Electronic Equipment Provides Pipeline Monitoring and Protection: Applications and Limitations

Background: Line break controls developed to date have provided the Pipeline Industry with the best protection available with proven and available technologies. There have been shortcomings in line break control due to various factors including; lack of accurate pressure history at the valve sites creating uncertainty for proper set points and limitations in the flexibility of mechanical systems. Safety: Providing pipeline safety through a line break detection system is critically important for the protection of people, property, and the environment. Safer procedures are available through continuous pipeline monitoring. Application of new technology: Increased availability of “smart” pressure sensors offers a greater degree of accuracy and control. Real time communication for data collection and system configuration (operating data, alarm status and settings, valve status) or remote operation (valve closures or line break override) provides increased control over pipeline operations. Real time information allows continuous monitoring and control. This can be provided through commercially available networks, hence providing economical and reliable methods of communication. Data acquisition through Windows based software allows the user to accumulate, sort, and analyze the data. Overview: Industry requires the ability to monitor pipeline pressures and pipeline rate of pressure change. Industry requires accuracy, reliability, and real time access for controlling valves, while minimizing the occurrences of false valve closures. The pipeline and gas transmission industry is growing, with increasing demands for safe, reliable, and efficient operating systems. New technologies are capable of providing solutions for the Pipeline Industry’s needs. Solutions: A self-contained electronic system, purpose built for the gas pipeline industry is available. The equipment continuously monitors the pipeline, measures pipeline pressures, and calculates pressure changes so that, in the case of a pipeline failure, a command is sent to the actuator to stroke the valve to the fail safe position. The equipment is accessible locally or remotely via SCADA or telemetry to acquire and analyze pipeline conditions on a real time basis, and control the actuator. The equipment is low power consumption suitable for external line power, or is available with solar panels and rechargeable batteries. The equipment continuously gathers information and provides history for pipeline operators. This allows the optimization of set points, with time delays and averaging, to minimize false trips. Windows based software enables ease of use. Owner can set alarm parameters that are protected through password authorization. Summary: Electronic Linebreak Detection Systems are able to provide the flexibility, reliability and responsiveness necessary to meet the growing safety and efficiency demands of the Pipeline Industry. Current technology provides this capability.