S
triving to find the best
solutions for optimising
pipeline performance and safety
while saving costs is one of the
greater challenges in the oil and gas industry.
Pipeline operators are under a variety of pressures
– from new industry standards and increased requirements
from government agencies to cost, profitability and staff reductions.
There is an increased focus on meeting new safety regulations and
preventative maintenance requirements, which have been created to
ensure continuous and accident-free operation of pipelines.
To meet these new standards and protect against hazardous events
such as leaks or pressure spikes, valve automation forms a critical part of
pipeline systems. However, these safety assets can be compromised by
the installation of incorrect equipment or inadequate maintenance.
Safety instrumented systems
Pipeline operation involves inherent risks due to the presence of
hazardous, corrosive or unstable media. Safety instrumented systems
(SIS) are specifically designed to protect the pipeline by reducing the
Understanding
Leo Minervini,
Business Director
Controls, Pentair
Actuation &
Controls,
takes
a look at how the
latest technology
is optimising safety
valve performance
and reliability.
safety
systems
Figure 1.
Westlock
Controls’ ICoT
6000 explosion-proof
smart positioner
mounted to a Hiter
control valve.
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