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Sweat Science

Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann

Release Date: 03/10/2025

AI That Thinks Like a Scientist show art AI That Thinks Like a Scientist

Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann

AI is transforming oil and gas, but not all AI is created equal. Many companies have wasted millions on failed AI projects, chasing optimization without real breakthroughs. But what if AI could think like a scientist—applying physics and chemistry to accelerate decision-making and innovation? In this episode, , Head of Sales for Energy at , explains how their science-based AI is reshaping everything from production forecasting to molecular design. Unlike traditional generative AI, which relies on pattern recognition, NobleAI operates on scientific principles, enabling faster, more accurate...

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Ending Insanity In Oil and Gas show art Ending Insanity In Oil and Gas

Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different outcome. In oil and gas, we do the same thing over and over, knowing the outcome will vary—but believing we’re optimizing it. With billions at stake, the industry needs better ways to react in real time. As capital market pressures rise and companies consolidate, optimization is no longer optional—it’s survival. The days of a “sand disposal” mentality in hydraulic fracturing are fading. Operators need data-driven decision-making to improve well performance, cut waste, and reduce risks....

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The World in a Cube show art The World in a Cube

Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann

Energy markets are undergoing a profound transformation. With demand shifting, new energy sources emerging, and digital infrastructure consuming more power than ever, the need for accurate, data-driven decision-making has never been greater. Companies must now navigate uncertainty with smarter forecasting tools, leveraging AI and real-time analytics to stay ahead. However, traditional forecasting models often fail to capture the full picture. New energy sources like solar and battery storage are disrupting the grid, while AI-driven data centers are reshaping electricity demand. At the same...

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Sweat Science show art Sweat Science

Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann

Oil and gas workers operate in extreme conditions, such as the Gulf and the Permian Basin, where the intense heat and high humidity create very hazardous conditions. You lose a lot of body moisture just surviving in those settings.    Most of us know to take a drink of water when we’re thirsty, but in those places, by the time you’re thirsty, you’re already at risk. Is there a better way to measure dehydration risk before it becomes a safety hazard?   In this episode, I sit down with , Chief Revenue Officer of s, to discuss a nifty wearable device that tracks sweat loss,...

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From Milling to Data show art From Milling to Data

Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann

The oil and gas industry has long relied on surface data and the expertise of seasoned operators to manage the complexities of downhole operations. However, as wells become deeper, laterals longer, and conditions more extreme, the human expert can struggle to address the expanded downhole complexity. Consistency, efficiency, and precision have become increasingly difficult to achieve. This growing complexity presents significant challenges. Operators must interpret inconsistent surface data while contending with extreme pressures, weights, and temperatures. Without real-time visibility...

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Pearls of CO2 Wisdom show art Pearls of CO2 Wisdom

Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann

Direct air carbon capture will be required to remove excess CO2 from the atmosphere while we wind down fossil fuel combustion, and a new technology based on graphene and amine coated ceramic pearls or spheres may be the missing link. The direct air capture methods deployed to date struggle with their enormous scale, their energy intensity, and operating costs. They can require hundreds of dollars per ton of CO2 removed, large land footprints, and available geology to sequester the carbon underground. Economically, they can't pay their own way without permanent subsidies. Many entrepreneurs are...

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Crux of the Matter show art Crux of the Matter

Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann

Pipelines are often thought of as simple logistics channels, but in reality, they operate more like sprawling processing plants. This complexity has long been underserved by outdated control systems that lack the sophistication of modern software. The challenge is clear: legacy systems are hindering efficiency, sustainability, and even talent retention as younger generations expect better tools in the workplace. How do we overcome this inertia? In this latest episode I catch up with Vicki Knott, Co-Founder and CEO of Crux OCM, whose exciting work is transforming pipeline control rooms...

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Transforming Petrochemicals show art Transforming Petrochemicals

Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann

The petrochemical industry has traditionally been slow to adopt new technologies, often hindered by legacy systems, risk-averse cultures, and scattered data. However, as global competition and sustainability pressures mount, companies like Nova Chemicals are turning to digital transformation to drive operational efficiency and sustainability. Nova Chemicals recognized the untapped potential in its decades of operational data and began its digital journey with a bold vision. By leveraging advanced tools, such as AI-driven predictive maintenance, the company has revolutionized its...

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Driving Data Innovation in Fuel Supply Chains show art Driving Data Innovation in Fuel Supply Chains

Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann

The fuel products supply chain is long and complicated, handling the movement of massive volumes of fungible, dangerous, and valuable products in millions of small lots. Despite its criticality, this part of the industry is often overlooked, but can benefit from the modern tools that are finding their way into many industries. I was curious just how deeply our modern digital tools have penetrated the supply chain.  There's no one better to discuss this topic than , VP and General Manager of Energy and Refined Fuels at . DTN touches some 85% of the liquid fuel molecules in the US,...

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Building the Workforce of the Future show art Building the Workforce of the Future

Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann

The energy industry faces a dual challenge: addressing the growing skills gap as experienced workers retire, and attracting a tech-savvy younger workforce. Meanwhile, digital transformation is reshaping the landscape, introducing complex tools like AI and automation into traditional workflows. In this episode, I interview Ron Crabtree, CEO of MetaOps and MetaExperts, about bridging the workforce gap. The interview considers how companies can identify critical skills for the future, implement effective mentorship programs, and create the kinds of roles that attract and retain young talent. We...

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More Episodes
Oil and gas workers operate in extreme conditions, such as the Gulf and the Permian Basin, where the intense heat and high humidity create very hazardous conditions. You lose a lot of body moisture just surviving in those settings. 
 
Most of us know to take a drink of water when we’re thirsty, but in those places, by the time you’re thirsty, you’re already at risk. Is there a better way to measure dehydration risk before it becomes a safety hazard?
 
In this episode, I sit down with Jim Ryan, Chief Revenue Officer of Epicore Biosystems, to discuss a nifty wearable device that tracks sweat loss, sodium levels, and hydration needs in real time—helping prevent heat-related injuries before they happen.
 
Elite athletes like Lionel Messi and Serena Williams rely on a sweat patch from Epicore to help them complete. This technology caught the attention of Chevron, who saw the potential to protect its industrial athletes (front line workers). It’s been deployed across oil fields, refineries, mining and aviation sectors, changing the way companies monitor worker health and safety.
 
Stuff that I didn’t know:
 
✔️ Why sweat is as valuable as blood for real-time health tracking
✔️ The hidden dangers of dehydration—and why most workers don’t recognize the symptoms
✔️ How Chevron partnered with Epicore to develop a rugged, industrial-grade wearable
✔️ The privacy-first approach to tracking hydration without monitoring individuals
✔️ What’s next for wearables in industrial safety, from muscle fatigue monitoring to ketone tracking
 
If you’re in HSE, operations, or workforce safety, this episode is a must-listen.
 
About the Guest
 
Jim Ryan is the Chief Revenue Officer at Epicore Biosystems, the company behind this clever health monitoring technology. Jim has an extensive background in telecom, cybersecurity, and digital health, which is very useful indeed in bringing this kind of technology to the industry.
 
Additional Tools & Resources
 
🔗 Chevron’s research on heat stress monitoring (to be presented at CERAWeek—link coming soon!)
🔗 Epicore Biosystems website – Epicore Biosystems
🔗 Gatorade GX Sweat Patch (Epicore’s original sports-focused innovation) – GX Sweat Patch
 
Connect with Me
 
📖 Blog series: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/
🎙 Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/advocate-digital-innovation-for-energy/
✖️ X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/geoffreycann
 
Contact for Lectures and Keynotes
 
I regularly speak on digital innovation in energy. Interested in having me at your event? Let’s talk!
📩 Contact me here → https://geoffreycann.com/contact/
 
Disclaimer
 
The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice.