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Pipeline network optimization
Pipeline network optimization A system utilizing computer graphics to optimize the layout of the gathering network of pipelines needed to land oil or gas has been developed on the Time Sharing Ltd. Service by Protech International (UK) Ltd. The new system, which uses the GINO-F graphics routines originated at the CAD Centre, has the power of an interactive computer to examine all practical possibilities and choose an optimum. Virtually any number of wells or fields can be joined to a central distribution point. The system works by taking into account the coordinates of all wells, and ol the collection point, flowrates, fluid density and viscosity, standard pipe dimensions, material density and internal roughness, and cost data which includes costs for materials,
junctions, and laying on various terrains. Wells are treated in pairs, and a repetitive process generates a network with defined junction points. The first step is to select the cheapest junction point. The cheapest junction is identified within a rectangle enclosing both outlying wells and the collection point, and the process is repeated with progressively shrinking rectangles until a minimumcost overall layout is achieved. For each trial junction, the junction pressure is calculated, which allows the mathematically required pipe diameter to be calculated and rounded up to the nearest standard pipe size and appropriate thickness based on standard formulas for pipe stress. The result is the most economical physical pipe layout, with all sections pro-
Interactive drawing system A computer graphics system has been developed by the Auto-trol Corporation, Denver, USA for which Davy Computing Ltd. has been appointed exclusive sales and service representative in the UK and Eire. The AD 380 engineering and generalpurpose interactive drawing system is based on the Auto-Draft system. Draughtsmen can increase the rate of drawing production at least 4-fold, and so it is more economical than many other graphics systems. The rate of drawing production is increased, because the system stores symbols and sections of drawings, groups of components etc., and these can be reused at any time. Components and drawings can also be scaled, rotated and repositioned. A compact controller has been added. The AD 380 is based on a Varian V70 processor, and the basic system has 64 kwords of semiconductor memory which can be increased to 1 Mwords. As this operates under the Varian Vortex operating system, other nonrelated tasks may be performed at the same time as the drawing production is in progress.
volume 9 number 3 july 1977
The draughtsman's table includes graded glass scales to count the digital increments. A DECwriter has also been added. Drawings are made using lightweight digitizer/draughting stations and cathode ray tubes. Drawings and symbols can be created on the CRT by
portioned to accept the required flow within the cheapest standard pipe size. The system is capable of being handled by a designer who does not have in-depth computer experience, and can be accessed via a graphics display or conventional time-sharing terminal. When the program is run, the optimized layout is displayed on the graphics device as a 2-dimensional plot showing wens and junction points. A separate table gives pipe diameters and total costs, and, once the engineer is satisfied with the design, the layout can be directed to a high-quality plotter to produce the final drawing, in several colours if required. (Time
Shoring Ltd., 1 79-193 Great Portland Street, London WIN 5TB, UK. Telephone." 01-637 1355, Telex: 28638)
keyboard commands and cursor movements and instructions. The input data is processed in the computer and stored on either disc or tape. Completed drawings may be reviewed on the CRTs. The final drawings are produced on a large flatbed plotter. (Davy Computing Ltd.,
Moorfoot House, 2 C/arence Lane, Sheffie/d $3 7UZ, UK. Te/ephone." 0742 71201)
AD 380 computer graphics system
213
junctions, and laying on various terrains. Wells are treated in pairs, and a repetitive process generates a network with defined junction points. The first step is to select the cheapest junction point. The cheapest junction is identified within a rectangle enclosing both outlying wells and the collection point, and the process is repeated with progressively shrinking rectangles until a minimumcost overall layout is achieved. For each trial junction, the junction pressure is calculated, which allows the mathematically required pipe diameter to be calculated and rounded up to the nearest standard pipe size and appropriate thickness based on standard formulas for pipe stress. The result is the most economical physical pipe layout, with all sections pro-
Interactive drawing system A computer graphics system has been developed by the Auto-trol Corporation, Denver, USA for which Davy Computing Ltd. has been appointed exclusive sales and service representative in the UK and Eire. The AD 380 engineering and generalpurpose interactive drawing system is based on the Auto-Draft system. Draughtsmen can increase the rate of drawing production at least 4-fold, and so it is more economical than many other graphics systems. The rate of drawing production is increased, because the system stores symbols and sections of drawings, groups of components etc., and these can be reused at any time. Components and drawings can also be scaled, rotated and repositioned. A compact controller has been added. The AD 380 is based on a Varian V70 processor, and the basic system has 64 kwords of semiconductor memory which can be increased to 1 Mwords. As this operates under the Varian Vortex operating system, other nonrelated tasks may be performed at the same time as the drawing production is in progress.
volume 9 number 3 july 1977
The draughtsman's table includes graded glass scales to count the digital increments. A DECwriter has also been added. Drawings are made using lightweight digitizer/draughting stations and cathode ray tubes. Drawings and symbols can be created on the CRT by
portioned to accept the required flow within the cheapest standard pipe size. The system is capable of being handled by a designer who does not have in-depth computer experience, and can be accessed via a graphics display or conventional time-sharing terminal. When the program is run, the optimized layout is displayed on the graphics device as a 2-dimensional plot showing wens and junction points. A separate table gives pipe diameters and total costs, and, once the engineer is satisfied with the design, the layout can be directed to a high-quality plotter to produce the final drawing, in several colours if required. (Time
Shoring Ltd., 1 79-193 Great Portland Street, London WIN 5TB, UK. Telephone." 01-637 1355, Telex: 28638)
keyboard commands and cursor movements and instructions. The input data is processed in the computer and stored on either disc or tape. Completed drawings may be reviewed on the CRTs. The final drawings are produced on a large flatbed plotter. (Davy Computing Ltd.,
Moorfoot House, 2 C/arence Lane, Sheffie/d $3 7UZ, UK. Te/ephone." 0742 71201)
AD 380 computer graphics system
213