American Oil and Gas Reporter - August 2023 - 57

SpecialReport: Permian Preview
2023 PBIOS Reflects
Permian's Fabled Grit,
Commitment To Innovation
By Danny Boyd
Special Correspondent
ODESSA, TX.-The Permian
Basin has always been something
of a proving ground for new technology
development, but throughout
the storied history of the Permian
Basin International Oil Show, rarely
has technology been more integral
to the day-to-day operations of
drilling, completing, producing,
treating, processing, storing and
transporting oil and gas. From
long-lateral wellbore construction
to wet sand fracturing, artificialintelligence-driven
production automation,
water treatment and recycling,
and new-build pipeline
infrastructure, innovation is everywhere
these days.
Moreover, while the basin has
long been a crucial hub of domestic
crude oil supplies, rarely has it
played a more dominant role in
the global oil and natural gas supply
picture. According to the U.S. Energy
Information Administration,
annual volumes of both oil and gas
production have doubled during
the past five years, helping make it possible for America to
become a dependable exporter of vital oil, gas and refined
products to overseas allies.
unparalleled showcase of technology
and innovation for industry
employees, executives and vendors,
Richards says, noting that he has
written to senior executives and
other industry leaders to encourage
them to allow employees to attend
the show.
" Industry activity is often either
red hot or slowing down,
but in either instance, field personnel
are under a lot of pressure,
so it is hard to break away, " he
acknowledges. " But I truly believe
in my heart that PBIOS is one of
the best investments companies
can make in their field hands,
young engineers and procurement
personnel. Companies can make
it easy for them to take a half
day or a full day to walk around
the show to see all these innovations
and technologies and services
that will help them do their
jobs more easily, more efficiently
and more safely. "
LARRY RICHARDS
President
2023 Permian Basin International Oil Show
The dictionary lists several
definitions for " grit, " Richards
observes. One describes grit as
a small, loose particle of sand
or stone. Another defines grit as courage, resolve, perseverance
and strength of character.
" Both of those definitions are applicable to the Permian
PBIOS President Larry Richards has occupied a front row
seat to the technology-enabled transformation that has elevated
the Permian to the status of global unconventional oil and gas
superstar. He says the theme for the 2023 show, " Where
innovation and technology meet Permian grit, " is a perfect fit.
Much of the innovation, Richards points out, has emerged
from drilling and completion work within 150 miles of the
Ector County Coliseum and Fairgrounds in Odessa, the site of
the 39th biennial PBIOS, scheduled for Oct. 17-19.
With hard work and grit matched by a commitment to imagination
and improvement, this year's PBIOS will provide an
region and the men and women in our industry who work in
the basin on a daily basis, " Richards insists.
Advancements, including those developed since the 2021
PBIOS, emerge from a strong set of entrepreneurial values that
are coupled with a very practical need to complete the highestquality
well site work in the most efficient and safest way
possible under sometimes challenging conditions, he says.
" I have found during my career in the Permian Basin that an
entrepreneurial spirit allows for a lot of entrepreneurial thinking,
but the key focus is always on whether a particular solution
works when it is 120 degrees, covered in sand, and has a large
AUGUST 2023 57
American Oil and Gas Reporter - August 2023

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