What are the benefits of digital twins in the Oil and Gas industry?
The article has a nine min podast, a definition of a digital twin with specific reference to engineering, maintenance, physical constraint, and operating data. Then 2-3 generic paragraphs relating to benefits (save money, optimal performance, workplace safety, more effective decision making and live monitoring) and three case study mentions, without reference URLs or quantified ROI.
Why it’s relevant to Nextspace
The article is of use to Nextspace Partners as an introduction to the first two case studies, as well as a way of understanding how Nextspace defines a digital twin.
As described by the article (we haven’t viewed the models), the three digital twins mentioned are:
- Echo by Equinor. Amalgamation and visualization of data from various databases to enable remote discussions and decisions. Sounds like a digital twin.
- Apex by BP. Heads up displays mirrored in virtual model, providing real-time data about the plant floor. Sounds like a digital twin.
- Crude Refinery Laser Scan & Digital Twin by Fenstermaker. 5,200 laser scans and some LIDAR scanning to create a 3D model of a facility. Unfortunately whilst they are the authors of the article, Nextspace would argue that a 3D scan of a facility is a virtual visual representation but not a digital twin. This is because the heart of a twin is asset and system data, not visuals. The visuals should not just be digital, but be visualizations of data.
For more on this topic, please refer to our diagram outlining the stages of a digital twin journey – moving through five states: from descriptive to informative to interactive to predictive to comprehensive.
