The fourth edition of the SPE Middle East Artificial Lift Conference and Exhibition opened yesterday with 610 attendees from 32 countries and 118 companies. Organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), the two-day event is held under the patronage of Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Oil, Kingdom of Bahrain.

 

In his opening address Shaikh Mohammed stressed the role played by artificial lift systems at a time when innovative techniques were being employed to tap oil from the Bahrain oil field.

 

This was followed by speeches from Jamal Al Mufleh, conference chairperson, Saudi Aramco, Nasir K Al-Naimi, vice president, Petroleum Engineering and Development, Saudi Aramco, and Sami Alnuaim, 2019 SPE president, Saudi Aramco.

 

Alnuaim said: “In the last few years, petroleum engineers with the help of other disciplines including information technologists started seeking more aggressive ways to produce more hydrocarbon in more efficient and cost-effective manners. We have entered that exciting upswing in our industry in what is called IR4.0, and engineers are eagerly designing the next big thing”.

 

Themed “Intelligent Lift 4.0”, the event features two days of plenary and panel sessions, technical sessions, and knowledge sharing ePoster sessions, bringing together artificial lift experts to discuss the latest developments, technological advancements, evolving challenges, and successful case histories.

 

The event also has a state-of-the-art exhibition with both regional and international companies showcasing their innovations, products, and services. Sponsors and supporters include Host Organisation—Saudi Aramco, Platinum Sponsors—Baker Hughes, a GE company, and Schlumberger, Conference Gala Dinner Sponsor—Weatherford, Mobile App Sponsor—Borets/Sawafi, Lanyards Sponsor—Apergy, Conference Programme Sponsor—Alkhorayef Petroleum, Badge Sponsor—Tatweer Petroleum, Conference Proceedings Sponsor—NOV, Coffee Breaks Sponsor—Borets, 28 November Lunch Sponsor—Shandong Wanda Cable Co., Ltd., and Knowledge Sharing ePoster Stations Sponsor—Halliburton. -- Tradearabia News Service