Pipeline Supervisory Control for Faster Set-Point Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional SCADA systems in oil and gas midstream facilities face challenges in efficiently and safely managing fluid pipeline operations due to delays in control actions affecting multiple points in the pipeline, laborious manual processes, and increased risk of errors from operator fatigue or inexperience, which can lead to unsafe and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control system that automatically calculates and executes optimal control actions to maintain desired flow rates across pipeline systems, reducing manual interventions and incorporating fully dynamic models to predict and respond to operational conditions, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual control processes are used by operators, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but operator burden increases and error risk rises due to fatigue and inexperience
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-service by automatically calculating optimal set-points and executing control actions without continuous human intervention. The system monitors pipeline conditions, predicts optimal operating parameters, and adjusts equipment automatically, freeing operators from repetitive manual tasks while maintaining reliable and safe operations through consistent automated control.
2Productivity
If control actions are taken at one point in the pipeline, then local conditions can be adjusted, but delays occur in affecting other points in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by predicting future pipeline conditions and calculating optimal set-points in advance. Using dynamic models, the system anticipates how control actions at one location will propagate through the pipeline network, allowing operators to take preemptive control measures that account for transmission delays, thereby improving overall control response effectiveness without wasting time.
3Productivity
If more pump/compressor stations are added to increase flow capacity, then productivity increases, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system optimizes existing pump/compressor stations by dynamically adjusting operational parameters such as speed, pressure set-points, and flow rates. Through advanced control algorithms and real-time monitoring, the system maximizes the productivity of existing infrastructure, achieving increased flow capacity without adding new equipment, thereby avoiding increased system complexity and capital costs.
Data Source
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.