PipeCom is currently engaged in a major SCADA replacement project with one of the largest refined products pipelines in the U.S. The project involves upgrading the existing SCADA system to AVEVA Enterprise SCADA (OASyS). The goal is to modernize the client’s SCADA infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency, data acquisition, and pipeline control capabilities.
Scope and Objectives
The ongoing project is centered around designing and implementing a new SCADA architecture tailored to meet the client’s specific needs. We are working closely with the client’s internal teams to ensure the system upgrade meets both current operational demands and future scalability requirements.
Key elements of the project include:
- High-Performance HMI Development: We are in the process of designing high-performance displays that comply with API 1165 standards. These displays are being developed to prioritize critical operational data and provide intuitive, easy-to-read interfaces for pipeline operators, reducing cognitive load and improving decision making.
- Database Migration and Optimization: Our team is actively managing the migration of the client’s existing SCADA database to the AVEVA platform. We are focusing on ensuring data integrity and maintaining synchronization across the entire pipeline network, while also optimizing the database to handle real-time data processing and future expansion.
- Measurement Advisor: We developed requirements and database configuration in preparation for the replacement of the legacy measurement system to Measurement Advisor. This integration is expected to provide real-time insights into pipeline performance, 35 helping the client’s improve monitoring and control across its operations.
- Testing and Validation: Currently, rigorous testing and validation processes are underway to ensure that the new system performs at optimal levels. This involves simulating various pipeline conditions and operational scenarios to verify the robustness and reliability of the new SCADA system under a range of conditions.
- Challenges and Mitigations: One of the main challenges in the ongoing project is managing the system migration without causing operational downtime, as the client’s pipeline is a critical piece of infrastructure. To mitigate this, we are implementing a phased deployment strategy, ensuring that portions of the legacy SCADA system remain operational while new elements are brought online. Redundant systems are also being used to provide backup during the transition period, minimizing risk and maintaining continuous pipeline operations.
Projected Outcomes:
Upon completion, the upgraded AVEVA Enterprise SCADA system is expected to deliver:
- Real-time pipeline monitoring and control, with improved visualization of operational data across the client’s extensive pipeline network.
- Enhanced operational safety through advanced alarm management, situational awareness, and leak detection capabilities.
- Operational efficiency improvements, reducing operator workload while increasing the speed and accuracy of critical decisions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the SCADA replacement project for one of the largest refined products pipelines in the U.S. is a significant undertaking that promises to transform our client’s operational capabilities. By upgrading to the AVEVA Enterprise SCADA system, we are not only modernizing an essential aspect of their infrastructure but also setting the stage for enhanced efficiency, safety, and scalability.
Our collaborative approach with the client’s internal teams ensures that the new system is tailored precisely to their needs, while the careful design of high-performance HMIs and effective database migration prioritizes both usability and data integrity. As we navigate the challenges of system migration, our phased deployment strategy exemplifies our commitment to maintaining uninterrupted pipeline operations.
Looking ahead, we anticipate that the successful implementation of this state-of-the-art SCADA system will significantly improve real-time monitoring and control, operational safety, and overall efficiency. We are excited to continue our journey toward delivering exceptional outcomes for our client and reaffirm our dedication to driving innovation within the pipeline industry.