1.

Advanced Data Analytics and Event Frames

Use Case: Batch Process Analysis with Event Frames
 Description: Utilize OSI PI Event Frames to define, capture, and analyze discrete
events such as batch processes. Event Frames allow for the aggregation of all
relevant data points (temperature, pressure, flow rates, and more) associated with a
specific batch or production run.
 Implementation:
 Define Event Frames for each batch process, capturing start and end times,
and associating relevant data streams.
 Use Event Frames to analyze batch-to-batch variations, identify trends, and
optimize parameters for future batches.
 Visualize batch process data in PI Vision or other PI tools to compare batches
and identify best practices.
2. Asset Framework (AF) Integration
Use Case: Hierarchical Asset Monitoring and Management
 Description: Leverage the OSI PI Asset Framework (AF) to create a hierarchical model
of plant assets, enabling structured and contextualized data analysis.
 Implementation:
 Build an AF hierarchy that represents the plant's equipment and systems,
defining attributes for each asset.
 Link real-time and historical data to these assets, allowing for centralized
monitoring and analysis.
 Implement roll-up calculations to aggregate performance metrics from
individual equipment to higher levels in the hierarchy, providing an overall
view of plant performance.
3. PI Integrator for Business Analytics
Use Case: Integrating Operational Data with Business Intelligence Tools
 Description: Use PI Integrator for Business Analytics to prepare and transfer data
from OSI PI to business intelligence platforms such as Power BI, Tableau, or SQL
databases.
 Implementation:
 Configure PI Integrator to select and transform relevant process data.
 Automate data flow to business intelligence tools for advanced analytics and
reporting.
 Create interactive dashboards that combine operational data with financial
and business metrics to drive decision-making.
4. Real-time Asset Performance Monitoring
Use Case: Predictive Maintenance Using PI System Analytics
 Description: Implement predictive maintenance strategies by using PI System
Analytics to monitor equipment health in real-time and predict potential failures.
 Implementation:
 Set up PI Analytics to calculate key performance indicators (KPIs) and health
scores for critical equipment.
 Develop and deploy machine learning models within the PI System to predict
failures based on historical and real-time data.
 Generate alerts and notifications for maintenance teams when potential
issues are detected, allowing for proactive maintenance scheduling.
5. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Monitoring
Use Case: Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS) Integration
 Description: Integrate CEMS with OSI PI to continuously monitor and record
emissions data, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
 Implementation:
 Connect CEMS to the PI System to capture emissions data such as SO2, NOx,
and particulate matter.
 Use PI AF to model the emissions data in context with plant operations.
 Set up real-time dashboards and reports to visualize emissions data and
demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.
 Implement automated reporting to environmental agencies, reducing manual
effort and ensuring timely submissions.
6. Enhanced Data Security and Access Control
Use Case: Role-based Data Access and Security
 Description: Use OSI PI's advanced security features to implement role-based access
control, ensuring that sensitive data is accessible only to authorized personnel.
 Implementation:
 Define user roles and permissions within the PI System.
 Configure security settings to restrict access to specific data points, assets, or
analytics based on user roles.
 Monitor and audit access logs to ensure compliance with internal and
external security policies.
7. Real-time Collaboration and Data Sharing
Use Case: Operational Collaboration Using PI Vision
  Description: Implement PI Vision to enable real-time collaboration and data sharing
among plant operators, engineers, and management.
 Implementation:
 Create interactive and customizable dashboards in PI Vision that display real-
time and historical data.
 Allow team members to annotate trends, share insights, and collaborate on
troubleshooting and optimization efforts.
 Enable mobile access to PI Vision dashboards, ensuring that key stakeholders
can monitor operations and make decisions from anywhere.

Batch Process Analysis with OSI PI Event Frames at a Specialty

Polymer Plant
chemical plant that produces specialty polymers in batches can greatly benefit from
implementing OSI PI Event Frames. Each batch goes through four main stages:
mixing, reaction, cooling, and packaging. By using OSI PI Event Frames, the plant can
capture and analyze data throughout these stages to optimize production and
improve product quality.

Steps For Implementation

1. Automated Capture of Batch Start and End Times:

Reactor Valve Triggers: Install sensors on the reactor valves to detect when they
open and close. These sensors will act as triggers for starting and ending the
Event Frames
Event Frame Creation: Configure OSI PI to automatically create a new Event
Frame each time the reactor valve opens (batch start) and closes (batch end).
This ensures that each batch is accurately captured in the system.

2. Aggregation of Process Data:

Data Streams: Connect sensors and instruments that measure key parameters
such as temperature, pressure, and pH levels to the OSI PI system. These
parameters are critical for monitoring the batch process.

Event Frame Configuration: For example, an Event Frame for a batch might
include attributes for

Mixing Stage: Temperature, mixer speed, mixing time.

Reaction Stage: Reactor temperature, pressure, pH levels, reaction time.
Cooling Stage: Coolant temperature, cooling rate, cooling time.
Packaging Stage: Packaging temperature, pressure, packaging time.
 Data Collection: During each batch, OSI PI will automatically collect and store
data for these attributes within the corresponding Event Frame.

3. Data Analysis for Optimal Parameters:

 Historical Data Analysis: Use the historical data captured in the Event Frames to
analyse previous batches. This analysis can identify optimal ranges for parameters
that yield the highest quality polymer.
 Statistical Analysis: Perform statistical analysis (e.g., mean, median, standard
deviation) on the collected data to understand variations and trends.
 Correlation Analysis: Identify correlations between different parameters (e.g.,
reactor temperature and polymer quality) to pinpoint critical factors.
 Optimization: Based on the analysis, adjust process parameters to optimize future
batches. For example, if the highest quality polymer is produced at a specific
temperature range, set the reactor temperature within this range for subsequent
batches.

4. Visualization in PI Vision:

Dashboard Creation: Create interactive dashboards in PI Vision to visualize

real-time and historical batch data. These dashboards can display key metrics
and trends for each batch stage.
Batch Comparison: Develop tools within PI Vision to compare current batches
with historical data. This might include overlaying temperature profiles,
pressure curves, and pH trends from multiple batches.
Deviation Analysis: Highlight deviations from the optimal parameters to
quickly identify potential issues.
Trend Identification: Visualize long-term trends to detect gradual shifts in
process performance.
Annotations and Collaboration: Allow operators and engineers to add
annotations directly on the PI Vision dashboards. This facilitates collaboration
and helps in sharing insights and corrective actions.
Benefits:
 Enhanced Batch Consistency: By capturing and analysing data for each batch, the
plant can identify and address variations, leading to more consistent product quality.
 Improved Product Quality: Optimization of process parameters based on detailed
analysis helps in producing higher quality polymers.
 Operational Efficiency: Real-time monitoring and analysis enable operators to detect
and correct deviations promptly, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
 Regulatory Compliance: Detailed records of batch processes, maintained through
Event Frames, ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.
 Heat rate optimization.

1. Heat Rate:
o Heat rate represents the amount of energy (in kilojoules or British thermal
units) required to generate one kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity. A lower
heat rate indicates better efficiency.
o It depends on factors like boiler efficiency, turbine performance, fuel quality,
and operating conditions.
2. Data Collection and Real-Time Monitoring:
o The PI System collects real-time data from various sensors, including
temperature, pressure, flow rates, and fuel consumption.
o Install appropriate sensors across the power plant (e.g., at the boiler, turbine,
and generator) to continuously monitor relevant parameters.
3. Historical Data Analysis:
o Use historical data stored in the PI System to analyze past performance.
o Identify patterns, anomalies, and correlations related to heat rate. Look for
trends during different load conditions, weather variations, and maintenance
periods.
4. Heat Rate Calculation:
o Calculate heat rate using the following formula:

o The PI System can automate this calculation based on real-time data.

5. Performance Benchmarking:
o Compare your plant’s heat rate with industry benchmarks or similar power
plants.
o Set achievable targets for improvement.
6. Operational Adjustments:
o The PI System provides insights into operational adjustments:
 Optimize combustion parameters (air-fuel ratio, excess air, etc.).
 Monitor steam temperatures and pressures.
 Adjust turbine blade angles.
 Optimize cooling water flow rates.
 Minimize auxiliary power consumption.
7. Predictive Maintenance:
o Use predictive analytics to identify equipment degradation.
o Detect issues like fouled heat exchangers, worn-out turbine blades, or
inefficient burners.
o Schedule maintenance proactively to prevent unplanned downtime.
8. Feedback Loop and Continuous Improvement:
o Continuously monitor heat rate and adjust operations based on real-time data.
o Implement feedback loops to ensure ongoing optimization.
o Regularly review performance and refine strategies.
 9. Reporting and Visualization:
o The PI System’s visualization tools allow you to create dashboards and
reports.
o Track heat rate improvements over time and share insights with relevant
stakeholders.

1. Real-time Network Monitoring and Control

Detailed Use Case: Continuous real-time monitoring and control of gas flow, pressure, and
temperature at various points in the city gas distribution network.

Implementation with OSI PI:

PI Interfaces: Use PI Interfaces to collect real-time data from various sensors and SCADA
systems installed at different locations within the city.

PI Asset Framework (AF): Create a comprehensive model of the distribution network,

including pipelines, pressure regulating stations, and metering points.

PI Vision: Develop dynamic, real-time dashboards to visualize critical parameters such as gas
flow rates, pressure levels, and temperature at different network nodes. Include geospatial
maps to display the distribution network's real-time status.

PI Notifications: Set up real-time alerts for abnormal conditions like pressure drops or
unexpected flow rates, enabling immediate response and corrective actions.

2. Advanced Leak Detection and Localization

Detailed Use Case: Implement advanced leak detection algorithms to identify and localize
gas leaks in the distribution network quickly.

Implementation with OSI PI:

PI Data Archive: Store high-frequency data from pressure and flow sensors.

PI Asset Analytics: Develop complex analytics to detect pressure anomalies and flow
discrepancies that could indicate a leak. Use statistical methods and machine learning models
to enhance detection accuracy.

PI Event Frames: Create event frames to capture and log leak detection events, providing
detailed historical data for each incident.
PI Integrator for Esri ArcGIS: Integrate with Esri ArcGIS to visualize and analyze leak
locations on a city map, helping field teams to pinpoint and address the leaks efficiently.

3. Predictive Maintenance for Critical Assets

Detailed Use Case: Perform predictive maintenance on critical assets such as compressors,
valves, and regulators to prevent failures and optimize maintenance schedules.

Implementation with OSI PI:

PI AF: Model critical assets and their maintenance schedules, including metadata on
historical performance and failure modes.

PI Integrator for Machine Learning: Export historical and real-time data to machine learning
platforms to build predictive models for asset failures.

PI Analytics: Implement calculations and algorithms to monitor asset health indicators such
as vibration, temperature, and operating hours.

PI Notifications: Automate maintenance alerts based on predictive analytics, ensuring

maintenance is performed before failures occur.

4. Energy Management and Optimization

Detailed Use Case: Optimize the energy consumption of the city gas distribution system to
reduce operational costs and improve efficiency.

Implementation with OSI PI:

PI AF: Create an energy model of the distribution network, including consumption metrics
for compressors, pumps, and other equipment.

PI DataLink: Use PI DataLink to integrate PI System data with Excel for detailed energy
analysis and cost optimization studies.

PI Vision: Develop energy dashboards to visualize real-time and historical energy

consumption, identify high-energy-use areas, and track efficiency improvements.

PI Asset Analytics: Implement analytics to identify and mitigate energy losses, optimize
compressor operations, and schedule equipment run-times during off-peak hours.

5. Regulatory Compliance and Environmental Reporting

Detailed Use Case: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for gas distribution,
including safety standards and environmental reporting.
Implementation with OSI PI:

PI Data Archive: Maintain accurate historical data records for all critical parameters required
for regulatory compliance.

PI AF: Organize compliance-related data, such as emissions, gas quality, and safety metrics,
into a structured framework.

PI Vision and PI ProcessBook: Create compliance dashboards and reports to monitor

adherence to regulatory standards in real-time. Facilitate automated report generation for
regulatory submissions.

PI Notifications: Set up alerts for any regulatory threshold breaches, enabling prompt
corrective actions to maintain compliance.

6. Customer Usage Monitoring and Dynamic Billing

Detailed Use Case: Monitor customer gas usage in real-time and implement dynamic billing
based on actual consumption patterns.

Implementation with OSI PI:

PI Interfaces: Integrate with smart meters and other customer metering devices to collect real-
time usage data.

PI AF: Create models for individual customer usage patterns and aggregate usage statistics
for different customer segments.

PI Analytics: Analyze usage data to identify peak consumption periods, detect anomalies, and
optimize billing cycles.

PI Notifications: Provide real-time usage alerts to customers and notify them of unusual
consumption patterns, helping them manage their usage more effectively.

7. Incident Management and Emergency Response

Detailed Use Case: Enhance incident management and emergency response capabilities using
real-time data and advanced analytics.

Implementation with OSI PI:

PI Event Frames: Capture detailed data on incidents such as pipeline ruptures, gas leaks, or
equipment failures, including contextual information like time, location, and severity.

PI Notifications: Implement real-time alerting systems for incident detection, ensuring rapid
response by field teams and emergency services.

PI Vision: Develop a centralized incident management dashboard to visualize ongoing

incidents, historical data, and response status. Include GIS integration for spatial analysis and
resource deployment.

PI Integrator for Business Analytics: Integrate incident data with business intelligence tools
for post-incident analysis, reporting, and continuous improvement.

8. Pipeline Integrity Management

Detailed Use Case: Monitor and maintain the integrity of pipelines to ensure safe and reliable
gas distribution.

Implementation with OSI PI:

PI AF: Model pipeline assets, including attributes like material, age, inspection history, and
current condition.

PI Analytics: Implement integrity monitoring analytics to detect signs of corrosion, pressure

anomalies, and mechanical stress.

PI Integrator for Esri ArcGIS: Use GIS integration to map pipeline integrity data and
prioritize inspection and maintenance activities based on risk assessments.

PI Vision: Create visual dashboards to track the integrity status of pipelines, displaying real-
time data and historical trends.

9. Capacity Planning and Demand Forecasting

Detailed Use Case: Accurately forecast gas demand and plan capacity to ensure reliable
supply and optimize infrastructure investments.

Implementation with OSI PI:

PI AF: Develop demand forecasting models that incorporate historical consumption data,
weather patterns, and economic indicators.

PI Analytics: Use advanced analytics to predict future demand trends and identify potential
capacity constraints.
PI DataLink: Export forecasting data to planning and simulation tools for capacity planning
and scenario analysis.

PI Vision: Visualize demand forecasts and capacity plans on interactive dashboards,

providing insights for strategic decision-making.

10. Data Integration and Interoperability

Detailed Use Case: Ensure seamless data integration and interoperability with other
enterprise systems for holistic operational insights.

Implementation with OSI PI:

PI Interfaces: Connect with various data sources including SCADA systems, ERP systems
(e.g., SAP), and GIS platforms.

PI Integrator: Facilitate data sharing with business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
for comprehensive analysis and reporting.

PI Web API: Enable custom application development and integration using PI System data,
providing flexibility for unique business needs.

PI System Access (PSA): Implement secure data access protocols to ensure data integrity and
security across integrated systems.

These detailed use cases illustrate how city gas distribution companies can leverage the OSI
PI System's advanced capabilities to optimize their operations, enhance safety, ensure
regulatory compliance, and improve customer satisfaction. Each use case demonstrates
specific implementations that harness the power of real-time data, advanced analytics, and
seamless integration, tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities in city gas
distribution.

. Real-time Leak Detection with Advanced Pattern Recognition

Detailed Use Case: Implementing a real-time leak detection system using advanced pattern
recognition and historical data comparison to pinpoint potential gas leaks more accurately.

Specific to OSI PI:

 PI Data Archive: Continuously stores high-resolution data from flow meters and
pressure sensors across the distribution network.
 PI Asset Framework (AF): Models the entire gas distribution network, including
detailed characteristics of each segment (e.g., expected pressure ranges, flow rates).
 PI Event Frames: Captures specific events when pressure drops or flow anomalies
are detected, providing historical context and enabling pattern recognition.
 PI Asset Analytics: Utilizes built-in analytics to compare real-time data against
historical patterns, identifying deviations that indicate potential leaks.
  PI Integrator for Esri ArcGIS: Integrates with Esri ArcGIS to display real-time and
historical leak data on a geographic map, aiding in precise leak localization and rapid
response.

2. Predictive Maintenance for Gas Compressors Using Machine Learning Integration

Detailed Use Case: Utilizing machine learning models to predict maintenance needs for gas
compressors based on real-time operating conditions and historical performance data.

Specific to OSI PI:

 PI AF: Models gas compressors, including operational parameters, maintenance

history, and performance metrics.
 PI Integrator for Machine Learning: Exports historical and real-time data to a
machine learning platform, where predictive models are developed and trained.
 PI Data Archive: Provides a comprehensive repository of historical data necessary to
train machine learning models.
 PI Notifications: Generates alerts based on predictive maintenance algorithms,
informing maintenance teams of potential issues before they occur.
 PI Vision: Visualizes compressor health metrics, predictive maintenance schedules,
and real-time operational data, providing a holistic view of asset health.

3. Dynamic Load Forecasting and Demand Response

Detailed Use Case: Implementing a dynamic load forecasting system to predict gas demand
and optimize distribution in real-time, enhancing reliability and efficiency.

Specific to OSI PI:

 PI AF: Models customer usage patterns, weather data, and other relevant variables
that influence gas demand.
 PI Analytics: Uses advanced calculations and algorithms to generate short-term and
long-term demand forecasts based on real-time and historical data.
 PI Integrator for Business Analytics: Integrates with business intelligence tools
(e.g., Power BI, Tableau) to provide in-depth analysis and visualizations of demand
forecasts.
 PI Vision: Displays real-time demand forecasts and associated data on interactive
dashboards, helping operators to make informed decisions about distribution
adjustments.
 PI Notifications: Sets up alerts for significant deviations in forecasted demand,
enabling proactive load management and preventing potential supply issues.

4. Energy Management with Real-time Efficiency Monitoring

Detailed Use Case: Monitoring and optimizing the energy efficiency of the gas distribution
network in real-time to reduce operational costs and improve sustainability.

Specific to OSI PI:

 PI AF: Creates detailed models of energy consumption for various components of the
distribution network, including compressors, pumps, and heating systems.
 PI Asset Analytics: Develops efficiency metrics and key performance indicators
(KPIs) to monitor energy usage and identify areas for improvement.
  PI Vision: Provides real-time visualizations of energy consumption data, efficiency
metrics, and trend analysis on custom dashboards.
 PI DataLink: Enables detailed energy analysis and reporting in Excel, facilitating in-
depth investigations and strategic planning.
 PI Notifications: Alerts operators to inefficiencies and energy anomalies, prompting
immediate corrective actions to optimize energy usage.

5. Enhanced Safety Monitoring with Real-time Data Integration

Detailed Use Case: Implementing a comprehensive safety monitoring system that integrates
real-time data from multiple sources to enhance safety and emergency response.

Specific to OSI PI:

 PI Interfaces: Collects data from a variety of sources, including SCADA systems,

safety sensors, and environmental monitoring equipment.
 PI AF: Models safety-critical components and integrates data from various
monitoring systems to provide a unified view of safety metrics.
 PI Event Frames: Captures and logs safety incidents, providing detailed context and
historical data for analysis and reporting.
 PI Notifications: Sets up real-time alerts for safety threshold breaches, ensuring rapid
response to potential hazards.
 PI Vision: Visualizes safety data on interactive dashboards, including real-time
incident maps and historical safety performance trends.

6. Regulatory Compliance Automation

Detailed Use Case: Automating regulatory compliance reporting and monitoring to ensure
adherence to safety and environmental standards.

Specific to OSI PI:

 PI Data Archive: Maintains accurate and detailed historical records required for
regulatory compliance.
 PI AF: Organizes compliance-related data, such as emissions levels, safety incidents,
and maintenance activities, into a structured framework.
 PI Asset Analytics: Uses predefined compliance calculations to automatically
generate compliance reports and monitor adherence to regulatory standards.
 PI Notifications: Automates alerts for compliance threshold breaches, ensuring
timely corrective actions and preventing regulatory violations.
 PI Vision: Provides compliance dashboards that display real-time and historical
compliance data, facilitating audits and regulatory reviews.

These use cases highlight the unique capabilities of OSI PI that enable city gas distribution
companies to achieve specific operational, maintenance, safety, and regulatory objectives that
might be difficult to implement with other systems.