Pipeline Process Control Optimization Basics Course
Pipeline system pressure and flow control applications are somewhat unique. The pipeline control valves may spend much of their time wide open to minimize pumping costs but also need to respond quickly and accurately to sudden pressure excursions to prevent unscheduled line shutdowns.
One key to ‘good’ pipeline control is careful selection and sizing of the pressure/flow control valves in order to minimize non-linear dynamics and ensure valve stability. The control valve speed and resolution are also key requirements. A structured, scientific approach to control loop tuning is needed to ensure fast, stable controller response to upsets. Finally, the control strategy needs to compensate for the high non-linearity resulting from hydraulic design and the wide range of operating conditions.
Pipeline Process Control Optimization Advanced Course
Pipeline system pressure and flow control applications are somewhat unique. The pipeline control valves may spend much of their time wide open to minimize pumping costs but also need to respond quickly and accurately to sudden pressure excursions to prevent unscheduled line shutdowns.
One key to ‘good’ pipeline control is careful selection and sizing of the process control equipment (sensors, pumps, valves) in order to ensure fast and controllable dynamics. Good control strategy design and a structured, scientific approach to control loop tuning are essential components to achieving performance and variability objectives. The ability to identify and solve process and control problems quickly and reliably requires an analytical troubleshooting approach.
Process Optimization & Troubleshooting Techniques for SAGD Processes
High process variability compromises the economic performance of SAGD processes through off-quality products and reduced process efficiency. Upgrading controller tuning, control valve response, and control strategies are relatively easy pathways to reducing variability on key SAGD loops, thereby improving overall process performance. Improving the troubleshooting skills of process control personnel is another pathway to improved performance via quick and effective responses to control loop problems.
Process Control Optimization Course
High process variability compromises the economic performance of continuous processes. A control loop that is well designed, maintained, and tuned can play a key role in minimizing process variability. Unfortunately the control loop often acts to increase process variability due to poor valve response, oscillatory controller tuning, and sensor problems.
The instrumentation technician who is given the responsibility of maintaining control loop health and optimizing controller tuning sometimes has little or no formal training in these activities. Tuning the controller by guesswork is a frustrating experience, often resulting in little or no improvement in control loop performance.
The process control optimization course will provide the tools to identify and correct process control problems using sound engineering principles.
