In the oil & gas industry, the sheer volume and complexity of data present unique challenges. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

In an exclusive article for Oil Review Middle East, Karl Crowther VP, MEA at Alteryx, discusses how oil and gas companies can manage and analyse vast amounts of data to ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations

“Nearly every company, large and small, has become its own super-productive data factory,” Crowther says. “In the oil and gas industry, the sheer volume and complexity of data present unique challenges for ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. But as data complexity rises, the only way to shorten the path to insights and harness its value is to automate the process of data discovery, preparation and blending of disparate data. However, while oil company officials agree on the importance of data and digital technologies for the energy transition, an IBM survey found that less than half of oil and gas executives use data to drive innovation.

Numerous challenges

“Numerous challenges such as fluctuating oil prices, geopolitical instability, strict environmental regulations, and the demand for sustainable practices plague the industry. Luckily, with the rise of automation in data analytics lies a solution. Automation in data analytics can enable firms to empower domain experts to discover insights from data, rather than turn to IT or hire experts, to establish a single source of truth for compliance purposes, enhance efficiency, mitigate risk and deliver more predictable outcomes.”

Crowther goes on to discuss how automated analytics can enable deeper insights; facilitate predictive maintenance; enhance accuracy and safety by continually updating models; enable performance forecasting; and detect problems before they escalate. He also highlights the importance of upskilling and automation.

“Automated, self-service analytics allows business users to focus on value-added activities and accelerates the delivery of high-value insights,” Crowther concludes. “While C-suite executives aim to create value from data, many lack a clear definition of value and struggle to link data investments to specific outcomes. Value can be defined through measurable enterprise value and upskilling. A crucial but often overlooked step is ensuring accountability for high-impact decisions enabled by reducing time and process waste. This shouldn't stop at measuring time savings; it should also involve recognising talent and highlighting innovative decisions an empowered workforce can make through automation. By doing so, executives can showcase their potential and drive continuous improvement in their organisations.”

The full article can be read here

Wassim Ghadban, vice president, Global Innovation & Digital Engineering, Engineering & Consulting at Kent.

In an exclusive piece for Oil Review Middle East, Wassim Ghadban, vice president, Global Innovation & Digital Engineering, Engineering & Consulting at Kent plc, outlines how AI solutions are revolutionising the entire value chain in oil and gas

“Digital technology alone is no longer seen as disruptive unless it incorporates AI,” Ghadban comments. “Automation is evolving beyond mere efficiency to true autonomy. AI is emerging as the secret weapon to accelerate emission reduction and enhance safety in the oil and gas industry. From generating insightful analyses to autonomously operating plants and providing intelligent recommendations, AI is set to redefine the future of this sector.

“Generative AI sets itself apart from other forms of machine learning and artificial intelligence in its generative nature. Rather than merely analysing data, generative AI produces new data across all forms of media – text, code, images, audio, video, and more. This ability to generate new content opens up a world of possibilities in the oil and gas industry. One of the most remarkable capabilities of AI in oil and gas is its potential to autonomously generate comprehensive analyses and operational recommendations. Imagine AI systems creating detailed operational reports, predictive maintenance schedules, and even safety protocols, all based on real-time data and historical trends. Imagine a scenario where an AI system continuously monitors plant operations, identifies inefficiencies, and provides real-time optimisation suggestions. This level of intelligence not only boosts productivity but also ensures higher safety standards and significant reductions in downtime and emissions. The potential for innovation is immense.”

Ghadban goes on to discuss the changes in practices and ways of working required to embrace AI, and the importance of collaboration.

“Let us embrace and thrive in this revolution, augmenting our capabilities with AI rather than replacing them. By maintaining our core values and leveraging AI, we can shape a sustainable and innovative future for the oil and gas industry,” he concludes.

You can read the full article here

The new solution utilises MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) protocol for the safe and efficient transfer and visualisation of wellsite data during hydraulic fracturing operations. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Intelligent Wellhead Systems, a leading provider of automation and digitalisation solutions to the oil and gas industry, along with ProFrac, a provider of hydraulic fracturing services, have launched a new solution that enhances well connectivity and improves data transmission for hydraulic fracturing operations

The solution, which utilises MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) protocol for the safe and efficient transfer and visualisation of wellsite data during hydraulic fracturing operations, has been successfully deployed in the Haynesville shale and West Texas.

Advantages of new protocol

With the new protocol, the process of manually entering, changing or quality checking data is eliminated, significantly decreasing time and costs. Enhanced data quality and more reliable reports, analysis and planning are some of the advantages.

“Currently, wellsite data is transmitted during fracturing operations by a standard communications cable using CSV (Comma Separated Value) protocol. While this method is robust, it is quite limited in what it can do, particularly with changes in the data being transmitted. A better solution is MQTT, a modern communication protocol that allows more data information than standard CSV protocol. Metadata, including the channel name for each data curve, can now be sent. Instead of mapping just the serial order of data, the data channel name can now be mapped as well,” commented Bob Duncan, IWS vice president of product strategy.

Chris Hall, director IT Application Development for ProFrac Services added, “The MQTT protocol will make our data more accessible and more accurate. The result will be a better job for the customer.”

Aerial shot of Grace's Curtis Bay works. (Image source: Grace)

W. R. Grace & Co. (Grace), a leading global specialty chemicals company, has announced a groundbreaking advancement in iron tolerance for fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts

In the dynamic world of fluid catalytic cracking (FCC), traditional value drivers such as feedstock flexibility remain crucial for most transportation fuel refiners. However, iron tolerance has emerged as a significant challenge for catalyst suppliers, researchers, process licensors, and refinery operators. Grace’s research team recently pioneered a three-pronged approach to address iron tolerance which includes:

• Matrix surface area optimisation: Grace’s portfolio includes tailored solutions for FCCUs processing high-iron feeds. MIDAS® Pro catalysts utilize high matrix surface area (MSA), while FUSION® catalysts offer a balanced coke-to-bottoms selectivity profile, enhancing iron tolerance.
• Enhanced macroporosity and pore size distribution: Fine-tuning the pore structure improves its ability to withstand iron contamination. Innovative Grace MILLE™ technology optimises pore structure for maximum feed iron tolerance.
• Novel catalyst treatments: A game-changing Grace-IDP protocol simulates iron deactivation in the lab. This unlocks significant research potential to explore novel treatments for enhancing FCC catalyst iron tolerance.

Responding to iron-related challenges

“These R&D advances empower refiners to respond swiftly to iron-related challenges, enabling greater flexibility in feedstock selection and ultimately leading to increased profitability,” said Luis Cirihal, president, Grace Refining Technologies. “Grace’s commitment to innovation positions us to influence the evolving energy landscape.”

Grace recently published a detailed whitepaper about the challenge of iron tolerance and its solutions and will host a technical webinar on the topic on August 14, 2024 with Hydrocarbon Engineering.

As the refining industry navigates the ongoing energy transition, strategic operators will thrive. FCC units, with their ability to handle diverse feedstocks—including traditional high-iron streams, biogenic feedstocks, and renewable/recycled materials—will be central to future strategies. Maximizing the FCCU operating window, especially in terms of feed metals tolerance, remains essential for optimizing refinery profitability.

Visit our website to learn more about Grace’s refining catalysts and additives.