This paper describes an adaptive process which could be applied to the process which could be applied to the problem of delivery scheduling from gas problem of delivery scheduling from gas storage fields. Conceptually, the general problem is viewed as one of operating a system to fulfill specified requirements. A specific example is that of scheduling withdrawals from gas storage fields according to a forecasted schedule based on forecasted demand and peak day requirements. Interruptions peak day requirements. Interruptions or alterations in the planned schedule require an operating response and a technique for determining the optimum response. This paper presents a method that can serve as a tool applicable to the delivery prediction aspect of the scheduling problem.
The control of systems through adaptive control process methods is gaining in scope and application. A synthesis of computer and mathematics has evolved heuristic techniques which permit the "law" governing the permit the "law" governing the optimization of a system to be abstracted. Applications include continental air defense, automobile traffic control, airline traffic control, fire control and long range missile control.
In order to optimize a system, a function must be developed which can be maximized or minimized in accordance with an objective. This function can include two classes of parameters. one class describes the dynamics of a physical system. The other class can be physical system. The other class can be considered external to the system but capable of influencing it.
Of particular interest to reservoir engineers is the problem of scheduling offtakes from a number of gas storage fields. In this case the external parameters are the demand schedule and the parameters are the demand schedule and the peak day requirement. peak day requirement.
