Abstract:
This Project aims at providing a Technical, time and cost saving, more efficient and less hazardous technique of either preventing or reducing significantly, Pipeline Vandalisation in Nigeria using the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Monitoring System. Oil and Pipelines leaks are a major problem. It has been estimated that as much as 17% of available fuel for consumption in Nigeria is lost through pipeline vandalisation, and NNPC (PPMC) spends millions of naira each year finding and repairing oil line breaks. The project is considered critically necessary and one that should go a long way in helping to solve the lingering problem of pipeline vandalisation in Nigeria.
In carrying out this project, Warri-Benin pipeline was used as case study. Computer software was developed with associated program written in visual basic code with Microsoft Access. Necessary flow charts were also developed to enhance simulation. Passing emulsified water through some pipes simulated the Operational pipelines. Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) with appropriate sensors were installed along the routes at 50 km intervals. Intentional pipeline agitations were carried out with the purpose of
disrupting flow at different points between the installed RTUs. The nearest RTU to the point of agitation, transduced, processed and transmitted the intentional act to the monitoring station. The received signal was procedurally processed and displayed on the Visual Display Unit (VDU). The information displayed revealed codes of the RTUs along the affected routes, quantities of products transmitted and received, any discrepancies
between the two quantities and the two consecutive RTUs, one immediately before and the other immediately after the location of fault. Where there is any appreciable discrepancy the nearest NNPC (PPMC) location to the indicated RTU nearest to the fault is immediately contacted for necessary actions. Thus SCADA has been used to monitor, locate, prevent or reduce pipeline vandalisation. Recommendation for further application has also been made.
