Grane-Sture Leak Detection System
06 April 2004
Fantoft’s Leak Detection system for the Grane-Sture pipeline has been in operation about a half year.
Quote from Sverre Høysæter, Chief Automation Advisor in Norsk Hydro:
“Our requirement was a fit-for-purpose leak detection system for the new-built 220 km Grane-Sture pipeline transporting viscous crude. Now the pipeline is in operation and the testing has proved that the D-SPICE Leak Detection system from Fantoft has fulfilled our needs and expectations.”
The Grane Leak Detection System (LDS) is based on Fantoft's D-SPICE modelling, simulation and real time technology. The LDS is online connected to the Grane platform and the Sture plant via the automation and control systems (ABB).
The LDS using metering station values at pipeline inlet and outlet, including pressure, temperature, density, flow rate and valve positions. The Grane LDS is used for monitoring of the pipeline operation and executing online calculations of the probability for leak situations along the pipeline. This calculation is based on a detailed rigorous dynamic pipeline model being a part of the D-SPICE simulation software package.
Grane is located about 185 km west of Stavanger and 50 km southeast of the Heimdal Gas Center. The oil production was started in October 2003 with an oil production period of 25 years. The peak production is expected to be 214.000 barrels oil per day.
The oil pipeline between Grane and Sture is 29 inches with a length of about 220 km.
The process facility at Sture recycles the lightest components from crude oil, while withdrawing them in LPG mix (Liquefied Petroleum Gases) and Nafta. Refined crude oil and LPG mix are stored in the caverns and shipped from the pier. After the opening of the Grane field in October 2003, the total number of tankers is about 250-260 per year.
The Sture terminal today receives oil and condensate from:
- Oseberg Field Center
- Oseberg C
- Oseberg East
- Oseberg South
- Brage
- Veslefrikk/Huldra
- Grane
Norsk Hydro is the operator of the Grane platform and the Sture onshore terminal.
