Compressor Station Expansion
Key Facts
Location: South Carlsbad New Mexico
Client Challenge: Increase the control system and facility to accommodate an additional 150 MMSCFD of gas compression flow into the South Carlsbad Control System
Technology: ControlLogix on the Balance of Plant PLC and Mainline Gas Compressor PLCs, Centurion C5 PLCs for the LP Compressors, and a ROC800 for connecting and interfacing the flow meters and gas chromatograph
Size of System: Integrate 350 hardwired I/O to B.O.P. PLC and 1000+ soft I/O points/alarms from vendor packages (Compressor PLCs, flow meters, analyzers, etc.). Systems included 1 Allen-Bradley ControlLogix 1756-L72 (B.O.P.), 5 Allen-Bradley ControlLogix 1756-L71 PLCs (Mainline Gas Compressor Skids), 2 Centurion C5 Custom Control Systems (LP Compressor Skids), 1 ROC800 for Flow Meter Interfaces and a Gas Chromatograph
Project Duration: 10 months
Scope of Project
Arion spearheaded the creation of technical specifications for the Balance of Plant (B.O.P.) controls, a pivotal responsibility encompassing the creation of essential deliverables such as the B.O.P. Cause & Effects, the Control Narrative, and the Control System Architecture. Moreover, the Automation group undertook the task of reviewing and enhancing critical documents, including Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), Instrumentation I/O Loading, I/O Index, and 3rd Party Automation specifications, ensuring a comprehensive and robust framework for project execution.
Approach
We began by reviewing all pertinent documentation, including the Design Basis, Scope of Work, P&IDs, I/O Index, and reference materials ('Go-Bys'), to fully grasp the project's primary objectives. Next, we created and published the initial controls specifications to capture the control system design/philosophy. As the project progressed, we remained proactive in staying abreast of design changes by engaging in design reviews, interfacing with vendors, and participating in HAZOP meetings. Based on timeline milestones or after major design changes, we would update the necessary documentation to convey the design and control changes.
Client Benefits
The client successfully expanded their compression station by implementing comprehensive monitoring and control capabilities bolstered by the integration of essential process and safety systems and instruments.