Artificial intelligence, machine learning applied to petroleum exploration

The Vietnam Petroleum Institute (VPI), a member of the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam), has applied artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to quickly identify the presence of fractured granite basement, with an accuracy rate of over 80%, helping save exploration time and costs.
Artificial intelligence, machine learning applied to petroleum exploration ảnh 1A rig at the Bach Ho oil field of the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – TheVietnam Petroleum Institute (VPI), a member of the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group(PetroVietnam), has applied artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning toquickly identify the presence of fractured granite basement, with an accuracyrate of over 80%, helping save exploration time and costs.

The discovery and successfulexploitation of fractured granite basement reservoirs at Bach Ho (White Tiger)and other oil fields in Vietnam have changed the traditional oil and gas explorationviewpoint and contributed to the formation of a new one in the region and theworld.

However, the identificationof fractured granite basement by using traditional methods needs specialisedequipment that may require suspension of oil well drilling, lengthen the rigrental duration (the current rental is about 65,000 - 68,000 USD per day), and raiseexpenses.

To optimise this process, the VPI has worked out a fracture prediction solutionthat applies artificial intelligence and machine learning, helping toaccurately detect the presence of fracture systems basing on real-time data.

Relevant data will be used as inputs into machine learning algorithms, and thenmodels will be classified, ranked, and assessed to find out the best forfracture prediction.

The VPI has tested theaccuracy of this prediction model on drilling data of 12 wells in some fieldswith similar geological structures, showing a prediction accuracy rate of morethan 80%.

Results are given on the machine learningoperations (MLOps) platform, expected to help improve drilling effectiveness,ensure safety for the process, and shorten the rig rental duration. Dependingon each contractor’s drilling plan, the saved expenses can reach hundreds ofthousands of US dollars.

Le Ngoc Anh, Data Director of the VPI, said the fracture prediction model makesuse of the oil and gas sector’s existing data to develop optimisationalgorithms to create new values and guarantee security and safety.

The application of machinelearning and artificial intelligence to oil and gas exploration is the nextmilestone in the implementation of PetroVietnam’s digital transformationstrategy so as to promote the business model switching, optimise operations,and improve governance capacity.

In early July, the VPI succeeded in building OilgasAI, an ecosystem using artificial intelligence and machine learning to gather,demonstrate, and analyse specialised data about such products as crude oil,petrol, liquefied petroleum gas, and natural gas to offer solutions helpingbusinesses make quicker and more effective decisions during their dailyoperations, as well as build long-term plans and strategies.

PetroVietnam has been developing andperfecting appropriate and effective solutions, while coordinating withsocio-political organisations in promoting digital transformation at itssubsidiaries.

In a resolution on digital transformation to 2025, with avision to 2030, issued in February this year, PetroVietnam viewed digitaltransformation as a must to increase productivity, quality, efficiency, andcompetitiveness.

Digital transformation is seen as a strategic task ofPetroVietnam, and is especially important for the group’s businesses and units.

The work is hoped to help the firm promote innovation andimprove business performance and competitiveness, as well as its leadingposition in the oil and gas industry, thus contributing to the country’s digital economy.

During the first half of 2022,PetroVietnam pumped out 5.48 million tonnes of crude oil, surpassingthe H1 target by 23%.

Meanwhile,gasoline production exceeded the plan by 14%, and fertiliser production surpassed the target by 8%. Productionand supply of gas, electricity and other energy products also reached a highlevel.

The H1 revenue was estimated at 468.3 trillion VND (20 billion USD), up 55%year-on-year and double the goal set for six months. The group contributed 66.1trillion VND to the State budget, 2.2 times higher than the half-year plan and rising41% from the same period last year, statistics showed./.
VNA

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