
StationManager™ is a database application for tracking
regulator and relief valve station information. It provides
predefined fields for general, hydraulic, compliance, operation, and
inspection information. Its integral calculation engine allows quick
determination of compliance values. Support is provided for a
variety of multi-stage, multi-run station configurations. Data is
presented in easy to use spreadsheet, data form, and schematic
formats. A robust set of import and export routines includes support
for GASCalc™, GasValve™, Excel™, and Access™ data files.
In the works for several years, the product represents a
collaboration between B3PE and several operating utilities. It is
intended to provide database and analytical tools to support both
information management and compliance calculation needs of
organizations who must comply with US Department of Transportation
requirements.
The Database - StationManager
provides a predefined database which includes over 150 data fields
and over 100 analytical results fields. The data fields include
general, hydraulic, compliance, operational settings, inspection,
and equipment items. The data fields allow tracking of station
location, description, identification, status, dates, hydraulic
configuration, MAOP’s, installed equipment specifications,
inspection results, pressure settings, and digital images of the
station. The results fields include detailed pressure,
pressure-drop, capacity, and velocity values, for each component of
the station.
The StationManager data scheme looks at a
“station” as a set of stages and runs. A station can consist of up
to two runs, with up to two stages per run. Each stage can consists
of an upstream piping section, an upstream device (regulator), a
complex intermediate piping section, a downstream device (regulator
or relief valve), a downstream piping section, and a stack piping
section. The stages can be configured as regulator only, relief
valve only, regulator-relief valve, regulator-regulator (upstream
monitor, downstream monitor, or upstream working monitor), dual
regulator-single relief, and single regulator-dual relief valve. Any
combination of manufacturer make and model can be included in the
stage configurations. Each run can consist of any combination of
supported stage configurations. The piping sections can contain a
combination of both pipe segments and fittings.
The station
data is complimented by a set of lookup tables that contain
information on pipe, fitting, regulator and relief valve properties.
The standard tables include a substantial list of makes, models, and
sizes which can be modified or enhanced by the User.
The Data Interface - The primary access to the
StationManager database is through a spreadsheet style report
interface. Station records are added, deleted, moved, and
manipulated using the report interface. However, data values can be
entered or revised using either the row and column format report, a
“fill-in-the-blank” data form, or a “point-and-click” graphical
schematic.
Data entry is enhanced by numerous drop-down and
pop-up selection lists and screens. Pop-up tooltips assist the User
with the required data entry. The tab delimited report and data
screens group the data into functional classifications. The report
screen provides a toolbar of useful record and manipulation
functions.
Using the report screen, data can be sorted or
selected for viewing. Selection sets can be created based on User
defined criteria. For example, only the stations associated with a
particular operating district, or only stations containing a
particular regulator or relief valve type could be selected and
displayed.
The dimensional units, the number format, and the
fields that are displayed can all be User specified.
An
“audit” screen is provided to allow view only access to select data.
This feature is intended to allow a non-User to view station
compliance values while denying the ability to change the data.
Data can be printed in a spreadsheet style report or a document
style data sheet. A printable inspection form assists field data
collection.
The Calculation Engine - The
StationManager calculation engine was derived from our popular
GASCalc software. The StationManager engine has been enhanced to
provide a more compliance oriented set of calculations, compared to
the more design oriented methods of GASCalc. The station
configuration is defined by the hydraulic data entered in the
database. The database allows for a very detailed station
definition, however, the actual definition can be as detailed or as
general as the User desires. Individual pipe sections, fittings, and
valves can be included in the configuration - or the entire section
can be generalized as a single pipe segment. Once the configuration
is defined, the detailed pressure and flows at both normal and
failed conditions can be calculated. The calculation routine will
flag conditions that are out of code compliance, or outside User
defined limits.
StationManager supports nearly twenty
industry standard pipe flow equations, and ten regulator/relief
valve equations. This combination of equation and configuration
support allows StationManager to support nearly every conceivable
station configuration found in the distribution, transmission, or
gathering sectors of the industry.
Utilities -
StationManager provides a number of utility functions for
manipulating data values, sharing data, and importing and exporting
data to other software applications. A mass update routine is
provided which allows the User to change data for records meeting a
certain search criteria. A routine is provided for creating a “sub”
database from a selected set of records. Data entry is enhanced by a
set of User defined default data. A full set of file handling
routines is provided for copying, appending, merging, and “zipping”
data files.
Import & Export Routines - A very
robust set of import and export routines are provided for sharing
data with other applications. Routines are provided for reading data
from GasValve, GASCalc, dBase, Access, and Excel data
files. Routines are also provided for writing data to several of
these formats. This allows not only two-way sharing of the data, but
allows the User to take advantage of the more general reporting,
analytical, and manipulation features of these outside applications.
Pricing & Licensing - Pricing is based on allowed
model size - starting at $245 USD for a 25 station version. Click
here to display pricing options
and an
order form. Complete and return the form or
contact us to purchase the
software.
Maintenance & Updates - An annual maintenance fee
may be applied for custom installations or in cases where a
non-standard license agreement is used, otherwise no annual
maintenance fee is required. Updates to the software are available
for download at no additional charge
from our website. Technical support on the use of the software is
provided by way of telephone or email communication at no additional
fee.
|