ABB India’s Game-Changing Automation Boosts IndianOil’s 20,000 km Pipeline Network
ABB India has successfully implemented advanced automation and digital solutions for IndianOil’s vast 20,000 km pipeline network, a critical infrastructure for India’s energy security. The project revolves around the Centralized Pipeline Information Management System (CPIMS), powered by ABB’s cutting-edge SCADAvantage platform, which enhances efficiency, cybersecurity, and disaster recovery. With this integration, IndianOil can centrally monitor and manage its pipelines, reducing manual intervention and improving overall system reliability. ABB has also signed a 10-year ABB Care contract to ensure seamless operation and long-term support for the pipeline infrastructure.
Senthil Kumar N, Director (Pipelines) at IndianOil, emphasized how CPIMS will revolutionize pipeline management by streamlining operations and boosting productivity. ABB India’s Energy Industries Head, G Balaji, highlighted the role of automation in enhancing energy security and protecting critical assets through real-time monitoring. Awarded in February 2024, the project was successfully designed and delivered within a year and is now in the commissioning phase. This milestone reinforces ABB’s leadership in industrial automation while strengthening its long-standing partnership with IndianOil.
ABB India’s Game-Changing Automation Boosts IndianOil’s 20,000 km Pipeline Network
ABB India has partnered with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IndianOil) to revolutionize the management of one of the country’s largest pipeline networks. Spanning over 20,000 kilometers, this critical infrastructure transports 125 million metric tons of oil and 49 million metric standard cubic meters of gas annually, playing a pivotal role in India’s energy security. ABB’s cutting-edge automation and digital solutions now power IndianOil’s Centralized Pipeline Information Management System (CPIMS), a state-of-the-art platform designed to simplify operations, enhance efficiency, and ensure secure energy distribution.
Streamlining Operations with Smart Technology
This collaboration addresses the challenges of managing a vast and complex pipeline network. ABB’s flagship solution, the ABB Ability™ SCADAvantage platform, serves as the backbone of CPIMS. This cloud-based system integrates real-time monitoring, robust cybersecurity measures, and disaster recovery capabilities, enabling IndianOil to centrally oversee its entire infrastructure. By automating processes, the system reduces manual intervention, minimizes errors, and improves response times during emergencies.
To ensure seamless long-term performance, ABB India has also signed a 10-year ABB Care service agreement. This partnership will unify IndianOil’s existing pipelines under CPIMS while providing ongoing technical support, system updates, and maintenance.
Leadership Insights: Driving Innovation and Efficiency
Senthil Kumar N, Director (Pipelines) at IndianOil, emphasized the transformative impact of CPIMS. “Operating such an extensive network comes with complexities, from maintenance to safety. By adopting ABB’s advanced technology, we aim to boost productivity, system reliability, and operational agility,” he said. He also highlighted the decades-long partnership with ABB, underscoring their shared commitment to innovation.
G Balaji, Head of Energy Industries at ABB India, reiterated the project’s alignment with India’s growing energy demands. “Our goal is to enhance energy security while making infrastructure smarter and more sustainable. The SCADA system not only offers real-time visibility but also fortifies cybersecurity, protecting critical assets from evolving threats,” he explained.
Rapid Deployment Marks a Milestone
Awarded in February 2024, the CPIMS project was completed in just one year, showcasing ABB’s execution expertise. The system is currently in its final commissioning phase, marking a leap forward in automated pipeline management. This swift implementation ensures IndianOil can quickly adapt to dynamic energy needs while maintaining uninterrupted service.
Why This Matters
India’s energy consumption continues to rise, necessitating efficient and resilient infrastructure. Manual pipeline management poses risks such as delays, leaks, and security breaches. ABB’s solutions address these challenges by enabling predictive maintenance, instant anomaly detection, and centralized control. For example, cloud-based data analytics help optimize fuel delivery routes and reduce downtime, while advanced encryption safeguards against cyberattacks.
About the Partners
ABB: A global leader in electrification and automation, ABB has over 140 years of expertise in enabling industries to operate sustainably. With around 110,000 employees worldwide, the company drives innovations that enhance productivity and reduce environmental impact.
IndianOil: A Fortune 500 energy giant, IndianOil is integral to India’s economy, with operations in oil, gas, petrochemicals, and renewable energy. Its network includes over 61,000 customer touchpoints, supported by a workforce of 30,000. The company is expanding its global footprint while prioritizing technological advancements to meet future energy challenges.
Looking Ahead
The ABB-IndianOil collaboration sets a benchmark for modernizing critical infrastructure through digital transformation. By integrating automation, cybersecurity, and cloud technology, the project not only boosts operational efficiency but also supports India’s transition to a more sustainable energy ecosystem. As demand grows, such innovations will remain vital to ensuring reliable, secure, and eco-friendly energy distribution nationwide.
This partnership exemplifies how technology and collaboration can turn challenges into opportunities, paving the way for smarter energy management in India and beyond.