A pipeline control room is known as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the pipeline system. Let’s take a look at some of the key features and functions of a control room that enable pipeline operators to effectively monitor underground pipeline operations.

SEE THE TECHNOLOGY THAT PROTECTS PIPELINES

Underground pipelines are monitored 24/7 by secured control rooms. If an issue is detected, the control room can quickly shut down and isolate the pipeline.

Control rooms are one aspect of an extensive emergency management system pipeline operators use to ensure they are quickly notified when something unusual is detected.

Fatigue mitigation is a very important

factor in control room design. Providing

ergonomically designed work spaces,

room temperature and lighting control

are some of the aspects of a

design strategy.

Data is sent to the control room from sensors connected to the pipeline via a communications network, such as a satellite.

CONTROL ROOMS UNCOVERED

The control room is one of the key ways that transmission pipeline operators prevent incidents. For more information, visit www.aboutpipelines.com/en/preventing-incidents/

Control room consoles are equipped with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems that collect information such as temperature, flow rate and pressure from sensors along the pipeline route. This information is continuously monitored and evaluated by the control room operator to ensure safe pipeline operations.

The control room operator must be knowledgeable about pipeline operations, including the type of product in the pipeline at all route locations and facilities, so they can make informed decisions about safety.

Control room operators are highly trained— initial training programs are extensive, preparing controllers for normal, abnormal and emergency conditions. Training is ongoing throughout a control room operator’s career to ensure they are experts in the control room’s technologies, processes and procedures.

When a satellite sends data to the control room, it is communicated through a sophisticated server system, which receives and interprets the data – delivering it to the control room console.

To ensure critical data will always reach the control room, pipeline operators can operate from a secondary control room at a different location, with back-up servers and communications networks.

CONTROL ROOM

Ottawa