Shell showcases real-time digital twin breakthroughs at Tomorrow Show
At the Tomorrow Show in Oslo, Norway, Mun Hon Chow, Flow Assurance Lead at Shell, outlined how real-time dynamic digital twins are redefining field management and unlocking new opportunities for production optimization.
In his talk, “The Future of Field Management: Real-time Dynamic Digital Twins Drive Production Optimization,” Chow detailed how Shell has implemented dynamic simulation technology on one of Norway’s largest offshore gas fields. Since its start-up in 2007, the field has relied on two 120-km multiphase export pipelines, and more recently, subsea gas compression systems aimed at boosting recovery from 75% to 85%.
The adoption of dynamic digital twins—integrating data, visualization, and modeling—is helping Shell’s engineers replicate field conditions in a virtual environment. This allows them to run “what-if” scenarios, benchmark models against live operating data, and anticipate problems before they impact production.
Chow emphasized the tangible benefits during commissioning and operations. Using simulations, Shell avoided full shutdowns, optimized subsea compression performance, and reduced hydrate risks during pipeline reconfigurations. “Having the ability to test different operational modes virtually allows us to maintain production continuity while minimizing risk,” Chow explained.
Beyond short-term gains, Shell sees real-time digital twins as a foundation for long-term operational excellence. By combining real-time process data with predictive modeling, engineers can detect anomalies, prioritize surveillance, and fine-tune equipment settings for greater efficiency. Future enhancements may include AI-driven insights to automatically flag critical risks and recommend corrective actions.
“We are still scratching the surface of possibilities,” Chow said. “But with the right data, in the right place, at the right time, digital twins give us the ability to make faster, better decisions that drive reliability and performance.”
As operators continue to balance production growth with emissions reduction, digital twin technology is poised to become a cornerstone of next-generation field management.
