Strata Innovative Solutions works efficiently deliver projects for a variety of Oil & Gas clients throughout Texas. For example, the team recently assisted a Midstream client with an automation project involving two crude and natural gas liquid pipelines covering over 1,200 miles, running from New Mexico to the Texas coast. Construction of the pipeline took a couple of years to complete and involve several phases of work. Phase one and two were completed in 2018

Our client needed an automation solution that would allow them to oversee the operation of its multiple pipeline assets from a central control room, covering compiling data for a range of midstream processes, including:

• Receipt metering LACTs
• Delivery metering LACTs
• Block valves
• Truck stations
• Pump stations
• Terminals

The Strata team stepped in quickly by first outlining a program to collectively capture data for control, measurement, information, communication, and leak detection systems; then, the team spent time focused on communication and power solutions for the widely variable installations.

The design and engineering work began on the control panels, containing I/O’s ranging from <50 to 1000+ in Strata’s UL Certified panel shop. These custom panels would control and operate the pipeline’s LACT units, block valves, pump stations, and terminals. Given the range and remoteness of large portions of the pipeline, solar-powered system skids were sized for this application. Additionally, Strata completed the panel and solar equipment field installations.

Running parallel with the panel build, Strata’s SCADA programmers set up pipeline assets for the Control Room. This process involved establishing screens and alarms in compliance with regulatory PHMSA code, creating a series of standard operational reports, and integrating scheduled measurement data transfers to the client’s accounting system.

At the same time, the team worked on developing the Cause and Effect and Control narrative between the client’s operations team and their contracted engineering firms. Strata is responsible for PLC and HMI programming for all field sites, configuring measurement systems, setting up batching sequences, and establishing printer utilities for the truck and pump stations and terminals when completed. In addition, Strata finalized all instrument programming, commissioning, and initialized start-up.

We deliver value to our clients because we can do more than standard system integrators:

• We are control systems consultants, helping to define the scope and provide engineering support
• We are involved in the design process at all phases of the project
• We provide dedicated program management
• We invest more in engineering to design the right solution for the client
• We examine possible issues, identify efficiencies, and provide cost/value comparisons