Final Report

SMARTPHONE SOFTWARE PROGRAM FOR PUMPERS/WELL
TENDERS
FINAL REPORT
Reporting Period: May 2011
Principal Author: Frank Braswell
Issued: June 2011
The Pennsylvania State University
C-211 Coal Utilization Laboratory
University Park, PA 16802
Prime Award Number: DE-FC26-04NT42098
Subaward Number: 4182-SM-DOE-2098
Submitting Organization:
Systems of Merritt, Inc.
220 W. McCabe Ave.
Upland, IN 46989
Preparer: Frank Braswell, Phone: 765-760-1638
Date of Report: June 21, 2011
DISCLAIMER
This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United
States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor
any of their employees, makes any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any
legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any
information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would
not infringe upon privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial
product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does
not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the
United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors
expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States
Government or any agency thereof.
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ABSTRACT
Acquiring digital data from the oil field has the potential to reduce costs through timely
delivery and analysis of field conditions. To date, this capability has only been available
to owners of high-producing fields. This project seeks to provide a low-cost alternative to
stripper well owners through the use of smart phone technology.
Making data collection intuitive, easy and efficient using smartphone technology (the
Apple iPhone for this project) is a major goal. The use of touchscreen and highresolution graphics will be used to achieve this goal by using graphical objects and
concepts familiar to oil field workers.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Technical Discussion .......................................................................................................................................4
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................4
Experimental & Project Activity...................................................................................................................4
Conferences..............................................................................................................................................5
Marketing .................................................................................................................................................6
Screen Shots from Demo Program ..........................................................................................................7
Project Schedule.......................................................................................................................................9
Project Task Schedule Chart..........................................................................................................10
Project Task Detail ........................................................................................................................10
Upcoming Work .....................................................................................................................................11
Results and Discussion ...............................................................................................................................11
Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................................12
Appendix .......................................................................................................................................................14
Appendix I - Public Executive Summary ....................................................................................................14
Appendix II - Objectives and expected significance of the research. .........................................................15
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TECHNICAL DISCUSSION
INTRODUCTION
The first portion of this project was designed to gather information from the field
regarding the usage of a smartphone as a data collection device. A demo program was
created to show potential users the capabilities of a touch screen and graphics for data
entry.
Input from the field visits has helped move the user interface development along with
interfaces for oil storage tanks and gauge dial input screen development. The project
blog has been well received and people have called with questions about the project
after viewing the blog posts. The Oklahoma Marginal Well Commission (OMWC) has
promoted the project through direct mail, their website and workshops.
Even though the grant has come to a close, we are continuing with the work to bring it to
market.
EXPERIMENTAL & PROJECT ACTIVITY
The final activity of the project is discussed in this section. Both technical and marketing
activities were done during this time.
Conferences were attended for the purpose of presenting the project and making
industry contacts for promotion and sale of the product. Two conferences were held in
Seven Springs, PA; the Stripper Well Consortium (SWC) Tech Transfer Meeting and the
Pennsylvania Independent Oil & Gas Association (PIOGA) Meeting.
Prior to the two conferences, marketing materials, including flyers and a banner were
created. The materials were used at the conference and will be used for other OMWC
marketing activities in the future.
The coding of the iPhone application continues as the SWC project comes to a close,
and some final screen shots are described that fill out the user interface. Future work is
also described.
The product is close enough to completion that we are continuing to pursue
commercialization with the help of the Oklahoma Marginal Well Commission (OMWC).
The final steps include beta testing, training sessions and submission to the Apple
iTunes App Store. A free version will be offered to meet the requirements of the contract.
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CONFERENCES
SWC 2011 Spring Tech Transfer Meeting - May 23, 2011
Frank Braswell presented a program status report to the SWC members at Seven
Springs, PA. A demonstration version of the software was shown to the group.
One member of the group asked me about customizing the product to work with their
wellsite data collection system.
Rick Torix from the Oklahoma Marginal Well Commission attended the meeting,
displayed the product banner and discussed the product with attendees.
The project was discussed with Robert Bluey, Director, Center for Media and Public
Policy, of the Heritage Foundation. Rob is an analyst who covers energy policy issues,
and is interested in issues that affect the stripper well industry. The meeting gave him
enough material to begin work on several articles that will be published through http://
www.heritage.org.
The project was also discussed with Lou D’Amico, PIOGA President and Executive
Director. Lou encouraged us to meet with members of his staff and attendees at the
PIOGA conference.
PIOGA Spring Meeting - May 25-26, 2011
Frank Braswell and Rick Torix from the Oklahoma Marginal Well Commission attended
the PIOGA conference. During the conference we met with people to discuss the
product. We also met together with Al Catanzarite, Vice President of Public Outreach for
PIOGA to discuss how we might work together with PIOGA to promote the Pumper’s
Friend product.
Numerous contacts were made regarding the project, and several companies were
interested in talking about customized versions.
The conference itself was very informative, covering a wide variety of topics that impact
the oil and gas industry. There are many more applications of iPhone technology
possible in this industry.
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MARKETING
In preparation for the SWC and PIOGA conferences, and for future marketing efforts, a
flyer was made, along with a banner that can be used at trade show booths. We worked
closely with the graphic designer on the artistic direction and content.
The project blog at http://bit.ly/pumpersfriend continues to be the main source of
information for the project and will remain active.
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SCREEN SHOTS FROM DEMO PROGRAM
Structure of the Pumper’s Friend iPhone Software Application
Several screens were added in order to capture basic information about wells, tanks and
various gauges.
The first screen shows information needed to
describe the name and location of a new well
added to the list of wells stored in the
application.
The keyboard used to enter the data
automatically appears when the user taps on
one of the data fields. Touching the letter keys
enters the data in the field.
Entering the well information is only done once
for each individual well.
The next screen is used to gather information
about each individual tank. Several more pieces
of information are needed for a tank, to allow for
the tank capacity to be converted from feet and
inches to barrels.
When the user touches a field, the keyboard
appears, just like on the previous screen above.
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This screen shows the collection of gauges for a
specific well. Any number of gauges can be
associated with each well.
This next screen allows the user to add
additional gauges for each well. The gauge is
selected with what is called a “picker” on the
iPhone. It’s like a dial that can be moved to the
desired selection. The selections are pictured in
the bottom part of the screen.
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PROJECT SCHEDULE
The structure and flow of the Pumper’s Friend software is well defined and under review
by OMWC. Memory storage coding is underway and communication is upcoming.
Completion of these tasks will complete most of the programming for the initial release.
Project communication (Task 6) is well established with the project blog at http://
systemsofmerritt.com/wordpress-swc/. Marketing (Task 5) is also underway with help
from the OMWC. At each of the OMWC seminars across Oklahoma, the Pumper’s
Friend software is mentioned, and brochures are given to the attendees, plus the project
is mentioned on their website at http://www.ok.gov/marginalwells/
SmartPhone_Application/index.html.
In late May, a status report was presented at the SWC meeting in Seven Springs, PA. At
the same location, the PIOGA conference was attended. At both meetings contact was
made with companies that were interested in the Pumper’s Friend software. The
marketing will continue.
The programming is taking longer than anticipated, but we expect to start the beta
program this summer, even though the project is officially finished. OMWC continues to
support the effort to bring the product to the market, plus we have talked to PIOGA about
making their members aware of the product.
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Project Task Schedule Chart
Task
No.
Task
Descrip6on
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
General Specifica.ons
Gather Informa.on
Build test applica.on
Develop "Lite" version
Marke.ng
Web communica.on
Add content
Training
Finish programming
Field Test
Repor.ng
Time Months into Project
Months 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 2
4 7 3 3 3 4 2 6
7
8
9
10 11
12
Project Task Detail
1.
Develop general specifications for iPhone application.
2.
Gather information on pumper/well tender procedures, log sheets and reporting
forms. Also look at inspection forms and procedures. Solicit information from
owners on additional features, including must-have, nice-to-have and future
needs.
3.
Build iPhone test application that highlights various data input and screen
navigation concepts. Take test application into field for owner and operator
feedback.
4.
Develop “Lite” version of application featuring email reporting. Test and release
“Lite” version for field testing.
5.
Work with OMWC on marketing and contacts with other organizations.
6.
Web communication and storage. Develop (program/code) internet-based data
storage accounts for owners. Develop (program/code) internet-based web
browser report display. Develop (program/code) download program that will
interface to Excel and other accounting program formats.
7.
Add content items to iPhone application may include the pumper’s handbook,
procedures for inspections and EPA compliance information. Add advanced
features to iPhone application which may include GPS mapping and photo
acquisition based on the feature list from part two.
8.
Contact Apple Computer regarding basic iPhone training at their Apple Stores.
Work with OMWC on training for the iPhone application.
9.
Finish programming of full version.
10.
Test full version in field.
11.
Final Report
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UPCOMING WORK
Work on the database section is underway, to be followed by implementation of the
communication code. The navigation between screens is complete and was shown at
the SWC and PIOGA meetings.
OMWC continues to promote the product at their seminars and conferences they attend.
We will work with OMWC on the beta program, training and promotion of the product.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Even though the Pumper’s Friend product is not yet on the market, SWC funding has
allowed the development to progress to the point where it is close enough to completion
that it can be launched.
The software program structure and screens have been finalized for the initial product
and coding is underway to handle the actual data taking and display. Communication of
the data to the main office still needs to be done.
Appendix II lists the original project objectives and expected significance of the research.
The objectives have either been met, appropriately adjusted, or will be met as the
product goes to market.
The first objective has to do with developing a user interface targeted toward use in the
field by pumpers and owners. During field visits, a mock-up of the user interface was
demonstrated, and well received. The graphics were designed to be visually familiar to
pumpers, and the interaction with the iPhone intuitive. As designed, the interface
concept was easily grasped. Screen shots were also posted on the project blog (http://
systemsofmerritt.com/wordpress-swc/), and a number of people called to ask about the
product.
As the product was discussed with pumpers and owners, many excellent feature
suggestions were made and some have been incorporated into the first release.
Feedback from the field has been invaluable in the design of this product, as was
anticipated in the first objective.
The second objective has to do with communicating data back to the owner from the
field. During visits with owners, data sheets used by pumpers to communicate tank
levels back to the office were gathered. It was also learned that most small owners use
Excel spreadsheets to process their production data. Oil accounting systems also have
the capacity to input Excel data.
At this point, the transmission of an Excel CSV (comma separated file) sent via email to
the owner, from the iPhone app, would be an acceptable way to communicate the data.
This part of the code has yet to be developed.
The next two objectives have to do with iPhone training, including basic features of the
iPhone and specific training for the Pumper’s Friend application. Training will occur as
the Pumper’s Friend app is deployed. The plan is to let new iPhone users learn the basic
features from Apple Computer’s website, via videos and other training material. Staff at
the Apple store are also available to help with seminars for new users.
Once users understand the basics of iPhone usage on their own, seminars will be
conducted in collaboration with the OMWC to teach users how to use the Pumper’s
Friend app. Because the application uses standard Apple user interface concepts and
the data acquisition screens are intuitive and easy to understand, training will not require
large amounts of time, on the part of the user. A few hours will be all that is necessary,
and many users will be able to comprehend and use the product after installation.
The marketing objective has been supported by OMWC throughout the project. They
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have supplied booth space at their fall expo, and introduced and promoted the product to
their contacts through their newsletter and website. They also wrote letters to other state
organizations announcing the product.
OMWC continues to promote the product at their seminars, and when attending
conferences. The SWC and PIOGA conferences were attended in Seven Springs, PA in
May and potential sales contacts were made.
The final objective has to do with the development of the initial product in such a way
that it can be upgraded and enhanced with additional features. Many features were
suggested during field visits and can be incorporated into future versions of the product.
Contact was made with vendors of oil field data acquisition equipment, who wish to use
the product as a means of displaying data via the Pumper’s Friend user interface. There
is plenty of work to be done with follow-on upgrades and perhaps related iPhone
products.
CONCLUSION
The desire to improve efficiency in the oil field through the use of digital technology has
been around for quite a while. Owners instinctively know that digital record keeping is
more efficient than paper records, yet paper records are still the predominant method for
communicating wellsite data to the office.
The Public Executive Summary (Appendix I) summarizes the issues of trying to address
data collection in the field as a means to increase efficiency. The software product for the
Apple iPhone developed under this grant addresses these issues.
To date, there hasn’t been a practical low-cost method available for small independent
producers. Deploying laptops into the field has been tried, but they are expensive and
bulky, plus they require field personnel to have some proficiency with computers.
Another problem with deploying technology to the field is that if there is no benefit to the
field personnel there will be resistance. In other words, if the technology makes their job
more difficult and time-consuming, as they make their rounds, new technology will not be
well received. A pencil and a piece of paper is easier to manage than computer
hardware and software.
The use of the Apple Computer iPhone for this project addresses many of the problems
of deploying technology into the oil field. It does not require the pumper to carry
additional equipment since it can simply replace the cell phone they already carry. It
expands their communication capability beyond voice calls through email, texting, WiFi,
Bluetooth and access to the internet. The touch screen and intuitive user interface make
it easy to learn and use the device to a variety of useful tasks with applications for GPS,
mapping, To-Do lists, calendar, contact lists, news, weather, calculator, picture taking,
etc. Along with that, the Pumper’s Friend software adds the capability to acquire field
data.
There has been no reservation about the choice of the Apple iPhone for this project.
Apple continues to dominate the smart phone market with innovative new software and
hardware. The software distribution through the iTunes Store is makes deployment
simple. Apple support and training are readily available for our software customers.
Collaboration with the Oklahoma Marginal Well Commission has worked extremely well.
They have provided booth space at their Expo, arranged field trips, and promoted the
project through their website (http://www.ok.gov/marginalwells/SmartPhone_Application/
index.html) and newsletter. They have also promoted the project to other organizations
across the country.
The Pumper’s Friend software developed for the iPhone is a viable commercial product.
The features of the product are the result of time personally spent in the field talking to
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owners and pumpers, and observing procedures and equipment.
Reception to the project continues to be enthusiastic, based on conversations with
OMWC and potential users from the SWC and PIOGA conferences in May. People are
eager to test a working product and we are working toward that end.
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APPENDIX
APPENDIX I - PUBLIC EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Smartphone Software Program for Pumpers/Well Tenders
This project seeks to improve production performance for pumpers/well tenders and
owners with data collection and reporting tasks needed for more efficient and lower cost
running and maintaining of wellsites through the use of smartphone technology.
The objectives are similar to a previous 2006 SWC project (DOE/NETL Prime Award
Number: DE-FC26-04NT42098, Sub Award Number: 3191-OMWC-USDOE-2098,
Pumper/Well Tender PDA Program for Small Producing Companies) submitted by the
Oklahoma Marginal Well Commission (OMWC). Lessons learned in the previous OMWC
grant, plus advances in hand-held communication and computer technology indicate that
deploying such systems should be revisited.
While major oil producers can deploy expensive automated well monitoring systems,
small producers largely work from paper forms and worksheets filled out by well tenders
on a daily basis. The goal of the previous project was to create a user-friendly software
system to support field operations. In the OMWC final report, James Revard (current
Executive Director of OMWC) comments the data input using the PDA was more timeconsuming than desired, and that additional work was needed on the software.
With the advances in smartphone technology, the data input task can be more
adequately addressed. Additionally, there are many more advantages of deploying
smartphone technology in the field, such as cell phone and internet connectivity, GPS,
mapping, camera, and etc. None of these capabilities were available when the first
project was developed.
Another advantage over the previous project is the proliferation of smartphone
technology into the general marketplace. Today it is highly likely that many people
working in the oil patch already have a smartphone, or have considered buying one, or
their kids have one. Making the transition to a smartphone today is not nearly as difficult
as the PDA transition was for the earlier project.
The Apple iPhone/iPad devices are the technology of choice for this project for several
reasons. First, Apple commands a significant share of the smartphone market and over
51 million devices have been sold, including 8.75 million iPhones in the first quarter of
2010. The devices are readily available and will not become obsolete any time soon.
Second, application distribution is extremely simple through the Apple iTunes Store. The
application and any upgrades can be downloaded 24-7 along with thousands of other
iPhone applications that can be useful for field productivity. Third, Systems of Merritt, Inc.
is an experienced Apple iPhone developer with products available in the iTunes Store.
For the above reasons, this project will focus on the Apple iPhone. After the project is
developed and field-tested it can be adapted to other smartphones.
Finally, collaborating with the Oklahoma Marginal Wells Commission will allow Systems
of Merritt, Inc. to gain access to owners in the field and other organizations that can help
with the concept development, testing and spreading the word about the project.
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APPENDIX II - OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED SIGNIFICANCE OF
THE RESEARCH.
The overall objective is to enhance stripper well operation with the deployment of
smartphone technology that allows for the efficient gathering of well data. Additional
objectives are listed below.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Develop smartphone field interface. This is the most important aspect of the
project. The user interface must be easy-to-use and intuitive, such that the field
personnel will save time over current paper-based data collection methods. The
intuitive interface will also reduce start-up efforts and reduce training
requirements.
Spending time in the field with independent operators and well tenders will give a
better understanding of what will work best. Developing a close connection
between the software developer and end user is a unique and innovative method
of developing a software product.
Develop data interface for operator reports. The data gathered in the field must
be communicated to the operator for evaluation. Using web-based technologies
for generating reports via a browser will allow the data to be displayed
independently of the computer platform.
iPhone training. Apple Computer conducts regular training across the U.S. at its
stores on the use of basic iPhone concepts and applications. Training on the iPad
is also available. Apple also has extensive online training available. Knowledge of
basic iPhone concepts would be the prerequisite for the pumper/well tender
training on the use of the iPhone application.
Application training. By simplifying the user interface, start-up time and user
training are reduced. OMWC can assist with contacting operators and the
scheduling of the training sessions.
Marketing. OMWC can help with the promotion of the product through their
contact list, newsletter, trade show and other events. OMWC can also facilitate
connections with other similar organizations across the country.
Extensibility. The product will be designed in such a way that its features can be
enhanced and extended in future development beyond this project. For example,
inspection and compliance forms and procedures can be added. The extension
also applies to remote sensor communication at the wellsite that will further
improve operational efficiency.
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