Enbridge started a Modelling Standards initiative in 1997 with the intent of increasing efficiency, reducing the model development and revision times, and making support of the software based leak detection models easier. The standards, although not complete, have begun to achieve the goals that were set. Enbridge Pipelines Inc. owns and operates sixteen pipelines which ship 1.5 million bbl/day of crude oil, refined products, and natural gas liquids. Since 1984 Enbridge has used transient hydraulic simulation software to assist with pipeline facility design, operator training, and as the basis for the software based leak system. Enbridge Technologies Inc has also provided operator training and the software based leak detection models to other pipeline operators. All of the Enbridge pipelines are modelled for operator training purposes. Eight of the sixteen pipelines currently have model based software leak detection with the rest in development. Due to the continued expansion of the Enbridge pipeline system, the models need to be constantly updated. Model development and revision is very time consuming and the learning curve for new developers is steep. Previous to the modelling standards initiative, each development engineer created models using methods and techniques unique to that individual. Documentation for the models often did not adequately describe the work that was completed. This created confusion for new developers and for other developers when they were revising or supporting models that they did not create. The modelling standards initiative has reduced these problems and has also provided a forum where the modelling problems can be discussed and optimum solutions can be developed. This has measurably increased the teams' productivity.
The development and use of standards in the hydraulic simulation holds the promise of increased efficiency, reduced the model development and revision times, and simplification of support of the models. This increase in productivity is very appealing, however the costs of developing, maintaining, and enforcing these standards must be considered when embarking on this process. Despite the fact that developing modelling standards can be a task fraught with difficulties, confusion, disagreement, and delay, we were determined to do our best to achieve what was promised. This paper describes Enbridge's transient modelling standardization opportunities, efforts, results and benefits.
Enbridge Pipelines Inc., together with its U.S. affiliate Lakehead Pipe Line, operates the world's longest and most sophisticated liquids pipeline systems. The pipeline system consists of 8400 miles of underground pipe and traverses one territory and five provinces in Canada and seven states in the United States. The Canadian portion of the system carries up to 70 unique commodity types which are received from many different feeder pipelines and delivered to more than 20 destinations. The 94 pumping stations and terminals along the right-of-way help create the capacity to move more than two million barrels of liquid hydrocarbons each day from western oilfields to markets in the East.
