Advances in automation technology and surveillance software facilitate the monitoring and controlling of complex processes and equipment. Oxy applies these technologies to safely and efficiently operate wells, production facilities and gas plants across extensive geographic areas.
Oxy is deploying the latest automation technology and surveillance software in conjunction with a centralized operating strategy. This combination of technology and operating philosophy is delivering benefits such as lower operating costs, reduced production variability and lost production, improved control of complex enhanced oil recovery operations, extended economic life of fields, reduced health and safety risks for employees and greater proactive monitoring of environmental conditions.
For example, at Oxy's Elk Hills Business Unit in California, the 40,000-square-foot Consolidated Control Facility is at the core of the business units operations and strategy. The facility contains a central control room, collaboration rooms, training and meeting facilities, as well as offices for engineers, technicians, maintenance planners and field management. In the control room, technicians monitor and control production operations, gas compression, gas quality, gas plants and enhanced oil recovery facilities – 24 hours a day.