Tech Trends

Companies collaborate to deliver actionable data insights for the industry
Schlumberger, Chevron and Microsoft announced the industry’s first three-party collaboration to accelerate the creation of petrotechnical and digital technologies, a press release stated. Data are quickly emerging as one of the most valuable assets to any company, yet extracting insights from those data is often difficult as information gets trapped in internal silos. As part of the collaboration, the three companies will work together to build Azure-native applications in the DELFI cognitive E&P environment initially for Chevron, which will enable companies to process, visualize, interpret and ultimately obtain meaningful insights from multiple data sources. DELFI is a secure, scalable and open cloud-based environment providing E&P software technology across exploration, development, production and midstream. Chevron and Schlumberger will combine their expertise and resources to accelerate the deployment of DELFI solutions in Azure, with support and guidance from Microsoft. The parties will ensure the software developments meet the latest standards in terms of security, performance and release management, and are compatible with the Open Subsurface Data Universe Data Platform. The collaboration will be completed in three phases starting with the deployment of the Petrotechnical Suite in the DELFI environment, followed by the development of cloud-native applications on Azure, and then the co-innovation of a suite of cognitive computing native capabilities across the E&P value chain tailored to Chevron’s objectives. slb.com, chevron.com, microsoft.com

AI application identifies production downtime and process risks
Baker Hughes and C3.ai have released BHC3 Reliability, the first artificial intelligence (AI) software application developed by the BakerHughesC3.ai joint venture, a press release stated. The software application uses deep learning predictive models, natural language processing and machine vision to continuously aggregate data from plantwide sensor networks, enterprise systems, maintenance notes, and piping and instrumentation schematics. Using historical and real-time data from entire systems, the BHC3 Reliability machine learning models identify anomalous conditions that lead to equipment failure and process upsets. Application alerts enable proactive action by operators to reduce downtime and lost revenue. Applicable to operations across all sectors of the energy value chain, BHC3 Reliability’s system-of-systems approach scales to any number of assets and processes across offshore and onshore platforms, compressor stations, refineries and petrochemical plants, reducing downtime and increasing productivity. The AI-enabled BHC3 Reliability application, powered by the BHC3 AI Suite, draws on Baker Hughes’ domain expertise by augmenting application alerts with failure prevention recommendations and prescriptive actions. bakerhughesc3.ai

New ocean-bottom node offers accurate seismic imaging
CGG’s equipment business Sercel has released its GPR, a new ocean-bottom node, jointly developed in partnership with BGP, according to a press release. GPR leverages Sercel’s QuietSeis broadband digital sensor technology to collect data for seismic imaging, which is more accurate compared to the data compiled by conventional sensors. The launch of GPR coincides with the continuing growth and maturity of the global node market and further strengthens CGG’s portfolio of products and services that are designed to reduce the risks and increase the success of its clients’ reservoir exploration and development efforts. The new node has successfully completed sea trials, and BGP’s input from the field has ensured GPR’s performance is tailored to meet industry requirements. It has a compact design and benefits from the fidelity and ultraquiet performance of QuietSeis as well as flexible deployment options. cgg.com, sercel.com, bgp.com.cn

Structural monitoring for offshore construction, inspection and repair
Ashtead Technology’s integrated Deflection Monitoring System (DMS) monitors, calculates, displays and logs structure deflection, heading, pitch, roll, depth, suction and differential pressures in real time, according to the
company. Live streaming of data is vital to detect potential issues without delay, reducing the risk of structural damage. The DMS system has been used for monitoring the installation of suction-can based structures such as manifolds, templates and pipeline end terminations. In a recent subsea installation project for Ocean Installer AS, the DMS was configured for autonomous independent operation, communicating data to installation ROVs. Ashtead utilized measurement sensors and positioning tools along with techniques to enhance the accuracy of the data collected, ensuring maximum performance of the system. Data analysis and installation reports for the installation of eight structures were compiled within 24 hours of each installation. The project took place over a 25 day period and was completed well ahead of schedule, resulting in significant cost efficiencies. ashtead-technology.com

New separator eliminates hazardous material during drilling and completions
CP Energy Services’ Sand Commander is a four-way separator used during the drillout of the well completion process to separate all hazardous material, removing 99% of harmful gases and 95% of the sand, according to the company. Sand Commander is designed for ecofriendly completions, cost-effective drillouts, flowback optimization and enhanced safety. The separator is equipped with an improved vertical gas buster where gas is vented out through the top. Return fluids are churned up to enhance gas removal efficiency while keeping sand from clogging up in the bottom. Its multihopper design calms the flow of fluids, helping the sand settle as it goes over the baffles. Water from its fourth compartment can be reused on location for drillout applications. cpenergy.com

Initiative aims to overcome drone inspection challenges
Flylogix Ltd. has launched a North Sea drone initiative in collaboration with Total SA, NATS and the Oil & Gas Technology Centre, as stated in a press release. The project aims to overcome the challenges associated with drone inspection activities in the North Sea and allow commercial operators of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) easier access to U.K.-controlled airspace for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. The collaboration is developing and testing a concept for drone operations that will allow UAV operators to react within hours of an inspection request and enable routine BVLOS in the North Sea. The project involves extensive consultation with stakeholders and aims to establish safe and reliable drone operations alongside existing users in controlled airspace. flylogix.co.uk, total.com, theogtc.com, nats.aero/drones-overview

Companies collaborate on well data platform
Lower48 Analytics, a software-as-a-service platform for oil and gas portfolio management, recently announced its collaboration with BLR Digital, which allows Lower48 subscribers to streamline their workflow with access to extensive oil and gas well production and forecast data. Lower48 integrated BLR Digital’s Well Cloud that contains information on more than 3.5 million oil and gas wells and related production and test data. Lower48 also integrated BLR Digital’s PetroCurveFit, which is a system designed to project production trends for each producing well based on the most current information. This means that well production and future forecasts are calculated for more than 1 million producing wells each month as new data come in and are made available in Lower48’s geolocated database to support the platform’s financial analytics. lower48.com, blrdigital.com