VPM - Virtual Pipeline Manager™

Virtual Pipeline Manager™ (VPM) is a fully-integrated, real-time, on-line system for comprehensive pipeline and asset management of multiphase and single-phase systems, both offshore and onshore.

VPM is a globally-accepted, fit-for-purpose commercial and operational information system that is designed and built to meet a client's specific needs. It provides valuable field-level information to managers, production controllers, engineers and operators for making timely and informed decisions, beyond that typically available to them on a SCADA or DCS.

VPM enables the user to perform a broad range of functions, including detailed monitoring of the integrity of operations of the pipelines and related processing facilities, performing production planning, optimizing production blending and managing pipeline inventory. VPM can even provide optimal recommendations on operations.

Shell Malaysia MLNG Dua Virtual Pipeline Manager™

The scope of a VPM package can include wells, flowlines, trunklines and related fluid processing, separation, transportation and storage facilities. It offers an integrated environment to observe full-asset interactivity, response and performance.

What it is not...

VPM is not a SCADA nor a DCS system, nor is it a substitute for one. MSi's systems, including VPM provide an "intelligent" layer between the SCADA/DCS readings and the user.

MSi's systems can retrieve data from a SCADA/DCS or a third-party system like historians and information servers, or even human input to drive the system modeled. This in turn will provide the client with a more comprehensive understanding and visualization of their operations.

SCADA/DCS will show operational values only at places where instrumentation exists, typically at controllable equipment and at the boundaries of the system (custody transfer points). VPM goes beyond that and provides detailed operational information about what is happening in between these metering points. It is the phenomena that occur between these points that contribute to most of the operational issues. VPM enables the client to see the full picture of their operations.

VPM not only can give the real-time answers on all aspects of the asset being monitored, but it can "forecast" what will happen given current conditions, or using planned changes. VPM provides an effective "early warning" of events and allows the operators to make informed proactive changes to the operations before the problem manifests itself.

Typical Configurations

VPM can be configured in a variety of ways, depending on the client's business needs. It can be designed to provide leak detection and location, fluid composition tracking, gas linepack modeling, pig/scraper management and survival time analysis. VPM can be used for forecasting and optimization of production performance in production, gathering and transportation systems. It provides real-time estimates of pipeline performance including rate, temperature, pressure, liquid holdup distribution and velocity profiles, continuously forecasts end-of-day deliveries vs. multiple operational scenarios and constraints of sales agreements. VPM can be configured to address a broad range of operational issues.