January 2021, Vol. 248, No. 1
Tech Notes
Neptune Moving to 3-D for Integrity Detection
Special to PGJ
Neptune Energy announced a new partnership with 3-D technology specialist, Eserv, as part of the ongoing digitalization of Neptune’s assets, including its operated Cygnus gas platform in the southern North Sea in the U.K.
Using 3-D and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, a digital map of all three bridge-linked jackets was captured, enabling Neptune Energy to detect asset integrity issues early and plan fabric maintenance work on Cygnus.
Specialist engineers and integrity experts now have the opportunity to carry out a significant amount of their traditional work from onshore, reducing the cost and environmental impacts associated with traveling offshore.
The partnership with Eserv is part of the first phase of Neptune Energy’s strategy to digitize its assets and processes and enables remote subject matter expert advice for offshore personnel, as well as virtual visual inspections and site surveys.
“We are excited to be early adopters of such innovative technologies which can enhance the efficiency and safety of our operations, reduce costs and offshore travel, and enable greater collaboration between our onshore and offshore teams,” U.K. Managing Director Alexandra Thomas said. “The use of digital technologies is particularly valuable at this time, given restrictions on travel and the necessity for social distancing offshore.”
The digital mapping of the Cygnus gas production platform, which is capable of producing approximately 6% of U.K. domestic gas demand, is one element of the partnership with Aberdeen-based Eserv. As part of an ongoing digital transition, onshore teams can take a virtual walkthrough of the entire platform, plan work and monitor changes in the physical structure, identifying potential issues early and accurately.
The AI element of the technology is being “trained” to identify thousands of individual components, valves and other plant equipment and is “learning” how to spot potential integrity issues including corrosion.
“Although remote and digital data solutions have come into their own this year due to travel and logistical restrictions, we have been advancing advocates of using 3-D data to revolutionize the offshore maintenance and asset integrity space for a number of years now,” Eserv Managing Director Dan Millard said. “In fact, our flagship AS-TEG, that brings new digital applications and workflows together, is the result of five years of continuous research and development.”
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