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Rig-Hand -The system, known as Rig-Hand™, uses tags based on Radio-Frequency Identification technology, or RFID, which are affixed to individual components used for drilling, workover, and completion operations.
The tags, which are capable of transferring data via a low-level radio signal to nearby reading devices, can be installed on components at the manufacturer, or retro-fitted to existing components in the field when they are inspected. Once the tags have been mounted, the Rig-Hand™ system uses rugged scanning tools to read them and feed relevant data to the system’s software – which then analyzes the data, providing operations personnel with instant knowledge about the equipment.
The tags themselves are quite small, ranging from about the size of a small button to about the size of a bottle cap. They can be mechanically mounted, epoxied, or screwed into components – depending on criteria such as available wall thickness, component diameter and the intended use or re-use of the component.
Real-time knowledge of drill string stresses and strains will provide a significant reduction in catastrophic failure of equipment like drill pipe, casing, production tubing, gas-lift valves, etc. The level of detail provided by the tags will improve understanding of the limitations of downhole components and help operators better manage the risks of using a drill string close to its safe design limits. |
