- GE Oil & Gas Centralizes Machine Control, Monitoring and Data Analysis Across ESP Downhole Pumps, SPS Surface Pumps, Drives and Switchboards
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA.---September 6, 2011---GE Oil & Gas (NYSE: GE) announces the launch of the Apollo™ Intelligent Control System, the company's first combined hardware and software package to standardize control interfaces across artificial lift applications. Applicable to GE Oil & Gas low voltage Vector VII and legacy drives, switchboards, soft starts and surface pumping systems, this single-interface-system provides continuity across previously diverse operating platforms.
"Apollo's standardization across product lines makes it a clear leader among other intelligent control solutions," said Gary Ford, president and CEO of GE Oil & Gas' Artificial Lift segment. "Operators now only need to learn one user-friendly system that will enhance expertise, save time, increase motor and pump protection and reduce errors."
The Apollo Intelligent Control System provides advanced machine control by centralizing logic previously split between human machine interfaces (HMI), drives, downhole sensors and other site-control devices. This smart product includes conditional "trigger logic" to automate well-site operations and reduce mechanical as well as electrical issues. By developing complex cause-and-effect limits, operators can program the system to issue warning alerts or initiate automatic shutdowns if the pump's performance curve approaches a fault band.
To ensure users have access to real-time information, Apollo's monitoring software communicates with downhole equipment to gather, display and analyze critical well data. When used with sensors providing intake and discharge pressures, Apollo will plot the pump operating point and provide up-thrust and down-thrust protection. For remote monitoring needs, the Apollo system also includes a SCADA interface compatible with Modbus, Ethernet or serial connections.
A key objective in developing Apollo was to provide an easy-to-use HMI for multiple applications. Apollo's full-color graphical display, keyboard and library of more than 500 resident pump curves now allows operators to see program selections, quickly select pump curves and tag processes with customized names. Custom specifications also can be transferred from one system to another using a USB flash drive.
To date, more than 200 Apollo Intelligent Control Systems have been sold, including field tested units. Current GE Oil & Gas customers using drives or switchboards previously manufactured by Wood Group ESP will be offered the opportunity to convert to Apollo Intelligent Control software using retrofit kits. This upgrade will provide additional functionality and flexibility to earlier machine control systems.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is an advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the world's toughest challenges. Dedicated to innovation in energy, health, transportation and infrastructure, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
GE also serves the energy sector by providing technology and service solutions that are based on a commitment to quality and innovation. The company continues to invest in new technology solutions and grow through strategic acquisitions to strengthen its local presence and better serve customers around the world. The businesses that comprise GE Energy---GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gas---work together with more than 90,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38 billion, to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; as well as other alternative fuels and new grid modernization technologies to meet 21st century energy needs.
Howard Masto
Masto Public Relations
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Ken Darling
Masto Public Relations
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GE news Kristen Saunders
Masto Public Relations
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GE Oil & Gas
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