Operating in the oil and gas industry requires rugged computing solutions that can endure harsh environments characterized by extreme temperatures, constant vibrations, and exposure to dust and debris. This case study explores how a leading energy exploration company implemented Premio’s IoT Gateway to enhance oil and gas well site surveillance. By addressing challenges such as integrating sensors and cameras, ensuring reliable performance in remote locations, and maintaining operational continuity, the IoT Gateway solution enabled real-time monitoring and improved efficiency in one of the world’s toughest industries.
Challenges
- Harsh environmental conditions requiring systems with exceptional durability and consistent 24/7 performance
- Space-constrained industrial setups demanding compact and versatile hardware designs
- Complex integration needs for real-time data processing and surveillance at the edge
- Growing volumes of surveillance data at the rugged edge requiring efficient and scalable solutions for storage and management
- Need for DIN rail mounting to enable easy mechanical fitment into existing enclosure layouts
Solution
- Premio's RCO-1000-EHL Fanless Mini Computer, purpose-built for real-time processing in harsh industrial environments
- Wide-temperature range (-40°C to 70°C) and MIL-STD-810G compliance to ensure reliable operation in extreme conditions
- Power-efficient operation with low TDP (12W), enabling 24/7 reliability for mission-critical applications
- Advanced thermal management with a fanless design and high-grade materials for passive cooling, making it ideal for tight spaces
- Rich I/O connectivity including USB 3.2 and COM ports for seamless integration with IP cameras and other IIoT devices
- High-capacity storage options (up to 1TB) and wide-temp RAM to support continuous surveillance data management
- Modular I/O design and DIN rail mounting for easy customization and installation into existing infrastructure
Benefits
- Proactive sales & engineering support for faster time-to-market
- ISO certified facility
Company Overview
Founded in 1999, this leading oil and gas exploration and production company specializes in advanced methane detection, environmental monitoring, and operational optimization. Operating in diverse and challenging environments across multiple basins, the company deploys cutting-edge IoT solutions and ruggedized systems to enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability. Known for its robust infrastructure, the company integrates intelligent monitoring technologies and scalable data solutions to meet the demands of modern energy exploration while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. Its approach ensures it remains a trusted leader in developing resilient, technology-driven solutions for the oil and gas industry.
The Challenges
Operating in the demanding oil and gas industry, the company required a reliable and efficient surveillance solution to support operations in remote and challenging environments. Previous computing systems had a high failure rate and lacked the ruggedness necessary to withstand extreme conditions, leading to disruptions and costly repairs. Additionally, the need for seamless real-time data processing and integration at the rugged edge further complicated their operations. These challenges underscored the importance of a robust and innovative solution to maintain operational integrity. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key challenges:
Durability for Harsh Environments
Operating in harsh environments, where temperatures can drop as low as -40°C or where natural disasters occur, the company became acutely aware of vulnerabilities in its critical systems. For instance, during the 2021 Texas Freeze, while temperatures did not reach -40°C, the event underscored the importance of robust hardware capable of withstanding unpredictable environmental challenges, as many pieces of equipment failed. Furthermore, ensuring consistent 24/7 performance was crucial not only to minimize costly repairs but also to maintain operational safety and continuity in demanding scenarios.
Compact and Versatile Hardware Design
In the oil and gas industry, where infrastructure is often tightly packed with essential equipment, space is a premium commodity. The company required compact systems to fit into confined control rooms and remote installations without sacrificing performance. Fanless designs with efficient thermal management were particularly important to ensure reliable operation in these challenging environments.
Integration for Real-Time Data and Surveillance
The company relied on IP cameras to monitor operations and detect potential issues in real-time. However, the previous systems lacked adequate I/O connectivity, causing delays in response. Seamless integration with IP cameras and IIoT devices was crucial to improve monitoring capabilities and enable timely interventions.
Scalability for Increasing Data Volumes
With the proliferation of IP cameras and other sensors, the amount of data generated at the rugged edge increased exponentially. The company needed a solution capable of processing high-resolution video streams and sensor data without delays. This required scalable systems that could grow alongside their expanding data requirements, ensuring efficiency and reliability.
Ease of Installation and Mechanical Integration
With facilities spread across various locations, the company needed hardware that could be quickly and easily installed. DIN rail mounting became a critical requirement, as it simplifies mechanical integration into existing enclosures and reduces installation time. This streamlined approach allowed the company to deploy systems efficiently across diverse operational setups.
The Solution
To tackle these operational challenges, Premio introduced the RCO-1000-EHL Fanless Mini Computer, a purpose-built solution designed for demanding industrial environments. Featuring advanced capabilities such as wide-temperature support, robust I/O connectivity, and a compact form factor, this rugged system delivers reliable performance, making it an ideal choice for surveillance applications in extreme conditions. Powered by the Intel® Atom® x6425E processor and a modular design, the RCO-1000-EHL is tailored to meet the unique demands of modern industrial operations. Below is a detailed breakdown of how this solution fulfilled the company’s surveillance needs:
Reliable 24/7 Operations
Designed for round-the-clock reliability, the RCO-1000-EHL leverages low-power efficiency to deliver consistent performance in mission-critical applications. Whether supporting advanced surveillance systems or enabling real-time monitoring, its energy-efficient design minimizes downtime and reduces operational risks. This reliability is particularly crucial for maintaining safety and operational integrity in challenging environments.
Optimized Thermal Management
The RCO-1000-EHL’s fanless design employs high-grade materials for effective passive cooling, ensuring reliable operation even in the extreme and remote conditions of oil and gas locations. By eliminating moving parts like fans, the system minimizes maintenance needs and enhances durability, making it ideal for deployment in isolated sites where consistent airflow and easy access for repairs are limited.
Seamless Integration with Real-Time Devices
Rich I/O connectivity, including USB 3.2 and COM ports, ensures seamless integration with IP cameras, IIoT devices, and other critical equipment. While enhancing surveillance capabilities with real-time video feeds, the RCO-1000-EHL also supports environmental sensors and telemetry systems. This connectivity eliminates bottlenecks, enabling efficient data processing and improving decision-making across operations.
Efficient Surveillance Data Management
With up to 1TB of storage and wide-temp DDR4 RAM, the RCO-1000-EHL reliably manages high-resolution video streams and surveillance data. This capability ensures uninterrupted operation of the company’s monitoring systems, even as the volume of surveillance footage grows. Its robust storage capacity and durability make it an ideal solution for continuous data logging in demanding environments.
Simplified Installation and Customization
One of the standout features of the RCO-1000-EHL is its DIN rail mounting capability, which facilitates quick and secure installation in diverse setups. The modular design simplifies the process, offering flexibility for easy customization, reducing both deployment time and complexity.
The Benefits
Premio not only provided a ruggedized edge computing solution that met all the company’s operational challenges but also delivered additional advantages through its expertise, streamlined manufacturing processes, and customer-focused approach.
Proactive Sales & Engineering Support for Faster Time-to-Market
Premio’s dedicated sales and supply chain teams work collaboratively to ensure fast and efficient deployment of solutions. Their proactive approach enables the company to meet time-sensitive operational needs, ensuring critical systems are up and running without unnecessary delays.
ISO-Certified Facility for Quality Assurance
With certifications in ISO 13485:2016, ISO 9001:2015, and ISO 14001:2015, Premio upholds the highest standards of quality, reliability, and environmental responsibility. Strategically located in the Greater Los Angeles area, Premio leverages efficient supply chain management to ensure timely delivery of solutions. Our dedicated engineering and sales teams collaborate closely with clients, providing expert guidance and customized solutions that consistently exceed industry expectations.