A Nigerian PhD researcher from Kano, Maimuna Umar Zarewa, has won the Carbon Neutrality Cup after developing an artificial intelligence-powered device designed to detect metal corrosion and protect oil and energy infrastructure.
The competition was organised by the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association and held at the Sheraton Hotel Manama, with participants from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Saudi Arabia presenting solutions focused on environmental sustainability and industrial processes.
Zarewa, who is pursuing her doctoral degree at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, designed an autonomous device that integrates sample preparation, chemical detection, robotics, and AI-driven data analysis into a single system.
Speaking on her innovation, Zarewa explained that the device was developed to address challenges in corrosion monitoring within the oil and gas sector.
“Conventional corrosion detection methods typically require multiple instruments and significant manual handling. Our system integrates all processes into one autonomous platform, making detection faster, more efficient and less labour-intensive,” she said.
Unlike traditional systems, her invention uses a fluorescence sensor developed from petroleum waste, enabling early and rapid detection of corrosion while reducing operational costs and dependence on manual labour.
She noted that converting petroleum waste into a sensing material aligns with circular economy practices.
“By transforming petroleum waste into a functional sensing material, we are not only improving industrial safety but also contributing to environmental protection and pollution reduction,” she added.
Further findings from her research revealed that the sensing material also possesses corrosion-inhibiting properties.
According to her, work is ongoing to develop an upgraded version of the device equipped with a built-in inhibitor reservoir that will automatically spray protective material once signs of corrosion are detected.
“The goal is to move from a monitoring system to a fully automated detection-and-response system capable of preventing damage before it escalates,” she said.
Industry experts estimate that corrosion causes billions of dollars in losses annually within the global oil and gas industry, threatening infrastructure integrity and energy supply.
Zarewa’s technology is expected to reduce such losses and improve energy infrastructure safety.
