Well field optimisation brings operational and capital savings

摘要

Utility JEA in Jacksonville, Florida, USA has begun using a sophisticated software solution to help it optimise its flows and pump costs. MICHAEL EATON and DARREN HOLLIFIELD look at what is being achieved. There's a limit to the complexity of the control strategy that can be managed by harried human operators. In a well field, this typically makes it necessary to use a simple reactive strategy, such as pumping water whenever required to maintain a constant reservoir level. The problem is that such a simple strategy is inefficient and has a tendency to put a lot of strain on the wells themselves, as well as operating equipment.