This paper describes the current systems that are being developed and used in the petroleum production industry with processors and electronics that are currently available to the designer for production controls. It highlights the transition from mechanical to the initial attempt at electronics through the discreet systems of operation to the current designs that are providing a complete integrated overview of the well and its requirements to produce.

This paper discusses the ability of various operating and production philosophies to now be developed into actual working systems of specified formats and yet yield varied results due to those concepts that are applied. The truly innovative approach has now a means of becoming a reality in the processor based system. The overview of the current concepts is evaluated to show its current merit in today's need for efficient and truly effective stand-alone production systems.

Keywords:
upstream oil & gas, valve, artificial lift system, operation, application, gathering system, controller, liquid slug, slug, comprehensive processor-based system
Subjects:
Artificial Lift Systems, Well & Reservoir Surveillance and Monitoring, Improved and Enhanced Recovery, Plunger lift, Completion Installation and Operations
Copyright 1992, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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