It is estimated that there have been 5 million oil and gas wells drilled, about 1 million of which are still active. This represents the potential for a huge well integrity database and the ability to build digital twins for our new wells. Although machine learning and the consequential digital twinning is well advanced in surface systems so far it has remained on the future projects shelf for wells.
In contrast new data is being sort so we can understand the integrity problems in our wells. Data gathering from existing wells is seen as a “non-value adding activity”. As well integrity engineers we understand the value of surveying walls but perhaps struggle to persuade management to spend the money. How do we share success stories to overcome the objections and encourage management to share our view of the value of data.
How do attract the best talent in the industry to become well integrity engineers. Providing clarity of career path and communicating that particularly to young professionals is key during the great change out.
