(102a) Praise: Pipeline Reliability and Integrity Solution Enterprise

A holistic 4IR solution suite has been developed to predict, prevent and detect leaks for on-plot piping systems at nine (9) dispersed Gas-Oil Separation Plants (GOSPs) and a 2,700 km off-plot pipeline network managed by North Ghawar Producing Department. The suite includes ten (10) diverse solutions balanced across the 4IR pillars of Smart Assets and Smart Workers in the tracks of Operational & Enterprise Analytics, as well as the 4IR pillar of Autonomous Processes in the tracks of Enterprise Mobility and Robotics. Collectively, the suite forms the “Pipeline Reliability And Integrity Solution Enterprise”. PRAISE supports vigilance to protect people and the environment from leaks, expedites response should one occur, extends pipeline asset lifespan, reduces cost, maximizes manpower productivity and provides decision support.
In PRAISE, the proactive approach to pipeline reliability and integrity management begins with leak prediction based on corrosion rates.

The Online Corrosion Monitoring System (#1) forms a repository of real-time corrosion rate data. Additional data parameters are provided by an enterprise mobility solution, Inspection OnTrack (#2), wherein inspectors visit pipelines at the field and record data directly through tablets into the system. Further data is obtained for piping/pipelines requiring attention. An Inspection UAV with UT Thickness Measurement Capability (#3) has been deployed, and a thermal camera with Image Analytics for Corrosion (#4) visually live-streams corrosion anomalies with reduced wall thickness. The various data sources are synthesized and visualized in the Corrosion Control Platform (#5). Together, these solutions enable experts to understand the condition of pipelines’ reliability and integrity at the present.

To proactively anticipate the future condition of pipelines, a Corrosion Hybrid Prediction Model (#6) was developed, performing Predictive & Diagnostic Analysis on myriad process and pipeline data. With a robust system for leak prediction, experts devise interventions to prevent leaks. One such intervention is flushing specific piping systems to prevent leaks that stem from stagnation. For these, a Flushing Tracking Automation Dashboard (#7) was developed to alert of upcoming flushing requirements and ensure implementation.

Beyond the robust solutions for leak prediction and prevention, PRAISE braces for the potential of leaks. Should a leak occur, it would be detected timely with accurate location and released quantity. This enables the OME team to respond immediately and effectively, and adhere to requirements of reporting Process Safety Events for HSSE compliance. A Smart Leak Detection Solution (#8) was developed using the power of Machine Learning to detect leaks. Moreover, two devices with Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) connectivity have been installed to detect potential leaks: an Ultrasonic Acoustic Leak Detector (#9) and a Thermal Camera with Image Analytics for Fugitive Gas Detection (#10). Beyond these, a UAV is in-progress for piloting to patrol pipelines and report back through a private LTE connection, providing instantaneous and comprehensive leak detection.

From leak prediction, through prevention, to detection, PRAISE represents a unique integration between a holistic 4IR solution suite with holistic pipeline reliability and integrity management expertise. The NGPD experience can be adopted at any facility managing on-plot piping systems and off-plot pipelines.