Efficient data acquisition is the linchpin of operational excellence in every industry. This is especially true for Oil & Gas companies, where identifying and addressing data-driven issues can have a significant impact on operations and your bottom line.
No matter what your role may be, from operations managers and automation specialists to engineers and technicians, accurate data collection in oil and gas—and the ability to seamlessly process and use that data—is crucial.
But data acquisition techniques aren’t just about enhancing operational efficiency and accelerating decision-making. They can also help improve compliance and security while making your control systems more robust and scalable.
Here, we’ll discuss three different techniques for data acquisition oil and gas companies should explore: polling engines, continuous data streaming, and event-driven data acquisition.
Each technique comes with its own unique set of benefits and requirements, and not every solution will be right for you. So gaining a clear understanding of how each works—and how they are different—will help you better determine the right fit.
Data Acquisition Techniques Snapshot
| Technique | Differentiator | Benefits | Applications | Example Products |
| Polling Engine | Queries devices at predefined intervals | Consistent data collection, systematic monitoring | Pipeline and storage tank monitoring | AUTOSOL, TOP Server, Kepware |
| Continuous Data Streaming | Continuous data transmission | Real-time monitoring, instant decision-making | Real-time flow rate monitoring, equipment condition monitoring | Apache Kafka |
| Event-Driven Data Acquisition | Data sent only when specific events occur | Reduced network load, immediate alerts | Leak detection, pressure spikes | HiveMQ, Cogent Data Hub |
Polling Engines
By querying devices at predefined intervals, polling engines ensure a steady stream of information. This makes them a cornerstone of data collection in oil and gas.
How this works
- Data Request: A query is sent to a device.
- Data Collection: The device responds with the requested data.
- Data Processing: Data is processed and converted into a usable format.
- Data Storage: Processed data is stored for further analysis and reporting.
Requirements for Using a Polling Engine
- Compatible Devices: Ensure all devices in your ecosystem can communicate with the polling engine.
- Network Infrastructure: Networks must be robust enough to handle increased data traffic.
- Software and Hardware: Secure data collection and processing software along with hardware powerful enough to run these applications.
Benefits of Polling Engines
- Consistent Data Collection: Regular data collection intervals ensure no relevant data is missed.
- Systematic Monitoring: Provides a clear and structured approach to data collection and the monitoring of critical systems.
- Targeted Data Clarity: Focus on collecting and utilizing only the data you need most.
- Simplified Approach: Polling engines only collect data at predefined intervals, which is ideal for scenarios where regular data collection is critical.
Continuous Data Streaming
As an oil and gas data acquisition system, this approach is considered to be more advanced because it supplies an uninterrupted flow of data.
How this works
- Continuous Transmission: Devices broadcast data without interruption.
- Real-Time Processing: The system processes and analyzes data in real time.
- Instant Storage: Data is immediately stored for ongoing use.
Requirements for Continuous Data Streaming
- Advanced Sensors: Sensors powerful enough to support constant data transmission.
- Bandwidth: Adequate network bandwidth to handle continuous data flow.
- Hardware and Software: Systems capable of real-time data processing and storage.
Benefits of Continuous Data Streaming
- Real-Time Monitoring: Instant data availability increases agility and responsiveness.
- Faster Decision-Making: Respond immediately to emerging trends and changes.
- Accurate Forecasting: Base future decisions on accurate, complete, up-to-the-minute data.
- Increased Security: Identify threats earlier and react faster to mitigate the impact of data leaks or cyber-attacks.
This technique is particularly useful for applications requiring real-time oversight, like equipment condition and flow-rate monitoring. One key concern with continuous data streaming is the increased load all this data places on internal systems and servers. One way to avoid this is through MQTT, a lightweight standards-based messaging protocol used for machine-to-machine communication.
MQTT uses a binary, publish/subscribe method for data exchange to reduce the amount of information transmitted over your network while also limiting latency by reducing the time needed for information to travel from publisher to broker to subscriber.
For deeper insights into real-time data ingestion, we recommend the following article: Real-Time Data Ingestion.
Event-Driven Data Acquisition
When it comes to data collection in oil and gas, industry experts agree that event-driven data acquisition is both selective and effective. Because data is only transmitted when a specific event occurs.
How this works
- Event Configuration: Technicians set specific event thresholds, like pressure spikes or temperature changes.
- Event Detection: Sensors monitor for these thresholds.
- Data Transmission: When an event occurs, data is transmitted immediately.
Requirements for Event-Driven Data Acquisition
- Smart Sensors: Capable of detecting specific events and transmitting data accordingly.
- System Infrastructure: An agile infrastructure capable of handling sporadic data.
- Hardware and Software: Appropriate technologies to configure and monitor events.
Benefits of Event-Driven Data Acquisition
- Reduced Network Load: Data is only sent when necessary, minimizing network congestion.
- Immediate Alerts: Provides instant notification of critical events.
- Real-time Responsiveness: Enables a faster response to incoming data and events
- Event Sourcing and Auditing: Event logs retain chronological records of all actions for use in debugging, monitoring, compliance, and more.
This method is ideal for applications such as leak detection and monitoring pressure spikes, where immediate data transmission is crucial for safety and operational efficiency.
Conclusion
Choosing the right data acquisition techniques is pivotal for O&G companies. And while each technique caters to different needs, all of them will help enhance scalability, improve operational efficiency, and boost reliability.
As data becomes increasingly important, companies that fail to adopt effective data acquisition methods risk falling behind. By leveraging these data acquisition techniques, your company can stay ahead of the competition, ensure operational excellence, and enjoy sustained growth for the foreseeable future.
At CSE ICON, we are committed to helping integrate these technologies seamlessly into your operations while ensuring the compliance, security, and enhanced performance you need.
To learn more about what CSE ICON can do for you, we recommend exploring these insightful blogs on MQTT in SCADA and SCADA vs. Industrial IoT.
Data Aquisition
If you have any questions or want to discuss your needs, please contact us.
CSE ICON is a professional services company focused on the design, development, and implementation of Operational Technology used in the processing and manufacturing industries. Our mission is to bring people and data together, helping our customers continuously improve and increase profitability.