Leak detection system upgrades Cochin pipeline
- Amoco Petroleum Co., Edmonton, Alberta (Canada)
- Modisette Associates, Inc., Houston, TX (United States)
Amoco Canada`s Cochin pipeline system consists of 1,900 miles of 12-inch pipeline, 31 pump stations, eight injection/delivery stations and five propane terminals. It originates just northeast of Edmonton and crosses into the US in North Dakota, runs south of Lake Michigan, turns northeast to pass through Detroit and terminates in Sarnia, Ontario. In 1991, it was decided to significantly upgrade facilities for operating the Cochin pipeline. The control center hardware was obsolete, including parts and components no longer available. Also, SCADA and modeling software was no longer supported by outside vendors or consultants and there was only limited in-house support available. The land-based communications system was unreliable and expensive. Goals for the upgrade project included maintaining (improving) reliability and minimizing operating risks. Amoco Canada wanted to ensure reliable operations and support, provide reliable and effective leak detection, establish dependable communications, have the capability to respond to market additions or changes and maintain customer and regulatory confidence. Another important goal was to minimize operating costs. Specifically, methods were sought to minimize power costs, communications expense and support and maintenance expenditures while eliminating non-productive work. This paper reviews the resulting design and performance of this system.
- OSTI ID:
- 242265
- Journal Information:
- Pipeline and Gas Journal, Vol. 223, Issue 2; Other Information: PBD: Feb 1996
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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