Smart Hulls, Safe Seas: How to keep O&G facilities efficient
Introduction: Tank and hull inspections are critical for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of oil and gas floating production and storage facilities and tanker ships. The challenges of maintaining hull integrity are numerous, including corrosion, fatigue, and structural damage. In this article, we will explore the challenges of hull integrity management, as well as emerging technologies and approaches that may help address the challenges faced by this industry. Challenges of Hull Integrity Management Managing hull integrity presents a multitude of challenges, particularly when dealing with offshore and remote locations. External and internal care of [...]
How APM is enabling longer asset life cycles while reducing downtime
Intro Managing equipment life cycle is a sensitive matter that requires a careful approach from heavy asset industries. In this context, properly addressing maintenance practices lies in reducing unplanned downtime and reactive maintenance strategies with the intent of improving asset availability and readiness. For this reason, Asset Performance Management (APM) is a key concept to understand how this process can be streamlined. However, before getting into how asset life cycles are being optimized, it is necessary to understand the role of APM. What is the role of Asset Performance Management? Asset Performance Management does [...]
Unlocking AI’s accuracy and reliability
AI's growth scenario From its early days as a theoretical concept to today's omnipresent reality, AI's journey has been characterized by exponential growth. According to a 2022 IBM research, more than a third of companies (35%) report the use of AI in their business, a four-point increase from 2021. This illustrates a key change in the way we face reality, but different from other technological revolutions: today’s tool learns from its own experience at increasingly higher speed and scale. These tools are programmed to have a human-like thought process. Moreover, they are now a reality in the [...]
Difference Between Upstream, Midstream and Downstream
Intro: The efficient asset operation in the oil and gas industry has a huge impact on the global economy and the full functioning of society. The activities involved in this industry require meticulous planning and process mapping to improve business outcomes. And, although it moves massive capital flows and employs millions of people, catastrophic risks are imminent in this sector. It is in this field that the concepts of Upstream, Midstream and Downstream come to light, which refer to the supply chain organization and its specifications, targeting at an optimal monitoring of the processes involved in each stage. These sectors [...]
Challenges of Corrosion Under Insulation
Intro Corrosion under insulation (CUI) is a pervasive problem in industrial process units that can lead to serious consequences if left unaddressed. It occurs when moisture becomes trapped between the insulation material and the metal surface, leading to accelerated corrosion. In this blog post, we will explore what CUI is, the risks it poses to process units, and the costs associated with it. What is Corrosion Under Insulation? Corrosion under insulation refers to the corrosion that occurs beneath insulation materials used to protect industrial equipment and pipelines. When moisture is present within the insulation, it creates a corrosive environment that [...]
The Role of Digital Analytics in Optimizing Operations in the Oil and Gas Industry
In the oil and gas sector, digital analytics is revolutionizing decision-making and enhancing performance. By harnessing the power of accurate data analysis, companies in this pivotal industry can gain valuable insights and make informed decisions that drive efficiency and productivity. We will explore how oil and gas companies are optimizing operations and reducing costs through digital analytics. Understanding the Importance of Digital Analytics in the Oil and Gas Industry. Digital analytics plays a crucial role in the oil and gas industry by providing valuable insights and data-driven decision-making. With the vast amount of data available [...]
Exploring Remote Inspection Techniques in the Oil and Gas Industry
Intro The oil and gas industry plays a critical role in powering our modern world. However, ensuring the integrity and safety of assets in this industry can be a very complex and dangerous task. Traditional inspection methods often involve significant manpower and time, along with potential safety risks due to the nature of offshore production processes. In recent years, remote inspection techniques have emerged as a game-changer, revolutionizing the way inspections are conducted in these kind of facilities. In this blogpost, we will delve into the possibilities offered by remote oil and gas inspection, such as drones and 360 cameras. [...]
Descubriendo el potencial de drones en la industria de gas y petróleo
Los responsables de mantenimiento de plataformas de gas y petróleo se enfrentan a un serio problema: el modo en que la mayoría de los equipos inspecciona y evalúa la corrosión en las instalaciones marinas es anticuado, peligroso, lento y propenso al error humano. En las instalaciones a gran escala, la identificación visual de la corrosión exige la presencia de muchas personas, lo que no solo resulta incómodo, como también inseguro. La buena noticia es que la solución a este problema ya existe, y pasa por utilizar drones y algoritmos de Computer Vision para que los trabajadores sobre el terreno puedan [...]
The economic impact of corrosion in Oil and Gas
Intro The oil and gas industry plays a pivotal role in powering our world. From exploration to production, these facilities are vital for meeting global energy demands. However, they face a persistent threat: corrosion. Corrosion occurs when metal structures are exposed to environmental factors such as moisture, chemicals, and gases, resulting in their gradual deterioration. The challenges of Corrosion in O&G In the oil and gas sector, where infrastructure is subjected to harsh conditions, corrosion poses a serious challenge. Pipelines, storage tanks, and offshore platforms are all vulnerable to this corrosive attack. Left unchecked, corrosion can lead to catastrophic [...]
Transforming Pipeline Inspection with Machine Vision
Oil and gas pipelines are critical operation components that must provide safe and efficient means of transporting energy resources across vast distances. However, ensuring the safety and reliability of these pipelines requires regular maintenance and inspection, which can be a complex activity Traditionally, inspection has relied on the human workforce in the field, who visually examine pipelines for signs of damage, corrosion, or other defects and then fill out reports to indicate anomalies or possible problems. However, this approach is time-consuming, costly, and can be prone to human error. Moreover, it is difficult to inspect pipelines located in remote or [...]
