Intelligent Operations: SCADA and Automation in Oil & Gas Training Course

Introduction

In the expansive and often remote environments of the oil and gas industry, from upstream production wells to pipelines and distribution networks, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and advanced automation are indispensable. These technologies provide centralized monitoring, remote control, and data collection capabilities, enabling operators to manage vast and complex infrastructures efficiently and safely. The ability to react swiftly to changing conditions, optimize performance, and ensure regulatory compliance hinges directly on robust and reliable SCADA and automation solutions.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip participants with a comprehensive and practical understanding of SCADA systems and automation in oil and gas operations. From exploring fundamental control concepts and various instrumentation types to mastering SCADA architecture, communication protocols, Human-Machine Interface (HMI) design, and cybersecurity considerations, you will gain the expertise to implement and manage these vital systems effectively. This empowers you to enhance operational efficiency, improve safety, reduce operational costs, and strategically contribute to the seamless and secure functioning of modern oil and gas facilities.

Target Audience

  • SCADA System Engineers and Administrators.
  • Automation Engineers and Technicians.
  • Instrumentation and Control Engineers.
  • Operations Managers and Supervisors.
  • IT/OT Convergence Professionals.
  • Project Engineers involved in Automation Projects.
  • Maintenance and Reliability Engineers.
  • Cybersecurity Specialists for Industrial Control Systems.

Duration: 10 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamental principles of automation and control in oil and gas.
  • Grasp the architecture and components of SCADA systems.
  • Analyze various communication protocols used in SCADA networks.
  • Comprehend the design and implementation of Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs).
  • Evaluate the importance of cybersecurity for SCADA and industrial control systems (ICS).
  • Develop practical skills in configuring and troubleshooting SCADA systems.
  • Navigate relevant industry standards and best practices for automation in oil & gas.
  • Formulate robust strategies for optimizing and securing SCADA and automation infrastructure.

Course Content

  1. Introduction to Automation and Control in Oil & Gas
  • Evolution of automation in the oil and gas industry.
  • Benefits of automation: safety, efficiency, cost reduction, improved data.
  • Hierarchy of control systems: PLC, DCS, SCADA.
  • Overview of typical automated processes in upstream, midstream, and downstream.
  • Key control concepts: open loop, closed loop, feedback, feedforward.
  1. SCADA System Architecture and Components
  • Definition of SCADA: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition.
  • Main components: Master Terminal Unit (MTU), Remote Terminal Unit (RTU), Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), communication network, HMI.
  • Centralized vs. distributed SCADA systems.
  • Role of data historians and alarm management systems.
  • SCADA system design considerations.
  1. Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
  • RTU functions and applications in remote oil and gas sites.
  • PLC architecture: CPU, I/O modules, power supply.
  • PLC programming languages (e.g., Ladder Logic, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text).
  • Applications of PLCs for local control, interlocks, and safety functions.
  • Selection criteria for RTUs and PLCs.
  1. Communication Protocols in SCADA Systems
  • Importance of robust communication in geographically dispersed operations.
  • Wired protocols: Modbus (RTU, TCP/IP), DNP3, Ethernet/IP.
  • Wireless communication: radio, cellular (4G/5G), satellite.
  • Fiber optic communication for high bandwidth and long distances.
  • Network topologies and redundancy.
  1. Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Design and Operations
  • Purpose of HMI: operator interface for monitoring and control.
  • Principles of effective HMI design: clarity, consistency, alarm management.
  • Graphics development and display navigation.
  • Trending, alarming, and historical data visualization.
  • Ergonomics and human factors in HMI design.
  1. Data Acquisition and Management
  • Sensors and instrumentation for data collection (review of key measurements).
  • Analog and digital I/O.
  • Data sampling, filtering, and validation.
  • Data storage: real-time databases, historians.
  • Data reporting and analysis for operational insights.
  1. Cybersecurity for SCADA and Industrial Control Systems (ICS)
  • Unique cybersecurity challenges in oil and gas ICS.
  • Common attack vectors and threats (malware, phishing, insider threats).
  • Cybersecurity standards and guidelines (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443, NIST).
  • Defense-in-depth strategies: network segmentation, firewalls, secure remote access.
  • Incident response and disaster recovery planning for SCADA systems.
  1. Advanced Control and Optimization with SCADA
  • Implementing advanced control strategies through SCADA (e.g., cascade, feedforward).
  • Using SCADA data for process optimization.
  • Alarm management optimization to reduce nuisance alarms.
  • Role of SCADA in production optimization and asset performance management.
  • Integration with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
  1. Implementation and Project Management of SCADA Systems
  • Stages of a SCADA project: design, engineering, procurement, installation, testing, commissioning.
  • Project planning and scheduling for SCADA implementation.
  • Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).
  • System integration and interoperability.
  • Documentation requirements for SCADA systems.
  1. Future Trends in SCADA and Industrial Automation
  • Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and edge computing.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in SCADA for predictive analytics.
  • Cloud-based SCADA solutions.
  • Digital twins for virtual representation and optimization of assets.
  • Autonomous operations and robotics in oil and gas.
  • Evolution of communication technologies.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

Intelligent Operations: Scada And Automation In Oil & Gas Training Course in Nepal
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