Estimated reading time: 5 minutes   Historically, data collection has played a huge role in the Exploration and Production (E&P) industry. Data collection from various tools such as instruments, sensors, computer software and hand-written notes are important for conducting effective and efficient operations. Daily data collection can range from a few terabytes to a few petabytes, depending upon the phase of oil well life cycle and the complexity and modernity of the oil field. The predominant goal of the E&P industry is to produce maximum oil at the lowest cost possible with the highest degree of safety for all stakeholders.…

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes   As more individuals and businesses become reliant on technology, more data is readily available and collected from various sources – computers, mobile devices, sensors, machine-to-machine technology, surveillance systems and more. By 2020, the amount of big data generated annual is expected to increase by 4300%. Various industries including retail, service, bioscience, manufacturing, medicine, agriculture, SEO, social media, espionage and many more, reap benefits from big data analytics. Thus, knowing how to leverage the data will allow the organisation to achieve competitive advantage. For example, oil and gas exploration relies on big data, using vast…

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes   Research shows that most companies have little or no deliberate succession planning in place and are not aware of how much the lack of it can cost their organisation, especially in an unstable economy. A study showed that only 55% of directors claimed to understand the strengths and weaknesses of their executives well or very well, while 77% did not participate in the performance evaluations of their firm’s top executives other than the CEO. And only 7% of companies formally assigned a director to mentor senior executives below the CEO. Managing the succession of…

  The effective maintenance management within chemical plants is a critical feature of plant operation, both in establishing the conditions for safe ongoing operation of the plant after commissioning, and in supporting the commercial success of the business. While many companies focus on the cost of maintenance, it is important to focus on the benefits that efficient maintenance strategies provide. Ultimately, effective maintenance management contributes to a plants’ success – in terms of its ability to generate sustained improvements with time in the total (fixed and variable) cost per unit volume of production. The objectives of having a good plant…

  The increasing demand for energy has led to an intensification of competition – not only between organisations within the same sector (i.e. coal power generation), but also from the growing alternative energy markets. The rise of ‘clean’ energy has led to a concerted, yet diverse technological development within fields such as wind; tidal and solar power generation facilities. Given these factors, organisations seek different ways in which to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage relevant to one another. One response to this has been to adopt a form of ‘risk transfer’ via outsourcing to make another party the ‘bearer’ of…

  A survey by Work Institute revealed that the top reasons given by employees for leaving their jobs include lack of career development (22%), lack of support with work-life balance (12%), their manager’s behavior (11%), unsatisfactory compensation and benefits (9%), and poor well-being (9%). Hence, sending your staff for training not only keeps retention rate high, but improves staff morale by showing that you are investing in them. Furthermore, sending your staff for training and development courses not only benefits the individual, but also to the business, helping your company to run effectively and efficiently. Training improves business performance, profit…

  Maintaining the safety and reliability levels of high-pressure oil and gas pipeline systems is crucial to any Pipeline Integrity Management (PIM) system. As these pipelines transport hazardous and highly flammable materials, any mistake may result in fire, explosion or poisoning that will lead to significant economic losses, casualties and environmental pollution. A well-rounded PIM plan has a defined and written integrity program, which includes defined integrity goals, sound written processes and procedures (covering design, construction, operations, maintenance, and removal from service), change management, risk analysis, documentation systems, emergency management protocols, external audits to gauge the program itself, and defined…

  Industrial fires and explosions cost companies and governments billions of dollars yearly. In 2017, an average of 37,000 fires occurred at industrial and manufacturing properties and resulted in 18 deaths and 279 injuries. A total amount of $1 billion was recorded in direct property damage alone. Well designed fire safety systems, detection and alarm systems are all paramount to keep workers safe. This is especially true for worksites that where flammable and/or toxic substances are extracted and processed. This includes chemical plants, oil and gas refineries, and on offshore drilling rigs. Prompt detection provides timely notification of personnel, activation…

  B31.3 is one of American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME)’s most requested codes. It serves as a companion to ASME’s B31.1 Code on Power Piping as well as to the other codes in ASME’s B31 series. Together, they remain essential references for anyone engaged with piping. Careful application of these B31 codes will help users to comply with applicable regulations within their jurisdictions, while achieving the operational, cost and safety benefits to be gained from the many industry best-practices detailed within these volumes.   ASME B31.3 – Process Piping   Process Piping is the piping that convey fluids under…