Thermo Scientific Integrated Informatics and Chromatography Software Solutions for the Oil & Gas Industry

Significance of the topic

In modern oil and gas and petrochemical laboratories, the volume and complexity of analytical data have grown exponentially. Integrated informatics platforms address the critical challenges of data integrity, regulatory compliance, sample traceability and real-time decision making. By centralizing laboratory information management (LIMS), chromatography data (CDS), scientific data (SDMS) and electronic lab notebooks (LES/ELN), organizations achieve higher throughput, enhance product quality, reduce risk and reinforce enterprise-wide collaboration.

Objectives and Study Overview

This collection of applications notes, white papers and case studies illustrates how Thermo Scientific Integrated Informatics combines SampleManager LIMS with Chromeleon CDS, SDMS and LES/ELN to:

• Consolidate laboratory software investments under one platform
• Streamline ‘sample-to-knowledge’ workflows from field sampling to enterprise reporting
• Ensure compliance with ISO 17025, ISO 14001 and HACCP standards
• Drive productivity gains, cost savings and sustainability targets

Key examples include Shell’s Pearl GTL, Sakhalin II LNG project, Sinopec Guangzhou and biofuel quality control labs.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Thermo Scientific Integrated Informatics is built on SampleManager LIMS, Chromeleon 7 CDS, SDMS and Procedural ELN. Core components and practices:

• Multi-vendor instrument control: GC, LC, IC and MS data acquisition directly into the CDS
• Secure web and mobile access for remote field sampling devices with RFID and handheld data capture
• AQC/SQC statistical packages to detect trends, prevent batch failure and validate methods
• Instrument calibration scheduling and maintenance tracking to maximize uptime
• Integration with PI, OTTER, ERP/MRP and batch tracking systems for bi-directional data flow
• Comprehensive dashboards, alerting and automated reporting engines

Main Results and Discussion

Implementations of Integrated Informatics demonstrate:

• Reduction of manual sample transfers by automating eight steps into one streamlined process
• Time savings up to 2,400 hours per year (Shell Pearl GTL) through LIMS-CDS-PI integration
• Enhanced data traceability and audit readiness under ISO 17025 for major projects like Sakhalin II
• Faster incident resolution, complaint management and corrective/preventative action workflows
• Elimination of transcription errors and improved inventory management in high-throughput labs
• Improved environmental monitoring and ISO 14001 compliance using real-time metrics

Benefits and Practical Applications

Laboratory informatics deliver tangible advantages:

• Guaranteed data integrity and defensibility in regulatory audits
• Higher sample throughput and laboratory productivity
• Lower operating costs through consolidation of software and licences
• Better resource planning via instrument health and consumable tracking
• Enterprise-wide data sharing for faster, informed operational decisions
• Stronger environmental and safety management with incident dashboards

Future Trends and Possibilities

Emerging directions in laboratory informatics include:

• Cloud-native deployments and software as a service (SaaS) models for global teams
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict instrument failures and flag out-of-spec trends
• Lab-of-the-future digitalization with Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity and voice-enabled workflows
• Advanced analytics for sustainability metrics, carbon tracking and circular economy initiatives
• Deeper integration with enterprise platforms (PLM, MES, ERP) for a unified digital thread

Conclusion

Thermo Scientific Integrated Informatics represents a holistic approach to laboratory data management, uniting LIMS, CDS, SDMS and Procedural ELN to transform oil and gas and petrochemical labs into productivity partners. By ensuring regulatory compliance, enhancing data integrity and enabling enterprise-wide visibility, this platform helps organizations deliver safer, higher-quality products more sustainably and cost-effectively.

References

• Shell Pearl GTL case study, The Analytical Scientist
• Sakhalin II LIMS implementation report, Sakhalin Energy
• “Modern Energy Industry Labs Must be Productivity Partners,” Oil & Gas Technology
• “Preventing Production Problems in the Lab,” Biomass Magazine
• Thermo Scientific Integrated Informatics solution briefs and technical bulletins