Happy Wednesday!
We admit talking about Artificial
Intelligence (AI) seems a bit off topic for us, nonetheless we read something
which made us go - hmmm!
Did anyone happen to read HoustonChronicle.com’s
Newsletter - The 713 Afternoon on December 4, 2024, their article titled, “Researchers
using AI identified 1,300 undocumented oil wells. Here’s what it means for Texas”? In the article, it goes on to speak of a study in AI Deep Learning authored by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory which used AI
to help a group of researchers find over 1,300 undocumented oil wells in California
and Oklahoma. The unknown orphan wells
the researchers found used AI’s “computer vision” a computer gathering method
which allows the AI to review possibly 1000s of old topographic maps and
compare them to new maps to find unidentified wells and flag them. Then, the researchers compared the locations
to satellite imagery, pictures, and field surveys. They were able to verify 44 unknown orphan
wells and the AI’s estimated location was within 32.8 feet. The AI’s Deep Learning capabilities
will be an asset to us.
The AI’s Deep Learning capabilities
may be able to help Texas with our orphan well problem. Currently, Texas has 8,500 documented orphan
wells, nonetheless there were wells before current mapping and reporting methods
which need to be addressed especially with the carbon capture industry
expecting to take off and the current wastewater problems. Uncapped, unknown, and zombie wells may allow
harmful gases and tainted water to get to ground level and harm those living
near them like the ones which recently erupted in West Texas. The Railroad Commission of Texas is expecting to pay $234 million to cap orphan wells in
2026 and 2027 which $95 million is from a U.S. government program.
The state has requested another $100 million from them for the Texas’ program.
AI may be able to help us locate orphan
wells in the near future, then we can get them plugged!
The researchers will be expanding
their AI Deep Learning to the whole country! Then, they will hopefully be able to help
with this ongoing issue, and they are expected to get more funding from the
U.S. Department of Energy to further their research. Let’s hope they find more undocumented wells,
and the state’s get the funding they need to plug these public nuisances. We wish this research program much success! If you would like to read more of the
HoustonChronicle.com’s article, please click the link: AI could help Texas find decades-old oil wells drilled before records.
If you would like help in looking
into how to transport your product efficiently, safely, and with less of a
carbon footprint or just find out what is underneath your feet to help with
your emission reduction goals, contact us via email in the Blog and check out
our ESC website!
We hope you have a wonderful evening!
**Disclaimer: You may be charged a fee to read HoustonChronicle.com’s
article. **