Real-Time Management of RAM Data Using OT and IT Infrastructure in Oil & Gas Operations

Managing safety-critical systems in real-time, across geographically diverse multiple oil & gas installations, both offshore and onshore, is in itself a huge challenge for any corporation. PETRONAS, through its Exploration, Development & Production subsidiary PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd, has successfully deployed a digital solution to remotely manage multiple safety-critical systems under different operational technology (OT) sites from a centralized location in real-time over its existing corporate information technology (IT) infrastructure. Thus, creating the first approach to reliability domain-based information data lake to assist real time operation of safety-critical systems and improve production efficiencies. In this paper, readers be given an insight into the journey of PRiME-IO, the digital solution currently overlooking real-time operation of multiple OT safety-critical systems such as DCS and safety PLCs across hundreds of offshore and onshore sites. Challenges in OT/IT convergence, including but not limited to cybersecurity and data transmission reliability, and the solutions adopted to overcome these, will be discussed at length. Apart from the hardware and infrastructure aside, key human factor considerations such as competency upskilling of engineers and technicians, enabling fast feedbacks on decisions, as well as changes in work processes and improved productivity, will also be highlighted. Tangible operational benefits such as lower risk & exposure to frontline operations, faster response time and lower day-to-day logistic costs will also be demonstrated