Institut de Recherche en Sciences de l'Information et de Communication, Aix-Marseille Université, 21, rue Virgile Marron - 13392 Marseille Cedex 05 Marseille, France
Identification and management of risks related to an uncertain operating environment is especially important when it is an oil or gas wellsite where risks can go beyond the physical and financial losses: human lives. Early identification of an uncertain event can significantly reduce this risk. The aim of this study is to use the information as intangible assets for purposes of identification and management of risks. We are particularly interested in a hazardous event: the gas inflow while drilling of an oil or gas well, through three sources of information: general information on the internet, technical and scientific publications on Google Scholar and patent publications on Google Patent, WIPO or Esp@cenet. Early identification of a potentially dangerous event is not an easy task. It requires advanced tools and technologies, but also a particular attention and human expertise. Information on tools and technologies are available in various forms on the internet: manufacturers and service providers' brochures, technical and scientific publications and also in patent databases. How to find and exploit this wealth of information? This study shows the importance of information and its appropriate use at the right time to reduce risks related to operational activities in uncertain and potentially dangerous environments. We used any tools of research and analysis of information such as Google, Google Scholar, Google Patent, and Matheo Patent Matheo Web.