Digital Oilfields need digital pipelines

摘要

Pipelines are often in the news, whether it's the cross-border Keystone XL effort between the US and Canada, disasters such as the recent Quebec train derailment carrying 72 cylinders of crude oil that burst into flames, or efforts to move oil through Asia or Africa to other parts of the world. These pipelines are vital links in our global energy infrastructure. But, there are risks to be acknowledged and mitigated. Since these pipelines run through valuable farm country and underneath densely populated urban areas, they create some unique security, safety and integrity issues in the overall energy delivery system. Today, the global energy business is evolving in significant ways and managers are challenged to navigate these changes. Upstream exploration and production companies are challenged with safely managing production and implementing new drilling techniques such as hydraulic fracturing. Midstream operators are faced with increasing regulations, while at the same time striving to safely transport petroleum products through ageing pipeline infrastructure. Plus, the public is increasingly aware of the pipeline presence and their risks.