PISTA BLOG #23 (Sept 2023): NEW TECHNOLOGIES & SAFETY PRACTICES ARE CHANGING TO FUTURE OF GLOBAL OFFSHORE ENERGY PRODUCTION.

 

NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND SAFETY PRACTICES HAVE TRANSFORMED GLOBAL OFFSHORE ENERGY PRODUCTION.

Let’s take a look at the Future of Offshore Technologies that could become main stream and bring about major changes in our Offshore OIL and Gas Industry.

BLOCKCHAIN

While still in the early technological stages, blockchain technology is being used to significantly improve the management level, efficiency and data security of the offshore industry. Blockchain also allows for the secure monitoring of key performance indicators.

CLOUD COMPUTING

Cloud computing supports collaboration and knowledge sharing between and within organizations and companies. Cloud computing lets companies develop open, standard platforms that host a variety of applications including edge connectors, 3D tools, application framework support, authentication and authorization systems, dashboard widgets, database solutions and routing functions.

Companies are creating digital twins for projects and their components, so they can conduct computer simulations to better understand how everything works.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Within the offshore oil and gas industry, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning allows companies to monitor complex internal operations and respond quickly to concerns that human operators may not have been able to detect. AI can detect suboptimal operations and impending failures before they occur. AI monitoring can be applied topside and to subsea installations throughout the lifecycle of offshore projects.

REMOTE SENSING

The offshore industry uses remote sending to provide crucial data for more effective oil spill responses. Technologies include satellite radar and optical sensors, high-0resolution, real-time aerial imaging systems, robotic aerial systems and aerostat-based capabilities. Drones and remove operated vehicles (ROV) are used for inspections.

REAL-TIME MONITORING

Real-time monitoring (RTM) expedites information exchange between rig and non-rig personnel. RTM allows data to be viewed and analyzed by a wider variety of support personnel. RMT includes ROV feeds, pressure data, vessel positions, weather, etc.

SUBSEA DISPERSION INJECTIONS

Subsea dispersion injections (SSDI) is the process to apply oil dispersants directly to the source of oil spills, thus improving the natural degradation of oil by boosting oil-consuming microorganisms and naturally occurring marine bacteria. SSDI can be rapidly deployed during a blowout and are not limited by ocean or weather conditions meaning they can be applied 24/7.

NEW MATERIALS

Non-metallic flexible pipes made from composite materials advance the risers that transport oil and gas from offshore fields to the surface. They lower weight by 40% and cost by 20% and reduce risk.

Modern polymers used today in gas and oil can act as effective insulation solutions for pipelines, which is required in all marine oil operations. These products provide a reliable barrier between seawater and oil flow lines, which helps reduce the risk of clogging and rupture of pipelines.

RIG STANDARDIZATION

Unlike one-off, fit for purpose designs which often present highly unique challenges, standardized platforms can be easily duplicated. This allows operators to take lessons learned from previous projects and apply them to accelerate the development cycle and build more efficient facilities. It also builds in familiarity for workers, increasing safety benefits.

SUBSEA SYSTEMS

Pip-joining technologies have been developed over the years that increase pipeline lay speed, reduce installation cost and improve safety. Mechanical connectors and flexible risers enable companies to deliver lower costs and risks during installation and operation. Among many other efficiencies, modular pipelay systems, mechanical connectors and diverless connector systems reduce the reliance on large vessels as well as save time to significantly reduce carbon footprints.

BLOWOUT PREVENTERS

Drilling contractors and some service companies variously monitor blowout preventer controls and status, equipment conditions, maintenance status and other parameters from their operations bases. Advances in capping stack technology use valve technology, allowing for more compact size and weight. New capping stack technology blowout preventers have decreased response time, do not require hydraulics to operate the valves, are erosion resistant and can handle higher temperatures and pressures than ever before.

CONTAINMENT SYSTEMS

New containment systems offered by companies like Marine Well Containment Company (MWCC), Marine Spill Response Corporation, and HWCG, are the result of unprecedented industry-government collaboration and offer a full range of oil spill response capabilities. These companies offer solutions to an ever-growing portfolio of extreme scenarios.

WORKERS

Worker training has reached the next generation of technology. Companies are using virtual reality (VR) competency assessments and training programs for employees. With this technology, costs are driven down for customers while increase safety and minimized exposure are being realized by companies.