Case StudyApril 2016
D352398X012

Enagas S.A. Builds Multi-platform
Simulation System Based on PipelineManager®

Challenge
Enagas S.A is the leading natural gas transportation company in Spain.
The company’s main mission is to ensure competition and security of the Spanish Gas System. It has around 10,000 km of gas
pipelines throughout the Spanish territory, three underground storage facilities, and four regasification plants. Enagas terminals inSpain total2.6465 million cubic meters of LNG storage capacity and the system has an output capacity of 6,250,000 Nm³/h (Figure 1).
Enagas required a multi-platform simulation system for training purposes that could provide their operations personnel withthe ability to simulate realistic scenarios for routine training and provide regular performance evaluation metrics for the pipeline
controllers and new apprentices. The simulation system needed to allow Enagas to simulate normal and abnormal operation of thepipeline based on a detailed model of the actual pipeline network. The scenarios had to be submitted to the pipeline operators as amirror image of the actual SCADA system and its environment via the same graphical user interface. All SCADA system functionality
needed to be available for the trainees as it would be in real-world operations.

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April 2016

Figure 1. Enagas Gas Network
On a complex gas network with high consequences in the event of an accident, the controllers and operators of the pipelines andstorage facilities need to be well trained for all scenarios, understanding the implication of each scenario and actions to take, similar
to a flight simulator for airline pilots. The simulator would also enable Enagas to certify and re-certify controllers and operators on aregular basis.

Solution
Emerson (formerly Energy Solutions International) worked closely with Enagas to implement the simulator using Emerson’s
PipelineManager training module, called PLM PipelineTrainer®.
The concept of The PLM PipelineTrainer is based on four main elements: a fully thermo-hydraulic detailed transient model of theactual Enagas network; an instructor interface; an operator interface; an automatic evaluation module and a trainer session.
The PLM PipelineTrainer application comprises a set of software modules providing the following main functions:Offline dynamic real time (or faster than real time) pipeline modelingDetailed compressor modelingDetailed valves modeling Detailed regulator modelingSimulation of relevant SCADA data and alarms
Separate Instructor environment that allows for sudden changes i.e., compressor failureTrainee evaluation environment that keeps track of individual Trainees’ training results
The Trainee Interface (Operator) uses an off-line copy of the SCADA environment, allowing the operator to interactively enter thesame type of commands as in the real SCADA system, e.g. change of set-points, start/stop of pumps/compressors, close/openvalves. Such entries from the Trainee will have a direct impact on the Model in a similar manner as control output from the real
SCADA system. Thus, the trainee can observe the reactions of the pipeline as if he/she was operating the real pipeline. This gives theoperator the possibility to perform operations within a safe offline environment. The solution is described in Figure 2.

2

www.EmersonProcess.com/RemoteMidstream Oil and Gas Solutions

April 2016

Figure 2. PipelineTrainer Solution

Key Capabilities
The PLM Trainer solution is based on a fully transient pipeline model built in PipelineManager capable of providing a mirror image ofthe actual pipeline network and related SCADA operations, including:Accurate transient simulation of the pipeline network
Realistic simulation of actual pipeline events
Adjustable execution speed
Pause and fast forward functions
Supports OQ regulation requirements
Training session with or without instructor interaction
Session initiation from archives or Real Time (if it is available)
Enhanced displays, profiling & trendingAlarm handlingChronological Event Log
The system also supports the following operational scenarios to test the response and performance of the trainees, whether
advanced personnel undergoing routine, periodic training and testing or new personnel learning about the pipeline network forthe first time:Start-up and shutdown procedures
Valve opening and closing sequences
Set-point controls
Batch operations
Pump/compressor operations
Normal and abnormal operating conditions
Emergency simulation operations

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Case Study

D352398X012

The Trainer can be also used to simulate many incidents, including both leak detection
and theft detection. The Trainer is capable of handling typical scenarios:
Leak simulation
High/low pressure alarms
Regulator operations
Pump/compressor unit shutdown/startup
Control valve operation
Unexpected valve operations
Valve failurePump/Compressor failure
Instrument Failure

Expected Results
Enagas became operational on the new PLM PipelineTrainer solution and quickly beganutilizing the solution for a range of training and testing needs within their organization.
The solution exceeded their expectations in terms of both capabilities and precision in
accurately modeling the real-world network.

Expected Benefits
The PLM Trainer solution will deliver the following benefits for years to come:Training for future operators in a controlled and isolated system, withoutcompromising the safety of the real world transportation network
A highly accurate, fully responsive model to interactively train operators undercritical conditions that could not be generated under real world simulations
The feel of operating the real network, given the high definition responses thetransient application can emulate, without the risk
An objective criterion to measure the performance and development of theoperator’s skillsReplication of SCADA screens in the operator GUI without the need for special
purpose displays

April 2016

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