Abstract
This article presents a case study exploring how data automation techniques were implemented to optimize natural gas-fired turbine operations and streamline emissions reporting, and asset maintenance for a natural gas transmission and storage operator. The focus is on the development and implementation of the program controls for monitoring the turbine operations, and the subsequent visualization and report generation platform.
Traditional methods for analyzing and reporting on turbine operating modes relied on limited operational indicators which were not standardized or widely available at all facilities. The reporting of this data involved manual manipulation of large datasets in spreadsheets, a time-consuming and error-prone process. Additionally, the lack of automation limited operational insights and hindered efforts to optimize turbine performance.
The core solution involved developing a custom program to monitor turbine operations based on various parameters. Requirements were gathered in collaboration with business Subject Matter Expert (SME) stakeholders and the turbine manufacturer. The program was implemented at all facilities in a phased approach with user acceptance testing to validate and ensure effectiveness. Once the data was generated, the operator's environmental department automated the analysis of turbine operating modes. This program extracted relevant data from existing systems and generated comprehensive reports, eliminating the need for manual data manipulation in spreadsheets. Additionally, the program was integrated with the Power BI platform for enhanced data visualization, facilitating user-friendly access to critical information.
The turbine operation mode monitoring program allowed for accurately defining the unique emission modes for United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) program's emission inventory reporting. Implementing the solution yielded significant improvements in both environmental compliance and operational efficiency. Automated reporting has streamlined the data analysis process significantly reducing manual effort, while enhancing the speed and accuracy of our reports. Furthermore, improved data accessibility enabled a more proactive approach to operational compliance management, minimizing the risk of potential incidents. This program bolstered turbine health management by enabling faster troubleshooting of asset performance issues, leading to a marked improvement in asset reliability and reduction in both maintenance events and unplanned outages.
This case study demonstrates the transformative power of data automation in optimizing industrial operations. The successful development and deployment of the turbine operating modes program, coupled with a custom reporting tool, exemplifies the benefits of collaboration, technical expertise and a data-driven approach. This innovative solution streamlined emissions reporting and provided valuable insights for environmental compliance and turbine performance optimization. The proactive approach minimized unplanned outages through the early identification of optimization opportunities. The organization's widespread adoption of this approach highlights its potential as a benchmark for future process improvements.
