration is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual configuration processes are used, then detailed control and customization are possible, but human errors and data entry mistakes increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration controlVSAvoiderror rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically generates registration messages with unique identifiers, obtains authentication credentials, and configures communication parameters without human intervention. This eliminates manual data entry errors while maintaining precise configuration control through automated validation and standardized processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional SCADA protocols are used, then broad system compatibility is achieved, but data security and transmission speed are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoiddata security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from traditional SCADA protocols to MQTT protocol, changing the communication paradigm from request-response to publish-subscribe. This parameter change enables enhanced security features including automatic authentication, encrypted data transmission, and improved data throughput speed while maintaining compatibility through standardized message formats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If field technicians perform manual installation and configuration, then on-site customization is possible, but labor costs and travel requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveon-site customizationVSAvoidlabor efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The wellsite controller performs automatic provisioning, configuration, and system registration without requiring field technician intervention. The controller autonomously generates registration messages, obtains credentials, and configures communication parameters, eliminating the need for technician travel and manual on-site configuration while maintaining customization capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4049228B1Workflow for self provisioning smart well controller
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC
  • EP4049228B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4049228B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4049228B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a system including a wellsite controller. The wellsite controller receives workflow inputs such as wellsite details and communications settings, generates a local configuration entry including the workflow inputs, sensor configuration information about wellsite sensors connected to the controller, and a unique identifier for the controller. The unique identifier is based upon the workflow inputs, the sensor configuration information, and location information for the wellsite. The controller generates a registration message from the local configuration entry. A server receives the registration message, and compares the unique identifier to a store of known identifiers. If the unique identifier does not match one of the known identifiers, the server recognizes the controller as being newly added, adds the wellsite to a monitoring system of the server by creating an entry for the wellsite from the registration message, and attempts to map the wellsite sensors to the entry for the wellsite.