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. Pump failure is one of the major issues in EOR operations and an artificial lift controller would be called upon to prevent damage to the pump, according to Luis Gamboa, Rockwell Automation's oil and gas market development manager. Another key function of wellhead controllers, such as Rockwell's OptiLift, is the capacity to safely shut down a system to avoid a mechanical failure.