Minicomputers Used in Metering and Leak Detection Systems for Liquid Petroleum Products Pipelines

The use of minicomputers as part of a product metering system is new and relatively expensive. The use of minicomputers is discussed from the following: 1) its advantage, practical limitations and disadvantages; 2) Colonial Pipeline Company's approach and design of computer aided metering systems for certain locations. Computer controlled leak detection is discussed from the following: 1) summary of leak detection systems to date with success and problems of each; 2) Colonial Pipeline Company's use of a minicomputer to control 10 independent lateral lines using pressure drop, flow rate, meter-in versus meter-out to automatically shut down the line and close out as required. Design of the system, operating procedures, problems, and evaluation are discussed.