SCADA Systems

Gas transmission and distribution (T&D) companies depend on the reliable operation of facilities over a widespread geographic area. The U.S. transmission pipeline alone consists of more than 1.2 million miles of pipeline. To maintain reliability of the T&D system, operators not only require a regular and continuous flow of information as to how these facilities are functioning, but they also must be able to contact certain key facilities to make any operational changes needed to maintain a properly balanced system.
These systems are used for controlling facilities, including regulating valves to control the supply from a long-haul transmission pipeline to a local distribution system; starting and stopping compressors along the system; and controlling valves at major customer installations and city gates. To avoid the cost of staffing all of these locations, as well as building and maintaining associated facilities, most organizations rely on automated data gathering and recording systems.

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are computer-based automated control systems that monitor and control the transport of gas through pipelines. SCADA systems provide two basic functions: real-time monitoring (sensing) and control at remote sites

Reliable operations of SCADA systems depends on proper configuration, cyber security measures, and other factors. Argonne National Laboratory has been investigating and evaluating SCADA systems and has developed various tools, technologies and methodologies for assessing and improving these systems.

For more information, contact:
Craig Swietlik
Information Sciences
Decision and Information Sciences Division
Argonne National Laboratory
9700 South Cass Ave., Bldg. 221
Phone: 630-252-8912
Fax: 630-252-5128
E-mail Craig Swietlik