AEC - Express Pipeline SCADA Project

Alberta Energy Company Ltd. (AEC) is the owner and operator of the new Express Pipeline, which delivers crude oil from Hardisty, Alberta, to Casper, Wyoming. The 785 mile long pipeline is 24 inches in diameter and has a capacity of 172,000 barrels per day.

AEC selected Emerson Process Management as their automation consultant to help them in meeting their "fast track" schedule for designing and implementing a pipeline SCADA system. The SCADA system was to be completed in 12 months - half the time of a typical pipeline SCADA project of this magnitude.

The project scope included hardware/software specification and procurement, detailed engineering, configuration, integration, testing, installation, commissioning, and training. Emerson Process Management also developed detailed specifications for Power Optimization Software and Oil Movements Scheduling / Accounting Software.

The ability to perform under stressful situations, which was anticipated as a result of the fast track nature of the project, was a primary concern to our client and us. A project room, with all SCADA and HMI equipment, was established at the SCADA vendor's facility to ensure timely, effective, and constant interaction between the owner, consultant, and vendor. We were able to resolve problems quickly because project team members could easily congregate and develop solutions. Establishing this common work environment was one of the most significant decisions of the project and it enabled the complex pipeline control and custody measurement system to start up with all functionality in place.

This project illustrated that fast track SCADA projects can be implemented on time and on budget with high quality results. Strong project management and a focused and committed project team that communicated effectively was critical to Emerson Process Management's success on this SCADA project.