Getting to the root of complicated pipeline routes with Atmos Batch
Atmos International
Leaders in leak detection, theft detection and simulation for pipelines
Giancarlo Milano no, Principal Simulation Engineer
Pipelines are the most efficient means of transporting large quantities of fuel, in part because of the careful consideration that goes into pipeline route planning.
The design phase of a pipeline route typically dictates that the pipeline follows the shortest route possible. As well as reducing the amount of time it takes to transport product from A to B locations, this also reduces the cost of materials and construction or the need for additional pumps or compressor stations.
However, it’s still not uncommon to see pipelines in river crossings, urban areas, with significant elevation changes and various other complications in a pipeline route. For a multiproduct pipeline requiring batch tracking, this can create a range of challenges.
In situations like these, batch tracking software solutions like Atmos Batch are best placed to provide support.
What is batch tracking?
In a liquid pipeline there can be different types of products going to different locations with varying ownerships. There can also be varying qualities of the same product, all going to different customers. Each fixed volume of product contained with a start and end position within a pipeline can be described as a batch.
Batch tracking is the process of monitoring how much product volume is injected into the pipeline versus how much product is delivered out of the pipeline. It accurately forecasts where batches start and end, the size of batch volume and their Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA).
Atmos Batch is a module available within Atmos Simulation (SIM) Suite. Figure 1 shows an example of how the batch tracking process can be fulfilled.
With Atmos Batch, operators know for certain the head and tail location of every batch in a multiproduct pipeline and can prepare ahead of time to swing valves at the exact moment when a batch arrives at a station, delivering product to the right storage tank or to an end-customer with minimal contamination of products with different qualities.
Batches can be represented on a map via a graphical user interface (GUI), which connects to Atmos Batch’s simulation engine to provide real-time status for batches (see Figure 2).
Using the GUI operators can make changes on the go to modify batch details such as size, location, injection and delivery nomination, product information, creating reports and more.
Challenges can arise for a batch tracking system when a pipeline route faces large elevation changes caused by hilly or mountainous terrain. Without batch tracking software that can take these variables into account, determining the head and tail location of a batch could quickly become a guessing game with an increased risk of inaccuracies in locations, and therefore ETAs.
Atmos Batch is best placed for decomplicating pipeline routes
A range of challenges are presented when a pipeline route has complications such as elevation changes or river crossings.
Batch tracking software like Atmos Batch is an essential tool for running multi-product or multi-crude pipelines where a specific batch of a product type needs to be tracked down the line efficiently and cost effectively.
Learn more about Atmos Batch