Grid management solutions to advance energy reliability and decarbonisation.

Supporting stable and safe energy supply throughout Spain.

Emerson's AspenTech Digital Grid Management solutions are being used by Enagás, S.A., to monitor, operate and optimise Spain’s gas transmission network. As Spain’s national gas grid operator, Enagás relies on Emerson’s software to support the continuity, safety and security of the country’s natural gas supply.

Emerson helps Enagás manage more than 11,000 kilometres of gas pipeline, while driving the digital innovation needed to operate its network with more diverse gases such as biomethane and hydrogen. Enagás’ advanced energy infrastructure puts it in a position to meet ambitious business goals, safeguard pipe
line operations and maintain best-in-class energy delivery for Spain.

Enagás uses AspenTech OSI monarch SCADA™ and AspenTech OSI Continua Pipeline Management™ for the supervision of the gas transmission network. Enagás benefits from real-time energy calculations, gas tracking and proactive mitigation of hazardous conditions, such as overpressure and rupture detection, to ensure safe, secure and compliant gas services across its expansive network.

“Industry leaders like Enagás recognise the importance of digital technology in achieving more resilient and efficient utility operations,” said Stuart Harris, general manager, digital grid management at Emerson’s Aspen Technology business. “Our digital grid management solutions provide Enagás with full visibility across its mission-critical systems, in addition to the comprehensive insights needed to support the region’s natural gas supply well into the future."

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@EmersonExchange @AspenTech @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation  @HHC_Lewis #PAuto #Spain

Reliable network infrastructures for oil and gas industry.

Rugged networking devices combined with simplified management software are indispensable in strengthening the competitiveness of companies in the oil and gas industry  - Alvis Chen, Integrated Marketing Manager,  Moxa.

The oil and gas sector needs network infrastructures that satisfy the highest reliability standards to survive its challenging working conditions. In this industry, network failures can have costly repercussions, such as decreased operational efficiency, jeopardized on-site safety, and diminished organizational competitiveness.

Companies in the oil and gas industry understand that to guarantee precise process automation and real-time monitoring for operations that run around the clock, they need robust, effective, and future-proof network solutions. Two real-world examples that demonstrate network reliability to these operations are provided below.

Application 1: Reliability on the Seas—Offshore Oil Drilling.
The hostile atmosphere of offshore oil fields presents serious risks and difficulties for network devices. To successfully monitor a drilling platform remotely, the entire network infrastructure needs to be extremely reliable and available. In addition to redundant wired or wireless network systems with failover capability, the network equipment must comply with industrial standards that certify its ability to operate in an environment with varying temperatures, corrosion, and vibration.

A robust network architecture incorporating redundancy will prevent disruptions that create downtime and reduce operational effectiveness. Moreover, devices that meet rigorous DNV GL maritime certification are required to ensure reliability in the face of marine hazards while Class I Division 2 (CID2), IECEx or ATEX Zone 2 hazardous area certifications must be installed in explosive gas environments. Implementing these measures enables offshore oil-drilling operations to function effectively despite rapid temperature changes, harsh corrosive conditions, and continuous vibrations.

An example of this type of industrial device is the Moxa EDS-G4012 managed Ethernet switch. Certified for use in C1D2 environments and compliant with IEC 62443-4-2 industrial cybersecurity standards, the switches come equipped with 12 Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE and up to four 1 Gbps or 2.5 Gbps fiber-optic ports, making EDS-G4012 switches ideal for upgrading an existing network to Gigabit speed or building a new full Gigabit backbone. Redundant Ethernet technologies such as Turbo Ring, Turbo Chain, and RSTP/STP increase the reliability and availability of the offshore network backbone.

Application 2: Monitoring the Lifeblood—Oil Pipelines.
The role of oil pipelines is to distribute crude oil from drilling rigs to oil storage tanks and then to refineries. Typically, pipelines span several thousand miles over harsh terrain and require a central SCADA system based on Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) and microwave architecture to measure, monitor, and control the status of field instruments across the entire oil flow. Multiple pumping stations, such as block valve stations and compressor stations, keep the pressure in the pipeline constant.

Pipeline operators can quickly detect, locate, and prevent or resolve leaks, damages, and breaks by deploying a rugged, extendable fiber-optic Ethernet network. Fiber networks are robust, highly available, and extremely fast. This network will include an integrated remote monitoring and surveillance service for pipeline operations to improve safety and reduce the total cost of pipeline maintenance.

Overseeing a pipeline network requires a responsive visualization tool. Moxa MXview network management software is optimized for networking device configuration, monitoring, and diagnosis in pipeline applications. It is an integrated management platform that can discover up to 2,000 Moxa networking devices and SNMP/IP devices installed on subnets. Selected network components can be managed via a web browser from local and remote sites—anytime, anywhere. Visualization is possible of redundant link status and device roles, security status of network devices, third-party device icons, network traffic loading, and power consumption of managed PoE devices.

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@Moxa_Europe @OConnellPR #Energy #PAuto #Oil_Gas

Inside the pipe!

The FLEXPOINT® Radial laser module from Laser Components can be used to precisely measure the inside of a pipe and detect irregularities as small as 50 µm.

The fine, ring-shaped beam has a homogeneity of 80% and achieves an output power of 50 mW at a wavelength of 660 nm. The laser light is directed onto a cone-shaped mirror in the module and reflected uniformly at an angle of 360 °. Thus, the space-saving laser module gets by without rotating elements that would make it failure-prone. The focus of the laser line is adjusted in production to the needs of the customer's application.

The module was developed in close cooperation with MSG Maschinenbau to facilitate the inspection of high-pressure pipelines. To withstand the immense stresses of daily operation, the tubes must have a perfectly round cross-section. In the past, this could only be determined via inaccurate measurements on the outside. With the ring laser module, surveying equipment can create a detailed 3D model of the inside of a pipe, making precise measurements possible.

@LCGermany @PresseBox #PAuto #Maintenance

Gas chromatograph in pipeline.

Qmicro by Sensirion supports MeterQ Solutions GmbH with its microGC technology. MeterQ, a solution provider in the natural gas industry, recently completed the world’s first installation of a process gas chromatograph directly in a natural gas pipeline. This achievement was realised thanks to Qmicro’s microGC technology, which is at the heart of the MeterQ solution.

MeterQ successfully installed the first ever process gas chromatograph (PGC) in a pipeline in a compressor station of one of its project partners near the German/Dutch border in northern Germany. The PGC measures 13 components of natural gas including C6+, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, with each separated by only one carrier gas (helium) in only 45 seconds. Thanks to the innovative microGC technology, the system could be designed without requiring a bypass channel. This means that natural gas emissions to the atmosphere are reduced by over approx. 95 % compared to conventional systems.

In addition to the ability to measure a wide range of gases at an ultra-fast measurement time, Qmicro’s microGC analysers offer long-term autonomy thanks to their low carrier gas consumption and automated re-calibration. The ultra-compact form and explosion-proof housing means they can be installed at virtually any location. In addition, the innovative cartridge system ensures that the replacement of consumables is fast and easy. All of these aspects make Qmicro products an ideal solution for applications where natural gas properties need to be analyzed, such as custody transfer, bio-methane injection, hydrogen blend stations, etc.

“Qmicro’s GC analyzers are ideal for us due to their compact form and fast measurement time. In addition, the use of only one carrier gas reduces the complexity of our system and simplifies maintenance,” says Achim Zajc, General Manager at MeterQ. He further adds: “Qmicro’s analyzer allows for a design where no bypass is required. This means that natural gas emissions to the atmosphere are reduced for the most part. This is relevant, as natural gas has a 21-times larger effect on the climate than CO₂.”

@sensirion #PAuto #Gas #Europe

Faster and simpler connectivity couplings.

Eaton has expanded its fluid conveyance portfolio with a new Multiplate system for its Flat Face (FF) Series Quick Disconnect Couplings. The new offering enables more compact, powerful and fuel-efficient machines in industries like agriculture, construction and commercial transport.

The innovative Multiplate system supports two to six FF Quick Disconnect Couplings simultaneously and makes connectivity both faster and simpler during assembly and maintenance. Its compact design offers manufacturers greater design flexibility and allows for the creation of smaller, lighter and highly energy-efficient machines. Manufacturers can benefit from the system`s optimized weight, and the ability to easily move attachments and create connections in the field. Simple assembly, installation and maintenance is further supported by an internal mechanism that lowers the force to connect by 40 percent and the ability to integrate Eaton’s Flat Face Series Disconnect couplings.

“Our new Multiplate system enhances all the benefits of our market-leading FF Series Quick Disconnect Couplings,” said Christian Kuenstel, product manager, Connectors, EMEA, Eaton. “With many industries seeing growing demand for more compact and powerful machines, our innovative system enables greater flexibility in machine design, as well as ease-of-use for operators and outstanding reliability and corrosion resistance. Our wide range of customization options can meet the needs of just about any application, with the added peace of mind that comes from our global footprint, comprehensive supporting services and broad fluid conveyance portfolio.”

Currently, Eaton’s FF series support 60 percent higher working pressures and up to 74 percent higher flow rates compared to ISO 16028 standards, which result in lower energy loss and optimized fuel consumption. The new Multiplate system further maximizes machines performance, and also enhances machine reliability and safety by eliminating the risk of crossed lines.

The Multiplate system is made with Eaton’s eco-friendly and nickel-free Guardian Seal™ coating, which comes standard on the Quick Disconnect Couplings in the system’s fixed and movable plate. This coating enables up to 1,000 hours of corrosion resistance even in the harshest environments. The Multiplate system’s fixed plate, moving plate and handle also come in anodized aluminum to ensure longevity.

Cleanliness is another crucial factor to the performance and operational lifetime of hydraulic systems. When using Eaton’s connect-under-pressure plug, FF Quick Disconnect couplings can be connected at up to 350 bar residual pressure without leaking or taking in air and contaminants. This enables faster maintenance by not requiring the time or specialized tools needed to depressurize the entire system. Eaton’s Multiplate system further reduces the risk of contamination thanks to an integrated sealing band between the plates and a dust cap that automatically closes when couplings are disconnected. Designed to be highly customizable, Eaton’s Multiplate system also offers optional electrical connectors, specialized couplings for water or air and flat face couplings in alternative materials.

@eatoncorp @NapierPR #PAuto #Transport #Agriculture

Implementing PHMSA "Mega-Rule."

In October 2019, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published new regulations on the design, construction and operation of onshore gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipelines throughout the U.S., commonly referred to as the PHMSA “Mega-Rule”.

Being a long-term provider for pipeline management solutions, Krohne actively supports their customers to match all PHMSA requirements for pipeline safety and integrity management. Therefore, the pipeline projects team located in Houston, (TX USA), has been significantly expanded within the first half of 2020, and trained to support pipeline operators to manage the additional workload.

With the extended workforce, the company is able to support more customers with integrated pipeline management services under the well-known PipePatrol brand that has been in the market for over 20 years. Being extended and updated continuously, PipePatrol is a comprehensive suite of software modules for long or short distance single and multiproduct pipelines for oil, gas, water, chemical or refined products, and offers monitoring and protection of pipelines in all operating conditions.

For example, it can include a stress monitoring module for evaluation and documentation of lifetime stress and remaining pipeline service life, and a predictive modeling module that forecasts pipeline operation and identifies possible threats such as shortage in supply or pressure violations. It can be used to find corrective measures as well as for planning of optimized operation in the future. In addition, the pump monitoring module enables predictive maintenance and higher system availability by monitoring essential mechanical, electrical, and hydrodynamic measurement values.

@krohnegroup @KROHNE_USA @PHMSA_DOT #PAuto 

Keeping pipelines safe and clean.

In order to cope with growing demand, Ashtead Technology has invested more than €223k (£200k) in its CCTV pipe inspection rental fleet over the last 6 months.

“We are continuously buying new technology,” reports Regional Sales Manager Jay Neermul, “but with more long-term national contracts in place, we have had to increase the number of cameras in stock, so that customers can choose the best and most appropriate equipment, wherever and whenever they need it.”

Recent examples of Ashtead Technology’s acquisitions include the iPEK Rovion ATEX crawler cameras and a range of MiniCam systems such as the iCam SOLOPro+ push-rod cameras with axial, pan & tilt and duo options, as well as the Proteus crawler cameras.

Eliminating the need for man-entry, a new floatation raft with EX Zone 2 certification has also been added to the fleet for applications with flowing water. With three powerful, angled, auxiliary LED light modules, the raft can be lowered in most manholes for the inspection of pipes from 60cm to over 200cm diameter.

A new portable trolley is also now available to store and transport all of the necessary equipment for pipe inspections. The trolley has been designed for Proteus inspection systems, and is particularly advantageous in applications with difficult access where inspections are undertaken at some distance from a vehicle. Jay says: “The raft and trolley were purchased in response to specific customer requests, and are good examples of the way in which we respond to customer needs by investing in the fleet and expanding equipment options for all of our customers.”

Commenting on the growth in long-term rental contracts, Jay says: “Many larger organisations have re-evaluated their instrumentation fleets and decided that rental represents a more attractive option – avoiding heavy capital investments and depreciation costs, whilst retaining access to the latest technologies.”

@ashteadtech #Environment @_Enviro_News 

Moisture in ethylene!

Michell Instruments’ QMA601 process moisture analyzer has been selected by a major European manufacturer to monitor trace moisture in ethylene at point of entry from the supply pipeline.

After a year-long trial at the plant, Michell’s QMA601 quartz crystal microbalance moisture analyzer was shown to be measuring within specification throughout with no adjustments needed. The QMA601 with its QCM moisture sensor is a good choice for this application because it offers several advantages:

• Ethylene will not polymerize on the quartz crystal sensor.
• The sensor does not suffer from the interferences as its response is specific to the water molecules in the ethylene.
• Unlike all other moisture analysis techniques, quartz crystal microbalance technology operates on a non-equilibrium basis which provides some of the fastest response speeds possible.

There is approximately 495 km of ethylene pipeline in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. This pipeline connects ethylene producers and consumers, providing an infrastructure for the petrochemical industry in these countries. Because of its highly flammable nature, Ethylene needs a special permit if it is to be transported in any other way.

Ethylene is an important chemical used for many petrochemical processes, such as the manufacture of polythene – so important that it is supplied by the producers to some European users via a pipeline. As with many other chemical processes, moisture must be kept to a minimum – in this case less than 10 ppmV. Quartz crystal technology has been proven to be fast, accurate and reliable in applications far dryer than the 0 to 10 ppmV range required for ethylene purity monitoring.

The QMA601 has global hazardous area certifications and is available with a full range of sample conditioning options.

• Michell Instruments products are marketed in Ireland through Instrument Technology.

@Michell_Inst #PAuto #petrochemical #Europe @Instrum_Tech

NDT in smaller pipes.

Ashtead Technology has added the Phoenix Bracelet Scanner and the latest custom phased array probes to its fleet of rental NDT instruments as a response to an increased demand for the ability to inspect smaller diameter pipes.

“At just 13mm the Bracelet is an extremely low profile scanner for phased array or ToFD weld inspections of small bore pipes,” says NDT Market Manager Steve Drake. “Quick and easy to set up and run with one of our Olympus OmniScans or other PAUT units, the Bracelet can be used manually on pipes ranging from 0.5” upwards by simply adding extra links.”

The scanner comprises a series of links to make a flexible chain which wraps around the pipe, and a strap secures the Bracelet to the pipe once the axial position is established. The Bracelet can hold either one probe for single-sided inspections or linked with a second probe for dual-sided inspections. The ultrasonic probe and profiled wedge are fixed to one end of the Bracelet in an adjustable clasp.

To scan, the Bracelet is rotated around the pipe with rubber tyres providing axial grip to prevent slippage. A miniature encoder (42 steps/mm) is attached to the opposing end of the Bracelet with the encoder wheel running around the pipe surface collecting data from the circumferential axis.

Steve says: “The addition of the Bracelet to our rental fleet is yet another example of our determination to provide Ashtead Technology customers with access to a comprehensive range of the latest market-leading NDT technologies.”

@ashteadtech  #PAuto 

Pipeline management.

Yokogawa has announced the release of Enterprise Pipeline Management Solution (EPMS) R1.03, the latest version of an enterprise level pipeline applications suite that was first released to the market in June 2015. The EPMS suite is the product of over 20 years of Yokogawa experience in implementing oil and gas pipeline management solutions across the globe and is particularly targeted at oil and gas upstream/midstream pipelines and associated facilities.

Shigetsugu Betchaku, Yokogawa’s global business development manager for the oil and gas midstream sector, had the following to say about this new release: “With multi-product pipelines, EPMS R1.03 will bring significantly enhanced flexibility in the management of batches, interfaces, and scrapers.”

Developed for deployment at the heart of the pipeline operations management environment, the EPMS supplements a core SCADA platform with specific gas and liquid applications that enable a pipeline operator to manage delivery contracts and associated logistics in a safe, cost effective, and efficient manner.

Many pipeline SCADA systems that are in use today have been tailored to suit a specific set of circumstances. They lack both a standard system foundation for supporting pluggable application modules and a core design that ensures interoperability with enterprise IT environments and policies. The maintenance and upgrade of tailor-made applications that often have a complex system architecture for protection from security breaches poses increasing challenges for pipeline operators.

The EPMS suite is a sustainable solution made up of pipeline applications that may be used in combination with common supervisory and monitoring functions, and is based on a well-designed modular platform that is both IT friendly and secure. As no two pipeline applications are identical and operational philosophies can differ from one pipeline operator to the next, the EPMS suite allows the easy modification of templates and functions, without having to call in pipeline application experts. Furthermore, the EPMS can be offered in combination with advanced pipeline simulation solutions that both reduce commissioning time and enable the full simulation of the pipeline operations management environment for the training of operators.

New Functionality:
1. Enhanced interface management
When transitioning from one product to another in a pipeline, a trans-mix that is of a certain volume, and varies in quality, will be formed at the interface between the adjacent fluids. With EPMS R1.03, multiple product cuts from the same interface can be performed, for the easy management of quality gradations. Furthermore, the use of product density meters to detect variations in interface quality based on color and sulfur content are now supported.

2. Shared use of physical devices
For the delivery of products to different tanks, EPMS R1.03 allows multiple flow paths to share use of the same physical meter. This is made possible by the assignment of a so-called “logical meter” to each flow path. The assigned logical meters are then associated with a specific physical meter. This is cost effective as it reduces the number of physical meters that are required to cover a specific application.

3. Enhanced batch management
For greater flexibility, continuity, and energy efficiency, EPMS R1.03 supports side stream injection and stripping as a product batch passes an intermediate delivery or receiving site. The main benefits here are the opportunity to easily adjust the volume of a main batch and to more efficiently manage sudden changes in demand. For further optimisation, enhancements are provided for split/merge and local batch operations.

@YokogawaIA  #PAuto #Oil 

Large diameter pipeline inspection/measurement.

Laser triangulation measurement specialists Riftek are represented in Britain by Ixthus Instrumentation. As an example of the company’s wide experience in the application of laser triangulation sensors, they recently completed the supply of custom designed 2D measurement scanners that included a high resolution video camera and LED lighting.

Developed for a large US-based company that specialises in technology-enabled solutions for challenging energy related inspection and maintenance tasks, the RF525EP scanner is an important component for a robotic crawler that is used for the down-hole detection of damage and defects as well as ovality measurement of gas and oil pipelines. As part of the design specification, the customer required the IP67 rated assembly to be certified explosion-proof. By combining the laser measurement components with the camera system in a sealed explosion-proof housing, Riftek could not only save its customer design effort but also reduced overall costs and made a faster production schedule possible for the robotic crawler.

The scanner + camera system is based on RIFTEK’s RF625 series 2D laser triangulation sensor and has a measurement range of 400 mm in Z and 80 to 300 mm in X. Through the RF625 series, sampling rate and accuracy extends to up to 1975 profiles per second with linearity to +/- 0.1 % of range (Z-axis). The sensor is available with red or blue lasers and a wide choice of interfacing includes Ethernet IPv4, 4…20 mA or 0…10 V DC. The laser and scanner input electronics is sealed in a robust and durable aluminium and glass housing which has a very high shock and vibration rating with built-in heating for a temperature range that extends from -20 to +70 ⁰C.

Riftek designs and manufactures a comprehensive range of optoelectronic 2D and 3D measurement devices and systems for high precision inspection and test applications across industry and research. Ixthus Instrumentation provides a complete technical and sales support service Riftek products.

@IxthusInst  #PAuto

Leaking pipelines?

A new book that explores the complex requirements—in regulatory oversight, risk assessment, monitoring technology and methodology, operating reliability, and stakeholder cooperation—for effective leak detection of petroleum pipelines and improved pipeline safety. “While petroleum pipelines have long been established as the most logical and efficient method of transporting petroleum, it’s essential that they operate as reliably and safety as possible,” emphasizes Edward Farmer, PE (right), the author of Detecting Leaks in Pipelines and the owner and president of a company that manufactures pipeline leak detection solutions. “Ensuring safe day-to-day operation, however, depends on achieving goals and assessing performance across a range of vital areas, including planning, risk management, preparation, monitoring and response.” Farmer says he wrote the book to bring clarity to “the role of petroleum in society; the process of making its production, transportation, processing and use as safe and clean as possible; the methods available to analyze and assess the effectiveness of risk-mitigation methods; and the selection and deployment of the technology and equipment required to monitor for safe and beneficial operation.  “In addition,” he submits, “there is an opportunity for greater synergy among the spectrum of petroleum stakeholders: regulators, operators, equipment and support suppliers, and consumers. Hopefully, my treatment of this important subject will enhance utility, improve return-on-investment, and provide even greater safety.” This book is the latest  to join the International Society of Automation's stable of publications.! For greater perspective on the value and significance of the new book as well a more detailed overview of its content, read the Q&A feature with author.

#PAuto #ISAuto #Oil

Rapid and reliable pipeline leak detection.

Krohne is to present a webinar "Rapid and Reliable Pipeline Leak Detection" on April 20, 2016, 10:00 AM EDT (15:00 CET). It focuses on the differences between commonly used leak detection systems and those combining several leak detection methods. Target groups for the free webinar are all industries that operate liquid and gas pipelines such as chemical, petrochemical, and oil & gas.

Pipelines are among the safest and most efficient means of transport available, and leak monitoring systems are a necessary part of their safety concept. While demand for pipeline leak detection and location systems is increasing, general knowledge about these systems is limited, as presenter Daniel Vogt explains: “Negative statements about sensitivity and reliability such as ‘only catastrophic leaks are detected’ or ‘permanent false alarms’ can still be heard regularly. They may result from bad experience in the past, unrealistic expectations, or a combination of the two. Attendees of the webinar will learn that modern leak detection systems do allow leak detection without false alarms, even when operated under dynamic (transient) conditions.”

In particular, Krohne’s PipePatrol E-RTTM method for rapid and reliable leak detection is presented: the capabilities of this model-supported, statistical classification method in an operational environment will be demonstrated, using field data and a sample case taken from the chemical industry. Also, key factors for successful implementation and operation are shown.

Registration Here

#PAuto #Webinar #Oil @KROHNE_USA

CCTV investments drive growth.

Demand for remote inspection equipment such as CCTV remote control crawlers and push-rod camera inspection systems has been experienced by Ashtead Technology. “We have invested heavily in the range of technologies that we stock in our rental fleet,” says Jay Neermul, Regional Sales Manager, “and this means that not only are we able to supply kit for almost any application, but we are also able to ensure that customers employ the most appropriate instruments for their specific application.”

Pipes, drains, culverts, voids and other difficult-to-access locations vary enormously in terms of size, shape and construction material. As a result, construction, repair, cleaning and inspection engineers all need access to a wide range of test and inspection instruments. The Ashtead Technology fleet of visual inspection equipment includes instruments for inspecting every pipe from 10mm all the way up to 1200mm in diameter.

However, purchasing all of the necessary equipment in order to be able accommodate this variability, would be not be cost-effective, so renting is the obvious solution. “We make this investment, so that our clients don’t have to,” Jay says. “Nevertheless, there are more advantages to renting than just financial,” he adds. “Firstly, rented equipment is delivered clean, tested and ready for work; there are no storage or maintenance issues, customers simply use the kit that they need, when and where they need it.

“Secondly, inspection equipment is developing all of the time, so renting provides access to the latest technology, without having the burden of being restricted to the capabilities of a purchased tool.”

Recent additions to the Ashtead Technology rental fleet are the iPEK range of high-quality pipeline inspection systems, including the iPEK Rovion RX 130 Crawler and the iPEK AGILIOS AR90 Push Rod Camera, which offer excellent flexibility across a wide range of pipe diameters; 50-300mm for the Agilios Push Rod, and 150-650mm (with elevator option) for the Rovion Crawler. At the same time, Ashtead Technology’s facility in Hertfordshire has become an iPEK approved Service Centre, providing repair and maintenance for a number of iPEK systems, including the Rovver®, Rovion® and Agilios™ crawler and push-rod cameras. In addition to iPEK products, Ashtead Technology rental customers are also able to select from other brands such as Minicam, Pearpoint, Wohler and Riezler.

A further example Ashtead’s comprehensive instrument fleet is the Mini-Cam Proteus crawler camera inspection system, which is now available with a battery power pack option that is useful for locations lacking power or with limited access. By operating the Proteus from a battery pack, the unit can be operated for over 5 hours and the whole system can be mounted on a trolley. As a result, it is completely transportable and extremely quiet – an important consideration in residential locations.

Many inspection sites require appropriately certified equipment where locations are potentially explosive, so Ashtead has also invested in the Pearpoint P571 explosion proof Pushrod Camera System for inspecting pipes of 76mm to 450mm diameter and the Pearpoint P374 intrinsically safe Pipe Pushrod for 25mm to 100mm diameters.

“In summary,” Jay says, “Our success in the CCTV inspection market has been a direct result of the technology investments that we have made; all designed to ensure that every customer gets the right tool for every job.”

Inspection centre for pipelines, ducts, culverts, cavities, drains and sewers!

Ashtead Technology’s facility in Hertfordshire (GB) is now an approved Service Centre for the iPEK range of high-quality pipeline inspection systems, providing repair and maintenance for a number of iPEK Systems, including the Rovver®, Rovion® and Agilios™ crawler and push-rod cameras.

“We are now one of four iPEK approved service centres in the UK,” says Sales Manager, Jay Neermul. “Whilst the centre is based in the South East of England, we offer a collection and delivery service, making the facility available to all of our customers nationwide.”

With a large stock of spares and consumables, Ashtead Technology’s highly trained technicians are able to implement repairs quickly and effectively. To further minimise downtime, while equipment is being serviced or repaired, rental replacements are available with a variety of delivery options, or for collection from the Hertfordshire office. The technicians can also offer help and advice on which equipment to choose and how to get the best out of it.

Summarising, Jay says: “The ability to offer the repair and maintenance of iPEK inspection systems, whilst also providing backup units, offers significant strategic value to our customers; ensuring that they get the job done quickly and keep their customers happy.”

Managing a pipeline enterprise!

Yokogawa Electric Corporation has announced the release of the Enterprise Pipeline Management Solution (EPMS), a modular software suite that is the product of over 20 years of practical experience in implementing pipeline management solutions across the globe.

Key benefits 1. Unified user environment based on a modular design Based on a well-designed modular platform that is both IT friendly and secure, the EPMS is a sustainable solution that can deliver pipeline applications in combination with common supervisory and monitoring functions. As no two pipeline applications are identical and operational philosophies can differ from one pipeline operator to the next, the EPMS's templates and functions can be easily modified without having to call in pipeline application experts. 2. Contextual online integrity management The EPMS features improved alarm and human machine interface (HMI) management functions, and both it and its application platform were developed based on standards put forward by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the International Society of Automation (ISA), and comply with the strict regulations of the US Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). The EPMS employs leak detection, compensated volume balancing, and hydraulic profiling methodologies to monitor pipeline integrity under every type of operating condition. The EPMS is thus able to register possible integrity violations together with contextual information about the operational state of the pipeline so that personnel can quickly get to the bottom of any problem. 3. Reduced energy consumption The EPMS continuously makes adjustments to the setpoint so that both compressors and pumps can be operated as close as possible to the optimal efficiency point. To manage exceptions during startup, the EPMS allows the assignment of business rules for the management of load sharing, compressor/pump restrictions, and alarm notifications at the compressor/pump station level. To identify areas for improvement, the EPMS can also record all key power statistics. 4. Less product waste at batch delivery points To minimise product waste, the EPMS measures and calculates the position of batches as well as anomalies such as trans-mix on a near real-time basis, and reports on the inventory balances. 5. Enhanced gas and liquid metering With its transparent management of parameter exchange and the measurement of gas, liquids, and gas composition, the EPMS easily adapts to the desired measurement methodology and the level of intelligence of intermediate devices like flow computers, remote terminal units (RTU), and instruments. It processes the available inputs into normalised flow, volume, and energy values in accordance with the applicable American Gas Association (AGA) and API standards.

Developed for deployment at the heart of the pipeline operations management environment, the EPMS supplements the basic pipeline management system with specific gas and liquid applications that enable a pipeline operator to manage delivery contracts and associated logistics in a time and energy efficient manner. With a SCADA platform covering monitoring, alarming, trending, and reporting, the EPMS handles functions such as metering, batch scheduling & tracking, leak detection, and energy management within the same unified user environment.

Development background
Many pipeline systems in use today have been tailored to suit a specific set of circumstances and lack both a standard system foundation for supporting pluggable application modules and a core design that ensures interoperability with enterprise IT environments and policies. The maintenance and upgrade of tailor-made applications, and their often complex system architectures to protect them from breaches and security compromises, poses increasing challenges for pipeline operators.

Shuji Mori, a Yokogawa vice president and head of Yokogawa Electric International, comments: "The EPMS will significantly reduce the amount of effort required to implement and commission high quality pipeline management applications while guaranteeing easy upgradability, protecting investments across multiple SCADA platform versions".

Main target markets include gas and liquids transmission pipelines and grids and upstream/midstream oil and gas production infrastructure.

3D profiling of rubber seals.

This video from Stemmer Imaging shows how the LMI Gocator 2 Series 3D smart camera can be set up to carry out profiling of rubber seals to show if they are properly seated. The demonstration shows 3D profiling of rubber seals in polybutylene pipe of the type used extensively in plumbing applications.

The Gocator's laser line is scanned perpendicularly across the rubber seal to allow a profile of the rubber seal to be acquired by the software. The video shows how a fixturing tool can be set up to track part movement and make a valid measurement. The distance of the seal from the edge of the pipe can be measured within user-defined minimum and maximum limits. With the fixture and measurement tools running, the pipe rotated about its central axis, to allow measurements to be made of the complete seal. The video also shows how the system is able to detect an incorrectly seated rubber seal.

With its integrated laser source and optics, the LMI Gocator is factory pre-calibrated to simplify setup and provide consistent, reliable measurements in real-world coordinates, even in applications where temperature variation might be expected to introduce measurement errors.

A powerful suite of built-in measurement tools turns live 3D profiles into real-time measurements. A simple point and click GUI allows single or multiple measurement tools to be selected according to the application requirements.

High density power loads, enclosed or limited space, weight restrictions or limited airflow?

Over the past decade Aavid Thermalloy has pioneered heat pipe technology and its application, developing a high quality manufacturing process to ensure long life and reliability in its heat pipes.

They can quickly move heat away from temperature sensitive devices to a place the heat can be dissipated. Heat pipes can also be used to increase fin efficiency by moving heat directly to the cooler top portion of fins. Many types of applications can benefit from heat pipes, from UPS to telecommunications to motor drives and controls to transportation to servers and computers.

As well as extending the thermal range of both natural and forced convection cooling, heat pipes reduce overall cost and weight without increasing the volume in a base plate and have no moving parts. Small diameter heat pipe assemblies provide greater thermal efficiency whilst large diameter heat pipe assemblies transfer greater power loads. Aavid has also developed the Hi-ContactTM heat pipe embedding process which improves thermal transfer.

Monitoring water distribution pipeline in Saudi!

Yokogawa has received an order from Sinopec International Petroleum Service Corporation (SIPSC) to supply the monitoring system for a large water distribution pipeline that the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC)  is building in Saudi Arabia between the cities of Yanbu and Medina. This is Yokogawa’s first order from SIPSC for a water distribution pipeline project.

Roadway between
the two locations

Yanbu is a Red Sea port and a center of industry in Al Madinah province, and Medina is the capital city (population 1.1 million) of that province. When completed, the new water distribution pipeline will stretch 610 km from a seawater desalination plant in Yanbu to the city of Medina and its surrounding districts, and will be capable of supplying 709,000 m3 of potable water per day. This is one of the largest-ever international water distribution projects to be undertaken by SIPSC.

This order includes the FAST/TOOLS SCADA software and the STARDOM™ network-based control system for monitoring the pipeline, the PRM® integrated device management software package for instrumentation monitoring and online diagnosis, pipeline leakage detection systems, and a telecommunications system. Yokogawa Electric International will be responsible for engineering, supervising the installation of, and commissioning these products. These products will be delivered by July 2014 and the new pipeline will become operational the following month.

Yokogawa believe this order was won by them principally for two reasons:

1. Global support network
Yokogawa has an extensive global network that is capable of providing a wide range of support services to SIPSC in China and SWCC in Saudi Arabia. These services range from technical proposals to operator training and other after-sales services, and they can all be provided locally, at the customer site.

2. Solid track record in the Middle East
Yokogawa has extensive experience in supplying systems throughout the Middle East, including power plant and seawater desalination plant.

Tetsuya Murai, General Manager of the Sales Division’s Power & Utilities Department at Yokogawa Electric International, said, “The countries of the Middle East and emerging nations in other regions are facing water shortages due to rapid industrialization and population growth, particularly in urban areas, and thus need to build seawater desalination plants and water distribution pipelines. Encouraged by winning this order, we will forge a track record with SIPSC and other EPC contractors that are actively developing their business in the international market, and will expand our IA and control business by targeting water infrastructure.”

Portable hygrometer for natural gas!

Portable hygrometer for field measurements at pipeline pressure in the natural gas industry

Michell Instruments have introduced an intrinsically safe version of their portable hygrometer – the MDM300 I.S – which is designed specifically for applications in natural gas processing. It is also capable of measurement at high pressures up to 350 bar, giving readings which are representative of actual process conditions. Certified to ATEX, IECEx, FM, CSA and GOST, the high-speed portable instrument provides fast spot-checks of moisture in processes.

Unlike other dew-point hygrometers, the MDM300 makes fast measurements consecutively in any direction, without a waiting time in between, allowing for many more measurements to be taken each day. In contrast traditional portable meters which respond quickly to moisture changes from dry to wet only the first time before entering a lengthy and unproductive regeneration phase before next measurement can be taken. The QRA-enhanced MDM300 I.S has a fast response time – less than 30 minutes to -60°C dew point.

It has a tough, durable design to survive in harsh industrial conditions, but equally important, the MDM300 I.S can be held and operated easily with one or two hands. The intuitive menu system and large, easy-to-press buttons enable the user to easily configure the instrument to display the parameters they require even with gloved hands.

Having reliable readings of the moisture content in natural gas is vital to protect pipelines, valves, instrumentation and other equipment from damage. Excess moisture in natural gas can cause a range of problems in the process – from corrosion in the pipeline to the formation of methane hydrates. The latter form crystalline solids that reduce flow, cause blockages and break-away fragments that may damage equipment downstream. The result is huge expense from possible ‘shut-outs’ and pipeline damage.

The real portability of the MDM300 I.S allows for spot checks of moisture to be made at any point in the process – which means that points of moisture ingress can be identified quickly and easily before the damage is caused.