The Camisea Pipeline Flyer0 pages

The Camisea Pipeline
Facing one of the greatest pipeline challenges in
Peruvian history, ISI-Solutions, the system integrators
for the project, knew the project needed to rely on a
cost-effective automation solution that combined the
power of control and flow computers to integrate,
operate and maintain pipeline control. Camisea needed
an internationally recognized name brand solution
with local distribution. They needed a product line that
would enable complex control over a Peruvian pipeline
where failure to provide much needed natural gas and
natural gas liquid could mean dire consequences for the
Peruvian economy.
Making its way along Peru’s Lower Urabamba River, a
jaguar’s whispery black shape easily tangles with the
darkness of nearby vegetation. Below the tree canopy,
two parallel curves of the dual Camisea pipelines
shoot into the surrounding Amazon, making their
way through the jungle, far past where the big cat
will wander and perhaps find its prey. Along the tree
canopy equipment dangles from tethered lines. All of
the equipment needed for this massive project is flown
in and lowered from the sky onto hilltop clearings.
From underground reserves more than a mile deep,
natural gas and natural gas liquid will flow through the
Camisea pipelines under the control of an integrated
solution, a flow computer that will help exploit the
jungle’s underground resources so that much-needed
natural gas can properly make its journey to Peru’s
coast. For the Peruvians, the pipelines’ path to the
sea will eventually see natural gas and natural gas
liquid processed and sold to help create an increased
standard of living. It is a long journey that will
eventually lead to economic prosperity, and is one
that begins with understanding the solution needs of
pipeline flow control.
The answer came when ISI discovered a simple
solution: ProSoft Technology had a Flow Computer
that was compatible with Rockwell Automation’s
ControlLogix platform. As an in-rack solution, it could
easily plug into the Rockwell backplane.
Fernando Dorgan, Electrical Engineer for ISI Solutions,
tested Rockwell’s ControlLogix platform with
ProSoft Technology’s in-rack AFC Flow Computer
communicating with the backplane. He found such
integration and compatibility a huge plus versus utilizing
a stand-alone flow computer that might have provided a
similar service.
Since ISI-Solutions is a system integration company
that provides consulting, integration, and management
solutions for a multitude of pipeline-related projects,
finding an automation solution meant choosing a
product line that they knew was going to work.
“We recommended the use of a Rockwell platform early
on as we wanted to add a highly functional backplane
and flow computer,” said Dorgan. “The challenges
were significant. Camisea’s pipelines needed flow
management control with a solution that could fit
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