Expert Witness Forensic Engineer Industrial Controls Automation New Orleans
Arthur Zatarain
Oil & Gas
Control, Power, and Safety Systems
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Arthur Zatarain's  engineering and executive career has always been closely tied to the oil and gas industry. After starting with an oilfield service contractor, Arthur was recruited by Shell Offshore during the late 70's boom in the Gulf of Mexico. He started Dataran Engineering in 1980 to provide "hands-on" design and field service to a variety of major and independent producers. This work involved design and fabrication for electrical and instrumentation, quarters buildings, heliports, packaged equipment, and automated control systems.

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Arthur remained active in the worldwide O&G industry after Dataran was acquired by TEST Automation & Controls in 1980. In addition to furthering the work done by Dataran, TEST's scope expanded to encompass generator packages, control buildings, and complete I&E projects for both onshore and offshore projects worldwide. Extensive experience was also gained in oilfield telemetry with the SCADAware product line that is among the first SCADA systems based on personal computer technology. 

Arthur's scope further expanded after TEST became part of Weatherford, and later Natco, broadening his exposure to every aspect of oilfield drilling and production equipment. The equipment included not only traditional I&E projects, but also "packaged automation" systems for water treating, chemical injection, process equipment, and BOP hydraulic power and control. After Arthur retired from TEST in 2008, the company became part of Cameron Flow Control.

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Arthur's 30+ years in the oilfield saw many changes in both equipment and its controls. The older engine-driven pneumatic and hydraulic systems became replaced by electrically powered equipment, and later controlled by PLC and computer control systems. The experience gained during the industry's radical evolution was obtained in O&G markets worldwide. With the industry's increased requirement for reliability and safety, Arthur's deep and wide experience is now more valuable than ever.

Arthur has provided design, management, and forensic engineering services for accidents and patents related to onshore and offshore oil & gas. Sample engagmeents for drilling and production include:

 

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