Pneumatic Controllers in Upstream Oil and Gas

Abstract

Summary Process-control engineering is a fairly narrow field of study that has used inconsistent terminology among practitioners. Natural-gas-actuated pneumatic-control equipment has recently become a focus area for regulators trying to reduce the quantity of actual pollutants and greenhouse gases released to the atmosphere. The historical use of inconsistent key terms by experts has led to regulations that are at odds with the realities of existing equipment. The intention of this paper is to begin development of a rigorous set of terms and operational classifications that can help create a framework of knowledge consistent with how this equipment functions. Standardization of terminology has benefits for operators, manufacturers, and regulators alike.