This chapter discusses software applications for tracking batches and other quantities, monitoring station performance, optimizing energy and facility usage, detecting abnormal operating conditions, and training the pipeline operators with a computer-based training system. These tools can help the pipeline operations staff operate the pipeline system safely and efficiently. It describes these in terms of operating concept, system architecture, and applications.

These applications are classed as “real-time modeling (RTM) system”, because they are directly or indirectly interfaced with the host SCADA system for their operations. Depending on the application, some may be used off-line while others in real-time. Even though each...