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Use of Drones for Oilfield Equipment Inventory

Authors
T. Freed (California Polytechnic State University) | M. M. Medizade (California Polytechnic State University) | A. Duong (California Polytechnic State University)
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2118/190014-MS
Document ID
SPE-190014-MS
Publisher
Society of Petroleum Engineers
Source
SPE Western Regional Meeting, 22-26 April, Garden Grove, California, USA
Publication Date
2018
Document Type
Conference Paper
Language
English
ISBN
978-1-61399-599-0
Copyright
2018. Society of Petroleum Engineers
Keywords
Inventory Data Collection, RFID Tag, Remote Operations, Drones, Remote Inventory
Downloads
2 in the last 30 days
130 since 2007
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SPE Member Price: USD 9.50
SPE Non-Member Price: USD 28.00
Abstract

Oilfield tubulars (typically metallic pipes) and other types of oilfield equipment are typically stored in outdoor areas and may be scattered around the field. Managing these types of inventory is challenging and costly, as it requires significant labor resources. Therefore, inventory inaccuracy is common, and data-driven decisions may not be possible in a timely manner.

We propose the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) for tracking oilfield tubulars and similar, outdoor-stored, equipment. Our proposed application utilizes passive ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID technology that enables capturing unique serial identification numbers that are attached to inventory items from a distance of several meters.

Passive UHF RFID tags require no batteries to operate. Typical tag cost is low. Each tag is placed on an inventory item and corresponds to a database entry containing specific information about this item. The tag communicates its serial number using power provided by an RFID reader radio transmission. The RFID reader is securely mounted to the underside of a UAV flown over the field. Captured RFID tags are either stored locally and retrieved once the UAV lands, or are wirelessly transmitted to a constantly updating inventory database. In addition to tag ID, the captured data typically includes time and date stamp, as well as location data.

This research project included the design and manufacturing of an enclosure to house a RFID reader system which includes a host computer, embedded reader, antenna, power source, and necessary components for user interface. Specialized mounts were designed and manufactured to attach the enclosure and antenna to the UAV. The project incorporated the development of "middleware", specialized software installed on the host computer to communicate with the reader. The reader handles low-level communication with the antenna. To reduce network traffic, event management and data filtering are efficiently performed.

The results of several UAV flights in experimental areas are presented and discussed. Various brands of passive RFID tags for oilfield applications were tested. Particular attention was given to population density of the items, stacking configuration, vertical altitude distance between reader and tags, and time to collect inventory data for a given area of surveillance. As RFID applications are increasing in the oil, gas, solar, and other sectors of the energy production industries, UAVs can effectively be used to get important operational and inventory data. UAV use is particularly appealing in inaccessible and remote locations.

File Size  1 MBNumber of Pages   12

Casati, G., Longhi, M., Latini, D., Carbone, F., Amendola, S., Del Frate, F., Schiavon, G., & Marrocco, G. (2017). The Interrogation Footprint of RFID-UAV: Electromagnetic Modeling and Experimentations. IEEE Journal of Radio Frequency Identification, 1(2), 155-162. doi:10.1109/JRFID.2017.2765619.

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Hubbard, B., Wang, H., Leasure, M., Ropp, T., Lofton, T., Hubbard, S., & Lin, S. (2015, April 22-25). Feasibility Study of UAV use for RFID Material Tracking on Construction Sites. Paper presented at the ASC 51st Annual International Conference, College Station, TX. Fort Collins, CO: ASC.

PINC. (n.d). Solutions: Yard Management. Retrieved February 12, 2018 from https://www.pinc.com/yard-management-system.

SmartX Technology. (n.d.). Our Businesses: SmartUAV.io. Retrieved February 12, 2018 from https://smartxtechnology.com/solutions-2/smartuav-io-uav-as-a-service-inventory-by-air/.

Panos, R. C., & Freed, T. (2007, September 22-25). The Benefits of Automatic Data Collection in the Fresh Produce Supply Chain. Paper presented at the 2007 IEEE International Conference on Automation Science and Engineering (CASE), Scottsdale, AZ. doi:10.1109/COASE.2007.4341762.

PolyGAIT. (n.d.). What is RFID? Retrieved February 14, 2018 from http://polygait.calpoly.edu/blog/definition/.

Dobkin, D. M. (2008). The RF in RFID: Passive UHF RFID in Practice. Burlington, MA: Elsevier Inc.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), C.F.R 14 § 107.3, 2018

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), C.F.R 14 § 107.29, 2018

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), C.F.R 14 § 107.31, 2018

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