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Automated solution with 3D navigation allows remote and more efficient maintenance on Petrobras platforms in Espírito Santo
ES Innovation: The offshore maintenance automation project, which is being developed by Petrobras in Espírito Santo, is based on a system capable of generating three-dimensional models of oil platforms. These models replace 2D technical documents and are integrated into a complete database of the equipment installed on the units.
With the new technology, engineers can navigate the platforms remotely, in a virtual environment similar to “Street view“The solution allows visual inspections to be carried out, measurements to be taken accurately and corrosion points to be identified without needing to be physically present at the unit. “We were able to develop immersive navigation, in a 3D environment, which helps detect corrosion and check parameters remotely”, explained Italo Inocente.
The system also allows you to simulate maintenance scenarios and plan interventions more accurately. According to Ricardo Freitas, the big gain is in assertiveness: by knowing exactly what needs to be done, the work becomes faster and safer. This, in turn, drastically reduces the time the team spends on oil platforms, increasing operational efficiency.
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Artificial intelligence analyzes images and identifies corrosion points more accurately on oil platforms
Another distinguishing feature of ES's innovation is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to process images and information obtained during mapping. AI automatically analyzes the records to identify corrosion points, which speeds up the definition of areas that need to be treated with painting or specialized maintenance.
According to the developers, the aim of applying AI is not to replace professionals, but to reduce uncertainties and increase the accuracy of analyses, which makes the work of the technical team easier.
“The algorithm is more accurate and helps establish more efficient action plans, but it is still the human being who makes the final decision”, highlighted Italo.
In addition, Petrobras has adopted a proprietary AI, similar to ChatGPT, aimed exclusively at internal applications and with a focus on information security. This tool is fed with external data, but operates in a restricted manner within the company, supporting technicians in their daily routines.
Espírito Santo has 10 oil platforms with the digitalization process underway by Petrobras
Currently, the State of Espírito Santo has 10 oil platforms in operation, all included in the 3D scanning and modeling process. The oldest of them, the P-31, is already fully digitized. Now, the technical team is working on updating the parameters and integrating the data into the automated system.
The schedule foresees the continuity of the photographic mapping in all units, with priority given to the most critical platforms or those with the highest volume of planned interventions. This process directly contributes to the implementation of a new maintenance planning model that combines technology, precision and sustainability.
Lack of qualified suppliers and professionals limits the expansion of technology in the state
Despite the progress, the expansion of ES innovation throughout the production chain still faces challenges. According to Ricardo Freitas, Petrobras has had difficulty hiring local suppliers capable of performing 3D mapping and processing the data generated. “In Espírito Santo, we are having to open bids for companies from outside,” he warned.
The professionals most in demand in this new scenario are specialists in digital modeling, georeferencing, data analysis and artificial intelligence applied to industry. The gap in the technical training of these workers is forcing Petrobras to seek solutions outside the state, which makes the process more expensive and limits the speed of the project's expansion.
The technicians' appeal is for educational institutions, innovation centers and regional governments to invest in training of local workforce focused on this new demand profile, which combines engineering, IT and data analysis skills. The use of automation brings benefits to everyone involved, including outsourced workers, who can now perform more services with less effort and greater security.
Automation and digitalization seen as essential for the future of the oil and gas industry
The success of the project developed in Espírito Santo reinforces the trend that automation in offshore maintenance will be increasingly essential for the oil and gas industry. By reducing the need to travel to platforms and speeding up service execution time, technology is consolidating itself as an ally of safety, productivity and sustainability.
Furthermore, with the increasing digitalization of industrial assets, companies like Petrobras are able to centralize information, predict failures in advance and avoid unexpected shutdowns. “The great advantage of automation is that it allows planning to be done based on real data, captured in real time and processed by AI,” concludes Ricardo.
