Global engineering and consulting company Wood and National Energy Resources Australia (NERA) have partnered again to develop an inspection tool for critical assets in challenging, high-risk industrial environments.
Using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, Wood’s Augmented Machine Vision Solution will provide a real-time inspection device to autonomously detect and categorize equipment anomalies. The tool shows particular promise in the offshore energy industry.
While typically, inspections are susceptible to human error and inconsistencies, this AI-driven solution will increase the speed and accuracy of issue detection, response, and resolution in critical infrastructure.
On subsea oil and gas infrastructure, it has potential to minimize safety risks, enhance asset integrity, and save money through reduced cost for crew and vessels
“Through this new project funding announcement, we continue the important work of enabling Australian energy innovators to build their capacity and capability in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence, which are critical to improving the future productivity and safety of the energy resources sector, as well as developing transferable skills and technologies with benefits across the Australian economy,” NERA Chief Executive Miranda Taylor said.
The project is due to be completed by the end of 2020.This time last year, the two companies, in collaboration with the University of Western Australia, began developing an online hydrate blockage prediction model for operating gas condensate systems. The project is building on the Wood-led Transforming Australia Subsea Equipment Reliability (TASER) project, which leverages NERA funding and industry connections to improve subsea equipment design and prevent premature failure.