Case Study: Shell achieves optimized shale production on time and on budget with Honeywell automation

Shell Drive Shale Devlopment with Advanced Automation Solutions from Honeywell

Shell, operating shale assets in the Neuquén region of Argentina (Sierras Blancas/Cruz de Lorena EPF), needed to deliver an early production facility in a remote location on a tight schedule while cutting capital costs, de‑risking execution, meeting compliance requirements and gaining real‑time visibility for ongoing optimization. Shell selected Honeywell as the Integrated Main Automation Contractor to provide automation, telecommunications and security solutions, including Experion PKS DCS, Safety Manager SIS, ControlEdge RTUs and Honeywell’s DVM CCTV and XLS‑3000 fire systems.

Honeywell delivered a digitized Integrated Control and Safety System—Experion PKS with C300 controllers, SIL3 Safety Manager, four ControlEdge RTU skids, 300 wired I/O and 5,000 SCADA points at the EPF, plus extensive field instrumentation and cameras—enabling remote operations and faster commissioning. The project was completed on time and on budget; Honeywell’s solution increased throughput and condensate recovery, unified safety and automation for real‑time optimization, and allowed Shell to scale the EPF and well pads to full production with lower capital expense and reduced operational risk.

Shell