AI, IIOT, and Digitalization Technology

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AI, IIOT, and Digitalization Technology

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Article contributed from Saudi Aramco

What is digital transformation?
The world is currently undergoing a wave of rapid technological advancement that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres. Called the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), it is shaping every aspect of our lives, from cloud computing, mobile connectivity, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data.

By connecting physical assets such as machines with digital systems, businesses can generate accurate insights, respond in real-time to challenges, and become more efficient. For digitalization to have real impact, however, it must be integrated across the whole business. The oil and gas industry is no different; full digital transformation will revolutionize how we supply energy to the world.

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What is the future of the oil and gas industry?
For over a century, oil and gas has played a vital role in the economic transformation of the world, but the industry is on the cusp of a new era. Digital transformation can deliver increased operational efficiency and workplace safety, as well as minimize the environmental impact of the industry.

Some of the new technologies in oil and gas will include:

Big data analytics
provides us with complex and real-time insights. For example, it is used to improve CO₂ sequestration, carry out data modelling for reservoir management and forecast production performance.

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
is a system of interrelated computing devices, machines, and people, where data and equipment are communicating. For example, in oil and gas, IIoT sensors can be used to gather data from an oil well, combine with big data and AI and provide instant insights and solutions

Robotics and drone
technology enables safer and more efficient inspection capabilities, allows for early detection of leaks, supports aerial mapping, underwater welding and environmental monitoring, as well as inspecting assets like offshore rigs and pipelines in difficult to access locations

Artificial Intelligence (AI)
is used in machine learning, gauging potential risks of new projects before they’re implemented or data science, extracting information and linking related data to form comprehensive pictures

Cloud computing
is not only an inexpensive, scalable and agile platform for AI, big data and IIoT technology, it also allows for more insight-driven decision making through analytics

3D Printing
or additive manufacturing simplifies the production of complex components or prototypes, reducing expensive downtime and removing long waits for parts – especially to print replacements at remote locations

Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR)
AR creates real-world settings, while VR immerses the viewer in a virtual setting. Both technologies are used in oil and gas to train technicians to test complex tasks before implementing

What are we doing?
We want to be the leading digitalized energy company. We're deploying technology solutions that meet the world’s energy needs while minimizing the environmental impact of our activities; reducing CO₂ emissions, enhancing fuel efficiency, conserving water, and creating next-generation materials that make consumer products lighter and stronger.

We are achieving this through our dedicated 4IR Center, where the application of science and imagination is transforming the way we run our operations. Not only will the 4IR Center enrich the technical skills of our workforce, it will bring advanced technology capabilities to realize the company’s Digital Transformation Program.

Robotics and SWIM-R
Invented by our Research & Development department, our Shallow Water Inspection and Monitoring Robot (SWIM-R) employs ground-breaking technology that tackles many challenges faced in the industry.

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One such challenge is inspecting pipelines in shallow waters. These inspections are currently performed by divers, connected to a diving support vessel (DSV) using an umbilical cord.

Navigating a DSV in shallow waters holds the risk of impact with underwater obstacles. SWIM-R enables the inspection of these shallow water pipelines safely and efficiently while reducing the associated time and cost.

4IR Center

Our 4IR Center (4IRC) is 2,500 square meters dedicated to innovation and exploring cutting-edge technology.

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The futuristic AI hub is ringed by a large concave screen that displays over 20 operational solutions, focused on developing advanced analytics and machine learning solutions. The UAV space demonstrates operational uses of air, ground, and underwater robots that support flare stack inspection, or methane gas detection.

The VR Zone is used to develop and train operators; through augmented reality and virtual reality, they are able to get a live sense of the plant experience from a simulation booth.

Uthmaniyah Gas Plant

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Our ‘Uthmaniyah Gas Plant has been recognized by the World Economic Forum as a “Lighthouse” manufacturing facility – a leader in 4IR technology applications.

It is one of the world’s largest gas processing plants, and uses advanced analytics and AI solutions to increase productivity while enhancing safety, reliability and efficiency of its operating facilities.

The use of drones and wearable technologies to inspect pipelines and machinery – such as digital helmets that capture video images and glasses that load information directly on to the lens – has helped cut inspection time by 90%.
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