Standard model and Batch Tracking application

The primary conceptual entity of Batch Tracking is the pipeline. The purpose of Batch Tracking is to track volume movement throughout one or more pipelines.

The Controller interface provides the following:

• Representation of the location of batches and anomalies in the pipeline using:

  • Bar type displays that provide a visual representation of the pipeline.

  • Lists of the batches and anomalies in order from upstream to downstream.

• The ability for you to add, delete, modify, and re-position batches or anomalies.

• Estimated time of arrival (ETA) of batches and anomalies at selected stations and terminals.

• Notification of arrival of batches and anomalies at selected stations and terminals.

• Navigation to Metering-Ticketing application records providing information on volume moving into and out of the pipeline.

• Estimated pressure at any point in the pipeline using graphical representation of estimated pressures in pressure profiles.

• Alarming if estimated pressure should exceed maximum operating casing pressure or not be sufficient to prevent a slack line condition.

• Incorporation of batch detection information coming from batch detection devices on the pipeline.

• Incorporation of anomaly detection information coming from anomaly detection devices on the pipeline.

• Notification if a detected batch interface or anomaly significantly differs from the location predicted by the Batch Tracking application.

• The ability to save state information for the pipeline, including batch and anomaly position, and to revert to a past saved state.

• Alarming on potential problems with flow in the pipeline, including:

  • Valve on the pipeline in an error state.

  • Merging of batches with different products where one pipe flows into another pipe.

  • Existence of a loop in the pipeline where fluid can return to a point that it had previously been at.

Batch Tracking Processing

Data viewed on the operations displays is updated once per minute by Batch Tracking processing.

The processing includes:

• Update of information provided by external sources including:

  • Pipeline pressures and temperatures from analog records.

  • Valve state from status or multistate records.

  • Batch flow into or out of the pipeline from the Metering-Ticketing application.

  • Density or sonic velocity readings from analogs used as interface detectors.

  • Detection signals from status or multistate points used as anomaly detectors.

• Calculation of linepack.

• Update of batch and anomaly location.

• Calculation of ETAs for batches and anomalies.

• Prediction of pressures at points throughout the pipelines.