Working with real-time sensing for oil & gas operations: emphasis on biosensing

A long standing aim for sensor-based monitoring is continuous and unattended acquisition of samples/data without the need for human presence or expensive ships. There are some common challenges with sensor monitoring. One may obtain continuous data series for long periods so the time resolution is no problem. This should ensure that also episodic events are covered. The challenge is space resolution and data handling and interpretation. There is a large realm of cutting edge sensor, vehicle, and data handling technologies more or less ready for application in an EM context. Examples of reasonably mature sensor technologies are: surface plasmon resonance (SPR), Raman spectroscopy (SRS), in-situ mass spectrometry (MS), hyperspectral imagery (HSI), and biomonitors (e.g. BiotaTools). Generally, the sensor maturity is highest for physical and least for biological variables. Inevitably, a risk assessment must be based on biological sensors. Similarly, a range of more or less autonomous sensor platforms are being tested out. Their movement and sampling program is either cable operated, preprogrammed, or adjusted intermittently on basis of on-line analytical results. The latter may ensure samples taken in exactly the right location. Some technologies for the future are:  MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium and Research Institute) Dorado AUV with fluorimeter, oxygen sensor, optical backscattering and Gulper multiple water sampling system. Could be applied to trace produced water plumes.  ARCTool front module AUV with underwater MS and autosampler for in-situ chemical analysis. Applicable for e.g. hydrocarbon monitoring.  MBARI Environmental sample processor (ESP): an automated molecular biology laboratory on landers. Can detect microbes and other tiny living organisms on basis of gene signal information. May detect species of specific significance (e.g. oil degrading bacteria, sensitive zooplankton, algae or larvae. The second generation ESP is a moored system, but a third generation ESP applicable on a long-range AUV is under development. Potential application is for e.g. discharge plume description and leak detection.  MBARI multi-sensor benthic rover platform (crawler) for long-term logging of benthic features at great depth (> 1000 m). Extended operation has been achieved by cable connection to an underwater stationary observatory providing power to the rover and relaying of data to the surface.  BiotaGuard lander with environmental probes and biosensor organisms.  Single probe array for detection of microorganisms in water by molecular probing analysis (qPRC - quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPRC) and SHA visualisation). May detect targets, e.g. oil degrading bacteria, within 2-3 hours.  Portable SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance): optical detection of molecular binding processes. Detection is compound specific. Can monitor analytes of interest (contaminants, weathered oil, degradation products). SPR biosensors have become a central tool for characterizing and quantifying biomolecular interactions.  Biosensors for on-line biomarker analysis. Cover the range from DNA via bacterial to whole organism biosensors.  DNA chip for contaminant detection  IRIS ALSENSE algal sensor for rapid assay of water toxicity