FourPhase launches remote monitoring tech for offshore sand management

FourPhase, a Norway-based solids and production performance specialist for the oil and gas sector, has launched The Observer™ an advanced real-time data capture and optimization tool. Already deployed in five operations across the Gulf of Mexico and the Norwegian Continental Shelf, The Observer™ is set to be rolled out across all FourPhase operations, enabling full remote monitoring.

The Observer™ aims to address three key industry challenges: reducing downtime through informed decision-making, optimizing equipment maintenance, and facilitating the transition to remote operations. By capturing real-time data to generate a live operational display in FourPhase’s operations center, the data then populates online dashboards, accessible to customers worldwide. 

“The Observer™ complies with ISO 27001, 27017, and 27701 standards, ensuring a secure connection to onshore operations via Starlink or similar technologies,” said FourPhase CEO Øyvind Heradstveit. “This offers operators a secure channel to send information to the respective onshore operations centers and provides a first step toward remote management and unmanned operations." Coupled with onsite remote operations, these capabilities are enabling a step-change improvement in offshore sand management. This opens up new opportunities for production optimization and autonomy that were previously not possible.”

FourPhase has been capturing solids management information since 2013. By utilizing its database and simulating operational scenarios, the company has delivered uptime above 99.5% over the last 10 years. The database allows FourPhase to plan new operations by utilizing data from real-world field experience as opposed to theoretical values based solely on calculations.

“Although real-time condition monitoring and data-driven optimization are now standard in numerous production-related processes, sand management largely depends on labor-intensive legacy workflows, added FourPhase COO/CTO Jørgen Bruntveit. “This reliance hinders the adoption of autonomous platforms and low-manning concepts. FourPhase has bridged this gap by investing heavily in remote monitoring technology. As a result, The Observer™ now enables comprehensive oversight of its entire fleet, including desanders.