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Heavy asset management and testing is a major challenge for Chinese oilfield operators, and the number of oilfield assets usually reaches hundreds of thousands. In 2013, China’s State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS) introduced new regulations mandating that companies keep records of asset repair history. This also increases the task of enterprise asset management testing.
To solve this problem, a leading Chinese oil exploration and production company deployed an RFID solution. The company affixed Xeraty tags to 30,000 portable transformers and distributed ATID handheld RFID to field employeesReader. The company also plans to tokenize other assets such as: heavy machinery, pipes and valves.
By deploying this solution, the oil company not only wanted to meet the requirements of the State Administration of Work Safety, but also to improve its own efficiency. Previously, companies used barcode labels to track items. The staff member will then bring the handwritten paper inspection report to the office and enter it into the computer. This system has a high probability of error. In addition, scanning labels on equipment such as high-pressure boilers can be dangerous.
RFID technology can not only collect inspection data more efficiently and error-free, but also ensure timely inspection and maintenance of equipment. This, in turn, makes the device easier to operate. The company, which requested anonymity, said VictorySoft provided the solution.
By deploying RFID technology, the oil company can also locate assets that cannot be found by barcode scanning and manual searches.
In the search for an RFID solution, the company encountered several challenges. First, in some cases, the tag needs to be attached to the transformer 8 feet above the ground. Therefore, the system needs to have a long enough read range. In addition, high metal environments can interfere with the RF signals transmitted by tags and readers, and these tags are often exposed to extreme weather and damaging chemicals. Therefore, high durability is also a must-have feature. The company tried several passive RFID tags and readers, with no satisfactory results.
According to Xu Haiting, general manager of VictorySoft’s technology development department, after talking with the oil company, VictorySoft tried EPC UHF from 5 different companiesRFIDLabel. Cargo Trak tags from Xerafy perform best and can be attached to assets with adhesive, rivets or welding. The oil company later tested the tag on the field, equipping inspectors and other field employees with ATID AT870 handheld readers. The company piloted the technology on 30,000 transformers before deciding to implement it on a large scale.
When looking for items, employees need to walk around the oil field with handheld readers. The reader will read the unique ID code of the tag within a range of 12 meters and transmit it to the oilfield company server VictorySoft software via WiFi. The tabs contain inspection and maintenance history data. When performing inspections or calibrations, workers can enter the time and type of work to be done, which can then be stored on the label. In this way, company management can view these permanent records and share them with government agencies.
“The software saves important information such as installation time, calibration settings, service dates, and maintenance records,” Xu said. “Through this software, management can easily know the location and status of assets, and ensure timely inspections and calibrations.”
“Since the system was installed in 2013, staff’s productivity has improved, and they no longer have to spend long hours looking for items or manually record repair history,” Xu noted. “It also saves a lot of time.”
The company also intends to spread the RFID system to other oil fields, Xu added. Unfortunately, these data are not yet available to the public.
(The exclusive manuscript of rfid world network, please indicate the source author for reprinting!)
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