What are some examples of successful R&D projects in offshore operations?

In my experiences, here are some good examples of technological breakthroughs: - Offshore operation electrification and power supply through renewable sources such as solar and wind turbines - Subsea technologies (i.e., long tieback, subsea separation, subsea storage, etc.) especially for deepwater operations - Automated and remote offshore operations - Robotic services for offshore and remote operations and maintenance services - Blue Hydrogen production synergized with CCS using the existing offshore platforms/structures and networks - Modular, light, and relocatable offshore platforms and structures especially for marginal and remote offshore assets

A digital twin is a virtual model of a physical object, one of the main advantages in this technology is to enable companies to test and validate a product before it is implemented on the real system. If the digital environment is implemented in the right way with a well defined scope it can help any organization to simulate real situations and their outcomes, ultimately allowing it to make better decisions.

In offshore operations, successful R&D projects such as subsea robotics, advanced drilling technologies like Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD), and floating wind turbine platforms have significantly improved safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Digitalization and data analytics enable predictive maintenance, while advancements in corrosion protection coatings and materials science enhance structural durability. Subsea processing systems boost production efficiency, collectively driving cost reductions and environmental stewardship in offshore operations.

Projetos de pesquisa e desenvolvimento bem-sucedidos em opera??es offshore podem incluir avan?os em tecnologia de perfura??o, desenvolvimento de novos equipamentos de seguran?a e aprimoramento de técnicas de extra??o de petróleo. Um exemplo notável é o desenvolvimento de sistemas de monitoramento remoto para plataformas offshore, que permitem o acompanhamento em tempo real das opera??es e a detec??o precoce de problemas. Outro exemplo é a inova??o em materiais e revestimentos resistentes à corros?o para equipamentos submersos. Esses avan?os contribuem para a seguran?a e eficiência das opera??es offshore.

I personally think Hybrid Power Systems are a good example of that . Offshore platforms are increasingly incorporating hybrid power systems that combine traditional fossil fuels ( coal and the likes ) with Alternative fuels ( RDF , SRF, .. ) and renewable energy sources like wind and solar. These systems reduce carbon emissions and operating costs while increasing energy resilience.

Successful R&D projects in offshore operations include the development and deployment of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). These vehicles, equipped with sensors and navigational capabilities, autonomously navigate underwater environments to perform various tasks such as pipeline inspection, seabed mapping, and environmental monitoring. For example, companies like Ocean Infinity and Equinor have utilized AUVs for offshore exploration and seabed surveying, improving efficiency, accuracy, and safety in underwater operations.

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs): Uncrewed heroes! ROVs & AUVs navigate treacherous waters, humanity's eyes & hands beneath the waves. ROVs, remotely controlled, tackle inspections & repairs. AUVs, self-piloting, map vast areas & gather data. Together they ensure safe, efficient oil & gas operations, pushing the boundaries of the deep. These robotic vehicles have become crucial for subsea exploration, inspection, maintenance, and intervention tasks. They offer safer and more cost-effective solutions compared to traditional diver-based methods, especially in deepwater environments.

One example of a successful R&D project in offshore operations is the integration of renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power into offshore platforms. For instance, Equinor's Hywind Tampen project in the North Sea involves integrating floating wind turbines with traditional oil and gas platforms to generate renewable electricity for offshore operations. This innovative approach reduces carbon emissions and dependency on fossil fuels while enhancing the sustainability of offshore operations.

An example of offshore renewable digital integration is the use of advanced sensor technologies and data analytics in offshore wind farms. In these projects, sensors installed on wind turbines continuously collect data on various parameters such as wind speed, direction, turbine performance, and environmental conditions. Through digital integration, operators can: -Monitor turbine performance and health remotely, -Predict maintenance needs based on real-time data analysis. 3. Optimize turbine operations by adjusting parameters such as blade pitch or yaw angle in response to changing wind conditions, maximizing energy production efficiency.

Converting wave energy to complement power supply and reduce the generation requirements is a sustainable and renewable energy integration R&D for offshore platforms.

EOR) techniques to maximize oil production from offshore reservoirs. An example is the use of polymer flooding in offshore fields like the Peregrino field operated by Equinor in Brazil. Polymer flooding involves injecting polymers into the reservoir to improve sweep efficiency and displacement of oil, ultimately increasing oil recovery rates from offshore reservoirs.

Utilizing CO2 and excess produced hydrocarbon gas to enhance oil recovery has seen up to 10% oil recovery factor enhancement compared to conventional waterflooding. Polymer flood and steam injection hav e seen beneficial applications in specific cases.

Simultaneous Water and Gas Injection; High Pressure Air Injection, Low Salinity Water Flooding, Immiscible/ Miscible Gas Injection etc. are under investigation and at different stages of implementation worldwide in offshore fields

It’s not hard to implement and see the results, however, the big picture depends on the weakest point. - If you deploy technology, but us use data is not user-friendly, compliance is low. Then the big picture is gone with the wind. - above all the project owner need to make sure the selection of the proper parties. - Also, it’s always better to start with a problem in mind, so the goal is known prior to execution and design.

Digitalization and automation play vital roles in enhancing efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness in offshore operations. Here are some examples: -Condition Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance: Digital sensors installed on offshore equipment can continuously monitor parameters such as temperature, pressure, and vibration. Advanced analytics algorithms process this data to detect anomalies and predict equipment failures before they occur. -Automated Drilling Systems: Automated drilling systems use real-time data analysis and control algorithms to optimize drilling operations offshore. These systems adjust drilling parameters such as speed, pressure, and trajectory automatically to improve drilling efficiency.

Multi functional aspects can be discussed. For the western offshore field of ONGC in India, in Bombay high asset especially, multiple redevelopment activities were carried out with extensive R&D studies and making fruitful conclusions with respect to viability. ONGC has installed several wellhead platforms, developed water injection facilities which could be later converted into EOR, development of topside facilities and Gas lift AL. This embarks the improvement provided by R&D for ONGC in terms of economics.

Non metallic material, especially composite material is on of the most advance R&D in offshore oil and gas application. Usage of non metallic composite material, for example in offshore pipeline application, able to reduce total life cycle cost of oil & gas facility. The pipe is not just corrosion resistant, but also faster and cheaper to be installed compared to conventional rigid carbon steel using welding connection.

Subsidence is a big issue which can affect the stability of your platform and affect its integrity, it can be a good window to simulate and let the R&D team works on closely with the G&G.

Managed pressure drilling is a game changer. It was in its infancy 12 years ago. The fact that it’s a standard practice tells you everything thing.

Joint university and industry projects have led to R&D breakthroughs. Operating companies that are more open to collaboration with academia and services sector for R&D have best chances of achieving continuous innovation.