Complete Multiplatform Networking Integration in a Petroleum Research Environment

The Tulsa U. Fluid Flow Projects (TUFFP) is an industry/university research consortium established in 1973 to investigate multiphase flow in pipes for the petroleum industry. Currently, TUFFP maintains three types of computing power: HP/Apollo UNIX-based workstations, Apple Macintoshes, and AT-class IBM PC's and compatibles. The PC's, and more recently the Macintoshes, are used for data acquisition in experimental research facilities. The data are then transferred to HP/Apollo workstations for analysis and future simulation. The results from the workstation analysis are then ported to the Macintosh system for further graphical analysis in the form of plots and for report generation. This paper describes the current TUFFP computer network is a state-of-the-art and user-friendly system. Users require no prior knowledge of networking protocol and can transfer files among many computers in the network. Researchers can then concentrate on their research without checking hardware connections and learning software communication commands. Moreover, the new network can accommodate growth and change as new needs are introduced and the user population increases.