Edge Computing in the Oil and Gas Industry
Only a few years ago, cloud computing was one of the biggest innovation trends. The cloud took the IT world by storm. So much so that today, every industry and household depends on cloud computing. Every single one of us uses applications that are all based on centralized cloud computing services. While cloud computing has countless advantages, it has some limitations. Edge computing can be a solution to fill some of these gaps. This is most clear in specific industries and applications.
Edge Computing in the Oil and Gas Industry
In this article, we are going to discuss the oil and gas industry and the need for edge computing to carry out the operations in a remote oil or gas operations site.
Since the 19th century, we have relied on oil and gas to fulfill our energy needs. These needs range from transportation to the production of electricity, and heating. There are a lot of initiatives trying to lessen our reliance on oil and gas, but until that happens, we need to keep the supply of oil and gas flowing.
Most oil and gas sites are located in far-flung areas, in either deserts or far at sea. These remote centers are hundreds and in some cases, thousands of miles away from the nearest cities or urban centers and thus running operations on these sites is itself a challenge. In such situations relying on cloud computing to carry out operations in oil and gas is a risky and difficult business for several factors.
Edge Computing Improves Latency
The processes involved in oil and gas exploration or refinery sites are highly automated and involve the operation of automated machinery. However, these operations are highly dangerous some of which require split-second responses. If cloud computing is used and there is a latency from a computer instructing a machine component such as a valve, a lot could go wrong. Edge computing solves this problem by making all the processing and computing power available on-prem for these split-second decisions and reduces the chances of accidents significantly.
Edge Computing Improves Privacy and Security
Oil and gas are two of the most essential commodities of a nation, and in any dispute with foreign or domestic elements, they are the first ones to be targeted. This makes oil and gas sites require high levels of security. Using cloud computing means increasing the risk of capital loss by making your site vulnerable to hackers and cybercriminals. This type of attack is not science fiction, there have been multiple instances where oil and gas sites have come under attack due to cybercriminals. Edge computing reduces the risks posed by cyber threats as all the operations are then handled on-site with little to no link to the outside world and therefore have no chance of interference by foreign or domestic bad actors.
Bandwidth
Another important factor to be considered is bandwidth. Especially in remote sites, where there are limited bandwidth and a large number of computers that are trying to communicate with the cloud. The limited bandwidth can lead to longer waiting times and can thus increase latency. Edge computing can overcome this limitation as well, since the computing power all becomes available on site there is a reduced bandwidth load on transmissions to off-site devices. This can benefit operators by enabling them to decide which tasks will be calculated on the edge, and which will require external communication.
While cloud computing has countless benefits, like reduced costs, no need for infrastructure, and reduced maintenance there are edge computing applications in the oil and gas industry. In the cases where the need for a localized infrastructure outweighs all advantages of cloud computing, edge computing becomes a necessity.