UK Oil and Gas Industry Association : Big data revolution boosts offshore production

January 10, 2018

An award-winning new service which harnesses data to predict downtime and the performance of oil and gas production systems has been touted as a positive example of innovation in the sector.

By applying predictive data analysis methods already deployed in alternative industries, including aviation, predictive technology specialists Operational Excellence (OPEX) Group has worked with companies in the oil and gas sector to reduce costly critical system failures.

The data-driven approach takes information from a range of sources to understand what a 'perfect day's operation' looks like. This digital model can then be used to identify threats and emerging issues across an entire system in advance, enabling decisions and interventions to maximise production uptime.

A case study regarding OPEX's predictive analysis service is highlighted on the Efficiency Hub, industry's online gateway to initiatives that aim to improve efficiency across the UK Continental Shelf. The Hub is the flagship tool of Oil & Gas UK's Efficiency Task Force, led by industry for industry.

ETF Chairman Phil Simons, VP North Sea & Canada for Subsea 7, said:

'The UKCS is at the forefront of a digital transformation which is unlocking the power of data.

'The offshore oil and gas industry has a wealth of information at its disposal. Harnessing new methods and technologies to mine that information, and openly sharing the results, is good news for everyone in the sector.

'This is a perfect example of innovation in industry which promotes smarter and more effective ways of working.'

OPEX VP of Operations, Chris Ayres, said:

'Oil and gas operators have a significant opportunity to secure additional production revenue by unlocking the immense value in their operational data.

'By bridging the gap between data science and oil and gas operations, our Predictive Analysis Service, known as X-PAS™, opens up a whole new approach to operating and maintaining critical systems.

'Each of our customers is different, but our experience has shown a typical 2-5% improvement in production and a 50% reduction in critical system outages. With the right level of adoption, services like X-PAS™ and other digital solutions could have a substantial impact on the basin as a whole.'

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Issued by the Communications Team, Oil & Gas UK. Contact Natalie Coupar on 01224 577343 / [e-mail]

Oil & Gas UK is the leading representative organisation for the UK offshore oil and gas industry. Its membership comprises oil and gas producers and contractor companies.

The Efficiency Task Force, facilitated by Oil & Gas UK, is run by industry for industry. The ETF aims to seek out, promote and provide access to efficient practice across the oil and gas industry while maintaining safe operations.

1. Full details of this case study can be found the Efficiency Hub
2. OPEX won the award for Business Innovation (SME) at this year's Oil & Gas UK awards.