Solution Brief
Edge Computing in Upstream Oil & Gas
Automate Monitoring and Reporting of EPA Methods 9, 22, and 21
Upstream Oil & Gas companies are rapidly transforming operations by implementing Edge Computing for local data analysis and automation of manual processes, bringing Industry 4.0 to remote upstream Oil & Gas production.
One tactical application of Edge Computing is to automate monitoring, detecting, and reporting for EPA Methods 9, 22, and 21. Organizations can collect sensor data from a range of I/O points to efficiently and remotely monitor flares and analyze high-quality images to identify leaking greenhouse gases, H2S, propane, and more. Combining Edge Computing with SCADA, historians, and specialized IoT software from vendors such as Visionary, Noctuai, and Clovity, operators can embark on a path to AI-driven operations, leveraging machine learning applications to identify liquid and gas leaks – whether on the flare stack, tank battery, or elsewhere – without on-site human inspection.
Key Challenges of Emissions Monitoring, Detecting, & Reporting
Observing and reporting flares, smoke, leaks, and other emissions presents a time-consuming and costly requirement for Upstream operators. In addition to the time and cost of sending workers to far-flung well sites, manual inspection and analysis also introduces subjectivity, potential error, and is often not feasible. EPA fines for undetected emissions can reach up to $25,000 a day per violation, with additional costs of repairs and lost production for shutdown.
Beyond regulatory requirements, organizations worldwide are also working diligently to monitor and reduce their carbon footprint. With many companies consciously calculating their annual emissions and supporting NetZero programs, adhering to Methods 9, 22, and 21 is essential for key initiatives aimed at reducing methane, CO2, and other greenhouse gases.
Deploy Stratus Edge Computing to Solve Method 9, 22, and 21 Reporting
Edge Computing deployed close to equipment and production provides local processing power to monitor the many I/O points and collect and analyze sensor data, in intervals up to four times per second, delivering highly accurate and quantified emissions data. This data is sent to the control room, mobile desktop, or cloud – automating reporting and reducing manual inspection costs.
Intelligent cameras remotely monitor flares and produce high-quality images, identifying leaking greenhouse gases, as well as H2S and propane. With built-in redundancy and virtualization, and pre-configured out-of-the-box, Stratus Edge Computing platforms prevent unplanned downtime and allow multiple applications to run concurrently in a single platform.
Stratus Edge Computing: Simple, Protected, Autonomous
Stratus Edge Computing platforms are purpose-built for rugged, remote environments and can be serviced by OT staff without reliance on IT for maintenance and support. The Stratus ztC™ Edge platform, powered by Intel processors for edge IoT applications, is fan-less, rated at -40° to 60°C, 10% to 95% humidity, with 5 to 500 Hz vibration, and certified Class I Division 2.
With an intuitive management console, an Edge Computing platform is easy for both local and remote staff to install and set up with flexibility and optionality. Stratus offers system support, system health add-ons, and managed support services to ensure health monitoring, keeping critical workloads running with minimal customer effort.
Stratus Edge Computing platforms offer operators:
Simple: Simple to install, deploy, and manage across applications and infrastructure
Protected: Protects physical assets, data, security, and reputation—and reduces operational and financial risk
Autonomous: Operates autonomously with constant availability, even in the most rugged environments, minimizing unplanned downtime – for both equipment and applications – and enabling fully remote management
Edge Computing powered by Intel
Intel-powered edge devices gather data, usually in real time, to help improve processes, create better customer experiences, and enhance the quality of products. When empowered by the right technologies, Edge Computing increases intelligence across the entire business, anytime and anywhere.
Stratus Edge Computing solutions, powered by 9th and 10th Generation Intel® Core™ processors, provide the power and reliability to automate the detection and reporting for EPA regulations, deliver highly accurate and quantified data in real time, reduce on-site physical inspections, and provide organization-wide visibility across your entire infrastructure.
Stratus is a Gold member of the Intel® Partner Alliance. From leading edge technologies to sophisticated sales enablement and powerful partner networking, the Intel Partner Alliance will connect you to a world of innovation
About Stratus
Stratus delivers simple, protected, and autonomous zero-touch Edge Computing platforms for leaders who are digitally transforming their business-critical operations in order to achieve continuous availability and predictable, peak performance with minimal risk.
For more information
Please contact your local system integrator, channel partner, Stratus sales representative, or request a demo to explore further how Stratus’ Edge Computing platforms might be right for you.
