Gas Storage Field Operates Unmanned

The goal was to allow remote operation of the storage field and compressor station. The facility includes 3 - 2500 horsepower compressors with unloaders, 130 caverns, 4 pods, 6 bidirectional meter runs, flow control valves, odorizing equipment, and gas dehydration. Local status and control had been provided by an HMI. Now, a data analyzing and reporting package automatically generates graphs and reports based on data gathered by the station control system. The project included integration of existing electric motor driven compressors, station auxiliary equipment, dehydrators, flow and pressure control schemes, operator interfaces, AGA 3 flow calculations, injection/withdrawal controls on multiple storage pods using Siemens 505 PLCs.