Machine learning and artificial intelligence applications in artificial lift systems have seen a growth in importance recently and are no longer a nice to have, but essential tools for design, optimisation and failure prediction. Real-time optimisation techniques that help to optimise the production, however, do not necessarily holistically consider the equipment reliability and best operating range.
Whenever a failure occurs, the reasons could be attributed to more than one condition and hence, Root Cause Analysis is often a complicated process involving visual inspection and laboratory analysis to confirm the reason for the failure. The best operating envelopes for the lift system are also at the discretion of the optimisation engineer, who may not visit often enough to account for changing operating conditions. This may lead to the system operating in a conservative fashion leading to reduced production. As an example, a rod pump might operate at a lower speed anticipating high rod stresses based on historical operation. In some instances, the systems might not be designed for the desired operating environment and may pose a threat to its reliability. There is a need for a technology which would serve as a guide to overcome these challenges using real-time diagnosis and provide foresight into future operations and potential problems that may increase operator costs.
Emerson’s predictive analysis for artificial lift using the Knowledge Net (KNet) Machine Learning Platform is an engineered solution for predicting failures or abnormal working conditions before their onset. The solution utilises historical data from the wells to build a solid offline well model, which then gets trained on the real-time data as the well comes on to production. As the lift systems are subject to many complex events that might lead to a potential failure, the principal component analysis helps in the elimination process. With a comprehensive Failure Mode Effect Analysis and Root Cause Analysis library, the solution captures, in real-time, the abnormality and translates it into a potential run time deviation. With a prior indication, the condition can be corrected or interventions planned more efficiently. The dynamic modelling of key performance indicators based on system intelligence help in driving asset performance to identify the priorities relevant to the existing conditions. This widens the scope from mere well performance to complete asset performance enhancement.
Enhancing cyber security for industrial drives Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The growing connection between production networks and office networks as part of IT/OT integration and the utilisation of IoT have many benefits for industrial companies. At the same time, they also increase the risk of cyber threats. Siemens ensures that your know-how and plants are protected at all times.
Read more...Immersion cooling systems for data centres
IT in Manufacturing
The demand for data centres in Africa is growing. The related need for increasing rack densities brings with it escalating cooling requirements.
Read more...Transforming pulp and paper with automation and digitalisation ABB South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The pulp and paper industry in South Africa is undergoing a significant transformation from traditional manual processes to embracing automation technologies. Automation in pulp and paper mills aims to improve various production stages, from raw material preparation to final product creation.
Read more...Protecting industrial networks with resilient defence RJ Connect
IT in Manufacturing
Network security is no longer just about preventing hacking or data breaches. For operational technology networks, resilient defence and consistent uptime are crucial. They are the core tenets that underpin Moxa’s guarded uptime and resilient defence (GUARD).
Read more...The metaverse is now: are you ready to reimagine your business?
IT in Manufacturing
The convergence of the digital and physical worlds, driven by spatial computing and the metaverse, is rapidly reshaping business landscapes. This transformation extends beyond the mere novelty of virtual reality headsets and augmented reality filters, signalling a fundamental shift in how organisations operate, collaborate and innovate.
Read more...AI and cyber security: South Africa’s next battleground
IT in Manufacturing
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a double-edged sword in the world of cybersecurity. In South Africa, where cybercrime is on the rise, AI presents both an opportunity and a threat.Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a double-edged sword in the world of cybersecurity. In South Africa, where cybercrime is on the rise, AI presents both an opportunity and a threat.
Read more...Addressing the cooling needs of the modern data centre Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The rise in hardware density in data centres is gaining speed and is largely driven by the demands of artificial intelligence and machine learning, requiring more powerful servers and specialised hardware.
Read more...South Africa’s next cyber security frontier
IT in Manufacturing
AI-powered agents are rapidly transforming how South African businesses operate, from chatbots managing customer inquiries to automated systems processing financial transactions. While these AI-driven assistants increase efficiency and reduce operational costs, they also present a new, and often underestimated, cybersecurity challenge: identity management.