Offshore staff
ABERDEEN UK– Since it opened in February, the Oil & Gas Technology Centre has approved investment of more than £12 million ($16 million) in 21 projects, in partnership with industry, to accelerate the development of technologies designed to transform the oil and gas industry in the North Sea.
In partnership with Infinity Oilfield Services, they are developing a safety solution which could save UK North Sea operators up to £320 million ($418 million). The device, which includes Kevlar, would contain corroded valve equipment to eliminate the risk of an uncontrolled hydrocarbon release, improving safety performance and potentially extending asset life.
It is also supporting Raptor Oil to transform the transmission of downhole drilling data to the surface. The company’s acoustic telemetry technology is claimed to be able to increase the speed and capacity of data communication helping to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and enable better decision-making.
The OGTC is also working with Interwell P&A and a host of major North Sea operators to field-trial a ground-breaking concept for well abandonment, which could save the industry more than £100 million ($130 million) per year. The wireline-deployed tool, which aims to be deployed without a rig, generates downhole temperatures of up to 3,000°C (5,432°F) to melt all well elements and create a permanent, impermeable barrier, without the need to remove any downhole tubulars.
In addition, it is helping Apollo and LifeTech provide digital applications for offshore teams, by developing a tablet-based, software solution for integrity management. It delivers integrity data and decision-making across the full lifecycle of an asset, allowing for quicker and more accurate data gathering and reporting, creating a potential 20% efficiency gain.
The OGTC has added new members including Maersk Oil, Lloyd’s Register, Oceaneering International Services Ltd., and EC-OG. Its membership now stands at 40.
The OGTC added that the construction of its Innovation Hub, at its Centre in the heart of Aberdeen, is almost complete. The Hub is said to combine state-of-the-art presentation and collaboration technologies to bring innovators together and inspire breakthrough solutions. The Hub will provide a showcase for new technologies, thinking and ideas from other industrial markets.
More than 100 technology ideas have been generated through its‘Call for Ideas’ competitions in well construction, small pools, and asset integrity. With funding of up to £1 million ($1.3 million) available for the best technologies in each competition, its team is currently working with independent technical experts to assess all submissions and the winners will be announced later this year.
Finally, its Technology Accelerator – TechX – is gearing up to help smaller technology developers take their solutions to market. The goal is to invest in 100 technology companies in the next decade offering expert mentoring, access to facilities and skills, field testing opportunities and funding with no equity or pay back required.
CEO Colette Cohen said: “… It’s exciting to be working with innovative technology developers who have solutions with the potential to transform the industry.
“Our goal is to create a culture of innovation across the industry and the region, working with companies and universities to accelerate technology deployment. So, we’re delighted to have so many new members on board as their leadership and commitment is essential.”
Part of the Aberdeen City Deal, the Technology Centre received £180 million funding from the UK and Scottish governments. It is a not-for-profit, research and knowledge company, which aims to unlock the full potential of the UK North Sea, anchor the supply chain in northeast Scotland, and create a culture of innovation that attracts industry and academia to the region.
At Offshore Europe, the OGTC is exhibiting at stand #2C120.
09/06/2017
