Systems and methods for optimization of a petroleum distribution system

A controller for a pipeline system, the controller comprising processing circuitry configured to:

• obtain sensor data of a gas in the pipeline system from sensors of a sensing unit;
• perform a real-time and closed loop control scheme using the sensor data and a material model of the gas to determine one or more control decisions, the material model of the gas configured receive the sensor data of the gas and predict a thermodynamic property of the gas based on the sensor data of the gas, the thermodynamic property of the gas predicted by the material model being different than the sensor data;
• and
• operate one or more controllable pipeline elements to adjust a phase of the gas to limit formation of a hydrate according to the one or more control decisions.

A pipeline system comprising:

• a pipeline;
• a station comprising a sensing unit configured to provide sensor data;
• pipeline equipment configured to adjust a temperature, pressure, flow rate, or a composition of a gas;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• obtain the sensor data of the gas in the pipeline from sensors of the sensing unit;
• perform a real-time and closed loop control scheme using the sensor data and a material model of the gas to determine one or more control decisions for the pipeline equipment, the material model of the gas configured receive the sensor data of the gas and predict a thermodynamic property of the gas based on the sensor data of the gas, the thermodynamic property of the gas predicted by the material model being different than the sensor data;
• and
• operate the pipeline equipment to adjust a phase of the gas to limit formation of a hydrate according to the one or more control decisions.