Objective/Scope A cloud based platform is being built to create and maintain a machine's digital twin model, based on the as-built information and the operating data fed from the machine control system. By making the cloud based machine services available to most offshore operators, this platform has the potential to help monitor machine conditions and operator performance at a relatively low cost. Method, Procedure, Process Firstly, the cloud digital twin model serves as a vault to store the up-to-date machine data on the cloud for easy access by various parties from different locations. Secondly, when it is connected with a machine control system through a network gateway, operating data can be fed continuously to the cloud platform, enabling the cloud based analytics to digest and derive insights about the conditions of the machine, the performance and behaviors of operators, and the recommended maintenance schedule. Equipment performance grade is used as indicator of equipment performance. Results, Observations, Conclusions Many modern machine controllers have built-in database capability and are connected into a network with an internet gateway. This makes them ideal for working with cloud services to improve on remote monitoring, trouble shooting and maintenance scheduling. Two application examples, covering a typical drilling system and a crane, are presented. By publishing the up-to-date machine digital twin data on the cloud, which is to be consumed by any computer with internet connection, this platform could help operators streamline operation and maintenance activities, as well as reducing the costs due to the reduced number of site visits by technicians and the lowered expenses following a more optimized maintenance schedule. Novel/Additive Information The technologies for this platform are well developed with successful applications in many industries. This cloud platform was initially envisioned to be incorporated in our offshore drilling system and crane offerings to facilitate data sharing and trouble shooting of offshore equipment without sending technicians to site. The same cloud services can be used by operators with equipment from other vendors, with some adjustments on the network interfaces.
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Tang et al. (2018) studied this question.