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*Click
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Emerson
Process Solutions’ Hydrocarbon and Energy Industry Center is
a world
leader in open architecture compressor controls (OACC). We offer fuel,
surge, and unit sequencing controls for centrifugal and reciprocating
compressors in pipeline systems. We have implemented over 100 OACC
applications for production, transmission, and distribution companies. |
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| The
Challenge |
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Deregulation
and competition in the natural gas pipeline industry has companies
extending the useful life of compression equipment, such as centrifugal
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reciprocating compressors, by implementing control system upgrades.
Proprietary, vendor-supplied compressor systems are often not our
customers’ first choice due to cost and standardization issues.
To reduce capital and maintenance costs, as well as vendor dependence,
control systems must use industry-standard programmable logic controllers
(PLCs) and fuel control valves. |
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| The
Solution |
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OACCs replace existing proprietary electronic or pneumatic control
hardware and fuel control valves. Using standard PLC programming and
proven software modules, OACC performs all fuel, surge, and unit sequencing
control. Our systems are supplied with an industry-standard, PC-based
operator interface complete with color graphic displays. Modular architecture
and software designs are easily modified for specific units. |
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An
OACC package normally consists of: |
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an Allen Bradley or GE Fanuc PLC unit controller |
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an Intellution or Wonderware PC-based operator interface |
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an optional Fisher fuel control valve |
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PLC software that performs unit sequencing, fuel control, and/or surge
control |
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a control panel/cabinet with hardware and terminations |
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complete documentation for installation, operation, and maintenance |
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training |
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commissioning services |
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future onsite support |
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Benefits |
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A
major benefit of our OACC is vendor flexibility. The operator can
maintain, modify, and expand OACC using local or inhouse support without
relying on vendors. We tailor OACC to our customers’ equipment
standards.
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Other
benefits of OACC include: |
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lower capital and operating costs |
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increased availability compared to older pneumatic and relay-based
systems |
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fewer components which results in reduced maintenance and easy monitoring
and modifications
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reduced training for operations and maintenance personnel |
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open architecture for easy integration with existing or future control
systems, other units or plants, and supervisory control and data acquisition
(SCADA), distributed control system (DCS), and health monitoring systems |
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Technology
Expertise |
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The
following control functions, which are configured to meet our customers’
specific requirements, are available for centrifugal and reciprocating
compressors:
• emergency shutdown (ESD) systems
• process measurement, such as flow,
temperature, and pressure
• sequencing (start and stop)
• alarm and shutdown management
• vital systems monitoring and shutdowns
• auxiliary systems control and monitoring
• load, speed, and surge control
• suction, discharge, and auxiliary valve control
• health monitoring and engine/compressor
analysis (either via OACC or other systems)
• emissions monitoring and control
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Satisfied
Customers |
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A partial list of satisfied OACC customers includes:
• El Paso Corporation
• Shell Canada
• Southern California Gas Company
• Viking Gas Transmission
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