The recent advancements by Zhenhua Oil Holdings Co., Ltd., particularly its Abu Dhabi branch, in introducing domestic technology to the UAE's oil and gas sector represent a significant milestone in international energy collaborationA highlight of this endeavor is the successful deployment of the "Infrared Gas Monitoring and Smart Early Warning System" at the fields of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). This sophisticated technology stands to dramatically enhance Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) management in oilfields and optimize operational efficiency.

Traveling approximately 200 kilometers southwest from the capital city of Abu Dhabi, one arrives at an oil production zone within ADNOC's land oil fieldsHere, towering red and white steel structures dominate the landscapeAtop these structures, one observes advanced equipment, which features a high-tech white box resembling a slide projector, rotating smoothly to monitor the surroundings

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According to Tian Xiaojing, the general manager of Zhenhua Oil's Abu Dhabi office, this groundbreaking technology provides real-time monitoring of gas leaks within a 3-kilometer radius using intelligent analytics for timely warnings.

The paramount concern for HSE management in oilfields is the prevention of harmful gas leaksTraditionally, personnel were required to carry hydrogen sulfide detectors to monitor gas fluctuations, a method that carries the risk of delayed response and potential dangersIn early 2023, ADNOC recognized the need for "intelligent technology for wide-area, real-time monitoring of gas environments" in response to safety challenges in major production projectsZhenhua Oil's Abu Dhabi office was quick to recognize this requirement and hosted a visit from an ADNOC senior technical delegation, where the "Infrared Gas Monitoring and Smart Early Warning System" was prominently showcased

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Over four months, a series of technical validations were conducted between Zhenhua's domestic team and ADNOC's experts, culminating in the formal signing of a pilot project contract in October 2023.

The technology's reliability in extreme conditions, such as the outdoor temperatures often soaring to 50 degrees Celsius in Abu Dhabi's oil fields, has been met with enthusiasm from ADNOCCritical components of the system require cooling through liquid nitrogen to operate at minus 197 degrees CelsiusUtilizing advanced infrared hyperspectral technology, the system effectively detects gas leaks at production sites, including wellheads, pipelines, or processing facilitiesReal-time data transmission, combined with intelligent analysis, helps minimize the risk of incidents and enhances overall safety by reducing the need for personnel to conduct potentially hazardous manual inspections.

By November 2023, the collaborative technical team from China and Abu Dhabi initiated their pilot testing at the Sahil oil field, successfully detecting methane gas at three designated well sites

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Notably, the team also identified a leak beyond the test area, demonstrating the system's proactive capabilitiesFollowing encouraging results, in February 2024, ADNOC decided to implement the initial phase of the "Infrared Gas Monitoring and Smart Early Warning System" at Bab and Buhasa oil fieldsThe assets were presented to the ADNOC board of directors, and the technology's advantages garnered unanimous approval, leading to an order for additional systemsThe first 15 units are currently undergoing installation, with plans for further deployments underway, aiming to establish a comprehensive monitoring network across key areas of ADNOC's land operations.

The UAE, rich in oil and gas resources, plays a vital role in the global energy market as a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). In recent years, Zhenhua Oil's Abu Dhabi branch has actively engaged with ADNOC on various fronts, addressing challenges faced in oilfield exploration and development

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Their participation in ADNOC’s annual technical conferences and numerous technical validation meetings has facilitated the introduction of over 30 advanced technologies and equipment, successfully piloted across multiple projectsAmong these are specialized gel sealing techniques and unstructured crack modeling methods, which have received recognition from ADNOC, showcasing Zhenhua's commitment to advancing Chinese technology on a global stage.

ADNOC executives, including Executive Director Abdul Munim, have expressed their strong support for the newly installed monitoring and warning systems, highlighting their capabilities to not only detect gas leaks but also identify human and animal movement from a distance, thus enhancing operational safety across the fieldsMunim commended Zhenhua Oil's significant contributions to advancing oilfield efficiency and fostering collaboration among partners, emphasizing the need to maintain international energy security and promote sustainable development in the sector