82% of global oil and gas CEOs think data about the latest technology and trends is important or critical to their business.
Only 15% have comprehensive data in this area.
*Source: PwC's Oil and Gas trends 2019
Where can technology be inserted to deliver more value in the hydrocarbon value chain?
Canada
1
Blockchain technology will revolutionize transactions between trusted parties. From land management to joint venture accounting to royalty payments, blockchain will provide a platform for Canadian companies to rethink their businesses and redefine historical internal structures.
Other smart contract applications include management of drilling equipment by oilfield services providers and payments by upstream companies, as well as other operational, maintenance and CAPEX contracts where management of assets, costs and revenues are shared across multiple owners.
A provider and a customer agree to do a transaction
The transaction is combined with other transactions made during the same period to create a data block
The data block is stored in the decentralized global network in a tamper-proof manner and thus verified
The verified block is combined with all other blocks previously verified, thereby creating a (continuously growing) blockchain
The transaction is confirmed to both parties
2
Sensors
Sensors at the well site gather critical data points and enable worker dispatch and asset monitoring, as well as efficient production reporting and accounting.
3
Integrated operations centre (IOC)
An engineer receives an alert for action based on real-time analytics and diagnoses the problem via an interactive 3D model.
2
Sensors
Sensors on the rig detect abnormal temperature
Integrated Operations Centre (IOC)
An IOC Engineer receives an alert and performs diagnosis via interactive 3D model
3
5
Real-time service request
As the IOC identifies problems and leverages cognitive technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence, repair and maintenance services are deployed automatically, with the right information and equipment, to fix the problem.
5
Real-time request oilfield services (OFS)
The IOC identifies required services and issues service request to OFS.
Technician selection is based on a variety of factors including the proximity to the asset.
4
Drones
As line of sight rules are relaxed, drones will be leveraged for both remote monitoring, inspections, surveillance, diagnosis and even specialized part delivery.
6
Advanced analytics and simulation
Predictive data analytics determine maintenance needs based on surveillance and sensor data.
The data is also used in simulations to determine optimal operations plans, work prioritization and workforce allocation.
The widespread use of digitization in the oil and gas sector could increase recoverable resources by
5%*
*As estimated by the International Energy Agency
7
Smart devices
Engineers receive alerts and incident details on their smart watches/mobile devices and prepare for service.
8
3D printing
Parts and tools required to repair equipment are printed, in real time, at the site or a central location, reducing the need for extensive inventory.
9a
Tablet/smart glasses
Engineers use virtual models on tablets and augmented reality data on smart glasses to perform maintenance.
9b
Biometric monitoring/geographic information system
Wearable devices monitor field workers’ location, safety and job status.
The widespread use of digitization in the oil and gas sector could decrease production costs by
10-20%*
*As estimated by the International Energy Agency
10
Predictive pipeline maintenance
Sensors and legacy SCADA systems monitor pipeline operations and take action based on real-time data analysis.
Actions are programed by customized machine learning algorithms that are trained to recognize impending failures and, in some instances, AI is leveraged to optimize pipeline flows and product mix based on daily market signals.
11
Dynamic inventory management
Supports logistical decisions to optimize the sourcing of repair parts based on availability and lead-times in case of unplanned events.
12
Autonomous vehicles
Self-driving vehicles, enabled by GPS and sensors, deliver parts and support real-time tracking and co-ordination of activities.
13
Training workers with virtual reality
Workers train in virtually replicated environments before heading out to the field.
14
Cloud storage
From seismic and SCADA monitoring data to accounting and procurement data, vast amounts of production and operating data are uploaded to the cloud, providing operational and performance visibility.
15
Robotic process automation (RPA)
From applications in accounting, inventory management and data integration to exploration, drilling, and predictive maintenance, machines automate repetitive, rule-based tasks.
16
Digital twins
In addition to enabling predictive maintenance, a digital twin of physical assets allows operations and management teams to conduct analysis and plan for maintenance or construction activities.
It also supports simulation and real-time spatial analysis of complex and often remote assets.
Inserting technology and data-driven insights into your business strategy can have profound effects. Knowing where to start and where your resources will have the most impact can often be a daunting task.
Our team of oil and gas and digital experts can help guide you through the process and provide insights on what actions will provide the most return on your investment.
Reynold Tetzlaff
Calgary Managing Partner and National Energy Leader
PwC Canada
+1 403 509 7520
Email
Neil Manji
National Leader, Energy, Utilities, Mining and Industrial Manufacturing & Automotive
Toronto
+1 416 687 8130
Email
Adam Crutchfield
Energy Consulting Leader
Calgary
+1 403 509 7397
Email
Jason Bergeron
Partner, Technology Advisory and Digital Energy Leader
Calgary
+1 403 509 7470
Email
Brendan Hobal
Edmonton Energy Leader
Edmonton
+1 780 441 6836
Email
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