This presentation will describe economical, pragmatic way to monitor well performance continuously for most types of oil and gas wells, with analysis of Shell's experiences with these systems.  Fluid flow rate estimates are displayed graphically as trends on the user's computer screen, and process alarms flag deviations from the norm.

The main benefits of this approach are safer operations and reduced operating cost - operaters need only visit wells with problems, thus reducing personnel exposure to hazards and eliminating spurious travel and logistics.  Other benefits include increased production becuase early warnings of well problems, better understanding of well behavior, improved allocation accuracy, and improved well testing.