Pipeline Energy Consumption Optimization: A Novel Power Optimization Utility Software

Abstract

Today pipeline operators are required to balance operational efficiency, financial performance, and long-term sustainability. Transporting hydrocarbons efficiently and safely is a demanding task, and energy consumption is one of the major operating costs and sources of emissions. New applications based on pipeline simulation can contribute to reducing energy costs and optimizing operations while continuing to achieve the required delivery schedules within the safety and operating margins. This simulation-based approach considers the different energy costs across the pipeline pump/compressor stations, utility contracts, pump/compressor efficiency, and the costs and benefits of using drag-reducing agents (DRAs). It is a valuable tool that allows energy managers and pipeline operators to optimize energy costs. It can be seamlessly integrated into the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) infrastructure, which provides the realtime views and reporting of all energy and process variables, including the cost savings achieved. The SCADA system monitors and controls one or more complete pipelines used for transporting liquid or gas products from one location to another. Each pipeline may be very long and may have several branches.