Not All RTUs Are The Same
The distinguishing feature of the remote gas well RTU is a "gas flow computer". This is essentially a sophiscated subprogram or flow computer algorithm. The oil well RTU is much less complex since liquid oil flow metering is simpler. In the case of electrical utility RTU, there is a critical need for precise event time monitoring so that the first breaker to trip (closest to the fault) can be determined. As these sites are remote such that utility electrical power is rarely available, the RTUs must be powered by an array of solar panels plus batteries. The batteries enable the RTU to continue to function when the sun is below the horizon or is obscured by heavy cloud cover. These RTUs also must be extremely rugged and energy efficient, i.e., must function to −35 °C. Energy efficient RTUs vastly reduce the cost of the solar battery system especially at higher latitudes.
Read more about this topic: Oil And Gas Industry Metering And Control System