BP is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and other innovative technologies to improve the performance of its overall US business.
From drilling in the US Gulf to increasing operational efficiency and safety at Indiana and Washington refineries, the company incorporates these tools into its business, unlocking new opportunities and values.
“Our technology agenda is at the heart of oil and gas cultivation, helping to concentrate downstream businesses and helping to invest in transition with discipline,” Emeka Emmembolu, BP Executive Vice President of Technology, told Bloomberg News.
This work is extremely important to BP and the US, with all the major businesses represented here. The company continues its country's investment in oil and gas production, particularly to meet the growing demand.
Here are five ways BP can use technology to improve performance:
1. Optimizing oil and gas drilling
Using technology equipped with its Houston-based high-performance computing center, BP significantly reduces the time it takes to determine the best path for excavation in places like the US Gulf and the Permian Basin. The tool evaluates geological data to determine the best and safest drilling trajectory, reducing what was once a few months of process to days. The more you understand what better BP is under the ground and the seabed, the easier it is to find and retrieve the most profitable oil.
2. Digital Modeling
BP combined AI with a cloud-based virtual model of offshore platforms to help remotely plan maintenance jobs and improve how extremely complex systems work. The virtual model known as the “Digital Twins” can be viewed anywhere with online access, reducing the time people need for offshore trips. Twins use laser scanning technology and machine learning to collect data and prioritize areas of attention.
This is one of the technologies that supports BP's efforts to operate safely and efficiently.
3. Improved land efficiency
BPX Energy, BP's US onshore oil and gas business, is experimenting with AI-generated “morning reports” with key production insights to help direct frontline work. Using this AI will help BPX to further increase its operational efficiency and reduce costs.
4. Fastest data analysis
BP's refineries are partnering with companies specializing in developing software for data analysis and intelligence, aiming to unlock improvements in operations and competitiveness. At Whiting Refinery, located in northwest Indiana near Chicago, the team explores the use of such technologies to quickly interpret information and provide direct insights to frontline operators and skilled traders. It can also be used to analyze near-time data to support pre-work safety checks and make quick budget decisions that could drive cost savings.
5. Preventing confusion
BP uses machine learning tools to support and enhance human expertise in detecting and predicting offshore production equipment problems in the US Gulf. The system warns you of potential issues, such as equipment failures, and helps your team actively deal with these issues before they escalate. This reduces production challenges and improves reliability.
