Tecpetrol Cuts Maintenance Costs 62% and Boosts Production with Emerson Smart Wireless Technology

Emerson Process Management’s Smart Wireless technology, built on the IEC 62591 (WirelessHART) standard, has enabled Tecpetrol to increase natural‑gas output while slashing maintenance and supervisory‑control expenses across its Argentine compression and delivery facilities.

“With improved data for measurement and control, we’ve generated an extra $4 million in natural gas, reduced maintenance costs by 62 percent, and cut supervisory‑control costs by 35 percent,” said Odin Fernández, Tecpetrol’s production manager.

Tecpetrol first deployed Smart Wireless in early 2009 to monitor gas venting, comply with environmental rules, track third‑party sales, and perform AGA3 calculations essential for facility economics.

The rollout began with Emerson Rosemount wireless pressure, differential‑pressure, and temperature transmitters at wellheads in the Campo Duran field. Smart Wireless Gateways captured real‑time data and streamed it to the company’s DeltaV digital automation platform. A Daniel ultrasonic flow meter, used for custody‑transfer measurements, cross‑checked the wireless data for quality control, while a ROC flow computer monitored remote points across the architecture.

Seeing the initial success, Tecpetrol expanded the network to the Aguarague Field, giving operators access to previously unavailable data and eliminating manual gauge readings.

“Employee safety has improved, and we’ve cut field trips by 15 percent, reducing human error,” Fernández noted. “Operators can now diagnose and monitor plant processes remotely, enabling better time management and higher efficiency.”

Smart Wireless installation cost $120,000 less than a wired alternative, which would have been difficult to deploy amid densely packed piping and rotating equipment. “The devices were easy to install and fully operational within a day,” Fernández added. “The network has been running smoothly ever since.”

Tecpetrol plans to extend wireless technology to additional facilities, further enhancing control, safety, and productivity.

About Emerson Process Management
Emerson Process Management, an Emerson business, leads the industry in automating production, processing, and distribution for sectors including chemical, oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, power, water and wastewater treatment, mining and metals, food and beverage, and life sciences. The company combines advanced products and technology with industry‑specific engineering, consulting, project management, and maintenance services. Its brands include PlantWeb, Syncade, DeltaV, Fisher, Micro Motion, Rosemount, Daniel, Ovation, and AMS Suite.