By Zack Munk DENVER-The evolution of oil and gas operations from single wells to complex multiwell pads is driving a need for modular, scalable control system architectures to accommodate production management. In the relentless drive for efficiency and reserves recovery, producers routinely are placing 10 or more wells on one pad, and in some cases, a single pad may contain more than 50 wells. Pad development not only increases production and recovery rates, but creates entirely new production opportunities in unconventional areas, and enables oil and gas producers to reduce operational footprints. However, for all the benefits multiwell pads bring to resource plays, the major increase in operational size and scope also creates new challenges. The higher density of multiple wells on a single pad increases the amount and types of equipment required on site, and results in much greater data and control requirements. SEPTEMBER 2016 37