Vote for the best products of 2020

Who will win gold in 2020? Oil & Gas Engineering announces the finalists for its 4th annual Product of the Year competition.

By Amanda Pelliccione August 3, 2020

Innovation and advancement in technologies and best practices introduced within the past year into the oil and gas industry are recognized by means of the annual Oil & Gas Engineering Product of the Year awards. Companies submitted new and improved products introduced between Aug. 1, 2019, and July 31, 2020, to be judged. Below are the finalists in each of the three categories. It is now up to Oil & Gas Engineering readers to determine which products should receive gold, silver or bronze recognition. Vote online by Oct. 16, 2020.

Data & Analytics Category

Machinery protection, condition monitoring system

The Orbit 60 from Bently Nevada, a Baker Hughes Business, is a next-generation platform that collects and processes data, equipping operators with the right data and analytics to determine the health of their machines. It is an intrinsically cyber-secure machinery monitoring system with a built-in data diode, which enables secure one-way data transfer from the device to Bently Nevada’s flagship machinery management software System 1 for proactive monitoring and diagnostics. The platform is SIL 2 and 3 certified API 670 compliant, meeting the industry standards for safety and performance. Orbit 60 enables operators to do more with less, offering 80 dynamic data channels compared to an industry average of 50, with 100 times higher signal processing power and a smaller physical footprint than the industry average. Orbit 60 can be rack based or distributed and extended through a modular remote I/O system. Its scalable architecture allows it to connect to a wide range of assets, from highly critical machinery to general machinery in a variety of industries including oil and gas, power generation, renewables, steel, pulp and paper, and general industrials.

Cloud-based energy management solution

The EnergyPQA.com system from Electro Industries/GaugeTech (EIG) is an energy management cloud solution that uses artificial-intelligence-based machine learning to predict usage, perform analytics, and analyze and monitor power quality, resulting in reduced costs and improved power system reliability. In addition to displaying comprehensive energy, demand, and power quality data for meters in facilities, users can implement the EnergyPQA.com application to compare energy usage throughout an enterprise in order to optimize energy consumption and demand. This lets the user analyze their facilitie’s power quality using waveform fault events, THD, and other alarm events. The EnergyPQA.com system is hosted and maintained by Electro Industries/GaugeTech, so there is no need for client software or VPN access: the user signs onto the system with an encrypted username and password. The system uses advanced cyber secure tools, including limitation to user access, to assure that customer data is safely hosted and cannot be compromised.

Augmented reality, asset monitoring application

Augmented reality (AR) for Plantweb Optics from Emerson Automation helps organizations improve safety, productivity, and efficiency—capturing knowledge and using it to upskill the workforce that will operate plants in the coming decades. AR improves situational awareness with navigation tools that help users quickly locate a single asset among thousands. Users can also view the field through a mobile device to see overlays that identify assets by name and provide an easily understandable health-status report. The AR tools integrate seamlessly with Plantweb Optics to provide field technicians with instant Internet of Things (IoT) data relevant to specific assets. On a mobile device, users can tap an asset to bring up its entire catalog of health and process data, documentation, and maintenance history. Technicians in the field can receive help faster with live remote assistance. AR for Plantweb Optics allows multiple technicians and experts to work together from anywhere, leveraging on-screen annotations and voice and text assistance to guide technicians through field maintenance.

Cloud, edge SaaS solution

The Lavoro Platform from Lavoro Technologies is a fully integrated, device-agnostic, cloud and edge SaaS solution for the oil and gas industry. It is the alternative to point solutions and custom solutions that are difficult to scale and have higher lifetime costs than expected. The Lavoro Platform of applications allows operators to leverage data to its full potential to lower operating costs and increase production without the need to program. The Lavoro Platform encompasses Lavoro Edge, Lavoro Cloud, and robust applications that solve specific customer operational problems. The Foundation application bundle includes the building blocks to integrate, collect data, historize, visualize, control, automate, analyze, and optimize operations. Lavoro Production Management and Fluid Management bundles are available for additional upstream and midstream management capabilities. The Platform integrates seamlessly with existing automation assets, SCADA and back-office systems to make the most of existing investments.

Advanced analytics software

Seeq R22 from Seeq Corp. enables users to quickly investigate and share analyses from operations and manufacturing data sources to find insights and answer questions. Designed specifically for analyzing process data, Seeq R22 works across all verticals with time series data in historians or other storage platforms. The R22 release includes item-level permissions, significant processing speed increases, and additional collaborative features. The improved Scatterplot in Workbench allows conditional filtering and more display options to help users find relationships among signals more quickly. The NOAA Weather Service Connector feature integrates data from the National Weather Service API. At the request of Seeq users, R22 also features multi-user awareness, so it is now easier to know when other users are viewing, editing, or presenting the same worksheet or topic.

Interactive piping, instrumentation diagram software

Sphera’s Interactive piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID) solution streamlines isolation planning with quick access to engineering documentation and interactive capabilities to mark-up P&IDs. Teams can view the real-time operational status of the asset, identify sources of operational risk as well as where to control and shutdown, and ensure regulatory requirements. Additional safety and efficiency measures come as a result of automating isolation planning from a single, shared tool. Available on SpheraCloud, a SaaS-based and mobile platform, the Interactive P&ID software allows users to upload their PDF schematics and mark up the electronic document with actions, rules and isolation points. This data is then automatically carried into the integrated isolation planning process. The Interactive P&ID software allows engineering, maintenance and operations to collaborate on isolation planning and provide operational feedback to engineering in a simple, efficient and intuitive way.

Asset performance management software

APM 360 from Symphony AzimaAI is a cloud-based asset performance management solution that covers overall asset health, real-time condition monitoring and predictive maintenance—accurately recommending specific actions. APM 360 leverages the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) to account for complex, dynamic behavioral machinery patterns and contextual data relating to the manufacturing process at large. The APM 360 AI-based anomaly engine looks for irregularities while the FMEA engine and Symphony AzimaAI’s propriety scoring know-how acts as a double filter to ensure no false anomalies. The APM 360 apparent cause engine gets to the root of the problem, pinpointing to the specific valve that is constricting flow and therefore leading to cooling system issues. APM 360 AI models looks for deviations from normal operating behavior and uses both supervised and unsupervised learning models to detect and diagnose “unknown unknowns.”

Asset management software

The IIoT Plant Asset Management (PAM) software from Yokogawa Corporation of America is an OpreX Asset Management and Integrity brand solution that prevents costly downtime and equipment repairs while improving safety for process equipment and plant personnel. It is a unique vibration monitoring program using Yokogawa’s Sushi Sensor with long range wireless networking that applies AI and machine learning analytics for very early anomaly detection in rotating equipment. IIoT PAM improves plant efficiency by enabling rotating equipment managers to use their resources more effectively and make more informed decisions. Robust sensors automatically collect hundreds of data points simultaneously from throughout the plant and transmit them via a single gateway to be digitized, stored, and analyzed on premise and/or in the cloud. AI and machine learning algorithms detect abnormal conditions, predict failures, and prescribe maintenance to keep equipment healthy and running optimally.

Predictive asset management software

Yokogawa’s Plant Resource Manager (PRM) R4.03 is a predictive asset management solution that centrally manages status and maintenance information in high volume from automation and production assets. PRM provides maintenance support including online functions for monitoring and diagnosing devices and equipment. By allowing the plant operations and maintenance staff to centrally manage and visualize plant equipment data, PRM enables significant cost savings through improved maintenance efficiency. PRM supports intelligent devices using communication protocols such as Foundation Fieldbus, HART, Profibus and ISA100.11a Field Wireless. PRM further supports generic OPC to connect third party systems such as rotating equipment, programmable logic controllers, and electrical components. Out of the box functionality includes Field KPI report, Audit Trail management, maintenance information management, and Device parameter audit.

IIoT & Process Control Category

Industrial control system

The OSA Remote +Flow industrial control system from Bedrock Automation integrates Flow-Cal algorithms and PLC/PAC/RTU functionality into a powerful, secure control module. With this single automation platform and free IEC 61131-3 engineering software, users can configure oil and gas measurement and custody transfer applications requiring 10 to 20 hard I/O; program the I/O and control strategies in the field; and connect via standard protocols such as HART, Ethernet IP and Modbus, alongside OPC UA and MQTT. Built-in cybersecurity provides maximum protection and easy operation. Up to 64 GB secure Flash memory, 512 MB program memory and multicore ARM Cortex processors enable advanced modern applications. Sealed all-metal construction and -40 to 80°C temperature operating range make the OSA Remote +Flow suitable for even the most challenging environments.

Edge analytics device

The Emerson Automation AMS Asset Monitor edge analytics device digitalizes essential asset data and analytics for better operations performance and improved decision making. AMS Asset Monitor provides actionable insights into essential assets that were previously monitored only with infrequent assessments. This edge analytics device will connect with Emerson’s Plantweb Optics asset performance platform to provide key operations personnel with instant asset health details for operations and maintenance decision making. Unlike typical analytics devices that send data to a historian or the cloud to be processed later, AMS Asset Monitor provides analytics at the edge, performing calculations at the device. This device-centered analytics capability reduces the time, complication, and expense of adding analytics to a plant’s assets. Each device collects data continuously and uses embedded logic to identify and diagnose common reliability issues. Individual issues such as imbalance, misalignment, bearing faults, lubrication issues, or fouling are consolidated into an overall asset health score. AMS Asset Monitor then communicates these health scores via a web browser or—when integrated with Plantweb Optics—through real-time persona-based alerts on mobile devices.

Safety I/O module

The Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley FLEX 5000 safety input/output (I/O) module can meet the needs of producers in process and heavy industries that require fixed field-wiring terminations or both vertical and horizontal I/O mounting in distributed safety applications. The FLEX 5000 I/O module provides distributed safety I/O for the Allen-Bradley Compact GuardLogix 5380 and 5580 controllers. The safety module can be combined with FLEX 5000 standard I/O modules to achieve integrated safety and control in one distributed I/O platform. The module offers safety reaction times as fast as 4.5 ms to help designers create smaller, simpler and less expensive smart machines and equipment. The FLEX 5000 also offers extensive diagnostics to help users easily identify faults based on real-time data.The safety I/O module is TÜV certified for use in fail-safe applications up to SIL 3 and PLe, Cat. 4.

Medium-voltage VFD

The Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 6000T medium-voltage variable frequency drive (VFD) from Rockwell Automation shares the same control hardware, firmware and network interface software used in Rockwell Automation’s latest generation of PowerFlex 755T low-voltage drives. Using a common control platform across an entire installed base of VFDs lowers integration, operation and support costs. A common platform also reduces product-specific training requirements and spare parts inventory. The PowerFlex 6000T is available in a smaller footprint to help save floor space in industrial plants. This drive works well in retrofit opportunities where the drive must fit into an existing space. Synchronous transfer is used for controlled starting and speed control of multiple motors, with one drive. The drive can be used for soft-starting large motors to limit inrush current or for speed control of multiple motors, one at a time, as required by operating conditions.

Edge computing platform

The ztC Edge 100i/110i from Stratus Technologies is a zero-touch, fully virtualized and self-protecting computing platform, specifically designed for industrial edge environments. With built-in remote management and user-installable in less than an hour, ztC Edge significantly reduces the IT burden for virtualized computing at the edge. Its self-protecting and self-monitoring features help reduce unplanned downtime and ensure availability of business-critical industrial applications. Purpose-built for operational technology, ztC Edge is easy to set up, configure and manage, with user-friendly tools and redundant, hot-swappable nodes that automatically verify compatibility and synchronize themselves. The most recent version of the ztC Edge is Amazon Web Services IoT and Microsoft Azure certified, with integration capabilities embedded in the platform for simple systems management and faster time to value for customers.

Process performance management application

Symphony AzimaAI’s Performance 360 is a process performance and optimization solution for the process industries including petrochemical, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, power generation and discrete manufacturing. It combines process condition insights, performance metrics, and process history. Performance 360 uses IIoT and carefully curated artificial intelligence and deep learning technologies to predict how a process will perform in the future and identify potential process disruptions, quality issues, and trip conditions. Performance 360 provides this information with enough time to proactively act to avoid process trips, lost batches, decreased quality, and lost revenue due to decreased yield. Performance 360 AI driven optimizers are live and continuously adapt to any change in process condition.

Integrated HMI, SCADA platform

Developed for plant, telemetry, or hosted systems of any size, the unique design of Trihedral’s VTScada integrates all core SCADA components into one easy-to-use package. It replaces third-party add-ons with integrated features like Enterprise historian, security, reporting, alarming, alarm notification, version control, and thin clients. This removes risk and stress from every stage of the software lifecycle; from pricing and licensing, to development and support. Since version are never retired, VTScada applications can be scaled and updated indefinitely. VTScada 12 transforms how users connect to process data and put it to use across their organizations. New features include performance improvements, automatic PLC Tag Import, Excel Add-In, MQTT and OPC-UA drivers, drag-and-drop High Performance Widgets, Master/Subordinate applications, screen development on VTScada Internet Clients, Historical Data Editing, Historical Data Import, and Multi Language Support.

Fired asset management for process industries

CombustionONE from Yokogawa Corporation of America delivers a transformational component to the solution to deliver a step change in holistic, site-wide fired asset operation. CombustionONE applies to heaters, furnaces, steam methane reformers, crackers, and boilers—essentially any asset with a flame. CombustionONE comprises hardware, software, and turnkey project services in the form of tunable diode laser spectroscopy analyzers, dedicated control and safety systems, and digital twin technology. CombustionONE addresses the inadequacies of conventional fired asset management as outlined in API RP 556: Instrumentation, Control, and Protective Systems for Gas Fired Assets. The solution is designed to improve safety, decrease fouling and coking, enhance yields, minimize trips, and increase asset and catalyst life spans. CombustionONE has delivered proven results in fuel efficiency, CO2 emissions reductions, excess O2 reductions, and financial payback.

Plant operations optimizing software

Yokogawa’s Dynamic Real Time Optimizer (RT-OP) is a dynamic real time optimization solution that optimizes an asset, an entire plant, or circuit within a refinery/petrochemical plant to ensure it is continuously responding to market signals and disturbances on a few minutes’ basis. The solution combines Petro-SIM models and Platform for Advanced Control & Estimation APC. Dynamic RT-OP calculates the optimal values for plant independent variables with a high level of accuracy. This solution acquires real time data through online connections to control systems and plant information management systems and carries out case study Petro-SIM simulations to generate rigorous models and calculate additional inferred properties including high accuracy data for reaction processes that demonstrate non-linear characteristics. Based on these models and operating conditions, the optimal values are calculated by applying mathematical programming, and implemented online by the advanced control system.

Machines & Equipment Category

Virtual reality training software

For oil and gas manufacturers, the Mimic Field 3D virtual reality (VR) simulator from Emerson Automation makes training safer and more cost effective. The simulation software uses a site’s CAD drawings and digital twin architecture to create a three-dimensional model of the operating environment. In the virtual environment, operators can use VR equipment to perform the same tasks they would in the real world, gaining familiarity with assets and controls, such as pumps and compressors,  without the risk or production interruption of practicing on live equipment. Operators can train extensively in a safe environment that also eliminates the cost of flying or driving trainees back and forth from offshore or remote sites. Organizations can use the simulation to safely develop and test process and maintenance improvements to keep operations running safely, effectively, and efficiently.

Ultrasonic gas flowmeter

The Endress+Hauser Proline Prosonic Flow G 300/500 ultrasonic gas flowmeter is ideal for demanding applications, measuring both dry and wet gases with high precision (±0.5%), unmatched repeatability, and high reliability—even when process and ambient conditions fluctuate significantly. The robust industrial design makes it possible to operate the flowmeter long term without maintenance, saving time and money. The meter operates at process temperatures up to 150°C and pressures up to 100 bar and can be ordered with built-in pressure and temperature sensors. The input from these sensors can be combined with the measured sound velocity to calculate additional gas properties, often important for process control. An optional extended gas analysis function package is available for special applications and to meet process control requirements. Depending on the selected gas type, this function enables the calculation of additional parameters and process variables.

Back pressure valve system

The Latch Back Pressure Valve (BPV) System from Weir Oil & Gas provides a safe operating environments and greater efficiencies for drill-through operations with the use of a proprietary latch in place of a thread profile. Threads on most other BVPs are at risk of being damaged when the operator runs the drill bit through the thread profile, increasing the risk of a catastrophic pressure event or nonproductive time (NPT). The unique latch design of the Latch BPV System eliminates the threat of damage and potential pressure integrity issues, protecting personnel and equipment. The Latch BPV System consists of seven parts, has a PSI rating of 15,000 and can be easily installed using a dry rod lubricator to set the plug into place. It provides operators the confidence of knowing the latch will hinge every time even if wear is present.

Offline cementing solution

The Weir Oil & Gas Offline Cementing Solution for 5.5-in. production casing generates substantial reductions of NPT and operating costs. Engineered for Weir’s Unitized Lock-Ring wellhead, the Offline Cementing Solution sets up in 8 minutes without tools with Quick Connect. Operators do not have to make any adjustments to their BOP configuration. Additionally, the Offline Cementing Solution offers the added benefit of being able to perform testing isolation in the backside of the well for greater security and well integrity. It also prevents calling field crews to the site until they’re needed, giving much greater control over managing labor costs. The Offline Cementing Solution is supported by Weir Edge Services, a global service offering, and Weir Edge Delivered.

Frac valve seat

The SPM EdgeX Valve and Carbide Seat from Weir Oil & Gas increases seat life 6X and doubles valve life compared to conventional offerings to provide substantial cost savings and reduction of NPT. Valves, seats and packing are the most significant maintenance expenses on a frac site, making operators focus on reducing costs related to fluid end maintenance and downtime. The SPM EdgeX Valve and Carbide Seat employs tungsten carbide strategically in key wear areas to deliver dramatically longer life than existing valve seats, including environments with large particles, which means less time spent pulling seats. Operators experience significant resistance to wear, cracking, shattering, washout and catastrophic failure as the EdgeX combines the wearability of tungsten carbide with the reliability and impact-resistance of steel. Installation error sensitivity is also eliminated with the EdgeX.

How to Cast Your Vote

Voting for the Oil & Gas Engineering 2020 Product of the Year program opened Aug. 3, 2020, and is hosted within the New Products for Engineers platform, www.oilandgaseng.com/NP4E. Voting is only open to qualified subscribers of Oil & Gas Engineering products (magazine—print or digital, enewsletters, white papers, etc.). Qualified subscribers are encouraged to vote in as many categories for which they are qualified based on technological advancement, service to the industry and market impact. Read more about voting eligibility via the program’s Official Rules.

  1. Qualified voters, please register for a new user account or sign in to your existing user account within New Products for Engineers: oilandgaseng.com/NP4E
  2. Select “AWARDS” from the menu bar to arrive at the “Award Programs” page. Click “VOTE NOW!” next to the Oil & Gas Engineering 2020 Product of the Year description to view the finalists in their categories and cast your votes.
  3. Review, submit and/or edit your votes by Friday, Oct. 16, 2020.

Original content can be found at Oil and Gas Engineering.


Author Bio: Amanda is the Research Director and Project Manager of Awards Programs for CFE Media and its publications.