Field/project development

Intelligent Operations-2023

The first paper selected for this Intelligent Fields Technical Focus presents the use of a unique artificial-intelligence technique from the fourth industrial revolution—dual heuristic dynamic programming—to address business opportunities associated with optimization.

Intelligent Operations intro

The first paper selected for this Intelligent Fields Technical Focus presents the use of a unique artificial-intelligence (AI) technique from the fourth industrial revolution—dual heuristic dynamic programming—to address business opportunities associated with optimization. The background, methodology, and novelty presented by the authors are clear; however, they need to benchmark their efforts and claims of improvement with peers.

The second paper demonstrates well-structured content, though the topic is detailed, with the introduction of a digital laboratory called Ibtikar toward the enablement of connecting to open-source tools with the use of AI. The collaboration in research and development, as well as addressing challenges of upstream oil and gas requirements, is commendable. The authors, however, do not address associated security concerns concerning the open-source aspect of the technology.

The third paper presents a combination of technologies used to automate daily data acquisition and model updates from production databases and run a supervised machine-learning model to continuously calibrate the network model.

This Month’s Technical Papers

Dual Heuristic Dynamic Programming Enables Trajectory Tracking Control

Collaborative Approach Solves Upstream R&D Challenges

Work Flow, Advisory System Optimizes Intelligent Production Network

Recommended Additional Reading

SPE 207188 Design and Development of a Solar-Powered Pump System With Liquid-Level Sensor and Controller Using Internet of Things Technology by Chinonyelum Ejimuda, Afe Babalola University, et al.

SPE 211314 Improved Field Production Planning and Cost Optimization Using Predictive Analytical Choke Performance Model and Intelligent Alarms in an Integrated Platform by Ayesha Alsaeedi, Adnoc, et al.

SPE 211367 Multidisciplinary Data Integration for Artificial-Intelligence-Assisted Well Placement and Trajectory-Design Optimization Under Uncertainty by Shi Su, SLB, et al.

Karam Al Yateem, SPE, is manager of the Production Engineering Technical Support Division with Saudi Aramco. His current responsibilities cover production; intelligent fields and infrastructure; operations; health, safety, and environment; and asset integrity, spanning onshore and offshore oil, gas, and water wells and producing fields and facilities. Al Yateem has been author or coauthor of more than 35 technical papers and is an active SPE member and the recipient of various awards, including the SPE International Young Member Outstanding Services Award. He is certified as both an SPE Certified Professional and a Project Management Professional. Al Yateem holds a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals; a master’s degree in petroleum engineering, specializing in smart oilfield technologies and management, from the University of Southern California; and an executive MBA degree from Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University.