Flexible Solution for Challenges to Automate, Control Processing Operations, Remote Sites

Principal Technology Inc., a provider of total system solutions for natural gas, refining, chemical, process and manufacturing facilities, offers an efficient, flexible solution that meets the challenges operators of remote industrial sites or oil and gas processing facilities face today. With modular process control buildings from Principal Technology, there is now a smart solution for providing process automation and control as well as power distribution in one structure. Principal Technology is also able to manufacture modular E-buildings in a clean, modern factory environment to ensure the highest quality control standards are in place.

“Pressures to reduce staff levels for onsite construction operations coupled with the increasing sophistication and expense of automation and control equipment make modular structures an excellent choice to house and protect sensitive automation and process controls,” said Matthew S. Hodson, P.E., president and CEO of Principal Technology. “Alternatively, these buildings are also an effective means to add control room capabilities to processing facilities where existing climate controlled space is minimal.”

Using an E-building from Principal Technology simplifies the installation of complex control system equipment,motor controls, switch gear, or sensitive analytic equipment at processing facilities and remote sites. The E-buildings can range from 10 to 13 feet wide, 10 feet high and up to 30 feet long or more to accommodate as much equipment as needed. For larger control rooms, modules can be combined, creating virtually unlimited configurations. The “plug-and-play” modules ship to the installation site with all the required equipment in place and are fully tested in the factory. Final placement and connection to power and field instruments is all that is required in order for the buildings to become operational.

Modular E-buildings offer many advantages over standard control enclosure installations in remote sites, according to Hodson. Equipment within an enclosed structure is more secure from theft or vandalism as well as the deteriorating effects of the weather. The buildings are constructed of 2”, 4” or 6” pre-insulated modular wall and roof panels and include HVAC systems to maintain optimal temperatures for the equipment and sustain operations in the harshest environments. The structures can also include humidity control and dust mitigation to support ideal conditions and can be purged and pressurized for installation in hazardous areas.

“When it comes to operations and maintenance after the E-building is installed, field technicians appreciate the ability to work within a clean, sheltered, climate controlled environment,” said Hodson.” Within the larger structures there is even room to add a control station with operator interface terminal.”

Built-in UPS backup systems are a common option on the Principal Technology’s modular buildings, but they can also be equipped with self-contained power generators for installation at extremely isolated locations. Remote E-buildings can include cellular signal boosters, satellite antennas and wireless network access to connect operators and maintenance staff at remote sites.

The ability to bring a modern control room environment, rather than merely installing an outdoor control panel or erecting a site built shelter, to a processing plant makes E-buildings from Principal Technology an excellent choice. The modular structures protect expensive control equipment while providing a shelter for operators and maintenance staff. Large E-buildings are a cost effective method to add control room capacity to an existing processing plant with limited space or where on-site construction might be disruptive or hazardous.