S&C recently had an article, “Meeting the digital twin,”published in the December 2018 issue of World Pipelines. In this article, we explored how intelligent analytics software can be used to optimize oil and gas pipelines from the unit level upwards.
Oil and gas pipelines are dynamic systems with many variables impacting moving product from point A to point B. Managing pipeline operations involves many factors, including optimizing the individual units and stations that assist in transporting the product through unit analytics, master control and turbomachinery control. The results are improved pipeline operations and solutions to challenges in fleet management, analysis and meeting delivery commitments. Realizing the limitation of SCADA and when it is time to install more advanced technology—such as the digital twin—will allow the most aggressive pipeline operators the power to leap past their competition as well as fill knowledge gaps in their workforce.