Ageing offshore assets could soon get their own ‘digital guardian’.
The buzzword refers to an advanced engineering simulation – or digital twin – which maps out an asset.
The tech is based on algorithms that are 1000 times faster than those typically used in conventional design technology, enabling detailed and accurate structural simulations of large-scale operational assets.
The Industry Technology Facilitator (ITF) and Akselos S.A. last night announced they will work together to investigate the potential of this software to revolutionise asset management in the oil and gas industry.
The initiative will bring a Joint Industry Project (JIP) to ITF member companies and beyond, that will prove the transformative impact of the use of a Digital Guardian for ageing offshore assets.
The company’s vision is to combine the simulation software with sensors and big data analytics to create an exact virtual replica of an asset in its current environment, which the company describes as a digital guardian.
This will allow operators real-time access to the condition of their asset from anywhere at any time and allow a move towards predictive and preventative maintenance.
It will also better inform the decision making process with Asset Life Extension, using data to reassure operators that assets are safe to continue operating beyond their design life.
Dr Patrick O’Brien, chief executive of ITF, said: “The creation of a digital guardian or twin of an offshore asset is a huge step forward for the oil and gas industry and will reap long-term benefits to enhance operational and cost-efficiencies as well as significantly reduce risk.
“It will also advance information management and collaboration, where the experts and operators can work together, preventing costly mistakes and rework.”
The $2million JIP has been partly funded by Eurostars and the Swiss Commission for Tech Innovation and will last two years.
Recommended for you
