Research Project:
Engineering Intelligent Software Systems for Improving the Operational Efficiency of Oil Pipeline Networks

R&D: 2007-2011
Commercialization: 2011-

• Introduction
• Press Release
• Team Members
• Industrial Partners
• Publications / Presentations
• Software

The energy required to operate pump stations in oil pipeline networks can account for enormous energy consumption (either electrical or fossil fuels) in transportation and distribution companies. Expenses due to electricity usage surpass 50% of operating cost in case of many fluid distributors. The global carbon footprints of such a major transportation is in mega scales.

In this project, a methodology for determining optimal pump operation schedule for a fluid distribution pipeline system with multi-tariff electricity supply is presented. The optimization problem at hand is a complex task as it includes the extended period hydraulic model represented by algebraic equations as well as mixed-integer decision variables. Obtaining a strictly optimal solution involves excessive computational effort; however, a near optimal solution can be found at significantly reduced effort using heuristic simplifications. The problem is efficiently formulated in this paper based on Mixed-Integer Linear Programming. The proposed model is evaluated on a typical oil pipeline network. The numerical results reveal the accuracy and computationally efficient performance of the new model.

This proposed research project aims at designing and developing a set of intelligent software systems for improving efficiency in ODSs. We intend to use software techniques such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and optimization techniques to build intelligent decision-making and controller systems for ODSs. The goal is to analyze, design and implement software platforms that combine database management systems to manipulate ODS historical data, with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze and manage spatial data, and a Graphical User Interface (GUI) with optimization and machine learning modules to generate efficient configuration and operating regimes for ODSs.

Furthermore, since scientific software systems are being developed in this project, the inherent complexities in software engineering of such systems will be revisited and appropriate approaches in this very important aspect of the project will also be taken.

Possible benefits of the proposed research to the industry and economy of Alberta and Canada are self evident. The recent significant rises in the cost of all sources of energy, the recent global warming challenge and other environmental issues (such as keeping air and water ecosystems clean) dictate improved efficiency in ODSs, which has recently become an important goal for researchers and industrial practitioners. Optimizing batch scheduling will minimize the losses of product due to mixing at the interface of two batches, while minimizing pumping costs in oil pipelines means burning less fossil fuel to produce energy, and consequently reducing air pollution and the cost to the client.

Only about 10% of electricity generated in Alberta originates from hydro-electric plants and wind turbines, while about 90% is generated by burning fossil fuels (such as coal, oil and gas). As our preliminary investigation indicates, there are ways to lower the current transmission costs in pipelines. The benefits of this project’s results can thus be summarized as: (1) improving efficiency and operation of ODSs, and (2) helping to maintain a cleaner environment by reducing the use of fossil fuels. 

This research project is financially supported by an Alberta Ingenuity New Faculty award.

• March. 2009: Page 25 of the Alberta Innovates 2008/2009 Annual Report
• Dec. 2007: Air Water Land online magazine, Research Aims To Make Oil Pipelines More Efficient (link)
• Nov. 2007: Pipeline [software] researchers get Alberta Ingenuity funding - UofC's OnCampus magazine
• Sept. 2007: The Fossil’s Journey: Making Alberta’s oil pipelines more efficient as they carry oil across thousands of rugged kilometres (link)

Team leader, Principal Investigator (PI)

Assistant Professor of Software Engineering
Alberta Ingenuity New Faculty

Pembina Pipelines Corporation

Enbridge

This tool is able to get as input the oil products' volume to be transported (as per delivery contracts). It also gets the hourly flow rates as provided by hydraulics software. The tool is then able to simulate at each hour the location of each product across the pipeline and also the live values of pumping costs. The tool is useful for the pump operations analysis and also optimization purposes.

This product is planned to enter the commercialization process by late 2012. Stay tuned.

(click for full size image)