Connectivity for Each Part of Your Wellpad Application
Connectivity for Each Part of Your Wellpad Application
Recently we’ve talked about remote access and separator connectivity for oil and gas applications. Today, we’re concluding this mini-series and discussing protocol connectivity and wireless radios for wellpad applications.
Protocol Converters and In-Rack Flow Computers
With on-site equipment as varied from your PAC and generator to smart transmitters and chromatographs, chances are high that your application has a variety of industrial protocols that need to be connected.
The size and complexity of oil and gas applications - whether saltwater disposal, LACT skids, collection, drilling, refining, or transportation – make it impossible for users to use one technology or platform. Each part has information that needs to be sent to your PAC or SCADA system, making real-time protocol conversion and data transfer a must.
In-chassis and gateway protocol converters provide a variety of options for your wellpad application’s equipment. Oil and gas sites’ common protocols include EtherNet/IP™, Modbus®, DNP3, HART, ASCII, Siemens® Industrial Ethernet, IEC 61850, and IEC 60870.
Meanwhile, in-chassis flow computers for ControlLogix® and CompactLogix™ can bring your LACT application’s data directly into your PAC, eliminating the need for standalone modules or measurement RTUs.
Wireless Connectivity
Running cables across an oil and gas operation is fun for no one. Then there’s adding more whenever new equipment is added and the extra maintenance.
Industrial wireless radios provide real-time data from across your wellpad application, linking distributed I/O to ensure a reliably connected operation. This network of 802.11 radios can provide the robust communications that wellpad applications require. Add a master radio in the control house or another central location, and connected access points throughout your site to link each component. Concerned about dust or high temperatures? Weatherproof radios are available.
Using wireless radios will also be beneficial as your application expands. They’re a scalable option with quick setup – and no need to dig trenches or run cables.
Pro tip: Designing an industrial wireless network can be quite the endeavor. Contact a trusted expert for help!
Connectivity Toolkit
Learn more about the solutions that can help you connect each part of your wellpad application:
Contact us with any questions about wellpad communications.