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Spokane Terminal - The automation of this station allowed this customer to remotely operate the station, eliminating station operator positions.  The project included automatic refined petroleum batch switching to several pipeline customers.  The batch interfaces are automatically detected using colorimeters and densitometers from upstream and on-site equipment.  Batches can be cut on either gravity or volume. 

The batch data, including volume, gravity, and destination, are simply input into the HMI.  As a batch is received, automatic meter proving is performed.  Meter tickets are automatically generated using the batch meter factor and are automatically transmitted to the interested parties. 

To facilitate end of month ticketing, batch splitting features were programmed so that a batch could be divided based on volumes shipped by business month.  This splitting feature is also helpful to operators in the event of a meter failure requiring the division of a batch based on different meters.

There are two remote sites that communicate with the Host system, reporting data and accepting commands.  At the Spokane River, a main line block valve is controlled, and main line pressure and product density are reported.  Fairchild AFB PLC also communicates with the Host system, reporting the product density and color as it passes the Fairchild station.

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