Computer Control Systems Realistically Applied to Oil and Gas Producing Operations

The application of modem electronics and computer technology to the automation of oil and gas producing operations has resulted in a tendency in many instances to "over engineer" the project designs. This has been a result of an attempt to take complete advantage of all the capabilities of these modem systems. The actual requirements of these systems as they are applied to oil and gas producing operations are placed in context. Based on a discussion of the data acquisition system and the petroleum environment, a conceptual approach to oilfield automation is presented.