(15) PRACTICAL AUTOMATION FOR FACILITIES ENGINEERS

Automation is a crucial element to modern production facilities in the Permian Basin.  However, most facilities engineers lack basic understanding of automation and therefore cannot properly design or implement an automated system.  This paper will discuss automation and instrumentation basics as part of a broad automation philosophy to help readers understand how individual components fit into a complete design.  Individual components (or instruments) will be examined to share what options are available to industry and how they can best be utilized.  An analysis of four common field development scenarios will help facilities engineers grow their knowledge and be better prepared to implement automation into their facilities.