DEVELOPING AN EXPERT SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING OPTIMAL PUMPING LIFT BASED ON TECHNICAL, FINANCIAL AND COMPONENTS LEVELS

Abstract

Multiple technical and financial criteria are influencing selection of the optimal pumping lift systems (PLS). An expert system (ES) is developed to select the optimal PLS through four phases. Phase 1 screens out the unaccepted PLSs based on expert’s preferences. Phase 2 selects the components of the accepted PLSs according to suppliers’ catalogs and application conditions. Phase 3 is a financial assessment expecting the net present value for the accepted PLSs. Finally, phase 4 uses Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution, TOPSIS, to rank the accepted PLSs. The closest alternative to the positive-ideal solution is the most optimal solution. Therefore, the developed ES generates a comprehensive report about the recommendations with technical and financial justifications.