What role does AI/ML play in the oil and gas industry?

Improving the smoothness of operations is key to the success of every business. Yet, every firm has operational problems. As unpleasant as they are, they may arise from machine downtime or malfunction. However, there are progressive solutions that may be helpful. Recent technological progress such as artificial intelligence can handle such difficulties. The oil and gas industry has begun to integrate this technology into processes. And, they benefit greatly from it. Let's look at how AI manages several difficulties in the industry.

Detecting errors and improving quality

Identifying flaws in systems that are prone to errors is quite challenging. Furthermore, these issues cause a malfunction in all processes. And, it can deplete resources. For example, major harm might occur if we use incorrect equipment. Yet, there are things we can do. Employing AI is a good option. Besides, the cost of AI is lower than these losses. AI gives detailed analytics on flaws. Also, it can insure the quality of the result. AI-powered defect detection systems come in handy with these issues.

Analytics Can Help You Make Better Decisions

Oil and gas companies deal with a lot of data. However, they mostly don't make use of it. AI is a great tool that can separate information and it can identify patterns. It can generate forecasts for operations. Also, it can analyze data streams from various sensors in diverse plants. They can extract real-time analytics to make intelligent suggestions. These insights allow geoscientists to have a better understanding. And, it improves overall efficiency and even lowers the danger of failure.

Reduce the cost of production and maintenance

Oil or gas gets extracted with oil rigs in a centralized repository. Then they get transferred through pipelines. Process components are often subjected to wear. They face corrosion as a result of environmental conditions. Thus, failure to address this issue may result in catastrophic damage. And, it can interrupt the whole process. This is one of the top worries of the industry. AI technology can detect corrosion by comparing many metrics. It can use data graphs and predict the possibility of corrosion. The AI algorithms can inform pipeline operators. Thus, companies can be more proactive in dealing with corrosion issues.

Maintain high security and safety standards

Oil and gas plants are in hazardous environments. And, the risk of injury is higher than in traditional manufacturing. Employees at oil refineries get exposed to dangerous gases. And, it especially happens when working with a variety of temperatures. Inadequate safety practices might result in accidents and financial fines. That's where artificial intelligence comes in. An AI-powered computer system can ensure personnel safety. Also, it can analyze video footage and send alerts. And, it can warn management of even minor breaches.

Optimization of production

Businesses can use AI in all their units. Because of fluctuating oil prices, the sector must optimize production. Improving and extending the life of an oil well is also quite crucial. Several parameters, such as flow rates, and pressure need consideration. AI collects data from different sensors. And, it sends updates in real-time. It especially assists in maintaining operating parameters.

Conclusion

AI is a promising technology. And, it will play a significant role in the future of oil and gas. Sensor-rich oil fields are already profiting from prospects. They are employing big-data analytics and improving their business. And, AI serves as a key facilitator. So, we should make use of it more in this bright industry.

İlke Candan Bengi
15.12.2022