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The APPEA Journal The APPEA Journal Society
Journal of Australian Energy Producers
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Non peer reviewed)

Integrating an automated SCADA system with well management: a successful approach

Melodi Kaya A , Brandon McCowan A and Remzi Kaya A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

CS Gas Pty Ltd.

The APPEA Journal 55(2) 482-482 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ14117
Published: 2015

Abstract

A well-designed SCADA system finds the middle ground between effectively using the latest advances in technology and drawing on the experience of well operators in optimising production from individual wells. Well management methodologies developed and adopted across time by the field operators can be overlooked in the process of designing a SCADA system as the control philosophy of the system is built on a rudimentary understanding of the operation and often does not allow for the subtle nuances that are part of a well operator’s daily interaction with a well. One main challenge in designing a system is to capture the art of well optimisation.

It is also important that an effective automated SCADA system meets the needs of other relevant stakeholders in the organisation, such as reservoir engineers, supervisors and business managers. This holistic approach to the design ensures that the data set gathered, which most business decisions will be based on, is uniform across all areas of the company.

This extended abstract describes the experience of integrating an automated SCADA system while incorporating successful well management methodologies for leading Australian CSG operators. It outlines the systematic approach to understanding all aspects of well operation and optimisation, using that information to select hardware and software platforms and then implementing and using the system.

Melodi Kaya is a process engineer with a BSc in chemical engineering, who has experience in aspects of process modelling, equipment sizing and proposal documents preparation. She has been working on CSG projects for the last two years, providing process engineering design input to detailed design of CSG pilot well facilities, including retrospective process hazard analysis of existing gas plant, field well sites and water treatment facilities. Melodi’s other skills include project engineering with an analytical approach to her work and teamwork skills that provide an understanding of how to achieve a common goal as a team. Member: SPE.

Brandon McCowan has been involved in the coal bed methane and coal mine methane in Australia and overseas for 15 years. He is now a consultant for CS GAS and Select Energy across multiple disciplines in the CSG industry. He is a non-executive director for multiple industry service companies specialising in EPC services, PLC and SCADA software supply, skilled labour hire and consulting.

Remzi Kaya has a BSc in petroleum and natural gas engineering. He has worked as drilling and production operations engineer, drilling fluids engineer, reservoir engineer and field services engineer in Turkey, Russia and the Caspian Sea region. He provides a sound knowledge of industry practices and considers safety, quality and efficiency in the CSG industry. Remzi offers conventional oilfield experience in developing effective site installation plans to manage field rollout, commissioning and maintenance projects. Member: SPE and Chamber of Petroleum Engineers (PMO), Turkey.