Automated re-melt control systems

A method for thermal management of a pipeline, comprising:

• recording pipeline data corresponding to temperature characteristics of the pipeline;
• determining a plurality of pipeline temperature rates of change corresponding to a plurality of locations along the pipeline over time;
• determining based on a first pipeline temperature rate of change of the plurality of pipeline temperature rates of change, that a plug of solidified process fluid is in the pipeline at a first location;
• and
• displaying a representation of the plug at the first location.

A system for use with a pipeline that transports a process fluid and a heating system that applies thermal energy to the pipeline, the system comprising:

• a sensor network configured to record temperature data for a pipeline, the temperature data including temperature measurements for each of a plurality of locations along the pipeline over time;
• and
• a controller in electronic communication with the sensor network, the controller comprising a processor and memory storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to:
• receive the temperature data from the sensor network;
• determine, based on the temperature data, a rate of change of temperature of a first location of the plurality of locations of the pipeline;
• determine, based on the rate of change of temperature, that solidified process fluid is present in the pipeline at the first location;
• determine, based on the temperature data, a fill percentage representing an amount of solidified process fluid estimated to be present at the first location;
• and
• electronically communicate with a client system to cause a graphical user interface of the client system to display a graphical representation of the fill percentage at the first location of the pipeline.