CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The subject disclosure claims priority from U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 63/337016, filed on April 29, 2022, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A reservoir can be a subsurface formation that can be characterized at least in part by its porosity and fluid permeability. As an example, a reservoir may be part of a basin such as a sedimentary basin. A basin can be a depression (e.g., caused by plate tectonic activity, subsidence, etc.) in which sediments accumulate. As an example, where hydrocarbon source rocks occur in combination with appropriate depth and duration of burial, a petroleum system may develop within a basin, which may form a reservoir that includes hydrocarbon fluids (e.g., oil, gas, etc.). Various operations may be performed in the field to access such hydrocarbon fluids and/or produce such hydrocarbon fluids. For example, consider equipment operations where equipment may be controlled to perform one or more operations.

SUMMARY

[0003] A method can include responsive to supplying power to a timer, equipment and a GPS unit at a wellsite, receiving information generated by the GPS unit; following interruption of power supplied to the equipment and the GPS unit, receiving no information; responsive to re-supplying power to the equipment and the GPS unit, receiving additional information generated by the GPS unit; and analyzing the information and the additional information to determine a wellsite status for the wellsite. A system can include a processor; memory accessible to the processor; and processor-executable instructions stored in the memory to instruct the system to: responsive to supplying power to a timer, equipment and a GPS unit at a wellsite, receive information generated by the GPS unit; following interruption of power supplied to the equipment and the GPS unit, receive no information; responsive to re-supplying power to the equipment and the GPS unit, receive additional information generated by the GPS unit; and analyze the information and the additional information to determine a wellsite status for the wellsite. One or more computer-readable storage media can include processor-executable instructions to instruct a computing system to: responsive to supplying power to a timer, equipment and a GPS unit at a wellsite, receive information generated by the GPS unit; following interruption of power supplied to the equipment and the GPS unit, receive no information; responsive to re-supplying power to the equipment and the GPS unit, receive additional information generated by the GPS unit; and analyze the information and the additional information to determine a wellsite status for the wellsite. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Features and advantages of the described implementations can be more readily understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0006] Fig. 1 illustrates an example system that includes various framework components associated with one or more geologic environments;

[0007] Fig. 2 illustrates examples of equipment, an example of a network and an example of a system;

[0008] Fig. 3 illustrates example of equipment;

[0009] Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a GPS unit;

[0010] Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a system;

[0011] Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a system;

[0012] Fig. 7 illustrates an example of a plot;

[0013] Fig. 8 illustrates an example of a system;

[0014] Fig. 9 illustrates an example of a system;

[0015] Fig. 10 illustrates an example of a method and an example of a system;

[0016] Fig. 11 illustrates examples of computer and network equipment; and

[0017] Fig. 12 illustrates example components of a system and a networked system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but rather is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of the implementations. The scope of the described implementations should be ascertained with reference to the issued claims.

[0019] Fig. 1 shows an example of a system 100 that includes a workspace framework 110 that can provide for instantiation of, rendering of, interactions with, etc., a graphical user interface (GUI) 120. In the example of Fig. 1 , the GUI 120 can include graphical controls for computational frameworks (e.g., applications) 121 , projects 122, visualization 123, one or more other features 124, data access 125, and data storage 126.

[0020] In the example of Fig. 1 , the workspace framework 110 may be tailored to a particular geologic environment such as an example geologic environment 150. For example, the geologic environment 150 may include layers (e.g., stratification) that include a reservoir 151 and that may be intersected by a fault 153. As an example, the geologic environment 150 may be outfitted with a variety of sensors, detectors, actuators, etc. For example, equipment 152 may include communication circuitry to receive and to transmit information with respect to one or more networks 155. Such information may include information associated with downhole equipment 154, which may be equipment to acquire information, to assist with resource recovery, etc. Other equipment 156 may be located remote from a wellsite and include sensing, detecting, emitting or other circuitry. Such equipment may include storage and communication circuitry to store and to communicate data, instructions, etc. As an example, one or more satellites may be provided for purposes of communications, data acquisition, etc. For example, Fig. 1 shows a satellite in communication with the network 155 that may be configured for communications, noting that the satellite may additionally or alternatively include circuitry for imagery (e.g., spatial, spectral, temporal, radiometric, etc.).

[0021] Fig. 1 also shows the geologic environment 150 as optionally including equipment 157 and 158 associated with a well that includes a substantially horizontal portion that may intersect with one or more fractures 159. For example, consider a well in a shale formation that may include natural fractures, artificial fractures (e.g., hydraulic fractures) or a combination of natural and artificial fractures. As an example, a well may be drilled for a reservoir that is laterally extensive. In such an example, lateral variations in properties, stresses, etc. may exist where an assessment of such variations may assist with planning, operations, etc. to develop a laterally extensive reservoir (e.g., via fracturing, injecting, extracting, etc.). As an example, the equipment 157 and/or 158 may include components, a system, systems, etc. for fracturing, seismic sensing, analysis of seismic data, assessment of one or more fractures, etc.

[0022] In the example of Fig. 1 , the GUI 120 shows some examples of computational frameworks, including the DRILLPLAN, PETREL, TECHLOG, PETROMOD, ECLIPSE, and INTERSECT frameworks (Schlumberger Limited, Houston, Texas).

[0023] The DRILLPLAN framework provides for digital well construction planning and includes features for automation of repetitive tasks and validation workflows, enabling improved quality drilling programs (e.g., digital drilling plans, etc.) to be produced quickly with assured coherency.

[0024] The PETREL framework can be part of the DELFI cognitive exploration and production (E&P) environment (Schlumberger Limited, Houston, Texas, referred to as the DELFI environment) for utilization in geosciences and geoengineering, for example, to analyze subsurface data from exploration to production of fluid from a reservoir.

[0025] One or more types of frameworks may be implemented within or in a manner operatively coupled to the DELFI environment, which is a secure, cognitive, cloud-based collaborative environment that integrates data and workflows with digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (Al) and machine learning (ML). As an example, such an environment can provide for operations that involve one or more frameworks. The DELFI environment may be referred to as the DELFI framework, which may be a framework of frameworks. As an example, the DELFI environment can include various other frameworks, which can include, for example, one or more types of models (e.g., simulation models, etc.).

[0026] The TECHLOG framework can handle and process field and laboratory data for a variety of geologic environments (e.g., deepwater exploration, shale, etc.). The TECHLOG framework can structure wellbore data for analyses, planning, etc. [0027] The PIPESIM simulator includes solvers that may provide simulation results such as, for example, multiphase flow results (e.g., from a reservoir to a wellhead and beyond, etc.), flowline and surface facility performance, etc. The PIPESIM simulator may be integrated, for example, with the AVOCET production operations framework (Schlumberger Limited, Houston Texas). As an example, a reservoir or reservoirs may be simulated with respect to one or more enhanced recovery techniques (e.g., consider a thermal process such as steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), etc.). As an example, the PIPESIM simulator may be an optimizer that can optimize one or more operational scenarios at least in part via simulation of physical phenomena.

[0028] The ECLIPSE framework provides a reservoir simulator (e.g., as a computational framework) with numerical solutions for fast and accurate prediction of dynamic behavior for various types of reservoirs and development schemes.

[0029] The INTERSECT framework provides a high-resolution reservoir simulator for simulation of detailed geological features and quantification of uncertainties, for example, by creating accurate production scenarios and, with the integration of precise models of the surface facilities and field operations, the INTERSECT framework can produce reliable results, which may be continuously updated by real-time data exchanges (e.g., from one or more types of data acquisition equipment in the field that can acquire data during one or more types of field operations, etc.). The INTERSECT framework can provide completion configurations for complex wells where such configurations can be built in the field, can provide detailed chemical-enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) formulations where such formulations can be implemented in the field, can analyze application of steam injection and other thermal EOR techniques for implementation in the field, advanced production controls in terms of reservoir coupling and flexible field management, and flexibility to script customized solutions for improved modeling and field management control. The INTERSECT framework, as with the other example frameworks, may be utilized as part of the DELFI cognitive E&P environment, for example, for rapid simulation of multiple concurrent cases. For example, a workflow may utilize one or more of the DELFI on demand reservoir simulation features.

[0030] The aforementioned DELFI environment provides various features for workflows as to subsurface analysis, planning, construction and production, for example, as illustrated in the workspace framework 110. As shown in Fig. 1 , outputs from the workspace framework 110 can be utilized for directing, controlling, etc., one or more processes in the geologic environment 150 and, feedback 160, can be received via one or more interfaces in one or more forms (e.g., acquired data as to operational conditions, equipment conditions, environment conditions, etc.).

[0031] As an example, a workflow may progress to a geology and geophysics (“G&G”) service provider, which may generate a well trajectory, which may involve execution of one or more G&G software packages.

[0032] In the example of Fig. 1 , the visualization features 123 may be implemented via the workspace framework 110, for example, to perform tasks as associated with one or more of subsurface regions, planning operations, constructing wells and/or surface fluid networks, and producing from a reservoir.

[0033] As an example, a visualization process can implement one or more of various features that can be suitable for one or more web applications. For example, a template may involve use of the JAVASCRIPT object notation format (JSON) and/or one or more other languages/formats. As an example, a framework may include one or more converters. For example, consider a JSON to PYTHON converter and/or a PYTHON to JSON converter. In such an approach, one or more features of a framework that may be available in one language may be accessed via a converter. For example, consider the APACHE SPARK framework that can include features available in a particular language where a converter may convert code in another language to that particular language such that one or more of the features can be utilized. As an example, a production field may include various types of equipment, be operable with various frameworks, etc., where one or more languages may be utilized. In such an example, a converter may provide for feature flexibility and/or compatibility.

[0034] As an example, visualization features can provide for visualization of various earth models, properties, etc., in one or more dimensions. As an example, visualization features can provide for rendering of information in multiple dimensions, which may optionally include multiple resolution rendering. In such an example, information being rendered may be associated with one or more frameworks and/or one or more data stores. As an example, visualization features may include one or more control features for control of equipment, which can include, for example, field equipment that can perform one or more field operations. As an example, a workflow may utilize one or more frameworks to generate information that can be utilized to control one or more types of field equipment (e.g., drilling equipment, wireline equipment, fracturing equipment, etc.).

[0035] As to a reservoir model that may be suitable for utilization by a simulator, consider acquisition of seismic data as acquired via reflection seismology, which finds use in geophysics, for example, to estimate properties of subsurface formations. As an example, reflection seismology may provide seismic data representing waves of elastic energy (e.g., as transmitted by P-waves and S-waves, in a frequency range of approximately 1 Hz to approximately 100 Hz). Seismic data may be processed and interpreted, for example, to understand better composition, fluid content, extent and geometry of subsurface rocks. Such interpretation results can be utilized to plan, simulate, perform, etc., one or more operations for production of fluid from a reservoir (e.g., reservoir rock, etc.).

[0036] Field acquisition equipment may be utilized to acquire seismic data, which may be in the form of traces where a trace can include values organized with respect to time and/or depth (e.g., consider 1 D, 2D, 3D or 4D seismic data). For example, consider acquisition equipment that acquires digital samples at a rate of one sample per approximately 4 ms. Given a speed of sound in a medium or media, a sample rate may be converted to an approximate distance. For example, the speed of sound in rock may be on the order of around 5 km per second. Thus, a sample time spacing of approximately 4 ms would correspond to a sample “depth” spacing of about 10 meters (e.g., assuming a path length from source to boundary and boundary to sensor). As an example, a trace may be about 4 seconds in duration; thus, for a sampling rate of one sample at about 4 ms intervals, such a trace would include about 1000 samples where later acquired samples correspond to deeper reflection boundaries. If the 4 second trace duration of the foregoing example is divided by two (e.g., to account for reflection), for a vertically aligned source and sensor, a deepest boundary depth may be estimated to be about 10 km (e.g., assuming a speed of sound of about 5 km per second).

[0037] As an example, a model may be a simulated version of a geologic environment. As an example, a simulator may include features for simulating physical phenomena in a geologic environment based at least in part on a model or models. A simulator, such as a reservoir simulator, can simulate fluid flow in a geologic environment based at least in part on a model that can be generated via a framework that receives seismic data. A simulator can be a computerized system (e.g., a computing system) that can execute instructions using one or more processors to solve a system of equations that describe physical phenomena subject to various constraints. In such an example, the system of equations may be spatially defined (e.g., numerically discretized) according to a spatial model that includes layers of rock, geobodies, etc., that have corresponding positions that can be based on interpretation of seismic and/or other data. A spatial model may be a cell-based model where cells are defined by a grid (e.g., a mesh). A cell in a cell-based model can represent a physical area or volume in a geologic environment where the cell can be assigned physical properties (e.g., permeability, fluid properties, etc.) that may be germane to one or more physical phenomena (e.g., fluid volume, fluid flow, pressure, etc.). A reservoir simulation model can be a spatial model that may be cell-based.

[0038] A simulator can be utilized to simulate the exploitation of a real reservoir, for example, to examine different productions scenarios to find an optimal one before production or further production occurs. A reservoir simulator will not provide an exact replica of flow in and production from a reservoir at least in part because the description of the reservoir and the boundary conditions for the equations for flow in a porous rock are generally known with an amount of uncertainty. Certain types of physical phenomena occur at a spatial scale that can be relatively small compared to size of a field. A balance can be struck between model scale and computational resources that results in model cell sizes being of the order of meters; rather than a lesser size (e.g., a level of detail of pores). A modeling and simulation workflow for multiphase flow in porous media (e.g., reservoir rock, etc.) can include generalizing real micro-scale data from macro scale observations (e.g., seismic data and well data) and upscaling to a manageable scale and problem size. Uncertainties can exist in input data and solution procedure such that simulation results too are to some extent uncertain. A process known as history matching can involve comparing simulation results to actual field data acquired during production of fluid from a field. Information gleaned from history matching, can provide for adjustments to a model, data, etc., which can help to increase accuracy of simulation.

[0039] As an example, a simulator may utilize various types of constructs, which may be referred to as entities. Entities may include earth entities or geological objects such as wells, surfaces, reservoirs, etc. Entities can include virtual representations of actual physical entities that may be reconstructed for purposes of simulation. Entities may include entities based on data acquired via sensing, observation, etc. (e.g., consider entities based at least in part on seismic data and/or other information). As an example, an entity may be characterized by one or more properties (e.g., a geometrical pillar grid entity of an earth model may be characterized by a porosity property, etc.). Such properties may represent one or more measurements (e.g., acquired data), calculations, etc.

[0040] As an example, a simulator may utilize an object-based software framework, which may include entities based on pre-defined classes to facilitate modeling and simulation. As an example, an object class can encapsulate reusable code and associated data structures. Object classes can be used to instantiate object instances for use by a program, script, etc. For example, borehole classes may define objects for representing boreholes based on well data. A model of a basin, a reservoir, etc. may include one or more boreholes where a borehole may be, for example, for measurements, injection, production, etc. As an example, a borehole may be a wellbore of a well, which may be a completed well (e.g., for production of a resource from a reservoir, for injection of material, etc.).

[0041] While several simulators are illustrated in the example of Fig. 1 , one or more other simulators may be utilized, additionally or alternatively. For example, consider the VISAGE geomechanics simulator (Schlumberger Limited, Houston Texas) or the PETROMOD simulator (Schlumberger Limited, Houston Texas), etc. The VISAGE simulator includes finite element numerical solvers that may provide simulation results such as, for example, results as to compaction and subsidence of a geologic environment, well and completion integrity in a geologic environment, cap-rock and fault-seal integrity in a geologic environment, fracture behavior in a geologic environment, thermal recovery in a geologic environment, CO2 disposal, etc. The PETROMOD framework provides petroleum systems modeling capabilities that can combine one or more of seismic, well, and geological information to model the evolution of a sedimentary basin. The PETROMOD framework can predict if, and how, a reservoir has been charged with hydrocarbons, including the source and timing of hydrocarbon generation, migration routes, quantities, and hydrocarbon type in the subsurface or at surface conditions. The MANGROVE simulator (Schlumberger Limited, Houston, Texas) provides for optimization of stimulation design (e.g., stimulation treatment operations such as hydraulic fracturing) in a reservoir-centric environment. The MANGROVE framework can combine scientific and experimental work to predict geomechanical propagation of hydraulic fractures, reactivation of natural fractures, etc., along with production forecasts within 3D reservoir models (e.g., production from a drainage area of a reservoir where fluid moves via one or more types of fractures to a well and/or from a well). The MANGROVE framework can provide results pertaining to heterogeneous interactions between hydraulic and natural fracture networks, which may assist with optimization of the number and location of fracture treatment stages (e.g., stimulation treatment(s)), for example, to increased perforation efficiency and recovery.

[0042] Fig. 2 shows an example of a geologic environment 210 that includes reservoirs 211-1 and 211-2, which may be faulted by faults 212-1 and 212-2, an example of a network of equipment 230, an enlarged view of a portion of the network of equipment 230, referred to as network 240, and an example of a system 250. Fig. 2 shows some examples of offshore equipment 214 for oil and gas operations related to the reservoir 211-2 and onshore equipment 216 for oil and gas operations related to the reservoir 211-1. In the example of Fig 2, the geologic environment 210 can include fluids such as oil (o), water (w) and gas (g), which may be stratified in the reservoirs 211 -1 and 211 -2.

[0043] In the example of Fig. 2, the equipment 214 and 216 can include one or more of drilling equipment, wireline equipment, production equipment, etc. For example, consider the equipment 214 as including a drilling rig that can drill into a formation to reach a reservoir target where a well can be completed for production of hydrocarbons. As an example, the equipment 216 can include production equipment such as wellheads, valves, pump equipment, gas handling equipment, etc. As an example, one or more features of the system 100 of Fig. 1 may be utilized for operations in the geologic environment 210. For example, consider utilizing a drilling or well plan framework, a drilling execution framework, a production framework, etc., to plan, execute, etc., one or more drilling operations, production operations, etc. [0044] In Fig. 2, the network 240 can be an example of a relatively small production system network. As shown, the network 240 forms somewhat of a tree like structure where flowlines represent branches (e.g., segments) and junctions represent nodes. As shown in Fig. 2, the network 240 provides for transportation of fluid (e.g., oil, water and/or gas) from well locations along flowlines interconnected at junctions with final delivery at a central processing facility (CPF). Where fluid includes solids (e.g., sand, etc.), one or more pieces of equipment may provide for solids removal, collection, etc.

[0045] In the example of Fig. 2, various portions of the network 240 may include conduit. For example, consider a perspective view of a geologic environment that includes two conduits which may be a conduit to Mani and a conduit to Man3 in the network 240, where Mani , Man2 and Man3 are manifolds. [0046] As shown in Fig. 2, the example system 250 includes one or more information storage devices 252, one or more computers 254, one or more networks 260 and instructions 270 (e.g., organized as one or more sets of instructions). As to the one or more computers 254, each computer may include one or more processors (e.g., or processing cores) 256 and memory 258 for storing the instructions 270 (e.g., one or more sets of instructions), for example, executable by at least one of the one or more processors. As an example, a computer may include one or more network interfaces (e.g., wired or wireless), one or more graphics cards, a display interface (e.g., wired or wireless), etc. As an example, imagery such as surface imagery (e.g., satellite, geological, geophysical, etc.) may be stored, processed, communicated, etc. As an example, data may include SAR data, GPS data, etc. and may be stored, for example, in one or more of the storage devices 252. As an example, information that may be stored in one or more of the storage devices 252 may include information about equipment, location of equipment, orientation of equipment, fluid characteristics, etc.

[0047] As an example, the instructions 270 can include instructions (e.g., stored in the memory 258) executable by at least one of the one or more processors 256 to instruct the system 250 to perform various actions. As an example, the system 250 may be configured such that the instructions 270 provide for establishing a framework, for example, that can perform network modeling (see, e.g., the PIPESIM framework of the example of Fig. 1 , etc.) and/or other modeling. As an example, one or more methods, techniques, etc. may be performed using one or more sets of instructions, which may be, for example, the instructions 270 of Fig. 2. [0048] As an example, various graphics in Fig. 2 may be part of a graphical user interface (GUI) that can be generated using executable instructions that may be executable locally and/or remotely using local and/or remote display devices (e.g., a mobile device, a workstation, etc.).

[0049] Fig. 3 shows examples of equipment 310, 330, 350 and 370 that can be utilized in the field to move fluid. As shown, the equipment 310 can include gaslift equipment, the equipment 330 can include sucker rod pump equipment, the equipment 350 can include electric submersible pump (ESP) equipment, and the equipment 370 can include progressive cavity pump (PCP) equipment.

[0050] In Fig. 3, the equipment 310, 330, 350 and 370 can be artificial lift equipment, where one or more controllers 312, 332, 352 and 372 can be included with the equipment 310, 330, 350 and 370 and/or operatively coupled to the equipment 310, 330, 350 and 370. In such an example, one or more features of the system 250 may be included in the one or more controllers 312, 332, 352 and 372 and/or operatively coupled to the one or more controllers 312, 332, 352 and 372. As an example, a controller can be a timer or can include a timer.

[0051] Artificial lift equipment can add energy to a fluid column in a wellbore with the objective of initiating and/or improving production from a well. Artificial lift systems can utilize a range of operating principles (e.g., rod pumping, gas lift, electric submersible pumps, etc.). As such, artificial lift equipment can operate through utilization of one or more resources (e.g., fuel, electricity, gas, etc.).

[0052] Gas lift is an artificial-lift method in which gas is injected into production tubing to reduce hydrostatic pressure of a fluid column. The resulting reduction in bottomhole pressure allows reservoir liquids to enter a wellbore at a higher flow rate. In gas lift, injection gas can be conveyed down a tubing-casing annulus and enter a production train through a series of gas-lift valves. In such an approach, a gas-lift valve position, operating pressure and gas injection rate may be operational parameters (e.g., determined by specific well conditions, etc.). [0053] A sucker rod pump is an artificial-lift pumping system that uses a surface power source to drive a downhole pump assembly. For example, a beam and crank assembly can create reciprocating motion in a sucker rod string that connects to a downhole pump assembly. In such an example, the pump can include a plunger and valve assembly to convert the reciprocating motion to vertical fluid movement. As an example, a sucker rod pump may be driven using electricity and/or fuel. For example, a prime mover of a sucker rod pump can be an electric motor or an internal combustion engine.

[0054] An ESP is an artificial-lift system that utilizes a downhole pumping system that is electrically driven. In such an example, the pump can include staged centrifugal pump sections that can be specifically configured to suit production and wellbore characteristics of a given application. ESP systems may provide flexibility over a range of sizes and output flow capacities.

[0055] A PCP is a type of a sucker rod-pumping unit that uses a rotor and a stator. In such an approach, rotation of a rod by means of an electric motor at surface causes fluid contained in a cavity to flow upward. A PCP may be referred to as a rotary positive-displacement unit.

[0056] In the examples of Fig. 3, the equipment 310, 330, 350 and 370 can be supplied with power via one or more sources, which may include gas turbine sources, solar sources, battery sources, etc. Where a source of power is not available, equipment may cease operation. As an example, a controller may control the supply of power to equipment, for example, to switch the equipment on and off according to a schedule, according to one or more sensed conditions, etc. As to sensed conditions, these can include conditions related to flow of fluid, flow of material such as sand, etc. For example, where a flow rate decreases, a controller may instruct equipment to operate in a manner to increase flow rate or, where sanding becomes an issue as may be indicated by efficiency, flow rate, detection of sand, etc., a controller may instruct equipment to shut down, to perform a de-sanding process, etc. Such types of control can help to assure that equipment continues to perform desired operations with minimal intervention (e.g., travel by a human to a remote wellsite, etc.).

[0057] As explained, in the examples of Fig. 3, one or more sensors may be included. For example, consider a gauge coupled to a downhole end of an ESP where signals from sensors of the gauge can be transmitted to surface equipment using a power cable and/or a dedicated gauge cable. For example, consider the PHOENIX gauge (Schlumberger Limited, Houston, Texas), which include sensors that can measure intake pressure, temperature, motor oil temperature, winding temperature, vibration, current leakage and/or pump discharge pressure. A gauge may be operatively coupled to a controller, which may, for example, provide controls for backspin of an ESP, sanding of an ESP, flux of an ESP and gas lock of an ESP. For example, during operation where sand is present (e.g., suspended solid matter, etc.), sand may accumulate in one or more stages of an ESP where a control scheme may act to rid the ESP of at least a portion of the sand.

[0058] As an example, a PCP may be suitable for use in production for wells characterized by highly viscous fluid and high sand cut where the PCP has some sand-lifting capability. However, sand may accumulate where a control scheme may be utilized to rid the PCP of at least a portion of the sand.

[0059] As an example, a sucker rod pump may be operable as a stroke- through pump to release sand and other material. In such an example, to minimize damage to a plunger and barrel, a grooved-body plunger may be used to catch and carry the sand away from those components.

[0060] As an example, gas lift equipment may be utilized in applications where abrasive materials, such as sand, may be present and can be used in low- productivity, high-gas/oil ratio-wells or deviated wellbores. As an example, gas lift equipment such as pocketed mandrels can utilize slickline-retrievable gas lift valves, which may be pulled and replaced without disturbing tubing.

[0061] As an example, equipment may include water flooding equipment. For example, consider an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) process in which a small amount of surfactant is added to an aqueous fluid injected to sweep a reservoir. In such an example, presence of surfactant reduces the interfacial tension between oil and water phases and may also alter wettability of reservoir rock (e.g., to improve oil recovery). In such an example, movement of fluid (e.g., oil and/or water) and/or presence of surfactant may carry particles of the reservoir rock to a production well or production wells where such particles (e.g., sand) can result in a sand event, whether one or more of the production well or wells include artificial lift equipment or not. As water flooding becomes more prevalent globally, an increase in sand related issues may be expected (e.g., sand influx into production wells).

[0062] As an example, equipment can include a choke or chokes, which can include a surface choke and/or a downhole choke. A choke is a device that includes an orifice that can be used to control flow of fluid through the orifice, for example, to control fluid flow rate, downstream system pressure, etc. Chokes are available in various configurations, which include fixed and adjustable chokes. An adjustable choke enables fluid flow and pressure parameters to be changed as desired (e.g., for process, production, etc.).

[0063] An adjustable choke includes a valve that can be adjusted to control well operations, for example, to reduce pressure of a fluid from high pressure in a closed wellbore to atmospheric pressure. An adjustable choke valve may be adjusted (e.g., fully opened, partially opened or closed) to control pressure drop. As an example, an adjustable choke may be manually adjustable or adjustable via a controller that may be integral to or operatively coupled to the adjustable choke. A controller for an adjustable choke may respond to locally generated and/or remotely generated signals.

[0064] A downhole choke or bottom hole choke can be a downhole device used to control fluid flow under downhole conditions. As an example, a downhole choke may be removable via slickline intervention where the downhole choke may be located in a landing nipple in a tubing string. In some scenarios, a downhole choke may be used as a flow regulator and to take part of the pressure drop downhole, which may help to reduce potential of hydrate issues.

[0065] As explained, various land wells across the world produce fluid at relatively low rates, especially after some initial period of higher production. Various wells may be described as long-tail wells where a relatively low rate of production can be continued for years or decades. For such wells, an overall balance of energy in versus energy of fluid out can be considered in decision making. For example, if energy supplied to a sucker rod pump is less than the energy content of fluid being produced, then a decision may be made to continue supplying energy to the sucker rod pump; whereas, if the energy supplied is greater than the energy content produced, then a decision may be made to discontinue supplying energy to the sucker rod pump. Additionally or alternatively, conditions can evolve over time such as sanding where downtime, energy expenditure for de-sanding, etc., can lead to a decision to discontinue supplying energy to equipment.

[0066] As mentioned, equipment may be powered according to a schedule, a controller, etc. For example, a sucker rod pump may run according to a timer such that the sucker rod pump is on for a set amount of time to produce fluid from a well and then shut off for a set amount of time to allow the well to recharge (e.g., time for fluid to build-up in the wellbore). In such an approach, once the well is recharged, the timer can switch the sucker rod pump on and the cycle can continue, optionally with longer off times and/or shorter on times as production declines. A well that is amenable to on/off equipment operation for fluid production can be known as a scavenger well.

[0067] As explained, human intervention, human monitoring, etc., can be costly and/or risky. Human monitoring can involve visits that aim to assure equipment is operating and that a controller (e.g., a timer, etc.) is doing its job properly. Where a well is producing a relatively low amount of fluid, human involvement can also impact decision making. For example, energy consumed in transporting a human or humans to a site can be balanced against energy content of fluid produced. As such, human involvement can result in a decision to halt equipment due to costs and/or risks of human involvement. Thus, a system and/or method that can reduce human involvement can help to delay a tipping point that calls for shutting down equipment operations at a well such that production of fluid from the well can continue for a longer time to produce more fluid from the well.

[0068] As explained, equipment can include a motor or motors. For example, in gas lift, a motor can be a compressor motor that drives a compressor to compress gas that can be directed to a gas lift valve. In various pump examples, a motor can drive a pump, whether via rotary or linear action e.g., a rotary motor with a stator and a rotor or a linear motor with a stator and a rod. As explained, power may be from a power grid or one or more other sources.

[0069] As an example, a system can include one or more global positioning system (GPS) sensors that are operatively coupled to a power source that can be switchable such that power to a GPS sensor or GPS sensors can be switched on and off. In such an example, when switched on, a GPS sensor can transmit and/or collect information (e.g., location information); whereas, when switched off, a GPS sensor can be in an inoperable state that is not transmitting and/or collecting information.

[0070] A GPS sensor can include various features. For example, consider a GPS unit that includes an internal SIM card, integrated GPS circuitry, an accelerometer (e.g., single and/or multi-axis), a diagnostic decoding circuitry, and tamper detection circuitry. Such a GPS unit may be relatively small in size, for example, consider dimensions of 4.76 cm by 4.44 cm by 2.5 cm and a mass of 32 grams. Such a GPS unit can include a 56-channel GPS receiver and GLONASS Tracking (e.g., -162 dBm) and an antenna that is internal built-in and/or external. Such a GPS unit may have a position accuracy of approximately 2.5 m circular error probable (CEP). As to cellular circuitry, consider, for example, 5G, 4G LTE CAT M1 (multiband), 3G UMTS/HSPA (e.g., fallback), etc. As an example, a GPS unit can include satellite network communication circuitry and/or can be operatively coupled to a satellite network (e.g., via circuitry at or near a wellsite via an intermediate communication technology such as WIFI, cellular, BLUETOOTH, etc.).

[0071] As an example, a GPS unit can be rated for the environment it is being installed within. For example, for outdoor installation, in very cold and/or very hot weather, a temperature rating of -40°C to +80°C may be advised. As an example, a GPS unit can be disposed within a housing that may provide one or more functions, including protection from environmental conditions (e.g., rain, sun, lightning strikes, etc.).

[0072] As an example, a GPS unit may be connected to an ODB-II pigtail. For example, consider use of an ODB-II pigtail that can be connected to a 12V power supply at a wellsite and mounted near a timer (e.g., a controller).

[0073] Fig. 4 shows an example of a GPS unit 400 that includes a GPS sensor. In the example of Fig. 4, the GPS unit 400 can include various features such as one or more of the aforementioned features. The GPS unit 400 can include a power connector, which may be a standard type of electrical connector. As an example, the GPS unit 400 may include a USB or other type of serial connector and/or a parallel connector. As an example, the GPS unit 400 may include a mount, which may be a mechanical mount, a magnetic mount, etc. As an example, the GPS unit 400 may be suitable for mounting to equipment, mounting to a controller, etc. As explained, a GPS unit can be powered via a power source or power sources where power can be controlled via a switch, which may be a main switch, a secondary switch, etc. As an example, a switch may be a mechanical contact switch or an optically isolated switch (e.g., an optically-isolated relay, etc.). As an example, one or more components may be utilized to protect a GPS unit from damage caused by power surges, lightning strikes, etc. As an example, a GPS unit can be assembled with a cage, a housing, etc., that can be appropriately grounded to protect the GPS unit from lightning strikes, whether to production equipment, power source equipment, nearby ground or structure, etc.

[0074] In various instances, a GPS unit can be used as an asset tracker that can acquire a location of an asset it is connected to using satellites. As explained, a GPS unit may sense the location of an asset via one or more network connections such as Internet via cellular and/or satellite.

[0075] As an example, a GPS unit can generate and/or acquire time information. For example, a GPS unit can include a clock and/or can access time via a network or networks. As an example, a GPS unit can include circuitry that can store and/or transmit a power on time and, for example, store a power off time (e.g., a last on time), which may be transmitted. One or more types of data generated by and/or acquired by a GPS unit may be transmitted to a web service, which may be private (e.g., proprietary, etc.) and/or public. As an example, a web service can be a cloud-based web service that utilized one or more cloud platform technologies. As an example, firmware, settings, etc., of a GPS unit may be updated using one or more communication networks.

[0076] As an example, a GPS unit can be operatively coupled to a power supply for equipment such that the GPS unit can be switched on and switched off at approximately the same time as the equipment. In such an example, the GPS unit may include its own time and a power source such as a battery, a capacitor, etc., such that the GPS unit can store and/or transmit information pertaining to a shut off. For example, consider a GPS unit that can detect a lack of power from a first power source that is also an equipment power source and then utilize a back-up power source as a second power source for a short period of time to transmit a time for which the lack of power from the first power source was detected. As an example, a GPS unit can store operation times that correspond to power on times. As an example, a receiver of information from a GPS unit may note a time at which no further information is received from the GPS unit (e.g., until the GPS unit is powered on again and makes further transmissions). In various examples, a power off time may be noted by a GPS unit and/or by a receiver of information from the GPS unit. [0077] As an example, a sucker rod pump system can include a GPS unit that is supplied with power from a source that also supplies an electric motor of the sucker rod pump system. In such an example, the power can be turned on and off using a timer (e.g., a controller) where the GPS unit also turns on and off according to the timer; noting that circuitry may provide for some delay upon startup (e.g., reboot of firmware) and/or shut down (e.g., back-up battery, capacitor, etc., to provide for a final transmission and/or storage of information to memory). As an example, when power is switched on for equipment, a GPS unit can transmit a power on message to a web service and/or a local service that can include GPS coordinates (e.g., location information) for the GPS unit.

[0078] As an example, information acquired and/or generated by a GPS unit can provide for determining, via monitoring power on events, if a timer at a wellsite is turning on as expected. In such an example, if the timer is not behaving correctly, one or more alarms can be raised, for example, to alert a human to visit the wellsite to deal with the problem.

[0079] As an example, information acquired and/or generated by a GPS unit can provide for determining, via monitoring the GPS coordinates, the well the GPS unit is connected to. In such an example, installation of the GPS unit can be easier to perform because the GPS unit will not need to be programmed with information such as a well name as GPS coordinates can be used to determine well name (e.g., associated customer, etc.). Such an approach can result in a substantial reduction in installation cost. For example, consider an approach where a service provider can leave installation of a GPS unit at a well to the customer or a technician that will not need to be trained with software operation and/or detailed installation specifics. In such an example, a technician can mount the GPS unit and couple the GPS unit to a power source. In such an approach, once the GPS unit is powered on, it can generate location information that can be received and utilized to associate the GPS unit with one or more entities (e.g., a wellsite, specific equipment at a wellsite, a fluid network, specific equipment of the fluid network, etc.). [0080] As an example, information acquired and/or generated by a GPS unit can provide for determining, via monitoring the number of GPS coordinate pings, the length of time equipment has been running via power supplied by a power source. Such an approach can be utilized additional or alternative to a timer check of on/off duration. As an example, pings can be monitored by a receiver and can be compared to other information received from a GPS unit.

[0081] As an example, one or more sensors of a GPS unit may allow for monitoring performance of equipment. For example, consider power monitoring related to performance of an electric motor. Such an approach can allow for determining potential problems as to the electric motor and/or a downhole pump. As to sucker rod pumps, performance may be analyzed using a dynacard approach. As an example, a dynacard may be backed out from power usage as on the upstroke of a sucker rod pump, where the additional weight will cause more power to be consumed. A dynacard or dynamometer card (e.g., or dynagraph) is a record (e.g., digital or physical) made by a dynamometer. Analysis of such information may reveal a defective pump, leaky tubing, inadequate balance of the pumping unit, a partially plugged mud anchor, gas locking of the pump or an undersized pumping unit.

[0082] As an example, a system can include one or more sensors for providing more data about a well via a GPS unit. For example, consider temperature of motor, temperature of fluid, analog signals for pressure/flow sensors, weather sensors, leak sensors, SO2 sensors, etc.

[0083] As to GPS, a GPS receiver can calculate its own four-dimensional position in spacetime based on data received from multiple GPS satellites. In such a system, each satellite can carry an accurate record of its position and time and can transmit such data to a GPS receiver.

[0084] Various satellites carry stable atomic clocks that can be synchronized with one another and with ground clocks. Drift from time maintained on the ground can be corrected. GPS receivers have clocks as well, but they tend to be less stable and less precise than satellite clocks.

[0085] As the speed of radio waves is constant and independent of the satellite speed, the time delay between when the satellite transmits a signal and the receiver receives it is proportional to the distance from the satellite to the receiver. In a GPS system four satellites can be utilized being in view of the receiver for it to compute four unknown quantities (three position coordinates and the deviation of its own clock from satellite time).

[0086] A GPS satellite can continually broadcast a signal (carrier wave with modulation) that includes: a pseudorandom code (sequence of ones and zeros) that is known to the receiver where, by time-aligning a receiver-generated version and the receiver-measured version of the code, the time of arrival (TOA) of a defined point in the code sequence, called an epoch, can be found in the receiver clock time scale; and a message that includes the time of transmission (TOT) of the code epoch (in GPS time scale) and the satellite position at that time. In such an approach, conceptually, a receiver can measure TOAs (according to its own clock) of four satellite signals. From the TOAs and the TOTs, the receiver can form four time of flight (TOF) values, which are (given the speed of light) approximately equivalent to receiver-satellite ranges plus time difference between the receiver and GPS satellites multiplied by speed of light, which are called pseudo-ranges. A GPS receiver can then compute its three-dimensional position and clock deviation from the four TOFs. In practice, a receiver position (in three dimensional Cartesian coordinates with origin at the Earth's center) and the offset of the receiver clock relative to the GPS time can be computed simultaneously, using the navigation equations to process the TOFs.

[0087] A receiver’s Earth-centered solution location is usually converted to latitude, longitude and height relative to an ellipsoidal Earth model. The height may then be further converted to height relative to the geoid, which is essentially mean sea level. These coordinates may be displayed, such as on a moving map display, or recorded or used by some other system.

[0088] Although usually not formed explicitly in the receiver processing, the conceptual time differences of arrival (TDOAs) define the measurement geometry. Each TDOA corresponds to a hyperboloid of revolution. The line connecting two satellites involved (and its extensions) forms an axis of a hyperboloid where the receiver is located at the point where three hyperboloids intersect. In various instances, three satellites can be used to compute a position solution.

[0089] Various receivers can include a track algorithm, sometimes called a tracker, which combines sets of satellite measurements collected at different times — in effect, taking advantage of the fact that successive receiver positions are usually close to each other. After a set of measurements are processed, the tracker predicts the receiver location corresponding to the next set of satellite measurements. When the new measurements are collected, the receiver uses a weighting scheme to combine the new measurements with the tracker prediction. In general, a tracker can (a) improve receiver position and time accuracy, (b) reject bad measurements, and (c) estimate receiver speed and direction.

[0090] In a GPS system, a solution to navigation equations can give the position of a GPS receiver along with a difference between the time kept by the receiver’s on-board clock and the true time-of-day. Applications for GPS such as time transfer, traffic signal timing, and synchronization of cell phone base stations, make use of such accurate timing.

[0091] Although four satellites can be demanded for various operations, fewer may be used in various cases. If one variable is already known, a receiver can determine its position using three satellites. For example, a ship on the open ocean usually has a known elevation close to 0 meters (sea level) and the elevation of an aircraft may be known. Some GPS receivers may use additional clues or assumptions such as reusing the last known altitude, dead reckoning, inertial navigation, or including information from the vehicle computer, to give a (possibly degraded) position when fewer than four satellites are visible.

[0092] As an example, a GPS unit may be operable using three or more satellites. In various examples, the elevation of a GPS unit may be known in a field installation such as at a wellsite. As an example, where a GPS unit is associated with a wellsite, the elevation of the GPS unit may be assumed to be or otherwise set to be the elevation of the wellsite. As an example, where equipment moves (e.g., consider a sucker rod pump) a sufficient distance during operation (e.g., more than a meter, two meters, an error, etc.), a height of a GPS unit that is mounted to such equipment may change and be detectable (e.g., consider the aforementioned 2.5 m CEP, etc.). In such an example, movement of a GPS unit in a regular pattern, etc., (e.g., with respect to height or other local equipment movement) may be indicative of equipment operation. As mentioned, a GPS unit may include an accelerometer and/or other sensor that can detect motion. In such an example, one or more GPS coordinates and sensor motion detection may be utilized for monitoring, controlling, etc., equipment.

[0093] Fig. 5 shows an example of a system 500 that includes a GPS unit operatively coupled to a power supply for the GPS unit with appropriate conversion circuitry (e.g., AC to DC converter, etc.) that may receive power such as 120 VAC, 240 VAC, etc. As shown, the system 500 can include a power relay as an intermediate component between a timer and a rod pump motor, where a power source (e.g., grid power supply, etc.), which may be single phase or multi-phase, is operatively coupled to the timer and the power relay. As shown, the timer may receive power from the power source (e.g., AC and/or DC) and act to activate the relay (e.g., via 24 VAC, etc.). Once activated, the power relay can supply electrical power to both the power supply of the GPS unit and can supply electrical power to the rod pump motor. While a rod pump motor is illustrated in the example of Fig. 5, as explained, one or more types of electrical motors may be utilized for one or more purposes. As to an ESP, it may be supplied with multi-phase power such as three- phase power to drive a three-phase electric motor.

[0094] As shown in the example of Fig. 5, the GPS unit and its power supply are added to the power relay that is activated by the timer for the well. When the GPS unit receives power, the GPS unit can transmit a signal such as a power up event signal to a web service.

[0095] Fig. 6 shows an example of a system 600 that includes a GPS unit, noting that such a system may be utilized for multiple GPS units, whether at a single site or at multiple sites. As shown in the example system 600, the GPS unit can transmit information to a cellular network or satellite that can be operatively coupled to resources that operate a web service. In such an approach, the web service, which may be cloud-based, can transmit information to a well activity service that can be accessible via a browser application (e.g., a graphical user interface suitable for client/server interactions) that can interact with a well activity website. For example, a user may utilize a browser application to access a well activity well site where authentication via an authentication process is required to access the well activity service. In such an example, the authentication process can involve accessing a well/customer database that is registered with the well activity service. For example, one or more credentials can be entered by a user of the browser application such that the well activity web site provides for accessing information of the well activity service for a particular well or wells of a customer (e.g., a subscriber).

[0096] As explained, the system 600 can be utilized for a number of GPS units at one or more wellsites such that the well activity service can service multiple users of different customers (e.g., subscribers) for multiple wellsites, which may be located in a region, regions or throughout the world.

[0097] In the example of Fig. 6, various labeled arrows indicate how data may move through the system 600, ultimately ending at an end user, which may be via a web browser, a desktop application, mobile app, etc.

[0098] As explained, the GPS unit can send data across a cellular network (see lines labeled 1 and 2) using a subscription service that is managed by the GPS unit service. Such a service can be a proprietary service that accounts for medium, data rates, and bandwidth, which may be optimized for particular users, customers, etc.

[0099] As shown, the GPS unit service can provide an application programming interface (API) that is accessible via appropriate API calls to get the data from a GPS unit to the well activity service, as indicated by the line labeled 3. In such an approach, protocols such as REST or Webhooks or messaging may be utilized for making API calls, receiving data, etc. In such an approach, a connection can be secured using an appropriate technique/technology.

[00100] As shown, the well activity service can receive data from the GPS unit web service, including GPS position (e.g., location information). The well activity service can utilize such data to automatically find a corresponding well and/or customer (e.g., subscriber) as indicated by the line labeled 4, which couples to a well/customer database. Once associated, the well activity service can compute well activity and use one or more other types of sensor information to derive more information, such as, for example, one or more of motor performance, sucker rod performance, well temperature, flow rate, etc. Such information can be stored relative to a well and/or customer via the well activity service.

[00101] As explained, when a user wants information, the user can start a web browser I mobile app I desktop app to connect to the well activity web site as indicated by the line labeled 5. Such a process can commence an authentication/authorization workflow (see the lines labeled 7 and 8) to associate the user to a well and/or a customer. Such an approach provides for a customer-based service that is secure.

[00102] In the example of Fig. 6, the authorization service across the line labeled 7 can return a token that can be used to get data from the web activity service across the line labeled 6. In such an example, the browser application can provide the token to the well activity service, which can then attempt to authenticate the token with the well/customer database server (see the line labeled 4), and if authorized, the system 600 can return data to the browser (see the line labeled 6) where information can be rendered to a user via a display.

[00103] Fig. 7 shows an example plot 700 that may be part of a GUI rendered to a display. As shown, the plot 700 includes various types of data with respect to time. In the plot 700, the timer data indicate expected on/off times for which the timer is supposed to run. Referring to the system 600 of Fig. 6, such data can be stored in the well activity service as part of the overall service.

[00104] In the plot 700, a power on event arriving from a GPS unit is shown. With reference to the system 500 of Fig. 5, these events indicate when power was supplied to the power relay, activating the GPS unit and the rod pump motor.

[00105] In the plot 700, when a GPS coordinate was received is shown. GPS coordinates can be sent at an interval, which may be pre-programmed as part of a GPS unit service, noting that an interval may be configured, automatically, semi- automatically or manually. For example, consider automatic configuration that lengthens or shortens the interval depending on a timer schedule. In such an example, the interval can be shorter where on/off cycling is more frequent and can be longer where on/off cycling is less frequent. As an example, a GPS unit may be configured to transmit location information responsive to a change in the location of the GPS unit such that an appropriate GPS unit service can stay in communication. For example, where one well is taken offline, a GPS unit may be moved to another well. In such an example, as wells themselves are stationary, a service can indicate that the GPS unit is now associated with another well, which may be determined using GPS coordinates. For example, a service can automatically associate a GPS unit with a well via a search of a database of well coordinates. Such a service can implement an association process upon installation of a GPS unit at a wellsite, re- installation of the GPS unit at another wellsite, etc.

[00106] As shown in the plot 700, GPS unit data are not perfectly in-sync with expected timer events, which can act as an indicator that the timer is not working as expected, which can be used to raise an alert.

[00107] As explained, a GPS unit can include memory, which may be utilized to instantiate a buffer, which may be a circular buffer or other type of buffer (e.g., FIFO, etc.). As an example, local equipment may include memory that can be utilized as a buffer. In either instance, if a GPS unit cannot transmit, for whatever reason, the GPS unit and/or an edge device can buffer data for a suitable amount of time, for example, until a communication line is available. Such an approach can help to assure that data are not lost and to catch up so alerts can be inspected. Knowing that data arrives late can also help to show that communication issues may be present, such as interference or installation problems.

[00108] In the case where there is no data connection available, a GPS unit may allow data to be downloaded directly from the GPS unit. For example, consider a person arriving at a wellsite with a device that can download GPS unit information and use that information to see how a timer and/or pump turned on/off for an amount of time (e.g., a buffer time). In such an example, the person may have a mobile device that can access an app, a website, etc., such that an analysis can be performed at the wellsite, which may result in recommending one or more actions to be taken by the person and/or equipment to rectify an issue or issues.

[00109] As an example, GPS units may be part of a well activity service offered by a service provider. Such GPS units can be made available to customers directly or installed at their wellsites as part of the service.

[00110] As explained, installation can be streamlined, for example, as involving connection to a power line on a timer side of a pump. Once connected and powered on, a GPS unit can commence performing its job. As explained, no association between the GPS unit and well or customer is demanded by a user as such an association can be determined automatically via a well activity service. Such an approach allows GPS units to be sent to customers, and when powered on, locations and associations determined. A system can provide for seeing where each GPS unit is located where an attempt to associate a deployed GPS unit to a well and/or a customer can be performed automatically (e.g., via information provided by the customer). Such an approach can reduce training and engineering costs.

[00111] As an example, a system may provide an loT sensor platform using GPS units. In such an example, a sensor platform may be readily deployed where use of GPS coordinates facilitates associating information to a customer, a well, etc. As an example, a relatively large edge sensor platform may include multiple GPS units where an architecture of the platform may be discerned from GPS unit information, along with location of the installation (e.g., wellsite, surface network site, etc.). In such an example, a platform may send information about the installation to a remote site using a cellular connection at a fairly high data rate (e.g., once every 15 seconds, etc.).

[00112] As an example, data from a platform can be collected and sent to various downstream services to associate sensor data with position. Such a service can reduce inspection costs and may provide for an entry level loT service.

[00113] Another level of service can include features for remote intervention, which may include use of actuators and controllers with features beyond a simple timer.

[00114] Fig. 8 shows an example of a system 800 that includes the network 240 of Fig. 2, which can be a portion of a larger network 230. As explained, the network 240 can include various types of equipment at wellsites and between wellsites where manifolds may be utilized to join conduits to direct fluid to a processing facility (see, e.g., CPF).

[00115] In the example of Fig. 8, GPS units are indicated by “G” where each well includes a GPS unit, which may be operatively coupled to equipment as explained, for example, with respect to the system 500 of Fig. 5. As to types of equipment, the equipment may be the same or may differ. In various examples, equipment at the wellsites can include one or more instances of the equipment of Fig. 3.

[00116] As explained, a GPS unit can include an accelerometer. In such an example, the accelerometer can sense vibration, which may provide for indications of flow and no flow. As to flow, vibration may indicate an amount of flow or type of flow (e.g., single phase, multiphase, laminar, turbulent, etc.). As an example, a GPS unit may be mounted to a manifold such that vibration information can be acquired along with location information. In such an example, the GPS unit may remain on or may be switched on/off along with equipment such as an electric motor at a wellsite. In a scenario where an electric motor is shut off along with a GPS unit at a wellsite, a GPS unit at a manifold may continue to sense vibration information indicative of flow. As flow from a well can decrease without artificial lift, once artificial lift equipment is shut off, vibration may change at a manifold, which can be utilized as an indication that the artificial lift equipment is shut off. Such information can be utilized in combination with an on/off GPS unit that switches on/off according to a timer for the artificial lift equipment.

[00117] As explained, GPS units can be deployed in a relatively easy manner where their locations can be determined automatically and be associated with equipment, a well, a customer, etc. In the example of Fig. 8, eight GPS units are shown, which may be installed by mounting and electrical coupling and then located and associated using cloud-based computing resources (e.g., one or more cloudbased services) and/or using one or more local computing resources.

[00118] As explained, a system such as the system 250 of Fig. 2 can be implemented locally and/or remotely. For example, the system 250 may be a distributed system with one or more local components and one or more remote components.

[00119] Fig. 9 shows an example of a system 900 and an example of an architecture 901 where the system 900 can include various local components that can be in communication with one or more remote components. As shown in the example of Fig. 9, the architecture 901 can provide for one or more security components 902, one or more machine learning models 903, data 904, objects 905, a GPS unit engine 906, analysis techniques 907 and output(s) 908.

[00120] As shown, the system 900 can include a power source 913 (e.g., solar, generator, battery, grid, etc.) that can provide power to an edge framework gateway 910 that can include one or more computing cores 912 and one or more media interfaces 914 that can, for example, receive a computer-readable medium 940 that may include one or more data structures such as an operating system (OS) image 942, a framework 944 and data 946. In such an example, the OS image 942 may cause one or more of the one or more cores 912 to establish an operating system environment that is suitable for execution of one or more applications. For example, the framework 944 may be an application suitable for execution in an established operating system in the edge framework gateway 910.

[00121] In the example of Fig. 9, the edge framework gateway 910 (“EF”) can include one or more types of interfaces suitable for receipt and/or transmission of information. For example, consider one or more wireless interfaces that may provide for local communications at a site such as to one or more pieces of local equipment, which can include equipment 932, equipment 934 and equipment 936 and/or remote communications to one or more remote sites 952 and 954. In such an example, lesser or more equipment may be included.

[00122] As an example, the equipment 932, 934 and 936 may include one or more types of equipment such as the equipment 310, the equipment 330, the equipment 350 and the equipment 370 of Fig. 3. As an example, equipment may include non-artificial lift equipment and/or artificial lift equipment. As shown, the equipment 932, 934 and 936 may be fit with one or more GPS units (“G”) and, for example, the EF 910 may be fit with a GPS unit (“G”).

[00123] As an example, the EF 910 may be installed at a site where the site is some distance from a city, a town, etc. In such an example, the EF 910 may be accessible via a satellite communication network and/or one or more other networks where data, control instructions, etc., may be transmitted, received, etc.

[00124] As an example, one or more pieces of equipment at a site may be controllable locally and/or remotely. For example, a local controller may be an edge framework-based controller that can issue control instructions to local equipment via a local network and a remote controller may be a cloud-based controller or other type of remote controller that can issue control instructions to local equipment via one or more networks that reach beyond the site. As an example, a site may include features for implementation of local and/or remote control. As an example, a controller may include an architecture such as a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) architecture.

[00125] A communications satellite is an artificial satellite that can relay and amplify radio telecommunication signals via a transponder. A satellite communication network can include one or more communication satellites that may, for example, provide for one or more communication channels. As of 2021 , there are about 2,000 communications satellites in Earth orbit, some of which are geostationary above the equator such that a satellite dish antenna of a ground station can be aimed permanently at a satellite rather than tracking the satellite. As an example, information may be acquired using one or more types of satellites, including, for example, imagery satellites (e.g., Sentinel, etc.).

[00126] High frequency radio waves used for telecommunications links travel by line-of-sight, which may be obstructed by the curve of the Earth. Communications satellites can relay signal around the curve of the Earth allowing communication between widely separated geographical points. Communications satellites can use one or more frequencies (e.g., radio, microwave, etc.), where bands may be regulated and allocated.

[00127] Satellite communication tends to be slower and more costly than other types of electronic communication due to factors such as distance, equipment, deployment and maintenance. For wellsites that do not have other forms of communication, satellite communication can be limiting in one or more aspects. For example, where a controller is to operate in real-time or near real-time, a cloudbased approach to control may introduce too much latency.

[00128] As shown in the example of Fig. 9, the EF 910 may be deployed where it can operate locally with the one or more pieces of equipment 932, 934 and 936, etc. As an example, the EF 910 may include switching and/or communication capabilities, for example, for information transmission between equipment, etc.

[00129] As desired, from time to time, communication may occur between the EF 910 and one or more remote sites 952, 954, etc., which may be via satellite communication where latency and costs are tolerable. As an example, the CRM 940 may be a removable drive that can be brought to a site via one or more modes of transport. For example, consider an air drop, a human via helicopter, plane, boat, etc.

[00130] As shown in Fig. 9, an EF may execute within a gateway such as, for example, an AGORA gateway (e.g., consider one or more processors, memory, etc., which may be deployed as a “box” that can be locally powered and that can communicate locally with other equipment via one or more interfaces). As an example, one or more pieces of equipment may include computational resources that can be akin to those of an AGORA gateway or more or less than those of an AGORA gateway. As an example, an AGORA gateway may be a network device with various networking capabilities.

[00131] As an example, a gateway can include one or more features of an AGORA gateway (e.g., v.202, v.402, etc.) and/or another gateway. For example, consider features such as an INTEL ATOM E3930 or E3950 dual core with DRAM and an eMMC and/or SSD. Such a gateway may include a trusted platform module (TPM), which can provide for secure and measured boot support (e.g., via hashes, etc.). A gateway may include one or more interfaces (e.g., Ethernet, RS485/422, RS232, etc.). As to power, a gateway may consume less than about 100 W (e.g., consider less than 10 W or less than 20 W). As an example, a gateway may include an operating system (e.g., consider LINUX DEBIAN LTS or another operating system). As an example, a gateway may include a cellular interface (e.g., 4G LTE with global modem/GPS, 5G, etc.). As an example, a gateway may include a WIFI interface (e.g., 802.11 a/b/g/n). As an example, a gateway may be operable using AC 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz or 24 VDC. As to dimensions, consider a gateway that has a protective box with dimensions of approximately 10 in x 8 in x 4 in (e.g., 25 cm x 20.3 cm x 10.1 cm).

[00132] As an example, a gateway itself may include one or more cameras such that the gateway can record conditions. For example, consider a motion detection camera that can detect the presence of an object. In such an example, an image of the object and/or an analysis (e.g., image recognition) signal thereof may be transmitted (e.g., via a satellite communication link) such that a risk may be assessed at a site that is distant from the gateway.

[00133] As an example, a gateway may include one or more accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc. As an example, a gateway may include circuitry that can perform seismic sensing that indicates ground movements. Such circuitry may be suitable for detecting and recording equipment movements and/or movement of the gateway itself.

[00134] As explained, a gateway can include features that enhance its operation at a remote site that may be distant from a city, a town, etc., such that travel to the site and/or communication with equipment at the site is problematic and/or costly. As explained, a gateway can include an operating system and memory that can store one or more types of applications that may be executable in an operating system environment. Such applications can include one or more security applications, one or more control applications, one or more simulation applications, etc.

[00135] As an example, various types of data may be available, for example, consider real-time data from equipment and ad hoc data. In various examples, data from sources connected to a gateway may be real-time, ad hoc data, sporadic data, etc. As an example, lab test data may be available that can be used to fine tune one or more models (e.g., locally, etc.). As an example, data from a framework such as the AVOCET framework may be utilized where results and/or data thereof can be sent to the edge. As an example, one or more types of ad hoc data may be stored in a database and sent to the edge.

[00136] As to real-time data, it can include data that are acquired via one or more sensors at a site and then transmitted after acquisition, for example, to a framework, which may be local, remote or part local and part remote. Such transmissions may be as streams (e.g., streaming data) and/or as batches. As to batches, a buffer may be utilized where an amount of data may be stored and then transmitted as a batch. In various instances, real-time data may be characterized using a sampling rate or sampling frequency. For example, consider 1 Hz as a sampling frequency that is adequate to track various types of physical phenomena that can occur during well operations. As an example, a sensor and/or a framework may provide for adjustment of sampling (e.g., at the sensor and/or at the framework). In various instances, data from multiple sensors may be at the same sampling rate or at one or more sampling rates. As an example, data sampling can be at a rate sufficient to provide for detection, prediction, etc., as to a probability of occurrence of a solids event at a future time. In such an example, the sooner data are analyzed, the sooner such detection, prediction, etc., can occur. For example, consider a system where advance notice of a risk of a solids event can be greater than 10 minutes, greater than 30 minutes, greater than 1 hour, etc., such that one or more control actions can be taken to mitigate the risk of the solids event.

[00137] As an example, the EF 910 of Fig. 9 may be utilized in a system such as the system 800 of Fig. 8. For example, the EF 910 may be operatively coupled to the various GPS units (“G”) in Fig. 8 and may provide for transmission, analysis, etc., of GPS unit information. As an example, the EF 910 may provide for transmission of acquired information to a remote service. As an example, the EF 910 may provide for receipt of information from a remote service. As an example, the EF 910 may provide for timing of power supplied to equipment, control of equipment, control of one or more GPS units, etc.

[00138] As an example, the GPS unit engine 906 of the architecture 901 can provide for acquiring, analyzing, transmitting, etc., information from one or more GPS units. As explained, acquisition may be via a local network where transmission may be via another network (e.g., a satellite network, etc.).

[00139] As an example, a device and/or distributed devices may utilize TENSORFLOW LITE (TFL) or another type of lightweight framework. TFL is a set of tools that enables on-device machine learning where models may run on mobile, embedded, and loT devices. TFL is optimized for on-device machine learning, by addressing latency (no round-trip to a server), privacy (no personal data leaves the device), connectivity (Internet connectivity is demanded), size (reduced model and binary size) and power consumption (e.g., efficient inference and a lack of network connections). Multiple platform support, covering ANDROID and iOS devices, embedded LINUX, and microcontrollers. Diverse language support, which includes JAVA, SWIFT, Objective-C, C++, and PYTHON. High performance, with hardware acceleration and model optimization. Machine learning tasks may include, for example, data processing, image classification, object detection, pose estimation, question answering, text classification, etc., on multiple platforms. As an example, the system 900 of Fig. 9 may utilize one or more features of the TFL framework.

[00140] Fig. 10 shows an example of a method 1000 and an example of a system 1090. As shown, the method 1000 can include a reception block 1010 for, responsive to supplying power to a timer, equipment and a GPS unit at a wellsite, receiving information generated by the GPS unit; a no reception block 1020 for, following interruption of power supplied to the equipment and the GPS unit, receiving no information; a reception block 1030 for, responsive to re-supplying power to the equipment and the GPS unit, receiving additional information generated by the GPS unit; and an analysis block 1040 for analyzing the information and the additional information to determine a wellsite status for the wellsite.

[00141] The method 1000 is shown in Fig. 10 in association with various computer-readable media (CRM) blocks 1011 , 1021 , 1031 and 1041. Such blocks generally include instructions suitable for execution by one or more processors (or processor cores) to instruct a computing device or system to perform one or more actions. While various blocks are shown, a single medium may be configured with instructions to allow for, at least in part, performance of various actions of the method 1000. As an example, a computer-readable medium (CRM) may be a computer-readable storage medium that is non-transitory and that is not a carrier wave. As an example, one or more of the blocks 1011 , 1021 , 1031 and 1041 may be in the form of processor-executable instructions.

[00142] In the example of Fig. 10, the system 1090 includes one or more information storage devices 1091 , one or more computers 1092, one or more networks 1095 and instructions 1096. As to the one or more computers 1092, each computer may include one or more processors (e.g., or processing cores) 1093 and memory 1094 for storing the instructions 1096, for example, executable by at least one of the one or more processors 1093 (see, e.g., the blocks 1011 , 1021 , 1031 and 1041 ). As an example, a computer may include one or more network interfaces (e.g., wired or wireless), one or more graphics cards, a display interface (e.g., wired or wireless), etc.

[00143] As an example, a method can include, responsive to supplying power to a timer, equipment and a GPS unit at a wellsite, receiving information generated by the GPS unit; following interruption of power supplied to the equipment and the GPS unit, receiving no information; responsive to re-supplying power to the equipment and the GPS unit, receiving additional information generated by the GPS unit; and analyzing the information and the additional information to determine a wellsite status for the wellsite. In such an example, analyzing can include comparing the information and the additional information to a timer schedule for interruption of power and re-supplying power. For example, consider a wellsite status that indicates that a timer is operating according to a timer schedule or that a timer is not operating according to a timer schedule (see, e.g., the example plot 700 of Fig. 7). [00144] As an example, equipment can include artificial lift equipment. As an example, equipment can include an electric motor. In such an example, the electric motor can be supplied with power from one or more sources of power. For example, consider grid power, local turbine generator power (e.g., from a gas combustion turbine, etc.), local wind generator power, local solar power, local battery power, etc. [00145] As an example, a method can include associating a GPS unit and a wellsite based at least in part on information generated by the GPS unit. For example, consider a method that includes associating by accessing a database that comprises location information for the wellsite.

[00146] As an example, receiving information, receiving additional information and analyzing can be performed using computing equipment, which can include local and/or remote computing equipment. For example, consider computing equipment that is or that includes remote computing equipment at a location remote from a location of a wellsite.

[00147] As an example, a method can include analyzing that is performed using a web service accessible via the Internet (see, e.g., the example system 600 of Fig. 6).

[00148] As an example, information and/or additional information generated by a GPS unit can include pings. For example, consider a method that includes monitoring the number of GPS coordinate pings and determining a length of time for equipment operation using the number of GPS coordinate pings (e.g., via timestamps of the pings, etc.). Such a method can provide for assessing a timer, for example, to assess its on/off duration (e.g., cycle behavior, etc.).

[00149] As an example, a method can include receiving information and/or additional information, generated by a GPS unit, that includes GPS coordinates.

[00150] As an example, a GPS unit can include an accelerometer. As an example, information and/or additional information generated by a GPS unit can include accelerometer information. In such an example, a method can include receiving such accelerometer information and analyzing that includes assessing the accelerometer information for indications of vibration of equipment. For example, consider vibration of equipment that is indicative of operation of the equipment, indicative of fluid flow and/or indicative of sanding.

[00151] As an example, a method can include receiving information and/or additional information that include power usage information of equipment. In such an example, the method can include analyzing that includes assessing the power usage information to determine operational performance of the equipment. For example, consider operational performance as being or includes a power utilization efficiency. [00152] As an example, a system can include a processor; memory accessible to the processor; and processor-executable instructions stored in the memory to instruct the system to: responsive to supplying power to a timer, equipment and a GPS unit at a wellsite, receive information generated by the GPS unit; following interruption of power supplied to the equipment and the GPS unit, receive no information; responsive to re-supplying power to the equipment and the GPS unit, receive additional information generated by the GPS unit; and analyze the information and the additional information to determine a wellsite status for the wellsite.

[00153] As an example, one or more computer-readable storage media can include processor-executable instructions to instruct a computing system to: responsive to supplying power to a timer, equipment and a GPS unit at a wellsite, receive information generated by the GPS unit; following interruption of power supplied to the equipment and the GPS unit, receive no information; responsive to re-supplying power to the equipment and the GPS unit, receive additional information generated by the GPS unit; and analyze the information and the additional information to determine a wellsite status for the wellsite.

[00154] As an example, a computer program product can include one or more computer-readable storage media that can include processor-executable instructions to instruct a computing system to perform one or more methods and/or one or more portions of a method.

[00155] In some embodiments, a method or methods may be executed by a computing system. Fig. 11 shows an example of a system 1100 that can include one or more computing systems 1101-1 , 1101-2, 1101 -3 and 1101 -4, which may be operatively coupled via one or more networks 1109, which may include wired and/or wireless networks.

[00156] As an example, a system can include an individual computer system or an arrangement of distributed computer systems. In the example of Fig. 11 , the computer system 1101-1 can include one or more modules 1102, which may be or include processor-executable instructions, for example, executable to perform various tasks (e.g., receiving information, requesting information, processing information, simulation, outputting information, etc.). [00157] As an example, a module may be executed independently, or in coordination with, one or more processors 1104, which is (or are) operatively coupled to one or more storage media 1106 (e.g., via wire, wirelessly, etc.). As an example, one or more of the one or more processors 1104 can be operatively coupled to at least one of one or more network interface 1107. In such an example, the computer system 1101-1 can transmit and/or receive information, for example, via the one or more networks 1109 (e.g., consider one or more of the Internet, a private network, a cellular network, a satellite network, etc.).

[00158] As an example, the computer system 1101-1 may receive from and/or transmit information to one or more other devices, which may be or include, for example, one or more of the computer systems 1101-2, etc. A device may be located in a physical location that differs from that of the computer system 1101-1. As an example, a location may be, for example, a processing facility location, a data center location (e.g., server farm, etc.), a rig location, a wellsite location, a downhole location, etc.

[00159] As an example, a processor may be or include a microprocessor, microcontroller, processor module or subsystem, programmable integrated circuit, programmable gate array, or another control or computing device.

[00160] As an example, the storage media 1106 may be implemented as one or more computer-readable or machine-readable storage media. As an example, storage may be distributed within and/or across multiple internal and/or external enclosures of a computing system and/or additional computing systems.

[00161] As an example, a storage medium or storage media may include one or more different forms of memory including semiconductor memory devices such as dynamic or static random access memories (DRAMs or SRAMs), erasable and programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable and programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs) and flash memories, magnetic disks such as fixed, floppy and removable disks, other magnetic media including tape, optical media such as compact disks (CDs) or digital video disks (DVDs), BLUERAY disks, or other types of optical storage, or other types of storage devices.

[00162] As an example, a storage medium or media may be located in a machine running machine-readable instructions, or located at a remote site from which machine-readable instructions may be downloaded over a network for execution.

[00163] As an example, various components of a system such as, for example, a computer system, may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both hardware and software (e.g., including firmware), including one or more signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuits.

[00164] As an example, a system may include a processing apparatus that may be or include general-purpose processors or application specific chips (e.g., or chipsets), such as ASICs, FPGAs, PLDs, or other appropriate devices.

[00165] Fig. 12 shows components of an example of a computing system 1200 and an example of a networked system 1210 with a network 1220. The system 1200 includes one or more processors 1202, memory and/or storage components 1204, one or more input and/or output devices 1206 and a bus 1208. In an example embodiment, instructions may be stored in one or more computer-readable media (e.g., memory/storage components 1204). Such instructions may be read by one or more processors (e.g., the processor(s) 1202) via a communication bus (e.g., the bus 1208), which may be wired or wireless. The one or more processors may execute such instructions to implement (wholly or in part) one or more attributes (e.g., as part of a method). A user may view output from and interact with a process via an I/O device (e.g., the device 1206). In an example embodiment, a computer- readable medium may be a storage component such as a physical memory storage device, for example, a chip, a chip on a package, a memory card, etc. (e.g., a computer-readable storage medium).

[00166] In an example embodiment, components may be distributed, such as in the network system 1210. The network system 1210 includes components 1222-1 , 1222-2, 1222-3, . . . 1222-N. For example, the components 1222-1 may include the processor(s) 1202 while the component(s) 1222-3 may include memory accessible by the processor(s) 1202. Further, the component(s) 1222-2 may include an I/O device for display and optionally interaction with a method. The network 1220 may be or include the Internet, an intranet, a cellular network, a satellite network, etc. [00167] As an example, a device may be a mobile device that includes one or more network interfaces for communication of information. For example, a mobile device may include a wireless network interface (e.g., operable via IEEE 802.11 , ETSI GSM, BLUETOOTH, satellite, etc.). As an example, a mobile device may include components such as a main processor, memory, a display, display graphics circuitry (e.g., optionally including touch and gesture circuitry), a SIM slot, audio/video circuitry, motion processing circuitry (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope), wireless LAN circuitry, smart card circuitry, transmitter circuitry, GPS circuitry, and a battery. As an example, a mobile device may be configured as a cell phone, a tablet, etc. As an example, a method may be implemented (e.g., wholly or in part) using a mobile device. As an example, a system may include one or more mobile devices.

[00168] As an example, a system may be a distributed environment, for example, a so-called “cloud” environment where various devices, components, etc. interact for purposes of data storage, communications, computing, etc. As an example, a device or a system may include one or more components for communication of information via one or more of the Internet (e.g., where communication occurs via one or more Internet protocols), a cellular network, a satellite network, etc. As an example, a method may be implemented in a distributed environment (e.g., wholly or in part as a cloud-based service).

[00169] As an example, information may be input from a display (e.g., consider a touchscreen), output to a display or both. As an example, information may be output to a projector, a laser device, a printer, etc. such that the information may be viewed. As an example, information may be output stereographically or holographically. As to a printer, consider a 2D or a 3D printer. As an example, a 3D printer may include one or more substances that can be output to construct a 3D object. For example, data may be provided to a 3D printer to construct a 3D representation of a subterranean formation. As an example, layers may be constructed in 3D (e.g., horizons, etc.), geobodies constructed in 3D, etc. As an example, holes, fractures, etc., may be constructed in 3D (e.g., as positive structures, as negative structures, etc.).

[00170] Although only a few example embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the example embodiments. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.