Collaborative engineering provides flow solution
A
Schneeberger product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Jul 18, 2005
Lundin Britain's decision to operate the Broom oil field as a satellite of the Heather Alpha platform meant that new flow measurement systems were required for allocation metering.
Lundin Britain's decision to operate the Broom oil field as a satellite of the Heather Alpha platform meant that new flow measurement systems were required for allocation metering.
SoftFlow PLC was the solution - developed by Aquidata Excel as a collaborative engineering project with Schneider Electric.
The specification for allocation flow measurement systems appeared straightforward.
The systems would be required to handle 17 lift gas, two flare gas and two water streams - a configuration well within the scope of a traditional solution based on dedicated proprietary flow computers.
Detailed examination of the specification, however, revealed significant challenges.
In particular, space was at a premium as the new system was an upgrade to an existing 1970s plant.
The new system also needed an operational life of at least 10 years, with spares guaranteed throughout that period.
It also had to be possible to extend the system in the future without the need to re-engineer it from scratch.
Finally, it had to interface with external systems to allow, for example, the exchange of data with management information systems.
Aquidata Excel developed SoftFlow PLC, a flexible flow measurement solution designed around standard products from Schneider Electric.
After market evaluation, Modicon Quantum PLCs from the Telemecanique brand were selected as the hardware platform.
A key reason for this choice was Schneider Electric's Collaborative Engineering initiative, which ensured close co-operation and support throughout the development of SoftFlow PLC.
Another decisive factor was the availability of Schneider Electric's new Unity suite of project design and programming tools.
This comprises Unity Studio, a design package which provides a powerful graphical environment, and Unity Pro, a programming, debugging and operating software package for PLCs.
A further appeal was Schneider Electric's open design philosophy - Transparent Ready - that uses Ethernet technology to eliminate the need for proprietary networks and fieldbus systems.
The SoftFlow PLC system delivers, with a single Quantum PLC, flow computer equivalent functionality for up to 100 streams.
The integral web server means that any networked PC workstation can operate as a full-function user interface, and the use of familiar browser software minimises the need for operator training.
Operationally, the SoftFlow PLC lift gas meters are providing reliable data that, in turn, allows Lundin Britain to operate each production effectively, with the aim of maximising oil recovery while minimising gas emissions to the atmosphere.
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