Real-Time Monitoring (RTM)
Real Time Monitoring Goals
BSEE’s goal is for industry to use Real Time Monitoring as a tool to improve safety and oversight, and ensure that safety risks are managed in a comprehensive manner.
Real-Time Monitoring Evolution
In April of 2016, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) published the final Well Control Rule. Some key additions to the regulations include requirements for operators to use Real Time Monitoring in their offshore operations.
The RTM requirements in 30 CFR §250.724 lay the groundwork for further development and use to continue improving offshore safety and environmental protection. BSEE believes the new RTM requirements reflect the changing offshore oil and gas environment and are necessary to uphold national interests in safety, security, and environmental protection.
Performance-Based Approach to RTM
Beginning April 29, 2019, operators are required to use RTM during well operations using subsea BOPs, surface BOPs on floating platforms, and when operating in high-pressure and high-temperature (>15,000 psi, 350oF) environments.
In the offshore oil and gas industry, RTM is a process that allows personnel to remotely observe, review, and evaluate data for:
- Well control purposes
- Performance improvements
- Condition based maintenance
BSEE established a performance-based approach to their RTM expectations and requirements in the Well Control Rule.
Operators will formulate and implement their own RTM plan, and make the RTM data available to BSEE upon request.
Performance-based requirements allow for the flexibility of each operator to tailor their RTM plan to their individual operations, equipment, and environment.
BSEE anticipates working collaboratively with industry to develop an industry protocol that addresses real time monitoring of offshore operations.
Recent and ongoing activities
838 Inc. report (2014)
“An Assessment of the Various Types of Real-Time Data Monitoring Systems Available for Offshore Oil and Gas Operations”
National Academies of Science report (2016)
“Application of Remote Real-Time Monitoring to Offshore Oil and Gas Operations”
National Academies of Science RTM workshop (April 20-21, 2015)
Workshop Presentations
OESI Report (2017)
“Best Practices for Real-Time Monitoring for Offshore Well Construction”
OESI RTM Workshop
“Discussing best practices for real-time monitoring”
Presentations
Cybersecurity
The Department of Homeland Security classifies the energy sector as part of the United States critical infrastructure. “The Energy Sector provides one of the key lifeline-functions upon which all other critical infrastructure sectors rely” and the necessity for cyber security in offshore oilfield operations has never been greater. BSEE encourages operators to evaluate cybersecurity from a risk-based perspective to ensure their monitoring and control systems of networked infrastructure address cyber security, critical access points and resilience. Several guidelines and models exist that industry may use and customize to define the acceptable risk exposure.
Executive Order 13636—Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity
Department of Homeland Security: Critical Infrastructure Sectors
Department of Homeland Security: Energy Sector-Specific Plan
Contact
Please send your comment(s) to RTM@bsee.gov.