By Ayo Onikoyi

In a groundbreaking achievement for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, Samuel Olabode Afolabi, an Inspection Manager at Stand-Atlantic Limited (SAL), has successfully resolved long-standing technical issues on the TotalEnergies platform at the Akpo field. The issues, which had hindered accurate corrosion data recording through the Electrical Resistance (ER) probe and Multitrend software, were traced back to a synchronization mismatch between the data logger and the ER probe’s control box.

This breakthrough holds profound implications for the Nigerian oil and gas sector, offering vital lessons on improving operational efficiency and safety across the industry. Engineer Samuel, in his systematic troubleshooting approach, first addressed the time synchronization mismatch, ensuring both the data logger and ER probe were aligned with real-time conditions. This adjustment improved the consistency and reliability of corrosion monitoring, significantly enhancing data accuracy.

Furthermore, the expert applied reverse engineering techniques to modify the ER probe control box, identifying and rectifying faulty components. By resetting the probe to its default settings, Samuel restored its full functionality, enabling accurate corrosion data collection once again. His observations regarding the functional range of ER probe readings, particularly with the widely used Roxar probes, proved invaluable in diagnosing probe failures and ensuring that only functional probes were used for data recording.

The successful resolution of these technical challenges not only enhances Stand-Atlantic Limited’s reputation in the oil and gas industry but also provides a roadmap for tackling similar issues across the sector. Samuel’s work highlights the critical importance of timely, accurate data collection in maintaining the integrity of oil production facilities.

Engineer Samuel’s efforts offer key lessons for the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Preventative maintenance, investment in modern technologies, improved data integration, and the use of innovative problem-solving techniques such as reverse engineering are essential for improving operational efficiency and reliability. Additionally, the need for continuous training and upskilling of personnel is crucial to meet the rapidly evolving demands of the industry.

In conclusion, the breakthrough at the Akpo field demonstrates the power of technical expertise, modern technologies, and innovative approaches in overcoming operational challenges. It serves as a clarion call for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to prioritize infrastructure upgrades, maintenance protocols, and technical training to ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of the industry.