What’s the big deal about digital asset inspections in the oil and gas industry? Regular inspections ensure that all equipment complies with current regulations, codes and guidelines.
What Makes Working in the Oil and Gas Industry Dangerous?
Products in this environment are toxic and can cause a variety of health complications. Workers are at risk for developing many serious health issues. This could lead to short and long-term health complications. Workers need to take extra safety precautions to avoid:
- environmental damage,
- fires, and
- fatal accidents.
Employee safety is drastically compromised because they are often working in adverse conditions. The equipment they use to complete the job makes the entire mission a hit or miss situation. Vehicle accidents can occur when workers are inspecting pipelines or traveling to gas and oil sites. Adverse weather is another factor that often impacts workers health and safety.
Asset inspections are time consuming, dangerous, and can be less than perfect. However, they are a critical component in ensuring staff safety and company efficiency.
A Radically Better Approach to Asset Inspection
Technology is always evolving. This means new products are constantly being released based on changing demand. These products and services are targeted towards specific issues and problems. One of these is that of asset inspection.
Through the use of software and applications, it is possible to ensure that inspections are done quickly and correctly. By providing dedicated inspectors tools that can be utilized efficiently in the field, companies are able to save time and money.
Use of this technology makes the asset inspection process safer when compared to traditional methods.
Coordination of Inspections
Inspection software that synchronizes to a central database lets inspectors share inspections in real time. This lets auditors and senior inspectors guide inspectors to critical areas. By using data from other sites, inspectors can focus on problem areas.
Image Sharing
Having the ability to share site specific images is critical. Often high-resolution images and 4K videos can reveal minute problems not visible to the naked eye. Having the ability to analyze this information in real time lets inspectors find and resolve issues before they can cause harm.
Customization & Mandatory Fields
By using a tool that can be customized to a specific site, inspectors can look for specific areas of concern. Based on previous inspections or other similar sites, mandatory areas can be flagged. Through the use of mandatory fields, inspectors are forced to complete all steps of an inspection.
From Proactive to Predictive Maintenance
In the oil and gas industry, preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance are important. The traditional methods of inspection which rely on paper and pencil are often not as successful. This could be for a variety of factors, and include:
- environmental hazards,
- inadequate equipment,
- safety restrictions,
- scheduling constraints,
- human error, and much more.
By building a comprehensive schedule, it is possible to be more proactive with maintenance. Schedules can be designed around product and equipment life cycles. In addition, by using details from other sites, it is possible to focus on equipment known to fail.
A predictive, preventative maintenance plan can increase the longevity of equipment. Using detailed and accurate images with each inspection makes it easy to highlight changes. These detailed and accurate images will help determine if certain equipment needs to be repaired or replaced.
Frequently inspecting equipment saves time and money on repairs and replacements. Frequent inspections save money on insurance and hiring workers to complete required tasks. In addition, regular inspections reduce the chances of equipment malfunction or failure.
A New Source of Operational Data
Operational data detects trends, helps improve efficiency, and enhances productivity gains.
Detecting trends – Analysis of data and reports helps identify common factors. Often issues that impact one site can have a similar impact on another similar site. Determining the common factors is critical in ensuring that organizations “get ahead” of the problem.
Cost efficiency – The oil and gas industry spends a whopping $37 billion each year on monitoring potential threats. Companies are looking for technology to reduce or eliminate some of this cost. Digital inspections can definitely factor into this. By offering organizations a structured and accurate process to track deficiencies, costs are reduced.
Enhancing Productivity – By keeping equipment working and minimizing downtime, digital inspections keep the wheels of production turning. Inspectors and auditors are able to quickly highlight areas of concern. Well maintained equipment works more efficiently and ensures that businesses maximize their utilization. Inspections ensure that equipment is kept maintained and in exceptional condition.
Conclusion
Oil and gas companies around the world are continuing to embrace technology. By utilizing Field Eagle, companies are able to able to meet and address all of the challenges prevalent in the industry.
Field Eagle provides a solution that addresses safety risks while remaining focused on efficiency and productivity. As the tool allows customization, it can be updated regularly to ensure that changing laws are taken into account. With built in templates customized to track and monitor regulatory compliance, Field Eagle forces inspectors to review everything correctly.
