Integrating Production Process Through Automation, Rockyford Pilot Experience

Abstract PanCanadian, in the last two years has accelerated resources development at a rate that necessitates oil-field automation. Using SCADA technology, the Gas Production lnquiry and Report System (GPIRS) was implemented in phases with much success. This was followed with oil automation pilot projects. Through SCADA application and real time data management, manpower resources are being utilized more effectively. Business functions including accounting, marketing have become more efficient and competitive. Production data are more current and accurate. Facility operations become more secure and in the end the operators can make better decisions to minimize operating cost and maximize production. Implementation of new technology, However, affects an organization and its people. Commitment of an organization and buy-in of its employees in the application of new technology is essential. To fully utilize the potential of utomation through SCADA application, a corporate operating vision should formulated. The vision should identify the goals of automation. It should include a corporate operating philosophy and an automation strategy. If the automation needs are driven by operations and business, then their requirements must be clearly identified. In addition, there is also a need to develop the information system requirements (hardware and software standards, communications and storage standards, service and technical support, etc.) that will meet the corporate objectives. This paper describes a pilot project and the process PanCanadian has gone through to achieve an integrated SCADA system. Introduction In the last few years, Canadian oil and gas industry bas gone through some tremendous changes. With dwindling reserves and high costs of finding, development and production, new or improved technology has become ever important to improve the net back of the industry. PanCanadian bas managed successfully to improve its returns on equity and this was reflected in the success of resources exploitation and development. With an anticipated annual growth rate of 1000–1500 new wells, a minimal manpower growth and a target finding and development cost of $12/BOE, technology and innovations are envisioned to provide the needed solutions. The Gas Production Inquiry and Report System (GPIRS) was the first SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) initiative to automate gas production. The project included automation of over 270 deep gas wells, 30 shallow gas group meters and 30 compressor stations and gas plants throughout Alberta. Success of the GPIRS project was then extended to oil automation in a number of pilot projects. The objectives of the Rockyford oil automation pilot project were to install a SCADA system in an oil-field and evaluate the technical and business merits of the system. The key was to provide an integrated system where real time data are readily accessible for use by all stakeholders, thereby improving its profitability. Along with GPIRS, the oil pilot project provided PanCanadian an opportunity to evaluate state of the art technology in SCADA applications and electronic flow measuring devices. They also facilitated the development of a corporate automation vision and plan. This vision rovides corporate guide-lines for future automation projects. It also establishes an operating philosophy and strategy for operations in an automated environment.