Industries: Oil and Gas

Milking Marginal Oil Wells

From High-cost Independent Sites With On-sight Management to Lowcost Networked Sites with 7/24/365 Management

From one central control station, the combination of the SRM modems interfaced with the MicroLogix PLCs in a point-to-multipoint network makes possible around-the-clock management of the pumps installed at multiple, diversely remote sites, employing wireless data transfer from lift stations to the production office. Unlike conventional pumping systems, operators receive real-time data and immediate notification of shutdowns and alarms. They can, therefore, respond quickly, reducing downtime, increasing production time and positively impacting ROI (return on investment). Fifo’s system offers users a vast improvement over conventional, unmonitored wells where an inactive pump system can lay dormant for days, weeks or even months due to undetected problems.

Data-Linc’s long-range SRM Ethernet modems provide the required range and broad bandwidth that accommodates the powerful MicroLogix 1100 through its Ethernet port providing a robust, reliable network (See Figure 4.)

Figure 4: SCADA System— Point-to-Multipoint With Repeater Network Diagram

In the F1000 units, each Remote SRM Wireless Ethernet modem is connected to a MicroLogix 1100 PLC that controls and monitors the Fifo Strip Well System. Utilizing the Data-Linc SRM modem’s capability in the network allows Fifo the advantages of not only continuous monitoring, but also real-time troubleshooting and up-grade capability as well. The server at the production company can communicate to the end of the farthest strip-well system for every location. Point-to-multipoint communication occurs from the individual customer’s Master to each uniquely identified Remote modem via its IP address. The Master is connected to a computer running Rockwell’s RSLinx software allowing the network direct, virtually real-time linkage to the farthest stripper well in the system and the individual customer’s server, the production company’s server or even at the level of Fifo’s secure dedicated server.

Monitoring the system’s associated storage tank battery fluid level is straightforward. If the battery is near a pumping unit—within approximately 200 feet, cable could also be the preferred method for relaying the fluid level data to the pumping unit’s modem that then transmits the information to the Master. If the tank battery is beyond 200 feet from a pump, an SRM Ethernet radio modem in Repeater/Remote mode can transfer the data to the Master and also function as a Repeater for the pumping unit if required.

The SCADA system allows remote monitoring and control of all the wells and minimizes the need for repairmen to deploy to remote locations. Repair and maintenance responsibilities change from visiting all sites to look for operational problems, to response to specified alerts or problems, saving worker time, site downtime and transportation costs.

Conclusion
The Fifo F1000 system provides a low cost, state of the art solution for marginally producing oil wells in the 1/2 to 3 barrels per day category at a depth of 3000 feet. Utilizing Fifo's system with its secure Internet access, there is maintenance capability for not only the entire system's reclamation operation, but for troubleshooting PLC or RF problems throughout the network as well. The F1000 is the first pumping system in which these capabilities have been offered. (The table above, compares a legacy pumping system and the Fifo F1000 Lift. Despite all its performance advantages and high tech features, Fifo's F1000 Artificial Lift System carries a price that is about half of conventional pumping equipment and can reduce the cost of marginal well production by as much as 75%. Fifo's extraction process design ensures an entire system that economically accesses untapped crude oil remaining in the ground in abandoned stripper wells. It provides standardized units that are cost-effective—they can be quickly deployed for fast installation as well as low cost operation and maintenance. Fifo Technologies has installed over 300 Fl000s employing hundreds of associated modems and PLCs, a testimony to Fifo's motto, "Bringing back American energy independence one well at a time."

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