Application of advanced computing techniques to oil and gas facility operation

This paper considers the potential impact of the application of advanced computing techniques on oil and gas facility operation. Specifically, the application of artificial intelligence techniques, in the form of artificial neural networks to process control and optimization, is considered. Following a brief general outline of artificial intelligence techniques and their possible application areas in the oil and gas industry, a specific oil and gas application is identified and developed. In addition to dealing with the technical design problem, the associated problem of introducing the new technology alongside conventional procedures in an industrial environment is also addressed. The paper develops the assertion that artificial intelligence methods can offer substantial savings in facility and plant operation and that their potential value can best be demonstrated through presenting details of case studies. The particular example chosen considers the application of artificial neural networks to the analysis of chemical injection procedures for pipeline operation with the purpose of identifying possible savings and features of process behaviour. Following this, more general consideration is given to the problems and potential of the introduction of artificial intelligence methods into oil and gas industry activities.