Journal of Canadian Petroleum Technology, Vol.36, No.11, 30-33, 1997
Improved production operating efficiencies through automation
During 1994 - 1995, Wascana Energy Inc. implemented a supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA) covering its entire southeast Saskatchewan operating area. This SCADA system was implemented to improve operating efficiencies by reducing operating costs and increasing production volumes. The system provided for remote monitoring and control of certain production facilities and wells. Wascana contracted an automation system integrator to assist in customizing the graphical user interface and configuring the PC based computer system to communicate with various end devices in several fields. The master polling station and backup PC are located in Wascana's Estevan office. Data communications between the Estevan office, the field and district offices is accomplished with a UHF radio system and existing phone lines. Selected real time data is stored on an SQL database server, located on Wascana's local and wide area networks (LAN, WAN) to support corporate wide data sharing. Field automation includes wellhead managers (WHM) on all horizontal producers for pump off control and real time dynamometer analysis, remote tank level monitoring, electronic flow measurement, water injection facility control and flowline leak detection.