DNV GL, Lundin work to reduce downtime

DNV GL – Oil & Gas and Lundin Norway have teamed up to develop the first step to a solution for predicting unplanned shutdown using the Edvard Greig production platform in the North Sea.

Surveyors in a FPSO control room. Image from DNV GL.

The Edvard Grieg production platform is a modern hydrocarbon processing facility that has been in operation for nearly two years in the Utsira High in the North Sea.

According to DNV GL, the energy required by this infrastructure is monitored by more than 2000 sensors. The companies sought out to identify if critical equipment is about to shut down in the data generated by the sensors before it happens. And, how to take preventative actions to avoid production disturbances. 

The aim of their project was to demonstrate the suitability of data analytics techniques to detect events that might cause an unplanned shutdown, and thereby initiate necessary preventive actions.

Lundin and DNV GL gave four students the challenge to develop a data analytics application. With some fresh minds on board and supported by experienced experts from both companies, progress has been beyond expectations, says DNV GL.

“In a very short time frame, the project team has come a long way in substantiating the value of using data analytics techniques to improve our operations,” says Kari Nielsen, head of Field Operations in Lundin Norway. “This is very encouraging and motivates us to continue our efforts.”

“We’ve seen similar results in several other digitalization initiatives we’ve had lately. Engineers with domain knowledge of oil and gas operations are critical to complement the data analytics approach. This means that DNV GL, as a technically skilled company, has a significant role to play in the digital future,” says Kjell Eriksson, regional manager Norway, DNV GL - Oil & Gas.

The students created several statistical models which they trained using the data generated by a selection of the sensors available in the system. An application was built to analyze the results of each statistical model and generate a warning message any time there is a high probability that a trip can occur, giving the operator a time window to take preventive actions. 

“It’s been a huge inspiration to work with such a motivated and creative team. Experienced engineers who have been in the game for some time benefit from having unbiased and fresh digital minds on board,” says project manager Francisco Martin-Recuerda, DNV GL – Oil & Gas. 

Edvard Grieg is operated by Lundin Norway (65%). Partners are OMV Norge (20%) and Wintershall Norge (15%).

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