Fiber optic network links oil field controls

Journal Article · Mon Mar 07 04:00:00 EST 1994 · Oil and Gas Journal; (United States)

OSTI ID:5246919

Carswell, P W ^[1]; Neeley, J R ^[2]

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1. Chevron U.S.A. Production Co., Bakersfield, CA (United States)
2. 3M Telecom Systems Group, Austin, TX (United States)

To improve automation in the Lost Hills waterflood near Bakersfield, Calif., Chevron U.S.A. Production Co. created a network of remote and central programmable logic controller (PLC) with industrial-strength fiber optics. The network allows for centralized control of information on each well's performance and the field's operational problem. Information can now be more accurately and quickly accessed and managed from the central processing plant and the mainframe accounting system. The installed network uses 3M brand Series 6000 modular fiber optics that are industrial-strength with a large-core of 200[mu]. Since the 1920s, Chevron U.S.A. Production Co. has produced more than 86 million bbl of oil and 173 bcf of gas from the Lost Hills field in California's San Joaquin valley. Waterflooding of the field began in spring 1992. The paper describes field operations, earlier automation efforts, the options reviewed, the fiber optic option, and field installation.

• OSTI ID: 5246919
• Journal Information: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Journal Name: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States) Vol. 92:10; ISSN OIGJAV; ISSN 0030-1388
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
CALIFORNIA
DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEMS
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
FIBER OPTICS
FLUID INJECTION
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NORTH AMERICA
OIL FIELDS
OIL WELLS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESOURCES
USA
WATERFLOODING
WELLS