How are Pipelines Monitored?

How are Pipelines Monitored?

Have you ever wondered how a pipeline system spanning thousands of kilometres is monitored? While ground and aerial patrols are part of a pipeline company’s monitoring system, the primary tool used to monitor pipeline performance is Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition—or SCADA.

Pipeline SCADA is a system for transmitting the information and data necessary for the operation of the pipeline facility via communication networks and typically, the SCADA system can perform monitoring / control of the pipeline system from a remote centralized control room.

SCADA monitors and tracks pressure, flow, quality and temperature of product in the pipelines, as well as other critical operating data received from transmitters and pump or compressor stations. It can detect a drop or increase in pipeline pressure that might indicate an anomalous situation somewhere along the pipeline. Line Control Operators at the pipeline company’s Operations Centre also monitor pipeline performance. They undergo extensive training before they can operate a console monitoring a company’s pipeline system. Operators are typically re-qualified every three years, can manage flow and shut down the pipeline in the event of an emergency. 

Line Control Operators are also an integral part of a pipeline company’s Incident Command / Crisis Management System. When an incident happens along a pipeline, Line Control Operators are normally the first to be aware so it’s usually their responsibility to alert the pipeline company’s Crisis Management representative of the situation to determine if the Crisis Management Plan needs to be initiated.

Pipeline incidents resulting in the loss of product are rare but pipeline companies are well-prepared to respond to any emergency along their respective rights of way. They train for emergencies big and small and are mandated by legislation to do so. With every training or real-time incident, deficiencies and improvements are documented and implemented into the company’s plans and procedure manuals and become training elements for the next drill.

Mike Sullivan - President – Utility Safety Partners