Storage and Transportation Technology: [Weekly Topic] November 4-3 to 4-10 – The necessity of remote pump control and implementation methods
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This post was last edited by Mint Life on 2011-4-2 09:37. The necessity of remote control for pumps and the measures to achieve it; those who actively participate in the discussion will receive rewards.
From a safety perspective, I believe remote control of pumps can help **reduce the workload on workers in oil and gas environments; especially under special operating conditions, it enables rapid and accurate remote handling, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents.
Remote control of the loading and unloading pump can reduce the workload on workers, improve work efficiency, and can be implemented easily. However, the shutdown process must take into account the opening and closing status of the pump outlet valve
For some pumps that are operated frequently, remote control becomes quite important, as it can **reduce the workload of field operators. For example, for car loading and unloading pumps, internal operators can be granted permissions for the loading and unloading stations. Note that the pump should be started manually on the first day of each week, and it is necessary to check all relevant settings of the pump
Remote control enables centralized management, timely feedback, and prompt action-taking.
Remote control of pumps is used in our factory solely for monitoring purposes. We often alternate between two pumps, which helps with their maintenance and extends their lifespan. We advocate starting the pump on-site, as this allows us to check the inlet and outlet valves of the pump as well as its operation when it is started. These aspects cannot be seen from the control room; in the control room, only the pump’s alarm signals, operation status indicators, and monitoring of bearing temperatures and coil temperatures are available. I’m referring to the shielded pumps used for feeding fluids – as for other types of pumps, there is no monitoring or control at all. Of course, this applies only to our factory and our specific field of expertise; it would be useful to learn from the advanced practices of other factories as well
1. Both the remote control button and the on-site operation button for the pump are located on the on-site operation panel; when remote control is required, simply set the button to the DCS mode； 2. When starting the pump for the first time, remote control should be used provided that there is someone on site to supervise ； 3. With remote control, it is possible to monitor the operation of the pump on the DCS screen; if the pump encounters an issue and fails to operate, it will be displayed immediately on the computer ； 4. For the debugging phase, remote control is relatively convenient to use ； 5. In sites where toxic and harmful gases are prone to leakage, using remote control can reduce the incidence of occupational diseases among workers ； 6. The implementation measures for remote control are very simple: it is only necessary to have a wire connection from the DCS control room to the control box in the power distribution room; once the wiring in that control box is connected to the wiring on the field control panel, it’s ready to use.
The idea is quite good; perhaps some organizations have already incorporated this aspect into their systems. However, in actual production, remote control is used relatively rarely. According to the operation cards used by CNPC at present, it is necessary to verify various steps before starting the equipment, as remote control is not feasible in such cases. 1. If there is a malfunction with the pump itself, it is not possible to detect it promptly； 2. Inspection must be carried out before starting the pump; it is not possible to proceed otherwise ； 3. The outdoor operation and maintenance units are slacking off
Remote control provides a certain level of protection for the operator’s safety and reduces the workload. To achieve remote control, the control system must be sensitive, with rapid interlock actions. But the various protection systems also need to be precise.
For the remote control of pumps, based on our previous experience with gas storage facilities, the design objectives are as follows: 1) to enable remote operation and monitoring; 2) to allow control over pump startup (only commands to start the pump can be issued, rather than directly turning the pump on); 3) to permit remote switching on/off of pumps at the vehicle loading stations (this should not be used frequently, only in emergency situations); 4) to shut down operating pumps in conjunction with the emergency braking system in the storage area. In my opinion, for various oil and gas storage facilities that handle hazardous materials, it is essential to carry out various inspections on site before and after starting the pumps; manual operation remains the most reliable method for routine tasks. How much can the labor intensity be increased? It’s more about a sense of responsibility and not being afraid of trouble. This is essential for oil and gas storage facilities, and cannot be replaced by remote control. Effective remote monitoring and coordination in emergency situations are what matter most.
It is not advisable to control the pump remotely, as the conditions on site are unclear. If anyone is carrying out maintenance work, it is easy for accidents to occur. Moreover, if there is a problem with the pump, starting it remotely can also lead to equipment failures. But remote shutdown is still possible.