Case History: Automation System Increases Production and Enhances Well Safety in the Ramos Gas Field In Argentina

摘要

The automation of the high-production Ramos gas field,rnlocated in the northern region of Argentina, has enhanced fieldrnproduction and well safety and also improved operations byrncentralizing control of the gas production. A field supervisoryrncontrol and data acquisition (SCADA) computer located in arngas treatment plant automates the gas production throughoutrnthe field by means of a radio telemetry link to a well controlrnunit (WCU) that is located at each automated well site. Fromrnthe plant, operations personnel can change the production raternor monitor production variables at any wellsite, view real-timernor historical trends of those variables, or change alarmrnsetpoints in a WCU from graphical screens on a computerrnconsole. The computer archives the production data onto arnhard disk for further processing and analysis.rnA solar-powered WCU located at each site controls wellrnproduction by means of an electrically activated chokernmounted on the wellhead. The WCU, a microprocessor-basedrncontroller, monitors operating pressures, temperatures andrntank levels, and it ensures well and flow-line safety byrncontrolling the operation of the surface safety valve (SSV) andrnthe sub-surface safety valve (SSSV).rnCurrently, the automation system involves nine wells.rnEarly in 2000, three additional wells will be automated.