In theory, the term “intelligent operations” could encompass almost the entire spectrum of production operations in the age of the digital oil field. Intelligent technology plays a role in applications ranging from design to completions to data management and most points in between. However, this feature topic is devoted to SPE papers that discuss system-oriented innovations to increase production, reduce costs, and decrease risk. To that end, I’ve identified a trio of papers that highlight such advances.
The first selected paper, SPE 213329, presents a solution that expedites a well-performance-review process to pinpoint candidates for stimulation, nitrogen lift, gas lift conversion, water/gas shutoff, and similar operations. It provides a flexible visualization platform to highlight hidden well-performance insight, prioritizing well-intervention activities.
The next paper, SPE 215236, presents a project designed to establish real applications of artificial intelligence (AI) for waterflood management. This includes innovations in business processes, application of what the authors call “design thinking” methodology, agile development, and AI. The authors write that their prototype system has increased analytical efficiency, enabled faster decision-making, and improved forecasting.
Paper SPE 215074 describes a project that used a digital twin approach to identify design modifications required at an onshore site and visualize proposed offshore assets in Trinidad and Tobago. The approach integrates existing facilities and new design data, including site surveys and subsurface and wells data to optimize well planning.
I hope you enjoy the work that these authors have presented at SPE conferences.
This Month’s Technical Papers
Well-Candidate Recognition Solution Offers Time Savings, Production Enhancement
Project Pursues Autonomous Waterflooding Operations Driven by AI
Digital Twin Approach Integrates Existing Facilities, Proposed Developments
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.