ALES UNIT
WHAT IS THE ALES UNIT?
The Automatic Liquid Evacuation System, or ALES Unit, is a newly developed tool and technique specifically designed for gas pipeline liquid management. This extensively patented system is a unique blend of technology and power that automatically evacuates liquid build-up from drips or low spots in the pipeline, without releasing harmful gas into the atmosphere.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
In low pressure pipeline systems, vacuum trucks are the currently accepted method of pipeline liquid management. At best, this process is educated guess-work riddled with unknowns, making it expensive and inefficient. In this conventional process, a truck is sent to strategic points along the pipeline periodically. The truck connects to the pipeline and begins compressing the gas vapors in its tank, releasing these vapors into the atmosphere as it reduces the pressure of the tank. As the pressure of the tank drops, the pressure in the pipeline forces the liquid build-up, along with an unavoidable amount of gas vapors in the pipeline, into the truck. As the gas vapors fill the truck alongside the liquid, premature pressure equalization in the truck occurs. Therefore, the truck is forced to continually compress and release the harmful vapors into the atmosphere to maintain the pressure differential between the truck and the pipeline. Its an inefficient, environmentally and economically irresponsible process.
The ALES Unit revolutionizes this process, functioning as an environmentally-friendly closed loop system designed to maximize profitability and eradicate the unknowns. Units are strategically placed and remain constantly connected to the pipeline. Upon placement, the ALES operator inputs a set point (ex. 5 gallons) in the machine's logic. The Unit pulls liquid from the pipeline by compressing the gas vapors in its tank and returning them to the pipeline, creating the necessary pressure differential between the pipeline and the ALES tank. A level sensor inside the Unit's tank records the amount of liquid pulled during each cycle. If the amount of fluid recovered is more than its programmed set point, the ALES will run the process more often to minimize the build-up in the pipeline. If the amount pulled is less, the Unit will wait longer between run cycles. Once the ALES tank is full, the Unit shuts off and will not run any further cycles until the tank is emptied. At this point, the Unit can communicate with its operator and a truck can be sent to empty the tank. The truck also uses a closed loop system to pull the liquid from the ALES tank, preventing any gas loss through any part of the process.
The extensively patented ALES Unit is an economically effective, reliable, and environmentally responsible solution for liquid pipeline evacuation. It is specifically designed to maximize profit and reduce the environmental impact in the most cost-effective and practical way.
Economy:
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Once the ALES Unit is connected to the pipeline, the liquid levels in the pipeline are regulated constantly, optimizing the flow of the pipeline and maximising profit.
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Trucks are only dispatched to empty the full ALES tank, meaning fewer and more strategic trips for the trucks. The transfer time between the ALES tank and the truck is drastically lower, making their trips more efficient and cost-effective.
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With no gas loss to the atmosphere, the ALES meets EPA standards resulting in reduced fees and less unaccounted for loss of gas in transit.
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The ALES extracts liquid before it has time to cause major internal corrosion to the pipeline. Therefore, the pipeline lasts longer and functions at optimal rates, saving money.
Reliability:
The same power source and technology we use in our Smartwater Series powers the ALES Unit. This automated start/stop technology has over 12 years of proven field work.
Eco-Friendly:
With the ALES Unit's closed loop system, gas is never released into the atmosphere during the liquid evacuation process. This meets EPA standards, meaning fewer fees and a more eco-friendly footprint.
Patented:
The unique technology of the ALES Unit is extensively patented. It is a revolutionary approach to pipeline liquid management that optimizes pipeline flow and reduces the environmental impact.
Practicality:
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Effective gas pipeline liquid management requires having the right tools to do the job and using those tools to their full potential. The ALES does both in a full automated blend of technology and power that optimizes pipeline efficiency.
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The ALES maximizes upstream and midstream profitability by amplifying system throughput, decreasing the overall operational workload of the pipeline, and lowering the horsepower requirements of the compressors.
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With a lower risk of pressure build-up along the pipeline due to regular and consistent deliquidification, the ALES raises pipeline operational safety.
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The ALES Unit is fully automated, meaning it runs the deliquification process completely unattended, adjusting to the specific needs of its location automatically and continuously. It even notifies the operator when the tank is full and ready to be emptied.
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With the option to network multiple Units strategically along a pipeline, the ALES can optimize flow through the entire length of the pipeline.
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The extraction of liquids before they cause restriction, while they're easier to move inside the pipeline, maximizes profitability. This enhances internal corrosion prevention and reduces the amount of corrosion control chemicals required.