3 Station Automation

This chapter presents an overview of the key aspects of the automation of major pipeline facilities for both gas and liquid pipelines. This is not a design primer but rather an introduction to the major considerations and characteristics associated with the automation of such facilities.

A typical station automation system consists of several components; station control, unit control, driver control, storage control, equipment control, and∕or meter station control. The detailed control elements of pumps, compressors, meter station and their auxiliaries are discussed only when knowledge of them is required to understand the automation of a station. Mohitpour et al (1) discuss the control of pumps, compressors, and auxiliaries in detail.

The term “station” is used to mean a major pipeline facility that has some combination of equipment, measurement, and automation. Pipeline “stations” can vary from a relatively simple block valve site to a complex multi-unit pumping∕compression station. A station can be operated locally as well as be interfaced to a SCADA system to enable remote control from a central control center.