Learn how LEO Satellites and Gigabit Oilfields are Changing the Game in Connectivity on Remote Oilfields and Substations in the Oil, Gas, and Energy Sectors
Historically, oilfields have been located in remote locations that were dead zones for internet connection. They either had no signal or they were stuck with satellite internet that operated so slowly it was hard even to send a “quick” email. Today, however, new LEO satellites are changing the game, allowing oilfields to obtain gigabit-speed connections even in the middle of nowhere.
What is a LEO Satellite?
LEO stands for Low Earth Orbit. Whereas traditional satellites are located tens of thousands of miles above Earth, LEO satellites are located between 300 and 1200 miles above Earth. The proximity allows them to send signals at dramatically faster speeds with less latency.
Traditional satellites can have a latency of 600+ milliseconds. LEO satellites have a latency of as little as 50 milliseconds, which makes speeds comparable to fiber connections.
Many new satellite internet providers use these satellites to deliver much faster connections, even in remote locations. The most well-known of these is Starlink by SpaceX.
What Did Connectivity Look Like Before LEO Satellites?
In most cases, oil and gas operations are located in very remote and rural areas. This has always caused barriers and limitations to conventional communications, such as fiber internet. Previously, oil rigs and other remote job sites were limited to high-frequency radio and conventional satellite internet.
Only 15% of the world currently has cellular network connections. Oceans are generally not connected at all, until recent innovations. For oil infrastructure and gas pipelines, which often have isolated substations, connectivity just wasn’t possible.
The Consequences
The lack of connection often meant that data captured from sensors at jobsites and substations often sat idle. There was no way to transmit it to operators, who were often flying blind.
What is a Gigabit Oilfield?
A “Gigabit oilfield” is one with internet speeds of at least 1 Gbps, allowing all digital operations to run in real time. This allows oilfields to run like a fully connected office you’d find in a city.
It also means sensors, cameras, control software, and AI systems can communicate with each other and with headquarters without lag or dropped connections. This allows wellsites to become fully intelligent, connected operations, where data can flow seamlessly from remote oilfields, refineries, and pipelines to city boardrooms.
What it Means for Oil and Gas Workers
Having access to high-speed connections unlocks a world of new ways to operate that were not previously possible. This can include:
Smart Equipment Monitoring
- IoT sensors can be used on compressors, pumps, and drilling rigs to monitor temperatures, pressure, flow rate, and vibrations. With appropriate connectivity, these stats can be analyzed in real time.
- Predictive maintenance algorithms help workers solve problems before they lead to system failures. This reduces downtime, saving time and money in operations.
Decision Making in Real-Time
High-speed links allow field data and video to reach operations centers. This allows operators to adjust drilling parameters, monitor new wells, or respond to equipment failures in real-time.
Remote SCADA Systems
Before the introduction of LEO satellites, system monitors and controls either moved slowly from the jobsite or not at all. Now, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) monitors can be viewed and responded to immediately and from anywhere.
Worker Quality of Life
As the older workforce is slowly replaced by younger workers, having a reliable internet connection is a key factor in promoting employee satisfaction when working on remote sites.
Safety
Having real-time surveillance and personnel tracking allows managers and other higher-ups to respond quickly and effectively to issues involving workers and hazardous conditions.
What Made the Gigabit Oilfield Possible?
Satellites have become much less costly to manufacture and launch than in the earlier days of satellite internet. There are currently 4,700 LEO satellites in orbit, and some estimates suggest there could be more than 100,000 by 2030.
Terminals, or the well-known “satellite dish” technology, have also improved. They are smaller than ever, and faster to set up. They’ve also become much less costly to manufacture.
These factors make LEO satellite internet setups fast and easy to deploy, and they can be quickly reconfigured as the company's needs change. This makes them especially useful for temporary or mobile sites where the connection needs to move quickly with the workers.
Conclusions
The concept of a Gigabit Oilfield isn’t a wild concept or something for the future. It’s happening right now, and technology is only getting better, faster, and easier to access as LEO satellite technology evolves.
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