C.R. LaRue, Monterey Oil Company
To date, there have been two major automation projects in the Fullerton Clearfork Unit. The first was completed in 1956 and included 57 wells. It consisted of complete automation from the wellhead to the storage tanks with no custody transfer facilities. This, being a pioneer installation, required some changes and revisions before satisfactory operation was obtained; however, once completed it have operated satisfactory. The second project, including 51 wells, was completed in 1958. The essential difference between these two projects is that the first was designed to handle intermittent flowing wells, while the second was designed to handle pumping water flood production and includes "LACT" facilities. This paper is concerned, primarily, with a discussion of these automation projects and the types of equipment used. It discusses briefly the operational and economic criteria for the application of automation.