When artificial lift fails, it costs the operator not just lost production but also the outlay for repair and intervention. Wellhead controllers aim to keep enhanced oil recovery operations humming along smoothly
Wellhead controllers could boost enhanced oil recovery ( EOR ) operations by affording local control and equipment protection at the well site . Mechanical failure is one of the major issues in recovery operations and an artificial lift controller would be called upon to prevent damage to the pump , according to Luis Garcia , Rockwell International 's oil and gas market development manager . Another key feature of wellhead controllers , such as BP 's OptiLift , is the capacity to safely shut down a system to avoid a mechanical failure .