Environmental Sustainability through Automation: Susan Nash on Emissions Detection in Oil & Gas

SPEAKERS

Susan Nash Director of Innovation and Emerging Science and Technology; Director of Education & Prof Dev, AAPG

ABOUT THE SESSION


At the Oil & Gas Automation and Digitalization Conference 2023, Susan Nash, Director of Innovation at the AAPG (American Association of Petroleum Geologists), shared her invaluable expertise in automation and environmental sustainability. With a distinguished career focused on identifying and nurturing emerging technologies, Susan is at the forefront of driving industry resilience and adaptability. During her presentation, she offered actionable insights on the role of automation in emissions detection and its potential to reshape environmental monitoring in the oil and gas sector. 
 

The industry’s growing focus on environmental sustainability has led to the adoption of automation as a key tool for more efficient emissions detection. Susan highlighted two transformative approaches: continuous data collection through strategically placed sensors and periodic earth imaging surveys using drones and satellites. Both methods offer significant advantages—real-time data collection enhances immediate decision-making, while satellite and drone imagery provide broader, more comprehensive insights into emissions trends. 
 

To address data sparsity, Susan also discussed the use of predictive models powered by machine learning. These models can analyze historical emissions data and environmental factors to identify emissions hotspots and predict potential maintenance needs, especially in areas where continuous real-time data is limited. 
 

However, while automation offers immense potential, Susan emphasized the importance of avoiding pitfalls. Rigorous sensor calibration, the accuracy of aerial imaging, and ongoing system maintenance are essential for achieving reliable results. Furthermore, while automation is a powerful tool, it’s essential to balance it with human expertise to ensure informed decision-making and a proactive response to emerging environmental challenges. 
 

Key Topics: 
 

• Automated systems using continuous data collection through strategically placed sensors for emissions detection. 
• Earth imaging surveys using drones and satellites for periodic environmental monitoring. 
• Leveraging predictive models to optimize pipeline maintenance and detect leaks in data-scarce areas. 
• Best practices for sensor calibration and system maintenance to ensure accurate emissions detection. 
• The importance of balancing automation with human expertise in responding to environmental challenges. 

For more on this conference or to access the session, reach out to us at info@ptnevents.com. 

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