MQTT Protocol Enhances Well Site Connectivity and Data TransmissionMQTT Protocol Enhances Well Site Connectivity and Data Transmission Intelligent Wellhead Systems (IWS) and ProFrac Services have collaborated to develop an innovative solution that utilizes the Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol for secure and efficient transfer of well location data during hydraulic fracturing operations. This advancement marks the first successful field tests of the MQTT protocol in this application. Addressing Limitations of Traditional Data Transmission Traditionally, drill site data during fracturing operations has been transmitted via Comma Separated Value (CSV) protocol. While reliable, CSV is limited in its data handling capabilities. The MQTT protocol addresses these limitations by allowing for the transmission of additional data information, including metadata and channel names. Benefits of MQTT Protocol The MQTT protocol offers significant advantages over the traditional method: * Simplified Channel Mapping: Eliminates manual data entry and errors by assigning data channel names before the job start, simplifying the mapping process. * Enhanced Data Accuracy: Accurate and reliable data transmission ensures confidence in downstream operations, reports, and planning. * Improved Efficiency: Automation of data manipulation tasks saves companies time and money, reducing the burden on data bus operators. * Increased Trust: Fosters greater trust between the operator, service company, and aggregator, enhancing well site security and certainty. Successful Field Implementations The MQTT protocol has been successfully implemented in several field trials: * Two two-well pads in the Haynesville Shale * Three-well pad in West Texas * Additional three-well pad in Haynesville (ongoing) Industry Collaboration The collaboration between IWS and ProFrac exemplifies the industry’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. This partnership has resulted in a solution that enhances drill site connectivity, improves data transmission, and ultimately provides greater value for customers.
Intelligent Wellhead Systems, together with ProFrac, has announced the first successful field tests using the Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol for the secure and efficient transfer and visualization of well location data during hydraulic fracturing operations.
Together with an operator in Haynesville, Intelligent Wellhead Systems (IWS) and ProFrac Services have developed a solution that improves drill site connectivity and enhances data transmission.
“Currently, drill location data during fracturing operations is transmitted over a standard communications cable using the Comma Separated Value (CSV) protocol. While this method is robust, it is quite limited in what it can do, especially with changes to the data being transmitted. A better solution is MQTT, a modern communications protocol that allows for more data information than the standard CSV protocol. Metadata, including the channel name for each data curve, can now be transmitted. Instead of just mapping the serial order of data, the data channel name can now be assigned,” said Bob Duncan, IWS Vice President of Product Strategy.
The biggest disadvantages of the traditional method are usually the result of manual data entry. In addition, data is not sent at the beginning of the phase. Channels are not in the correct order during installation. With the new protocol, these variables are taken out of the equation. The mapping process is not only simpler, but is also completed before the start of the job. The entire burden of channel mapping and data manipulation during the job is removed from the data bus operator, saving companies time and money.
“Once the job starts, data is now transmitted easily, accurately and reliably. We no longer depend on channel order alignment and now make assignments based on previously agreed channels. This solves the issues that arise from changing channel names or channel order during the job. From an operator perspective, it is refreshing to see the service provider and aggregator working together to provide a solution,” added the Completions Engineer from the Operating Company.
Chris Hall, Director IT Application Development for ProFrac Services said: “The MQTT protocol will make our data more accessible and accurate. The result will be a better job for the customer.” This new protocol offers many advantages over the current method. The process of manually entering, editing or quality checking data is eliminated, significantly reducing the time and cost of data manipulation. Improved data quality means greater confidence in downstream operations. Reports, analysis and planning are more reliable. Increased trust between the operator, service company and aggregator company brings new levels of certainty and added security to well site operations.
The MQTT protocol has been successfully implemented on 2 two-well pads in the Haynesville Shale and a three-well pad in West Texas. An additional three-well pad in Haynesville is also ongoing.
