FloWatcher
Flow rate, fluid density, and PT monitoring system
Continuously measure downhole flow rate, fluid density, pressure, and temperature, using high-precision gauges.
Real-time acquisition and control system
Realize the full potential of hydraulic, electrohydraulic, and electric intelligent completions with a simple, secure interface
Overview
Acquire and manage data from your intelligent completion
Intelligent completions include permanent downhole pressure and temperature gauges and interval control valves (ICVs) to monitor and control flow for optimizing production and recovery. Our real-time acquisition and control (RTAC) system consists of hardware and software modules that provide an interface between SLB permanent downhole and surface intelligent completion equipment and your distributed control system (DCS). It can be customized to provide fit-for-purpose solutions.
Multiple modules are available, each incorporating an
- interface driver for acquiring data from the tool at the correct rate, using a specific communication protocol
- event- and data-processing component to manage the data acquired by the interface driver in real time, enabling alarm detection, data compression, and generation of export files
- efficient human machine interface (HMI) to facilitate monitoring and control.
Applications
- Real-time monitoring and control of downhole ICVs and permanent downhole pressure and temperature gauges
- Real-time visibility of reservoir and production performance
Benefits
Monitor, diagnose, and control downhole events
The system enables visualizing and controlling downhole ICV operations, confirming valve changes, and monitoring pressure and flow rate responses. It improves operational efficiency and helps achieve well production goals by reducing downtime through real-time diagnosis of events requiring intervention. A range of alarms can be programmed by setting acceptable thresholds for various parameters (e.g., temperature, hydraulic pressure, and electric current). User authentication is required for system operation and data access, which enhances security.
The RTAC system is installed at the wellsite or on the offshore platform; a user-friendly HMI enables onsite operators to monitor and control downhole tools in real time through bidirectional communication as well as set alarm thresholds. The HMI can also be installed for multiple remotely situated experts to securely access reservoir and tool health data.
Your DCS can be used instead of the HMI, if preferred. The main production data is shared with the DCS for historization and transmission to the primary historian.
Leverage industry-standard systems
RTAC system software is based on SCADA software that is widely deployed in many different industries worldwide. Extensively supported and mature, it meets the robustness and long-term sustainability requirements of successful SCADA systems.
Modbus®, Modbus TCP, and Open Platform Communications (OPC-DA or OPC-UA) are the main protocols used, but the system also supports many other drivers. For remote operations or data transmission over a LAN or WAN, an industry-standard security protocol is used.
Modbus is a registered trademark of Schneider Electric.
Features
- Data trends, storage, and management
- Local and remote monitoring and control
- Standard modules as well as fit-for-purpose solutions
- Flow rate and fluid gradient estimation
FAQs
Where does the RTAC system tie into my intelligent completion technology stack?
The RTAC system incorporates acquisition, control, and production optimization digital workflows on premises.
Helpful links
About SLB