Computer directed supervisory control and monitoring in Libya

Abstract In early 1970, Oasis Oil Company of Libya put into operation a computer directed put into operation a computer directed Supervisory Control and Monitoring System for the company-operated power generation and distribution, pipeline, and oil production facilities within the Sirte Basin of the Libyan Arab Republic. A single on-line computer has been installed at a site deep in the Sahara Desert to operate in conjunction with fourteen Satellite Stations, via the company-operated communications system, for control and monitoring of several producing oilfields, five mainline pump stations, ten gas turbine driven generators at four dispersed locations, and a 138 KV power transmission system. The harsh desert environmental conditions coupled with temperature variations from 30 degrees F to 140 degrees F have presented formidable obstacles for the implementation of this system. The overall system operation, however, has been quite successful. Details of this particular computer application including performance history and cost information, are given. Various aspects of system software, hardware configuration, input-output devices and the communication links are discussed. Salient design and implementation problem areas are also touched upon. Introduction Following a feasibility study, Oasis Oil. Company of Libya decided in December, 1966 to install a computer directed Supervisory Control and Monitoring System to improve coordination of the company's widely dispersed field operations. (See Exhibit I.) This system would centralize collection of basic operational data, monitor and report alarm conditions, and provide remote control of equipment. Besides wide dispersement, factors in favor of computer directed surveillance and control were expansion flexibility and relative ease of computer program modification to match field changes. program modification to match field changes. In March, 1969 the computer system went "on line" and began interrogation and control of the first of fourteen Satellite Stations. Implementation of the system was completed in October, 1971. Three new Satellite Stations were added to the system in January, 1972.