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Industrial piping automation solutions are fundamental in the gas industry and for engineering projects for many reasons. Since preventing mistakes and enhancing the productivity and output of your project depends on piping automation, having the correct automation set up is crucial. But what does pipe automation refer to in the gas industry? What is the best way to ensure your industrial piping has the proper piping automation solutions? Discover the answers to these questions in our article’s content.

What does automation mean in the gas industry?

Automation in the gas industry is a process that uses digital technologies to control and measure the natural flow of gas. It’s a critical process that can enhance a gas pipeline network’s reliability and ensure you can effortlessly coordinate the flow and pipeline parameters and the structures of the pipeline.

Why else is automation for pipelines necessary in the gas industry?

Automating control processes of gas pipelines is vital to ensure you efficiently mitigate dynamic and kinematic flow deviations. Since changes in flow can occur through the whole linear section of a gas pipeline network, adapting to changes like these is fundamental. You can effortlessly achieve this with industrial piping automation measures.

Which three systems are essential for controlling and measuring natural gas flow?

The two main systems critical for controlling and measuring natural gas flow are the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and automated meter reading (AMR) systems. These systems can work independently or alongside each other and are spread through a pipeline’s service area. 

What is SCADA, and how does it function?

SCADA is one critical example of gas industry pipeline automation. It’s a system that collects data, monitors, analyzes and manages information related to remote gas locations in real-time. SCADA features hardware and software such as programmable logic controllers, remote terminal units, and operating equipment which you can use to communicate with various devices in the field. SCADA works via host computers that you’ll find in central control rooms. The host computers enable you to monitor the conditions and status of the assets visually, as the data that corresponds to the conditions transmits through a telemetry system.

What is a telemetry system for SCADA systems, and how do they work?

A telemetry system for SCADA setups is a system that links field devices to the host computer over long distances. Traditionally, this system works in different ways, such as with leased lines, satellites, radios, or microwave systems. Nowadays, it’s possible to set up SCADA communications using routers, access servers, and other types of IP technologies to monitor the data.

What is the best advantage of SCADA?

The best advantage of SCADA is that it eliminates the requirement for engineers or supervisors to visit the gas site, but there are other benefits of SCADA. SCADA reduces the threats to personnel safety and helps you save money in terms of traveling to the site. It also helps your team save time. SCADA also enables you to monitor your systems from any location. You can set up remote maintenance programs to reduce expenditures that would go to equipment replacement and avoid downtime simultaneously.  Even before an error or failure occurs, SCADA will inform you if a failure is imminent and signal any concealed inefficiency you might not have noticed.

What is an AMR system, and how does it function?

An AMR system is a system that collects metering data and assists engineers in tracking the amount of gas that transmits through specific points, known as custody transfer points. You can monitor and collect AMR systems’ data with telemetry systems and host computers that link together.

What are programmable logic controllers, and how do they function?

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are a critical part of the gas industry. You can use PLCs like SCADA or AMR systems – to collect data remotely from your system and monitor the data. PLCs function by connecting with various field devices, helping you to control several processes.

What are some top benefits of programmable logic controllers for the gas industry?

Some of the top benefits of PLCs include the effortless detection of gas or pressure build-up, flare stacks, and keeping high power consumption to a minimum. 

What are industrial programmable logic controllers made of?

Industrial programmable logic controllers feature CPUs (the central processing units), control systems, and input and output modules. While the CPU is responsible for controlling the system's activity, the control systems and input and output modules act as an interface between the field devices and the CPU. 

What are the 4 main operating steps for programmable logic controllers?

The four main operating steps for programmable logic controllers to function, which happen in a repeating cycle, include the following:

• PLCs complete an input scan – This process involves detecting the input devices’ states
• They complete a program scan – This process involves executing the program logic created by the user
• PLCs complete an output scan – This process involves instigating the energizing process or de-energizing process for any output device linked to the PLC
• They complete monitoring processes – This process involves running diagnostics 

Using industrial piping automation solutions in the gas industry: Key facts to remember

The gas industry relies on precise operations and automation, which you can achieve with a top piping automation solution effortlessly. Here are the key facts to remember:

• The main solutions for piping automation are PLCs, AMRs, and SCADA
• Establishing a link between field devices and the automation solution is critical
• Each solution can save you time, money, and effort
• You can use top piping automation solutions to monitor gas piping and elements in your system

If your project features gas piping, you must integrate an industrial piping automation solution. Pro Support Solutions’ partner, DG-SKID, offers exceptional programmable logic controllers for the gas industry, so head to our website for information on top piping automation solutions.