[Techtaffy Newsdesk]

IBM has been selected for a global research project to develop the world’s first integrated environmental monitoring system for oil and gas companies.

IBM researchers, developers and a team from IBM’s Centre of Excellence for Oil and Gas in Stavanger, Norway, are collaborating with experts from Statoil, Kongsberg Group and Det Norske Veritas (DNV) on developing a solution that will use industry frameworks combined with advanced streaming analytics technology to enable real-time monitoring of environmental data, and early detection of and response to operational events surrounding offshore installations.

The monitoring system will apply advanced streaming analytics technology developed by IBM Research to rapidly measure, process and analyze vast amounts of live physical, biological and chemical data generated by sensors and cameras attached around an offshore installation, making it easier to predict and detect deviations.

Combined with IBM’s advanced modeling techniques, the system will be able to move beyond simply monitoring, to predict and prevent issues before they occur, helping companies minimize the environmental risk associated with subsea oil and gas operations.  IBM will also provide the information integration technology that allows for enterprise-wide visibility and real-time monitoring and analysis of offshore operational systems.

Statoil commissioned the three-year project as part of the company’s “New Energy and HSE” R&D program, which includes environmental monitoring.  Kongsberg will lead the project, as well as provide sensor and acoustic communication technology.  DNV will provide marine environmental analytics and risk management methodologies.

The solution will be demonstrated at Kongsberg Maritime Subsea on the seabed of the harbour basin in Horten, Norway, before it can be piloted and implemented at Statoil’s offshore operational facilities.