PSI provides a complete, integrated pipeline management system which is based upon a standard and modular SCADA system, PSIControl, which has been specifically developed for the monitoring and control of pipelines. Numerous application modules have been developed which can be classified into four categories:
- Basic functions (e.g. dynamic model; batch tracking; offline simulation)
- Modules to ensure safe and secure pipeline operation (e.g. leak monitoring; stress cycle calculation; predictive simulate; training system)
- Modules to support product quality management (e.g. density monitoring)
- Modules to optimise pipeline operation (e.g. pump optimisation; what-if simulation)
Most of these modules use advanced hydraulic simulation techniques which, although not always visible, run in the background to ensure that all necessary information is supplied to run the application.
This highly available and reliable system has been developed to guarantee that the strict requirements for the transportation of liquids are met. The liquids concerned may be crude oil, liquefied gas, petrochemical products, water and other liquid products.
PSIControl SCADA has been designed to meet the requirements of very large and complex pipeline networks but is very flexible and scalable to meet the demands of less extensive systems. In large, long established networks PSI recognises that there may be legacy hardware such as PLC/RTUs from many automation equipment suppliers and therefore PSIcontrol can be used as a supervisory system for PLC/RTUs of diverse origin, brought together into a single system.
Features of the pipeline management system include: special procedures and technologies for the detection and localisation of leaks; look-ahead simulation to enable early identification of critical operational situations; a testing and training system based upon real process situations; a planning system for the operation of oil pipelines and tank farms (tanker unloading processes, pumping processes, deliveries to output terminals); short term and long term scheduling; energy optimisation.
The system features a discreet client concept which, combined with an authorisation protocol ensures complete access protection for data held in the system and the PSI server platform which is constructed upon parallel architecture with high redundancy levels ensures outstanding availability.
PSI software is developed to run on any combination of MS Windows, Linux and UNIX and utilises a standard Oracle database for data storage.
Very flexible navigation options and display construction in various languages ensure high levels of operator usability.
