Y2K embedded device issues in the oilpatch

Information on the background of the year 2000 (Y2K) problem in process control systems in the oil and gas industry was presented. The problem, which stems from a date related malfunction, could result in a series of computer failures. Examples of the type of failures that process control devices at an electricity generating plant may experience as a result of the date change to the year 2000 ( rollover, leap year, special codes) were illustrated. The benefits of a shared process across the industry for testing and evaluating the potential for failure were stressed. As a general methodology for solving Y2K problems, an inventory should be taken to identify all items that may have date related aspects and to plan a strategy for remediation. The 'JumpStart' database has been developed as a tool for sharing information and to help businesses to move quickly through the assessment strategy phase of their Y2K projects. At present, this database contains over 41,000 separate items from over 5000 manufacturers. Since the beginning of collecting data for this database only 10 to 15 per cent of the devices showed any type of date-related failure, and only one to five per cent of these was a critical failure. Several examples of how devices fail are provided. 1 fig