Pipeline control reliably maintained by programmable controllers
Just outside of Houston, TX, Enterprise Products operates a pipeline through almost 150 miles of rural countryside, taking the product to Lake Charles, LA. Pumping stations, which are unattended, are located 25 and 100 miles from the control room. Operators supervise pipeline operations using programmable controllers at the pumping stations and a touch-sensitive color monitor system in the control room. The programmable touch control center provides the operator with a window to the process, enabling him to monitor the pipeline in the control room near the plant. It communicates with the programmable controller installed at each pumping station. Remote communication is accomplished with a telephone modem that is connected to a communications port. At the control center, a continuously updated trend display on the monitor screen displays suction and discharge pressure at the pumping station. Operators can turn a pump on or off by touching the appropriate graphic on the screen. A confirm and cancel button ensures that no action is taken if someone accidentally touches the screen. The center generates documentation of the process. Every hour, it polls the station controller to report pressures at the pumps. This information is sent to a printer in the control room, providing the documentation required by the Department of Transportation to monitor interstate pipeline operations. The control system's automatic documentation replaces tedious paperwork and reduces human error. Status changes and alarm situations are also monitored. If an alarm situation occurs, the system sounds a horn and displays the pumping station where the problem exists. A flashing message on the screen alerts the technician to the alarm. Detailed information regarding the problem is also transmitted to a printer.
- Research Organization:
- Enterprise Products Co., Mon Belvieu, TX
- OSTI ID:
- 5442174
- Journal Information:
- Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States) Vol. 48:8; ISSN CHPCA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
022000* -- Petroleum-- Transport
Handling
& Storage
03 NATURAL GAS
032000 -- Natural Gas-- Transport
Handling
& Storage
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
CONTROL SYSTEMS
ENERGY SOURCES
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
NATURAL GAS
PERFORMANCE
PETROLEUM
PIPELINES
PUMPING