Pipeline operations have transformed from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present. AI has assisted it in moving from simple manual systems to automated systems. This transformation has been influenced by several changes in the sphere of energy. As we journey through this article, we will understand this evolution and some companies that have been a driving force of the change.
The Early Days of Manual Control and Basic Automation
During the early part of the 20th century, pipeline operations were, for the most part, done by hand. Operators used mechanical instruments like the measuring gauge, valves, and pump. These enabled them to manage the flow of the oil and gas in the pipelines. However, this approach demanded consistency and was prone to human errors. Thus, it raised some safety issues and, generally, was not very efficient.
With increased development in the use of technology in industries, the early onset of automation happened in the 1950s and 1960s. Some companies brought pneumatic and electronic systems, which improved the pipelines’ control systems. These early automation systems were the precursors to many of the automation systems to come. But unlike their successors, they were not highly advanced.
The Digital Revolution of SCADA and DCS
The use of digital technology in the management of pipelines began in the 1970s and continued until the 1980s. Most organizations began embracing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and DCS, which are Distributed Control Systems, in their control rooms. These systems, developed by companies like Siemens and ABB, provided information to the operator instantly. They also facilitated the management of various parts of the pipeline from a single location for the operator to monitor.
Flow and pressure control were also made easier and more accurate, resulting in operational efficiency. Nevertheless, these systems retained a strong reliance on the operators to analyze the gathered data and make decisions.
The Rise of Big Data and Analytics
Many changes in the area of generating data from pipeline operations happened in the 2010s. Operators suddenly found themselves sitting on a gold mine. A wealth of new information came with an increase in the number of sensors and IoT devices. This resulted in the development of advanced analytics platforms that could be used to process this data to yield useful information.
Companies like OSIsoft (now part of AVEVA) developed data management platforms that allowed operators to visualize and analyze pipeline performance in real-time. These tools also helped make decisions more proactively. If some things eventually become a major problem, then these tools could help identify such issues before they do.
The AI Revolution
Today, thanks to the advancement in artificial intelligence and machine learning, we are at the beginning of a new era in pipeline operations. Leading the pack of such companies is CruxOCM.com. This company has come up with innovative solutions that take automation to new heights.
CruxOCM’s RIPA™ platform is an example of a comprehensive approach to automation and optimization in control room operations. Another advantage of RIPA™ is that the AI algorithms integration makes it possible to work with large amounts of data in real-time. This enables making decisions within the shortest time possible in order to get more from pipes and, at the same time, ensure safety.
One of the key innovations in this new age is the idea of having a ‘co-pilot.’ With this, every operator can safely and profitably run operations while being sustainable and efficient.
This human-AI collaboration addresses many of the longstanding challenges in pipeline operations:
- Safety: The ‘intelligent assistants’ help the operator avoid being overloaded with excess information. They also remove human errors and ensure a quick and proper response to emergencies.
- Efficiency: Some systems can enhance pipeline control to ensure the pipes are well controlled throughout for operation safety and without much strain.
- Profitability: Some products continuously maintain pipeline throughput for maximum revenue while resolving the problems of old systems and lack of efficiency.
- Sustainability: The use of AI for optimization in sustainability initiatives ensures that they fit within a business’s financial capacity and plan. It also improves the efficient use of resources while seeking to meet sustainability goals.
Future Trends
As we look to the future of pipeline operations, several trends are likely to shape the industry:
- Predictive Maintenance: AI-based predictive maintenance’s self-organization will evolve to be even more efficient, minimizing possible downtimes and increasing the assets’ effective lifespan.
- Autonomous Operations: Human oversight will remain an important part of pipeline operation. However, more sections of it might be operated autonomously.
- Cybersecurity Focus: Pipelines and their operations will be critical as systems integrate more. Hence, security against cyber threats will be vital.
- Green Technologies: Due to the push for sustainability, pipeline operations are likely to advance in technology, lowering their effects on the environment.
Conclusion
This gradual change in pipeline operations will serve as a key instrument for meeting the world’s increasing energy demand along with averted environmental effects. Tomorrow’s pipeline operations will be smarter, safer, and more sustainable than ever before, thanks to the innovative technologies being developed today. It will be interesting, looking to the future, to observe how these changes are going to affect the energy industry for generations to come.
