Development and Integration of the Depropanizer Process within the Yokogawa CENTUM VP DCS System

Abstract

Algeria is considered one of the leading countries globally in natural gas production, ranking tenth worldwide and first in Africa. The Hassi R’Mel gas field is one of the key pillars of this sector, internationally recognized as one of the largest and most important natural gas reserves in the world. This study focuses on the development of a Distributed Control System (DCS), with a particular emphasis on the automation of the depropanizer unit operated by the national company Sonatrach, using the industrial programming platform YOKOGAWA CENTUM VP. The main objective is to automate the depropanizer unit and to design an interactive graphical interface that enables remote control and monitoring, thereby significantly reducing human intervention. This shift toward automation and remote control contributes to improving operational efficiency by accelerating startup and shutdown procedures, and minimizing human errors, especially in emergency or unexpected situations. It also enhances industrial safety by reducing the need for personnel in hazardous areas and increases system reliability through real-time response to alarms and process variables. Additionally, the system enables continuous monitoring and real-time performance analysis, allowing for fast and accurate decision-making to ensure production continuity and reduce unplanned downtime. The study also includes a detailed description of the Hassi R’Mel MPP3 facility, along with a comprehensive structural and functional analysis of the depropanizer unit.