As digital disruption continues to transform industries, offshore oil and gas operations are poised to reap significant benefits. From predictive analytics and Big Data to blockchain and AI, experts highlight how technology is driving greater efficiency and innovation in the sector.
Accelerating Data Analysis Offshore
James Woodall, CTO of Intoware, emphasizes the power of digital work instructions in building a vast database for audits and predicting potential failures. He points out that while data analysis has increased, there's still a long way to go in the oil and gas industry. "Historically, finding information for an audit could take a day," he explains. "Now, it takes just three clicks and less than 10 seconds."
This digital transformation drastically reduces paperwork, enhances real-time visibility for workers, supervisors, and auditors, and provides instant access to digital evidence, streamlining processes and improving efficiency.
Big Data Fuels Productivity
Ruban Phukan, Vice-President of Product at Progress DataRPM, highlights the role of Big Data and analytics in boosting productivity in the oil and gas sector. With offshore platforms often operating at only 77% of their potential, data-driven insights are crucial for optimizing processes.
"Integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) into offshore equipment allows us to monitor lifespan and factors affecting production, such as wave heights, temperature, and humidity," Phukan says. "This data enables predictive maintenance, detecting potential equipment breakdowns before they occur, enhancing productivity and improving the bottom line."
Saving Time with Automation and AI
Cameron Dunn, Associate Energy Leader US and Engineer at Arup, underscores the significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the oil and gas sector. He identifies two key areas for AI-driven improvements: automation and trending analysis.
"Automation goes beyond remote-control systems," Dunn explains. "It encompasses automated reporting, continuous monitoring, alarm communications, and timely responses." He cites the example of offshore asset inspections, where AI-powered tools allow inspectors to record data directly in handheld devices, generating reports in real-time and reducing reliance on paper-based processes.
"Trending analysis further enhances the benefits by evaluating inspection data against pre-set limits and triggering automated communications for necessary actions," Dunn adds. "This streamlines processes, reduces offshore personnel time, and significantly improves response times."
Enhancing Offshore Safety through Electronic Monitoring
Simon Tucker, Head of Energy and Commodities, and Kevin Clark, Senior Principal of Energy and Utilities at Infosys Consulting, emphasize the critical balance between efficiency and safety. They highlight the value of advanced analytics in providing insights into production, reliability, and infrastructure integrity, leading to both cost savings and enhanced safety.
"By monitoring factors like well draw and subsea pipeline flow, analytics software can identify potential problems before they arise," says Tucker. "This ensures smooth operation and minimizes disruption, benefiting the business while prioritizing safety."
3D Virtual Modelling with Drones
Pae Natwilai, CEO and Founder of Trik, showcases the power of drone technology coupled with 3D virtual modelling in achieving significant time and cost savings while enhancing safety.
"Traditional manual inspections of large offshore structures can take weeks or months and cost hundreds of thousands," Natwilai says. "Drones can complete these inspections in a matter of days, at a fraction of the cost, and deliver higher levels of detail."
He further emphasizes the benefits of integrating inspection and maintenance records into a digital twin of the structure, providing engineers with instant access to historical data and streamlining operations.
Video Surveillance Technology
Florian Matusek, Product Group Director - video analytics at Genetec Inc., highlights the role of video analytics in securing critical oil and gas infrastructure. He explains how video analytics can monitor camera feeds, detecting issues like decreased camera quality or tampering, triggering maintenance procedures as needed.
"This ensures the highest quality and uptime of the surveillance system, minimizing maintenance costs and maximizing operational efficiency," Matusek says.
Analysing Big Data with the Blockchain
Adrian Clarke, CEO of data verification services at Evident Proof, underscores the importance of data trust and provenance in the oil and gas industry. He highlights the potential of blockchain technology in providing an immutable record of events, ensuring data integrity and transparency.
"In the event of a major incident, like an oil spill, the blockchain can provide an immediate and irrefutable record of the chain of events, simplifying investigations and reducing the burden of data verification," Clarke explains.
Conclusion
The oil and gas industry is embracing digital technologies to enhance efficiency, boost productivity, and improve safety. Big Data, AI, and blockchain are revolutionizing operations, streamlining processes, and enabling predictive maintenance. As the industry continues to evolve, these technological advancements will play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the future of offshore oil and gas operations.
