Autonomous Pipeline Control for Faster Set-Point Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional SCADA systems for pipeline, LNG plant, Gas Plant, refinery, and offshore oil and gas platform operations face challenges such as delayed control actions, manual burden on operators, and increased risk of errors due to the complexity and length of pipeline systems.
Innovation Solution
The system and method described provide autonomous operation by automatically calculating optimal control actions to achieve desired flow rate targets in pipeline systems, reducing manual operations, and incorporating fully dynamic models to predict operating conditions and maintain safe pressure ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual control operations are used in conventional SCADA systems, then operators can control pipeline facilities, but operator burden increases and error risk increases due to system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-service by automatically generating control actions and sequences without requiring manual operator intervention. The system monitors facility conditions, determines optimal control strategies, and executes commands autonomously, allowing the system to manage itself rather than relying on continuous human operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control operations with an automated electronic control system. The computer-based control system substitutes human operators in performing control tasks, using software algorithms and automated decision-making logic to replace manual monitoring and control actions.
2Speed
If manual control actions are taken in complex pipeline systems, then control decisions can be made, but response time is delayed due to the complexity and length of pipeline systems
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-service by automatically generating control actions and sequences without requiring manual operator intervention. The system monitors facility conditions, determines optimal control strategies, and executes commands autonomously, allowing the system to manage itself rather than relying on continuous human operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system acts as an intermediary between sensor inputs and actuator outputs, processing information and making control decisions without human intervention. This intermediary system bridges the gap between system state monitoring and control action execution, enabling faster response than manual operations.
3Productivity
If autonomous operation is implemented, then operator burden is reduced and response time improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs multiple functions within a single integrated platform: monitoring facility conditions, analyzing data, generating control strategies, sequencing operations, and executing commands. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into one universal control platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges monitoring, analysis, decision-making, and control execution functions into a single integrated automated control system. By combining these previously separate operations into one unified system, the patent achieves autonomous operation while managing complexity through integration rather than proliferation of separate components.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a system and method for supervisory management of fluid pipeline/LNG plant/gas plant/refinery/offshore oil and gas platform allowing simultaneous execution of commands at all control points, significantly increasing the speed at which an optimal set-point can be achieved in comparison to manual entry of commands. The pipeline/LNG plant/gas plant/refinery/offshore oil and gas platform control system has a cascade control configuration that can operate in conjunction with existing pipeline/LNG plant/gas plant/refinery/offshore oil and gas platform protection systems. The control room operator can activate automatic operation via the supervisory management system, and can subsequently command that the system switch back to manual control instantaneously. Dynamic models predict operating conditions of pipeline/LNG plant/gas plant/refinery/offshore oil and gas platform processes subject to constraints on pressure and other operating parameters. A steady-state optimization layer, operating in conjunction with real-time control, determines optimal states without operator intervention.