Tech Trends (Week of Nov. 1, 2021)

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Editor's note: This "Tech Trends" section appears in the new E&P newsletter. This weekly section highlights the latest upstream technologies and services for the oil and gas industry. The copy herein is compiled from press releases and product announcements from service companies and does not reflect the opinions of Hart Energy. Submit your company’s updates related to new technology products and services to Ariana Hurtado at ahurtado@hartenergy.com. Subscribe to the E&P newsletter here.

Unified ecosystem for accessing multiclient seismic data across multiple vendors

TGS, CGG and PGS have released Versal, a unified seismic data ecosystem giving access to three of the world’s largest multiclient libraries via a single log-in. Versal is an independent, secure cloud-based, multiclient seismic data ecosystem where clients can easily access all their data and entitlements in one place. As a result, E&P teams can now capitalize on their interpretation and analysis workflows for their subsurface projects by leveraging a seamless licensed data experience that takes minutes rather than days, enabling maximum efficiency and opportunity generation. TGS provides scientific data and intelligence to companies active in the energy sector. In addition to a global, extensive and diverse energy data library, TGS offers specialized services such as advanced processing and analytics alongside cloud-based data applications and solutions.

Frac fluid enhances performance of freshwater friction reducers in recycled water

Stepan Oilfield Solutions’ PETROSTEP FRB-5 enhances the performance of freshwater friction reducers so they can function optimally in highly saline water, reducing operating cost and strain on freshwater resources. A key component of the fracturing fluid is a high molecular weight charged polymer that allows operators to pump fracturing fluid at high rates while keeping surface treating pressures low. Hydraulic fracturing requires millions of gallons of water per well placing considerable strain on freshwater resources. A potential solution to this problem is to reuse the water that is produced along with the hydrocarbons to formulate the fracturing fluid. This water, termed recycled or produced water, contains a large amount of dissolved salts that adversely affect the performance of the friction reducer. Rigorous laboratory testing has demonstrated the efficacy of these surfactant formulations with a wide range of anionic and cationic friction reducers in brines, some have total dissolved solids of more than 250,000 mg/L.

Joint venture formed for digital well construction technology

Nekkar ASA’s subsidiary company, Intellilift AS, has established the joint venture (JV), Inteliwell, with a subsidiary of Transocean Inc. for commercializing products and services based on a digital well construction solution that is currently being developed in close cooperation between the JV partners. Inteliwell’s digital well construction technology will integrate digital systems for well construction, drilling control and real-time data monitoring. The software interfaces with the drilling rig’s control system to autonomously execute tasks outlined in the well plan, serving to expedite the well construction process. Additionally, an integrated real-time monitoring platform will measure downhole progress and evaluate conditions in the well to provide critical, precision-enhancing feedback to the drilling control system. Intellilift, which is owned 50.67% by Nekkar, will contribute development resources, licenses for existing software and other services into the JV, which has been established as a separate legal entity.

Collaboration to develop and commercialize AI solutions for subsurface structure analysis

Mitsui & Co. Ltd. and PGS ASA will jointly develop and commercialize artificial intelligence (AI) driven solutions to image subsurface structures. Analysis of subsurface images is required across the energy sector including oil and gas, carbon capture and storage as well as in areas of the renewable energy sector, such as geothermal energy and offshore wind power. Under the agreement, PGS will contribute seismic data from its global multiclient data library along with technical expertise. Mit-PFN Energy Co. Ltd. will lead the AI algorithmic development to be constructed within a modern, scalable compute infrastructure. The collaboration aims to significantly reduce the turnaround time needed to generate images of subsurface structures while significantly improving accuracy. It is the intention to apply the developed technology in clean energy businesses, contributing to the global effort to reduce carbon emissions.