Integrating an automated SCADA system with well management: a successful approach

Abstract

A well-designed SCADA system finds the middle ground between effectively using the latest advances in technology and drawing on the experience of well operators in optimising production from individual wells. Well management methodologies developed and adopted across time by the field operators can be overlooked in the process of designing a SCADA system as the control philosophy of the system is built on a rudimentary understanding of the operation and often does not allow for the subtle nuances that are part of a well operator's daily interaction with a well. One main challenge in designing a system is to capture the art of well optimisation. It is also important that an effective automated SCADA system meets the needs of other relevant stakeholders in the organisation, such as reservoir engineers, supervisors and business managers. This holistic approach to the design ensures that the data set gathered, which most business decisions will be based on, is uniform across all areas of the company. This extended abstract describes the experience of integrating an automated SCADA system while incorporating successful well management methodologies for leading Australian CSG operators. It outlines the systematic approach to understanding all aspects of well operation and optimisation, using that information to select hardware and software platforms and then implementing and using the system.