Data-Linc Group Wireless Technology Selected For Next Generation Stripper Well Oil Recovery System
October 10, 2006- Bellevue, WA- Fifo Technologies, Inc (www.fifoenergy.com) has chosen Data-Linc Group (www.data-linc.com) wireless modems to create a wireless SCADA system for Fifo's innovative stripper well oil recovery system. Fifo Technologies provides the well head equipment, Rockwell Automation supplies the Micrologix(TM) 1100 PLCs, drives, PanelView(TM) terminals and RSLinx®/RSView® SCADA software. Data-Linc supplies its economical, high performance PlantLinc(TM) PLR5000 Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum modems to provide highly reliable monitoring and control of Fifo's equipment and the oil wells' performance.
Charles Ice, founder and President of Fifo Technologies, Inc., recognized several years ago the significant energy resources available from abandoned oil wells in the US. Literally hundreds of thousands of wells are inactive due to historical low price of oil and high cost of jack pump systems. Mr. Ice saw an opportunity to develop a low-cost alternative to the traditional jack pump. His vision was to develop a pumping system low enough in cost (initial and maintenance) that would convert these dormant wells into oil producers, allowing the United States to be less dependent upon foreign producers. With the cost of oil skyrocketing, the economics of re-activating these abandoned wells with a low cost pumping system was very attractive.
As Mr. Ice examined the requirements for a lower cost pumping system for low-yield wells, he realized that wireless communications is a key technology to leverage. Remote telemetry to the stripper wells would provide significantly better operation by the 24/7/365 monitoring of each well site. Well shutdowns and alarms would be reported immediately thus resulting in quicker repair and maximum production output. This would be a vast improvement over conventional, un-monitored wells where an inactive pump system may lay dormant for days, weeks or even months. An online remote monitoring system would effectively allow an oil producer technician to monitor 100 to 150 well sites. Wireless technologies are essential for making the remote telemetry system economical. By eliminating the installation of communication cables between the well pumps and storage tanks, and avoiding leasing telephone lines to the producer's office, the telemetry system would be very cost effective and would maximize production.
When Mr. Ice first investigated wireless technologies, he was interested in testing units with his pump station design. He contacted Data-Linc Group, a Rockwell Automation Encompass Partner, and found them very supportive in providing technical information and wireless modems for testing. "While researching wireless radios for our new oil recovery system, I needed a company who could provide a very reliable radio in a small form factor to meet my packaging needs. I chose Data-Linc Group because of their product line, form factor, support and because the radios simply work," he stated.
Mr. Ice also realized that since The Reynolds Electric Company (TRC) of Dallas, Texas (reynolsonline.com) is the local distributor for both Data-Linc Group and Rockwell Automation, he could purchase all the major components from one local source with technical support including logistics.
Each PLR5000 Wireless Serial Remote is connected to a Micrologix 1100 PLC which controls and monitors the Fifo Strip Well System. A PLR5000 is used as a Repeater at the storage battery to communicate with the PLR5000 Master located at the production company. The Master PLR5000 is serially connected to a computer running RSLinx and RSView for real time monitoring. The entire system is easily deployed and standardized for straightforward and low cost operation. Fifo Technologies has deployed over forty systems which are performing beyond expectations. Mr. Ice is forecasting sales of at least 5,000 of his pump stations over the next three years.
About Data-Linc Group
Founded in 1988, Data-Linc Group is the leading provider of industrial data communication solutions. Data-Linc designs and manufactures high performance, superior quality modems for a broad range of industrial applications. Their complete line of industrial grade modems and networking products consistently provide reliable, robust data communications even in the most demanding environments. For more information, please visit www.data-linc.com or call (425) 882-2206.
About Fifo Technologies, Inc.
Fifo Technologies, Inc. provides new technologies to the marginal or "Stripper" oil well industry. Fifo accomplishes this with the use of decades of engineering experience and manufacturing using state of the art materials and components. Fifo Technologies is committed to the industry and to it's customers to provide the best and most profitable solutions to the marginal oil well business.
About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK), is a leading global provider of automation, power, control, and information systems and services that help manufacturers achieve a competitive advantage in their businesses. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., the company employs about 21,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.
