Technology/R&D

Securing Open SCADA Systems for Pipeline Operations

Traditional SCADA systems used pipeline operational control are vulnerable in at least three main areas: operational information, production data and control logic. The more openly this data flows, the more cost-effectively the plant can be run, so there is much to be gained by securing the data exchange.

Preparing Pipelines for Successful In-Line Inspection

Gauge pigs provide insight into some conditions inside the pipe, but not all of them. They’re not intended to measure pipeline cleanliness or indicate if debris has built up to the point that it will impair the inspections tool’s data-gathering capabilities.

Pipeline Digs Get Assist From PMO

Performing direct assessments to verify a pipeline’s MAOP is not new, but as federal regulations become more stringent, the volume of digs will increase significantly, and operators need to keep up with the pace.

More Skin in the Game: New Technology to Find, Fix Leaks

Technology has not only helped re-energize the natural gas sector of the global energy economy, but also led to safety advancements, such as methane-detection systems continuously monitor and alert operators to a significant leak.

Making Simple Smart and Smart Simple: Cost-Effective, Low-Risk Pipeline Inspection

Three brief case studies highlight the challenge, solution and outcome where innovative pigging solutions have been successfully deployed to meet major offshore operator’s requirements.

Introduction to Vibration-Based Leak Detection Technology

There are various technologies available in the market for pipeline leak detection and loss monitoring. While leak detection system cannot reduce the probability of a leak, using the appropriate system for a pipeline can significantly reduce the risk of a leak and rupture.

In-Line Inspection of Low-Pressure, Low-Flow Gas Pipelines

Maintaining control of an In-Line Inspection (ILI) tool’s speed is one of the most critical elements in successfully assessing the condition of a pipeline. Success is defined as receiving an intact tool at the conclusion of the inspection and acquiring data of sufficient quality to achieve the vendor’s sizing and accuracy specifications.

Embedding Operating Procedures in Pipeline SCADA

The pipeline SCADA operator has one of the most critical jobs in the industry and should be given all the help available to keep pipelines safe and operational. To this end, more than 25 years ago, a major oil company determined that SCADA-embedded operating procedures and safety features were needed.

Accessible Pipeline Data Becomes Focal Point of Safety

Many of the world’s most vulnerable pipelines are in developed and municipal areas, where it can be difficult to locate miles of gas pipelines in these regions. And where locations exist, the data may not be in an easily retrievable and shareable format.

Tallgrass Energy Announces Seahorse Pipeline Open Season

Tallgrass Energy announced an open season soliciting binding shipper commitments for crude oil transportation service on Seahorse Pipeline , a proposed 700-miles project with the capacity to transport up to 800,000 bpd from Cushing to the Louisiana coast.

Enbridge, Baker Hughes Partner on Enhanced Inspection for Pipeline Safety

Enbridge and G.E. company Baker Hughes launched testing of new, ultrasonic phased array pipeline inspection tool sensors designed to enhance accuracy and identification of crack features and to deliver greater detail on the condition of a pipeline.

Innovation, Technology Reshape North Dakota’s Bakken Shale

The Bakken was strewn with casualties before the turnaround, but billionaire oil pioneer Harold Hamm and his teams at Continental Energy Resources Corp. saw opportunities to create better mousetraps in exploring and producing oil and natural gas.

New Frack Pump Reduces Maintenance Costs

The SPM® QEM 3000 Frac Pump was designed to withstand the most punishing pressure pumping operations, including continuous duty at a sustained maximum 275,000-pound rod load.

Matrox

Matrox® Imaging is introducing series of updates to the Matrox Supersight Solo high-performance computing (HPC) platform, including a new system host board (SHB) that improves computing performance.

Larson Electronics

Larson Electronics released an explosion-proof hydrocarbon gas sensor with a Class I, Division 1 and 2 (Groups B, C, D) rating for combustible environments. The device is used to test and monitor levels of toxic gas in the air.

Honeywell

Honeywell's hands-free, wearable, connected plant technology features a head-mounted visual display that responds to voice and brings live data, documents, work procedures and health and safety information into view.

Siemens

Siemens has partnered with Newgate Instruments to introduce the JT400 Multivariable Gas Transmitter (MVG), an ultra-low power device custom-tailored for midstream and upstream gas production.

Instrument Simplifies Flow Data Control in Oil and Gas Operations

The Thermo Scientific AutoXP flow computer incorporates the functionality of a smart multi-variable transmitter in a single unit to simplify the generation, management and interpretation gas and liquids flow data in harsh operating environments.

Platform Simulates Pipeline Network

Elsyca V-PIMS is a graphical simulation platform for the integrity management of pipeline networks with respect to external corrosion. The platform simulates and visualizes the CP health status of the entire network based on known design information.

Chinese Pipeline Selects Rotork ELB for Increased Line Break Safety

The Rotork Electronic Line Break (ELB) is a self-contained system that continuously monitors pipeline pressure dynamics to provide early detection of pipeline breaks and initiate automatic valve actuator movement to a pre-selected emergency position.

Real-Time Views of Measurement for Performing Data Analytics

When everyone in your operation has data properly contextualized for their role, there is a significant impact on each person’s ability to determine what actions are required. When this happens in real-time, decisions can be made now vs. reactively making decisions after events have passed.

Mobile Technology Takes Pipeline Data to the Cloud

For decades, collecting, evaluating and maintaining data has been done with old-school tools and methods that make data acquisition expensive. Thanks to smartphones, tablets and the cloud, some pipeline services companies are finding there are better methods available.

Closer Look at Flammability, Inerting of Complex Hydrocarbon Mixtures

In the lifetime of oil and gas pipelines there are numerous events that could pose the potential of an explosion hazard. In case of air purging, flammable mixtures are created in pipelines in an uncontrolled manner. This article covers basic flammability and inerting principles and applications of mobile nitrogen unit technology has been proven safer than air purging while maintaining high operational flexibility.

Allseas Touches Down with Sonardyne Dual-GyroUSBL’s on Lorelay Stinger

Offshore pipeline installation and subsea construction company Allseas is taking advantage of the operational benefits available from Sonardyne International’s GyroUSBL acoustic positioning technology, following an order for two systems for its 236-meterlay vessel, Lorelay.

Roadmap to Future Energy Infrastructure

A “new energy realism” based on advancing technologies is replacing “old energy pessimism” as government and industry leaders collaborate on future energy infrastructure.

Caterpillar

Engineered for reliable production on the most challenging job-sites, the Cat PL61 pipelayer (sideboom) is part of a full line of purpose-built pipelayers designed for performance, safety and serviceability. Easy transport width, means this equipment is available when and where you need it.

Krohne

Krohne offers the Optisonic 7300 Biogas ultrasonic flowmeter, designed to measure dry and wet biogas with variable composition. The flowmeter provides functions such as calculation of standard volume, methane content measurement and diagnostics features.

Thermo Scientific

The new Thermo Scientific SOLA iQ online sulfur analyzer helps technicians in the oil and gas industry measure total sulfur content of liquid or gas phase samples without lab analysis.

A.Y. McDonald

A.Y. McDonald introduced its Portable Bypass Kit for getting around meters during inspections or when changing out devices.

John Deere

John Deere added three new plate compactors to its portfolio of Worksite Pro attachments. Designed for trench, slope and excavation compaction applications, the PC4, PC7 and PC10 plate compactor models deliver powerful performance and productivity.