Affordable SCADA networks offer savings and security
Source: Mississippi 811 Magazine
Aging infrastructure, new state and federal regulations, unfriendly neighbors, an aging workforce and heightened security restricting site access are costing companies more and more and negatively affecting operational excellence. As a result, pipeline managers are looking to extend their investment in SCADA networks and improve operational efficiency and keep cost in check.
A large municipality in the Midwest is experimenting with a low cost remote monitoring solution designed to specifically focus on integrity management and corrosion prevention systems. Also, the goal is to extend remote monitoring to critical cathodic protection (CP) systems.
CP systems for storage tanks, pipes and other buried infrastructure are often located in isolated, remote locations making operation and maintenance difficult. With the utilization of SCADA the operator can operate it at peak performance and also be aware when thieves or vandals strip the critical rectifiers and wiring to sell for scrap prices. When this theft goes unnoticed, it can leave miles of pipelines and tanks unprotected. This act can ultimately cause serious damage to pipelines and other protected appurtenances or even failure of the system due to corrosion.
Tragic events occurring at the local, state and national level place increasing focus on the protection and integrity of all U.S. pipeline operations. The national awareness of these incidents is evidenced further by the passage of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of December 2002, and the Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement and Safety Act of 2006. These acts clearly show growing awareness of incidents and provide industry guidance on pipeline industry operation with emphasis on operational best practices.
The Pipeline Safety Act of 2002 mandates new requirements and change in safety and integrity issues of pipelines, including preparing and implementing an Integrity Management Program (IMP) for their pipeline. It also mandated that they participate in planned-excavation one-call notification programs and authorized state participation in interstate pipeline oversight.
The Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement and Safety Act of December of 2006 goes a step further and requires certification procedures of annual and semiannual pipeline integrity reports by a senior executive of each company. This is to ensure the officer has read the report and believes it to be true and correct to the best of his/her knowledge.
In March 2007, Bill H.R. 1770 (the Corrosion Prevention Act of 2007) was introduced and if signed into law, would provide a tax credit to companies that invest in corrosion control and mitigation strategies.
There are many reasons and justifications to make certain that system cathodic protection is monitored and maintained. It can prevent loss of life, property and damage to the environment by keeping the product in the pipeline. Also, due to heightened security at many facilities, access to sensitive areas is restricted, making SCADA to monitor the area even more desirable and perhaps cost effective. It is no secret that rising energy prices, steel prices and labor costs add to operating budget shortfalls. Repair costs have risen many times over the years. These can all cause energy prices to rise, many times needlessly, if proper attention hasn’t been paid to the pipeline and its protection systems.
We must continue working together to ensure the maximum protection of our infrastructure, and even more importantly, our families in Mississippi.
