In the field of upstream Oil and Gas, process control and automation systems have many constraints that are not imposed on systems that downstream refineries and chemical plants use. Upstream facilities are typically in remote locations that are environmentally sensitive, and difficult to access. System reliability is paramount because repairs are very expensive. Physical space for computers (especially in off-shore platforms) is often at a premium. In addition, communication with remote facilities is a challenge due to lack of available bandwidth (as is the case for telephone lines), reliability (when using radio communication), cost (when using satellites), or all of these combined. Service personnel are also difficult to find because they require specialized knowledge and are frequently in high demand, which raises cost and availability issues. These factors and more make the challenges facing upstream Oil and Gas producers unique in the automation world.
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