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Mike Corrieri, Rockwell Automation, USA, assesses how
modernising pipeline operations can enhance flexibility,
data management, and security.
A
t first glance, oil and gas pipeline technology has remained
largely unchanged for many years. If it were possible to
time-port a pipeline operator from the late 1950s to a
modern pipeline, they would recognise much of modern-
day operation, with its associated pump stations and compressor
motors. In fact, there is a significant amount of global pipeline
infrastructure that was laid or built in the 1960s and still operates in
much the same way today. In many instances, the same motors are
powering pump stations along the way, and many can be argued to
have plenty of life in them still.
However, that is not to say that new pipelines are the same or
equal to the ageing global infrastructure. There are huge benefits
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