Pipeline flow control optimization software and methods

Abstract

Pipeline flow optimization systems, software, and methods that emulate transient optimization are disclosed. A pipeline flow optimization system includes an upset condition handler that is adapted to provide a multivariable controller with pipeline flow adjustments to handle one or more upset conditions. The optimization system may be used with fluid pipeline systems, including gas pipeline systems and liquid pipeline systems. Systems, software, and methods according to embodiments of the invention may further include linepack transition handling capabilities and administrative tools.

1 . A pipeline flow control optimization system comprising:
 a monitor configured to monitor a performance of at least one individual station or line segment on a pipeline and to provide data;   a measurement module configured to receive data from the monitor and to calculate the fuel savings of the optimization system; and   a calibration module configured to select steady state data from the monitor, to calculate a value for at least one factor used to tune a pipeline optimization model, to monitor the at least one factor, and to raise an alarm when the at least one factor varies by more than a specified tolerance.   
     
     
         2 . The pipeline flow control optimization system of  claim 1 , further comprising a pipeline optimization module comprising at least one optimization model, wherein the pipeline optimization module is configured to produce a simulated optimum compressor configuration for the pipeline. 
     
     
         3 . The pipeline flow control optimization system of  claim 2 , further comprising a controller configured to control the pipeline based on the simulated optimum compressor configuration, the controller further configured to provide at least one pipeline component with an optimal target setpoint. 
     
     
         4 . The pipeline flow control optimization system of  claim 3 , further comprising an upset condition handler configured to react to at least one transient that was not simulated by the pipeline optimization module by
 calculating an adjustment factor for at least one pipeline component, wherein the adjustment factor is calculated to prevent the at least one pipeline component from exceeding an operating parameter,   calculating an optimal adjusted setpoint by applying the adjustment factor to the optimal target setpoint for the at least one pipeline component, and   providing the optimal adjusted setpoint to the controller, wherein the adjustment factor and optimal adjusted setpoint correct for the at least one transient that was not simulated by the pipeline optimization module.   
     
     
         5 . The pipeline flow control optimization system of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one transient comprises at least one condition selected from a group comprising:
 an intake flow being less than a target intake flow,   a discharge pressure being greater than a target discharge pressure,   a discharge pressure approaching a maximum operating pressure,   a speed driver of a compressor approaching 100% of maximum available power,   a speed driver of a compressor approaching 0% of minimum available power,   a cooler temperature approaching a maximum temperature, and   a flow condition being greater or less than a contractual obligation at a particular discharge point.   
     
     
         6 . The pipeline flow control optimization system of  claim 1 , further comprising
 a controller configured to control the pipeline, the controller further configured to provide at least one pipeline component with an optimal target setpoint; and   an upset condition handler configured to react to at least one transient by
 calculating an adjustment factor for at least one pipeline component, wherein the adjustment factor is calculated to prevent the at least one pipeline component from exceeding an operating parameter, 
 calculating an optimal adjusted setpoint by applying the adjustment factor to the optimal target setpoint for the at least one pipeline component, and 
 providing the optimal adjusted setpoint to the controller, wherein the adjustment factor and optimal adjusted setpoint correct for the at least one transient. 
   
     
     
         7 . The pipeline flow control optimization system of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one transient comprises at least one condition selected from a group comprising:
 an intake flow being less than a target intake flow,   a discharge pressure being greater than a target discharge pressure,   a discharge pressure approaching a maximum operating pressure,   a speed driver of a compressor approaching 100% of maximum available power,   a speed driver of a compressor approaching 0% of minimum available power,   a cooler temperature approaching a maximum temperature, and   a flow condition being greater or less than a contractual obligation at a particular discharge point.   
     
     
         8 . The pipeline flow control optimization system of  claim 1 , wherein the calibration module selects steady state data after sensing at least one consecutive hour of static operating conditions within the pipeline. 
     
     
         9 . The pipeline flow control optimization system of  claim 8 , wherein the calibration module selects steady state data after sensing six consecutive hours of static operating conditions within the pipeline. 
     
     
         10 . A pipeline flow control optimization system comprising:
 a controller configured to control a pipeline, the controller further configured to provide at least one pipeline component with an optimal target setpoint;   a monitor configured to monitor the pipeline and to sense at least one transient; and   an upset condition handler configured to react to at least one transient by
 calculating an adjustment factor for at least one pipeline component, wherein the adjustment factor is calculated to prevent the at least one pipeline component from exceeding an operating parameter, 
 calculating an optimal adjusted setpoint by applying the adjustment factor to the optimal target setpoint for the at least one pipeline component, and 
 providing the optimal adjusted setpoint to the controller, wherein the adjustment factor and optimal adjusted setpoint correct for the at least one transient. 
   
     
     
         11 . The pipeline flow control optimization system of  claim 10 , further comprising a measurement module configured to receive data from the monitor and to calculate the fuel savings of the optimization system. 
     
     
         12 . The pipeline flow control optimization system of  claim 10 , further comprising a calibration module configured to select steady state data from the monitor, to calculate a value for at least one factor used to tune a pipeline optimization model, to monitor the at least one factor, and to raise an alarm when the at least one factor varies by more than a specified tolerance. 
     
     
         13 . The pipeline flow control optimization system of  claim 12 , wherein the calibration module selects steady state data after sensing at least one consecutive hour of static operating conditions within the pipeline. 
     
     
         14 . The pipeline flow control optimization system of  claim 13 , wherein the calibration module selects steady state data after sensing six consecutive hours of static operating conditions within the pipeline. 
     
     
         15 . The pipeline flow control optimization system of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one transient comprises at least one condition selected from a group comprising:
 an intake flow being less than a target intake flow,   a discharge pressure being greater than a target discharge pressure,   a discharge pressure approaching a maximum operating pressure,   a speed driver of a compressor approaching 100% of maximum available power,   a speed driver of a compressor approaching 0% of minimum available power,   a cooler temperature approaching a maximum temperature, and   a flow condition being greater or less than a contractual obligation at a particular discharge point.   
     
     
         16 . The pipeline flow control optimization system of  claim 10 , wherein the setpoint is at least one of a pressure setpoint, a horsepower setpoint, a speed driver setpoint, or a temperature setpoint.