AI Helping Oil and Gas Operators Improve Accuracy and Save Resources

Thanks to a new AI framework, energy firms are now able to dive even deeper and look more than a kilometer beneath the surface with greater accuracy. This optimization framework for seismic data was developed by the energy technology company, S-Cube, to help oil and gas companies better understand the subsurface. It not only helps oil operators minimize risk, but also maximize subsurface recovery.

S-Cube’s XWI Algorithm

The recent rapid growth of the oil and gas industry has put more pressure on geoscientists to quickly pinpoint the location of subsurface reservoirs that can be drilled to satisfy the rising demand. S-Cube’s XWI algorithm is specifically designed to improve the accuracy of subsurface reservoir imaging. In fact, according to the company, this new algorithm has the predictive power to match rock measurements, pre-drilling, with an accuracy of up to 90%.

To deliver these detailed subsurface models, XWI integrates Adaptive Waveform Inversion (AWI), Full Waveform Inversion (FWI), Reflection and Constrained FWI and additional methodologies. Using the data from active seismic surveys, oil and gas operators are provided with the best possible 3D image of the interior of the earth to uncover new resources and define drilling paths. S-Cube says the models tested so far have provided accurate predictions that align with downhole measurements up to 3 km (2 mi) deep.

Ultimately, this technology significantly reduces the uncertainty in identifying profitable deposits, maximizes recovery and helps avoid costly dry holes. This cloud-based automated digital model generation is also said to cut months of 3D processing time of seismic data. Operators can construct detailed models faster, while also reducing costs and the need for in-house resources.

“Our technology is helping world-renowned energy firms to use artificial intelligence in their exploration and production processes to improve drill-or-not decision making, optimize workflows, enhance safety, and reduce costs,” says Dr. Nikhil Shah, COO and co-founder of S-Cube.“We like to call this a ‘Think more, drill less’ mindset and are proud to now offer it on a pay-as-you-go basis.”

A Look Ahead: AI for Exploration and Production

Compared to other industries, the oil and gas industry has been slow to adopt new technologies. The rapid growth the industry has experienced over the past few years has changed all that, however. Oil and gas companies are now more eager than ever to explore and adopt all sorts of digital technology to keep costs low, boost efficiency and improve safety. AI has quickly become the next step for oil and gas companies, as they seek ways to boost growth.

Below are a few more AI capabilities that are helping oil and gas operators improve their decision-making processes:

Surveying

As seen above, AI is helping oil and gas companies locate reserves, estimate their feasibility and reduce the overall cost of exploring.

Drilling

As drilling projects continue to grow in ambition, AI is helping companies reduce downtime due to unforeseen events and make faster drilling and blasting decisions.

Production

The data AI generates has also helped oil and gas companies with forecasting production, improving processing and reducing non-productive time.

Well Completion & Intervention

AI technology is transforming the task of planning completion activities (e.g. casing, cementing and perforating) and scheduling intervention and production activities; this not only improves productivity but also reduces the risk to human workers.

Well Abandonment

AI capabilities have greatly simplified judging and forecasting the life of a well and the big task of abandoning a well.

AI has already been incorporated into a number of sectors within the oil and gas industry, with so many more applications just waiting to be discovered. S-Cube’s new XWI algorithm is the perfect example of the impact AI can have on the oil and gas industry. From exploration and planning to drilling and production, artificial intelligence will continue to make its mark on the oil and gas industry over the next few years.

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