Paper: Oilfield Automation Ten Years Experience

The year of 1976 represents a milestone for Amoco Production Company as they complete a decade of experience in computer-controlled oilfield automation. Table 1 presents a summary of percentages of wells and production being received by automation projects which Amoco had installed as of the first of this year and what they currently estimate their position in automation to be within the next five years. As can be seen, as of January 1,1976, Amoco had 35% of its company-operated oil wells and 6% of its company-operated gas wells automated and under computer control. These wells produce 49% of Amoco's company-operated gross oil production and 19% of its operated gross gas production, respectively. In addition, 25"-% of the injection wells in Amoco-operated secondary recovery projects were automated at the beginning of this year. These automation projects are located throughout Company operations including Canada, the Rocky Mountains, Oklahoma, Louisiana, (onshore and offshore) and Texas. Within the next five years, Amoco expects to have 58% of its company-operated oil wells and 21% of its company-operated gas wells automated. These wells currently produce 78% of Amoco's company operated gross oil production and 44% of its operated gross gas production. It is further anticipated that 79% of the injection wells in Amoco-operated secondary recovery projects will be automated.