Pipeline Process Control Optimization & Troubleshooting Techniques

Your technical resource for improving
pipeline process control performance
Topics covered include:
  • Pumping System Fundamentals
  • Process Control Basics
  • Understanding Process Dynamics
  • Lambda Tuning Procedures
  • Nonlinearity
  • Pipeline Control Strategies
  • Troubleshooting Pipeline Control Problems
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.

Course Fees
CDN - $2,500.00    (Canadian Taxes Included.)
USD - $2,300.00

Including Pipeline Computer Simulator
CDN - $3250.00    (Canadian Taxes Included.)
USD - $3000.00

Fees include a full set of course notes.

Course is limited to 20 participants to provide individual attention and allow our expert instructors to address specific pipeline issues.
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    08:00Pipeline Process Control
    08:30Pump System Fundamentals
      • Definitions
      • Bernoullis Law, Energy balance, Friction
      • Pump Performance - Fixed and variable speed
    10:00Control Loop Fundamentals
      • Block diagram overview
      • Loop components—sensors, controllers
      • Actuators/valves
      • performance guidelines
    11:00Simulator Introduction
    12:00Lunch Break
    13:00Process Dynamics
      • Open Loop Bump Testing
      • First Order process dynamics
      • Second Order process dynamics
      • Filtering
    14:30Lab 1 - Process Dynamics
    16:30Adjourn


    08:00Lambda Tuning
      • PID control algorithms
      • Lambda tuning procedures
      • PID controller capability
    ...(Continued)
    10:00Lab 2 - Lambda Tuning
    12:00Lunch Break
    13:00Process Non-linearities
      • Control Valve backlash/stiction/ response time
      • Valve Flow Characteristics/ VFD
      • Impact of Fluid Characteristics
    10:00Lab 3 - Non-Linearities
    16:30Adjourn

    08:00Pipeline Control Strategies
      • Output Characterization
      • Override Control
      • VFD/PCV Coordinated Control
      • Ratio Control
      • Dealing with Loop Interaction
    10:00Lab 4 - Output Characterization
    11:00Troubleshooting Control Loop
        Problems
      • Troubleshooting Tools
      • Identifying the problem source
      • Dealing with complex loops
    12:00Lunch Break
    13:00Lab 3 - Troubleshooting Control
          Loop Problems
    15:30Course wrap up

About the Course...

The course begins with a review of pump and pipeline fluid dynamic fundamentals and the basic functioning of the control loop. Open loop bump testing to measure process dynamics, evaluate control valve performance (resolution, speed of response) and develop Lambda tuning constants are core topics. The key pipeline control strategies (override control, ratio control, coordinated VFD/valve control, output characterization) are explained in detail. Analytical troubleshooting techniques to identify / correct process control problems is the final topic. Approximately 40% of the course is devoted to a computer-based lab, where the student demonstrates that they have understood the main concepts.

Who Should Attend..
The three day course is intended to strengthen the student's ability to optimize petroleum pipeline process control performance. The course is primarily intended for process and control engineers, instrument and electrical technicians and operations management personnel who want to improve their ability to optimize/troubleshoot pipeline process controls. The course explores the implications of process equipment design on control performance and would be beneficial for maintenance and design engineers.

Instructors Include..
  • George Jablonsky, AScT is a recognized expert in optimizing and troubleshooting pipeline process control performance.
  • Doug Nelson, P.Eng. has over 25 years of industrial process control experience and process control training of operators, E/I techs and process control engineers.
  • Roger Shirt, P.Eng, Ph.D has 15 years of process control and simulation experience and is a recognized expert in control valve selection and control strategy optimization.
  • Fernando Otero, CAP has 23 years of experience in pipeline simulation and control and is a senior instructor at ISA.

    •

    Course Location
    The course is being held at the a conference facility. Attendees are responsible for arranging their own accommodations.

    Accommodations
    For convenience, we recommend that registrants stay at the hotel course site.


    About ProNamics..

    ProNamics Control Inc. is based in Vancouver, BC. The company conducts process and control optimization surveys, prepares process simulations to establish best practices and provides a range of training courses related to process control optimization. Visit our web sites at www.pronamicscontrol.com for more information about our services.
    www.pronamicscontrol.com.

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