UAE’s ADNOC deploys Neuron 5 for AI-powered efficiency

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UAE’s ADNOC Group has deployed Neuron 5, an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled process optimisation technology.

The state-owned energy giant initially deployed the innovative solution at ADNOC Onshore’s Northeast Bab field and ADNOC Gas’s Taweelah gas compression plant.

Neuron 5 autonomously monitors the performance of critical equipment, optimising processes and enabling preventative maintenance to reduce downtime, enhance efficiency, and eliminate the need for labor-intensive manual inspections.

It leverages cutting-edge AI models and deep learning algorithms to anticipate maintenance requirements and track equipment performance. By analysing data from sensors on critical assets, such as pressure, temperature, and vibration, Neuron 5 can proactively identify potential issues and optimise operations.

ADNOC plans to expand Neuron 5’s application to all the group’s facilities across thousands of critical pieces of production equipment, such as compressors, valves, and generators.

“ADNOC is placing AI at the heart of its operations and leveraging industry-leading advanced technologies to help responsibly meet the world’s growing energy demand,” said Abdulmunim Saif Al Kindy, ADNOC Upstream executive director.

“The development and deployment of Neuron 5 across our upstream and downstream facilities demonstrate this strategy in action and highlight our continued progress towards our vision to become the world’s most AI-enabled energy company.”

The pilot phase of Neuron 5 demonstrated its potential to reduce unplanned shutdowns by 50 per cent and extend planned maintenance intervals by 20 per cent across operations. The innovative solution was developed in collaboration between ADNOC’s Thamama Excellence Centre, AIQ, and AVEVA.

ADNOC leverages AI technology

Meanwhile, ADNOC said its use of AI generated $500m of additional value in 2023.

The state-owned energy giant said the value was generated from the integration of more than 30 industry-leading AI tools across processes from field operations to corporate decision-making.

The group’s use of AI technologies abated up to one million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions between 2022 and 2023, equivalent to removing as many as 200,000 gas-powered cars from the road.

ADNOC says AI technology plays “a central role” in mapping resources, assisting drilling and production activity, and aiding reservoir management, allowing the energy firm to grow production capacity and deliver lower carbon-intensity energy.

AI is supporting the group’s net zero by 2045 ambition and its target to achieve near-zero methane emissions by 2030.

ADNOC’s AI tools include Emission X, which was developed by AIQ – a joint venture with Abu Dhabi’s Group 42. Other AIQ tools that the energy firm is deploying include SMARTi, which detects safety hazards in industrial and operational environments, and Robowell, which remotely operates equipment and flow valves to cut costs, boost safety and enhance production capacity.

Abu Dhabi AI firm Presight AI Holding acquired a 51 per cent majority stake in AIQ under a new ownership structure in May.