Support Operation and Monitoring Application of Pipeline Simulator (SMAPS)

Abstract

In 1994, Teikoku Oil Co., Ltd. (TOC) and NKK Corp. established a joint pilot project to provide pipeline application and evaluation of NKK’s gas hydraulic simulation engine (GASTRAN), and to co-develop a Demand Forecasting Model (DFC). When the pilot project finished in March 1997, a commercial system, Support Operation and Monitoring Application of Pipeline Simulator (SMAPS), was installed in TOC’s operation center.</jats:p> <jats:p>SMAPS programs include a real time simulator, an off-line planning simulator, demand and supply database, SCADA interface program, and the DFC. The real-time simulator provides actual initial conditions to the off-line simulator. In addition, the demand and supply database facilitates inputting the data for each sales point and applying real time demand forecasts from DFC.</jats:p> <jats:p>SMAPS has been mainly used to evaluate pipeline operation and monitor pipeline situations. Future plans include expanding usage for pipeline construction and maintenance and improving employee training.