In a remarkable exhibition of technological prowess and strategic collaboration, Zhenhua Oil Holdings Ltdhas recently made significant strides in the United Arab Emirates, particularly within the dynamic Abu Dhabi oil sectorThe company has successfully deployed a domestically developed "Infrared Gas Monitoring and Intelligent Early Warning System" at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) onshore oil fields, marking a crucial advancement in health, safety, and environmental (HSE) management within oil production territoriesThis endeavor not only amplifies the efficiency of field management but also represents a substantive entry of Chinese R&D into the international high-end oil and gas market, showcasing the growing significance of energy cooperation between China and the UAE.

At the heart of this system lies what can be described as a vigilant guardian of oil field safety—the "Intelligent Sentinel." A few hundred kilometers southwest of Abu Dhabi, in a designated extraction area, towering steel structures stand tall, each outfitted with the innovative monitoring technology

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From the top of these structures, a 60-centimeter-long white box rotates at a steady pace, equipped with dual lenses resembling a watchful eye scanning its surroundingsThis cutting-edge technology allows real-time monitoring of gas leaks within a three-kilometer radius, providing timely alerts through intelligent analysisAs Tian Xiaojing, the General Manager of Zhenhua Oil’s Abu Dhabi branch, eloquently describes, this system is a game-changer for the region’s oil fields.

Preventing hazardous gas leaks is a top priority for any oil field's HSE management protocolsHistorically, personnel have been required to carry hydrogen sulfide detectors—a method that is not only reactive but also fraught with risk, particularly in a sector where conditions can rapidly shiftAt the beginning of 2023, ADNOC expressed the need for "intelligent technologies enabling large-scale real-time monitoring of gas environments in operational settings." Recognizing this critical demand, Zhenhua Oil’s Abu Dhabi team extended an invitation to ADNOC’s senior technical delegation, showcasing their pioneering "Infrared Gas Monitoring and Intelligent Early Warning System." Within a mere four months, extensive technical evaluations led to the signing of an inaugural pilot test contract in October 2023, a process characterized by dynamic engagement and rigorous validation of the technology's efficacy.

This new monitoring system operates under some of the most extreme conditions imaginable

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In Abu Dhabi’s scorching outdoor temperatures that can reach an astounding 50 degrees Celsius, the core components of the infrared system require cooling via liquid nitrogen, demanding functionality at a chilling minus 197 degrees CelsiusUtilizing high-spectrum infrared technology, the system adeptly detects gas leaks at critical sites such as wellheads, pipelines, and processing plants, with real-time data transmission ensuring swift alertsThis advanced technology not only mitigates the frequency and severity of accidents but also lessens the necessity for dangerous personnel inspections around potential leak points.

In November 2023, the collaborative efforts of the China-UAE technical team culminated in a pilot test at the Sahil oil field, where they monitored methane gas successfully across three designated wells and identified a leak from an external pipeline, demonstrating the system's effectiveness in real-world applications

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By February 2024, ADNOC decided to expand this advanced system to the Bab and Bu Hasa oil fields, following a favorable presentation from the technical team during a board meeting where its advantages were thoroughly discussedIn response to unanimous approval from international stakeholders, Zhenhua Oil is currently in the installation phase of the first batch of 15 systems, with plans for further expansions underway, aiming to create a comprehensive monitoring network across vital ADONC onshore blocks.

As a pivotal member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the UAE holds substantial oil and gas resources, making it a critical market for energy technologiesOver the years, Zhenhua Oil's proactive approach has led to multiple engagements, including participation in ADNOC's annual shareholder technology conferences and numerous technical discussions, promoting an impressive array of thirty advanced technologies and equipment solutions tailored to resolve specific exploration challenges faced by ADNOC

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Successful pilot trials in advanced techniques such as specialty gel leakage sealing and unstructured fracture modeling have enhanced Zhenhua’s credibility and facilitated wider recognition of their innovative solutions.

Recently, ADNOC Executive Director Abdul Munim visited the newly installed monitoring and warning systems and praised their capacity for actively detecting gas leaks while also identifying humans and animals at significant distances—adding an extra layer of security for on-site operationsMunim acknowledged the vital contribution of Zhenhua Oil in introducing Chinese technologies into oil field development and enhancing operational efficiencies among partnersMoreover, the Sahil oil field's operational manager has reached out to Zhenhua Oil to discuss persistent challenges in reducing gas flaring and upgrading central control systems, seeking further technological innovations that could be implemented in ADNOC’s operations.

The deployment of the "Infrared Gas Monitoring and Intelligent Early Warning System" illustrates not only China’s accelerated strides towards independent innovation but also highlights the qualitative advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative, aiming for a high-quality partnership between China and the UAE