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Ahmad Al-Khowaiter, Aramco EVP of Technology & Innovation, addressing the Summit. (Image source: Aramco)

Aramco has launched new digitalisation initiatives at the Global AI Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh as part of its strategy to adopt cutting-edge digital solutions across its business

During the summit Aramco signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Cerebras Systems and FuriosaAI to explore collaboration in the supercomputing and AI domains. Another MoU signed with Rebellions focuses on potential deployment of the latter’s Neural Processing Unit chips in Aramco’s data centres, with a view to enhancing digital infrastructure and driving advanced AI innovations.

Aramco also signed an MoU with SambaNova Systems to explore ways to accelerate AI capabilities, innovation, and Kingdom-wide adoption, and announced the deployment of an AI supercomputer, one of the first systems of its kind in the region. Powered by some of the most powerful NVIDIA Graphical Processing Units (GPUs), it is designed to accelerate complex computing tasks such as analysing drilling plans and geological data to recommend low carbon intensity options for well placement.

In addition, Aramco has collaborated with Qualcomm Technologies on initial deployment of industrial generative AI solutions on the edge, which aim to enhance Aramco’s facility monitoring, predictive maintenance, and use of autonomous drones.

Digital innovation

The new initiatives buildon its launch earlier this year of the Saudi Accelerated Innovation Lab (SAIL) — a digital ecosystem to incubate new digital products and ventures with a view to growing the digital economy and keeping Saudi Arabia at the forefront of market-driven digital innovation.

Speaking about Aramco’s digital transformation the LEAP 2024, Amin H. Nasser, Aramco’s CEO, said SAIL would be attract global leaders, top talent and breakthrough innovation to incubate what is needed now and invest in what is next.

“We aim to enable Saudi businesses to outperform in their industries, growing the digital economy, and keeping the Kingdom at the forefront of market-driven digital innovation. Through SAIL, our goal is to create new digital products, new digital ventures, breakthrough IP, and global consortiums to tackle major challenges.”

Other initiatives include its Global AI Corridor ecosystem, which has resulted in the creation of Aramco’s first large language model (LLM) serving industrial AI applications, and the Eye on AI Program, intended to establish robust AI cybersecurity governance and systems, as well as equip users with necessary cybersecurity skills in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Ahmad Al-Khowaiter, Aramco EVP of Technology & Innovation, said, “New digital technologies such as Generative AI and the Industrial Internet of Things are expected to transform not only how we work, but also our commercial environment. Aramco is pioneering the use of these technologies at an industrial scale to add significant value across our operations. Our history of innovation inspires us to continue harnessing emerging technologies and help realise the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a global AI leader.”

Iso-Smart is an all-in-one asset monitoring system that provides real-time, accurate data. (Image source: GPT Industries)

In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial asset management, particularly in the Middle East's demanding environment, the need for innovative solutions to protect valuable infrastructure has never been more critical.

Enter Iso-Smart, a groundbreaking product from GPT Industries that promises to transform how corrosion professionals monitor and maintain asset integrity.

The Middle East's oil and gas industry, with its vast networks of pipelines and facilities, faces unique challenges in corrosion prevention and asset protection. Traditional methods of data collection and analysis often fall short, leaving corrosion engineers with incomplete or outdated information. Iso-Smart addresses these pain points head-on, offering a comprehensive solution that could redefine asset monitoring in the region.

All-in-one asset monitoring system

At its core, Iso-Smart is an all-in-one asset monitoring system that provides real-time, accurate data on various critical parameters. From On Potentials and Instant Off testing to Coupon Testing and AC Monitoring, this innovative tool covers all bases. What sets it apart is its ability to not just collect data, but to analyse and interpret it, providing actionable insights that can optimise asset performance and longevity.

One of the most impressive features of Iso-Smart is its use of TRMS technology. This allows for the differentiation between DC and AC voltage, a crucial capability in understanding and mitigating the effects of AC interference – a growing concern in densely populated industrial areas common in Middle Eastern countries.

The system's remote monitoring capabilities are particularly valuable in the vast and often harsh terrains of the Middle East. Instead of relying on infrequent manual inspections, corrosion professionals can now access continuous data streams, receive instant alerts for critical events, and track trends over time. This not only enhances the effectiveness of corrosion prevention strategies but also significantly improves safety and efficiency.

Moreover, Iso-Smart's ability to provide specific customer reports goes beyond mere data provision. It offers a deeper understanding of asset conditions, enabling more informed decision-making and potentially leading to substantial cost savings in maintenance and replacement.

For the Middle East's industry leaders, adopting Iso-Smart could mean staying ahead in a competitive market. It represents a shift from reactive to proactive asset management – a crucial evolution in an industry where downtime and failures can have severe economic and environmental consequences.

As the region continues to invest in its infrastructure and aims for more sustainable industrial practices, tools like Iso-Smart will play a pivotal role. By providing comprehensive, accurate, and actionable data, it empowers corrosion professionals to optimise their assets, extend their lifespan, and ensure safer operations.

In conclusion, Iso-Smart appears to be more than just a new product; it's a potential game-changer for asset integrity management in the Middle East. As the industry faces increasing pressures to improve efficiency and sustainability, innovations like this will be key to meeting those challenges head-on.

www.gptindustries.com

Neuron 5 autonomously monitors the performance of critical equipment. (Image source: ADNOC)

In furtherance of its quest to become the world’s most AI-enabled energy company, ADNOC has deployed Neuron 5, an industry leading AI-enabled process optimisation technology

The technology was developed by ADNOC, AIQ and AVEVA and has been sucessfully deployed at ADNOC Onshore’s Northeast Bab (NEB) field and ADNOC Gas’s Taweelah gas compression plant across hundreds of pieces of equipment. It autonomously monitors performance of critical equipment, enabling process optimisation and preventative maintenance, reducing operational downtime, boosting efficiency and reducing the need for time-consuming manual inspections. Neuron 5 uses advanced AI models and deep learning algorithms to predict maintenance needs and monitor equipment performance by interpreting data, such as pressure, temperature and vibration, received from sensors on critical equipment. It has the potential to cut the number of unplanned shutdowns by 50% and enhance planned maintenance intervals across operations by 20%, while freeing ADNOC operators for more productive activities.

Rolling out across all ADNOC facilities

Neuron 5 will now be rolled out in all ADNOC facilities across thousands of critical pieces of equipment essential for production, including compressors, valves and generators.
Abdulmunim Saif Al Kindy, ADNOC Upstream executive director, said, “ADNOC is placing AI at the heart of its operations and leveraging industry leading advanced technologies to help responsibly meet the world’s growing energy demand. The development and deployment of Neuron 5 across our upstream and downstream facilities demonstrates this strategy in action and highlights our continued progress towards our vision to become the world’s most AI-enabled energy company.”

ADNOC’s deployment of AI and digital technologies is at the heart of its strategy to increase production capacity while enhancing safety, sustainability and efficiency. 

See also: https://oilreviewmiddleeast.com/technical-focus/adnoc-hikes-production-with-ai-enabled-technologies

https://oilreviewmiddleeast.com/technical-focus/adnoc-accelerates-deployment-of-robowell-solution

PipeSense has deployed several field processing units for its PipeGuard technology. (Image source: PipeSense)

PipeSense has received an official U.S. patent for its PipeSentry leak detection technology, as it seeks to expand its domestic and international operations

The PipeSentry suite of technologies provides pipeline operators with a greater insight into the efficiency of their assets, with more accurate, real-time detection of leaks. The new patent will enhance PipeSense’s solutions, including its flagship advanced pipeline leak detection system PipeGuard, which improve the speed and precision of leak detection while reducing environmental impact and operational costs for operators in the oil and gas, water, and chemical industries.

Redefining standards

PipeSense CEO Joe Van Vynckt commented, "This patent reinforces our position as a leader in the pipeline safety and innovation space and is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication. PipeSense was established to redefine standards and expectations surrounding pipeline leak detection and monitoring.

“Our vision has been to provide the most advanced and reliable solutions for clients. Now, with the recognition of this U.S. Patent, we can communicate just how special our technology is in the fight against leak detection."

The collaboration will help organisations simplify management processes. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

SLB and global cybersecurity provider Palo Alto Networks has announced collaboration expansion to strengthen cybersecurity for the energy sector

The companies will combine SLB’s cloud and edge technologies and domain expertise in the energy industry with Palo Alto Networks’ cross-industry, platform-based cybersecurity solutions. This will not only help SLB remain on the forefront with its own security infrastructure, but also help drive future enhanced solutions to address evolving cyber threats as the industry’s adoption of digital solutions and artificial intelligence accelerates.

“The maturation of our industry’s digital transformation makes cybersecurity paramount to our operations, and the digital solutions we offer to our customers,” said Olivier Le Peuch, chief executive officer, SLB. “Through this collaboration, we will continue to enhance and strengthen our role as our customers’ digital partner of choice.”

As part of the collaboration, SLB will integrate Palo Alto Networks Precision AI-powered cybersecurity platforms, including Prisma SASE, Prisma Cloud and Cortex XSIAM in its technology stack. These platforms will enable SLB to achieve comprehensive security across its network, cloud and edge platforms, enabling thousands of domain and AI users on SLB’s Delfi digital platform to collaborate in a safe and secure environment. The two companies also will develop and implement solutions for edge products and services, which will be critical as more energy customers move toward automated and autonomous operations.

“Through platformisation, organisations can simplify their management processes, reduce their total cost of ownership (TCO), and enhance their security outcomes,” said Nikesh Arora, chairman and chief executive officer, Palo Alto Networks. “Palo Alto Networks commends SLB for their forward-looking approach in shaping the future of the energy industry through secure and innovative solutions. Their vision for modern IT transformation through platformisation, aligns with our own commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and driving technological advancement. Together, we can build a resilient and secure energy ecosystem that meets the challenges of tomorrow."

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