Introduction:

Seawolf Resources is a leading full-cycle water management company based in Midland, Texas. They specialize in providing water-sourcing solutions to the oil industry in the Permian Basin, helping operators optimize their operations while minimizing environmental impacts. Seawolf sought a reliable and innovative solution to enhance their water pumping monitoring and control, inventory level, and flow monitoring operations as part of their commitment to improving efficiency and reducing costs. They turned to ClearBlade, a renowned IoT and Edge computing software provider, to address their needs and achieve their goals.

Challenges:

Seawolf Resources faced several challenges in their water management operations. Monitoring and controlling water pumps and accurately assessing pit levels and flow rates were essential but complex tasks. Existing third-party systems were expensive, inflexible, and required constant support, leading to inefficiencies and potential disruptions. Seawolf Resources needed a comprehensive solution that could offer remote monitoring, control capabilities, and real-time data insights to optimize their water management processes.

Solution:

ClearBlade, known for its IoT expertise in the energy industry, provided Seawolf with an innovative IoT solution to address their water management challenges. The solution’s key components were as follows:

1. ClearBlade Edge: ClearBlade’s IoT solution is integrated seamlessly with diesel and electric water pumps. This installation allowed Seawolf to establish a unified system to monitor and control their pumps effectively, monitor inventory levels and discharge pressure, and measure water flow rates.
2. Remote Pump Management: With ClearBlade’s solution, Seawolf could remotely manage each pump’s state, ensuring efficient and optimized operations. To maintain optimal performance, they could configure essential pump attributes such as speed, suction, temperature, discharge pressure, and skid battery level. Additionally, ClearBlade configured custom pump attributes to provide comprehensive pump status feedback.
3. Remote Control Capabilities: ClearBlade’s solution empowered Seawolf to remotely start, stop, idle, and adjust pump speeds. This capability allowed quick responses to changing operational needs, ensuring pumps operated at the desired levels and minimizing downtime.
4. Business and Event Rule Development: ClearBlade collaborated with Seawolf to develop and configure business and event rules tailored to their specific water management processes. This configuration ensured that the solution aligned precisely with Seawolf’s operational requirements, including implementing a safety override rule that monitors the discharge pressure. If the pressure reaches a certain threshold, the system automatically returns the pumps to an idle speed to avoid damaging equipment and pipe bursts. Furthermore, there are event rules for oil pressure and battery voltage, which ensure that the pumps run optimally to maximize their useful life.   
5. Auditing and Accountability: ClearBlade’s solution also enabled the audit of user commands and activities. This feature enhanced accountability and transparency in pump management, allowing Seawolf Resources to track and review actions performed on the system.
6. User Interface Configuration and Customization: ClearBlade’s solution offers a user-friendly interface with minimal customization required. This approach facilitated a smooth transition and ensured success by minimizing training and adoption challenges for Seawolf’s workforce. The solution is accessed via a mobile device by field operators or a web browser by back-office personnel.

Benefits of the Solution

“ClearBlade’s IoT solution has completely transformed our water management operations. With their remote monitoring and control capabilities, we have achieved unparalleled efficiency and improved reliability for our business and customers. The cost savings we have experienced are remarkable. ClearBlade’s software has truly been a game-changer for our business.” – Ty Daws, Chief Operating Officer.

ClearBlade’s IoT solution provided Seawolf Resources with numerous benefits, enabling them to revolutionize their water management operations:

1. Improved Operational Efficiency: The remote monitoring and control capabilities streamlined Seawolf Resources’ operations, allowing them to manage water pumps more effectively. With real-time insights and remote access, operators could make data-driven decisions, reducing response times and improving overall efficiency.
2. Cost Reduction: By eliminating third-party pump monitoring and control costs, optimizing pump performance, and minimizing downtime, Seawolf experienced significant cost savings. The ability to remotely control pump settings and perform real-time monitoring prevented unnecessary maintenance and extended equipment lifespan.
3. Enhanced Pump Longevity: The system operates seamlessly and optimally by implementing customized business and event rules developed by ClearBlade for Seawolf water management processes. This proactive approach safeguards against equipment damage, ultimately extending the useful life of the pumps.
4. Optimal Environmental Performance: ClearBlade’s solution empowered Seawolf Resources to minimize their environmental footprint. By efficiently managing water pumps and closely monitoring pit levels and flow rates, they could conserve water resources and reduce potential environmental risks.
5. Safety and Compliance: The ability to audit user commands and activities added an extra layer of visibility to their operation.

Summary: 

“Working with Seawolf and their complex water management monitoring and control problem has been a rewarding experience, and we are thrilled to have provided them with our IoT and Edge computing software solution. We are proud to have played a part in their success and look forward to continuing our partnership.” – Eric Simone, CEO of ClearBlade.

Implementing ClearBlade’s IoT and Edge computing software has revolutionized Seawolf water management operations, resulting in increased operational efficiency, improved reliability of the water supply, enhanced safety, and significant cost savings. By leveraging ClearBlade’s remote monitoring and control capabilities, Seawolf can focus on their core competency while entrusting the monitoring and control of their water infrastructure to ClearBlade’s software. This partnership has not only optimized pump performance and minimized downtime but has also positioned Seawolf as a leader in the industry, ensuring customer satisfaction and long-term success.