A Data Gathering and Processing System To Optimize Producing Operations

Abstract

This computerized system, which collects, processes, and stores data on and analyzes and reports the performance of production equipment and operations, is one step closer to the optimum profitability of producing properties. It is designed primarily to be used by the production man properties. It is designed primarily to be used by the production man directly responsible for day-to-day economic decisions. Introduction In any attempt at optimizing operations by means, for example, of a failure-control program, basic information is required for defining the nature and magnitude of the problems involved and for estimating the economic stakes. The information determines whether or not one should try to solve a particular problem; and if more than one solution is possible, it aids in deciding on the most profitable one. In short, the basic information makes it possible to set economic priorities to the solution of problems. Methods of obtaining basic information related to equipment performance have been the subject of much work. Many oil-producing companies have created and now operate data gathering and processing systems, all of which have two things in common: they obtain accurate and timely information and process and condense it into an easily usable and process and condense it into an easily usable and digestible form; and they use computers to process and report data. Atlantic Richfield has created a system for data gathering and handling that has been in use throughout its Continental U. S. and Canadian operations since late 1969. This system, known as the Equipment Performance Reporting System, relies heavily on the use of computers. It was developed as a cooperative effort with field personnel to the point that it is now part of the Company procedures. By late 1971 the system had more than 34,000 records in its data banks. Since its inception, the original concept of a data gathering and processing system for use by production personnel has been expanded according to needs production personnel has been expanded according to needs discovered as a result of using the system. These needs are: (1) to set better specifications for subsurface and surface equipment, (2) to predict future performance of equipment, and (3) to follow closely performance of equipment, and (3) to follow closely the economic impact of remedial action such as area-wide corrosion treating programs. The Equipment Performance Report System-Part One The Equipment Performance Report System consists of four parts. The following discussion will be limited to Part One, which is concerned with subsurface failures, and to Part Three, which handles well inhibition. Parts Two and Four will be described later. As early as 1964, Fincher and Nunn defined a usable data gathering and processing system as one that contains1. A simple report form,2. Complete data about each reported event,3. Computer processing for rapid data handling, and4. Output in the form of orderly and concise data summaries for easy review. JPT p. 185