Overview


Distributing oil and gas across varying terrains under different constraints exposes the network to a wide range of vulnerabilities. Such large-scale operations require a bird’s eye view of the network, instantaneous alerts about leakages and damages, and highly efficient equipment, systems, and personnel.


APL Infotech's Pipeline Simulator and Leak Detection Solution is a platform to create dynamic simulator for any gas or liquid transportation network. It creates a virtual network through phenomenological simulation and imaging of actual system. The simulator is then interfaced with a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system or a Distributed Control System (DCS), which allows tapping of the polled data at pre-designed intervals to create a dynamic operational profile.


This solution detects, locates, and quantifies leaks immediately based on simulation, pattern recognition, and image processing. Simulated and historical data also enable you to continuously improve the accuracy of leakage prediction. The application can simulate not only a wide range of fluid distribution scenarios and provide survival analysis, but can also facilitate operator training. Using the simulation engine as the core, several additional features can be easily built around the virtual network to support a variety of “what-if” scenarios. By partnering with us you can maximize the throughput of your assets by minimizing losses and optimizing resources.


Our Solutions


Our solution includes the following components:


Simulation module: Govern, control and monitor vast multi-product transportation networks with our transient simulator.


Prediction module: Use real-time data polled from network-wide sensor-systems to predict and rectify anomalies and asset malfunctions remotely.


Optimizer Module: Minimize transportation costs by maximizing pipeline throughput, ensure timely delivery to meet demand, and maximize pipeline capacity while working within pipeline safety constraints to ensure public safety under all circumstances.


Training module: Recreate the control room scenario and provide interactive interfaces for instructors and operators simulating the ideal training ground so that pipeline operators can acquire the required skills quickly and effectively.


Benefits


Our solution brings you the following benefits.


Enables faster, accurate leak detection: Continuous inflow of sensor-led data coupled with inbuilt real time simulation helps identify any deviation from expectation caused by some unknown fault. By creating leakage on the simulation, it helps you create a signature library for all possible leakage location and flow rates. This enables you to detect, locate, and quantify leakages with greater accuracy and speed.


Reduces costs: Our solution leverages the differential power tariffs in some regions to enable optimal power consumption for pumping/compressing. Our solution identifies the best options for power tariffs, scheduling, and operational cost, allowing you to increase efficiency and offer cost-effective services to your customers.


Efficient scheduling: Our solution factors in various dynamic parameters, equipment conditions, maintenance activities, customer demands, and technical constraints to arrive at the best possible schedule.


Minimal penalties: Accurate forecasting enables early detection and remedial action in the event of leakages, losses, and disruptions, leading to reduced penalties for schedule non-compliance.


The APL Advantage


At APL, we focus on generating innovative solutions through academic alliances. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and APL jointly developed this solution for gas as well as liquid carrying pipelines. We strengthen our partnership with:


Domain expertise: Our deep expertise in plant automation and engineering services helped us develop the simulation system for pipeline operations. Our business linkages with oil and gas sector help us appreciate the needs and expectations of this sector and align our products to them.


Research based innovation: Our research in the oil and gas sectors focuses on driving innovation and enhancing productivity. We constantly upgrade our solutions and co-innovate through our academic partnerships.


Superior delivery model: We offer flexible delivery options through our simulation-as-a-service model or an end-to-end implementation of the solution. You can leverage our simulation-as-a-service model remotely by processing the relevant pipeline data.