Technology
Aveva
Industry
Oil and Gas
Client
ARAMCO
Country
KSA
Goals
Integrate PCS system data smoothly into ARAMCO’s existing PI infrastructure
Ensure high system reliability and continuous PI data availability
Provide effective monitoring and reporting through rich visual and tabular tools
Challenges
Managing and interfacing up to 50,000 PI tags from Honeywell OPC servers
Configuring multiple OPC DA interfaces securely and reliably
Delivered numerous custom graphics and reports on a tight schedule
Solutions
Installed and configured PI OPC DA Interfaces at dedicated PI Buffer nodes
Connected and validated all 50,000 data tags for accurate real-time data flow
Developed and deployed over 1,200 PI ProcessBook graphics for operations
Created 55 Excel Datalink reports for routine monitoring and analysis
Results
Achieved seamless integration of PCS data into ARAMCO’s PI System
Delivered a scalable, high-performance PI system with rich visualization
Ensured reliable operations with continuous real-time and historical access
Enhanced plant transparency and improved operational decision-making
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ARAMCO SAFANIYAH Clean Fuels In 2020, EMI was commissioned by Honeywell KSA to implement the Data Acquisition and Handling System (DAHS) for the ARAMCO SAFANIYAH Clean Fuels Project. This high-profile downstream initiative focused on establishing a seamless and highly reliable data integration between the newly installed Process Control System (PCS) and ARAMCO’s local PI infrastructure. EMI’s role was crucial in ensuring that large volumes of process data from Honeywell OPC servers could be securely and efficiently channeled into the PI System, supporting operational continuity and real-time performance monitoring. |
To meet these objectives, EMI deployed a robust architecture including multiple PI Buffer nodes (PIBs) to act as reliable data collection points. The project involved configuring and validating an extensive number of tags — up to 50,000 — ensuring data integrity and availability throughout the facility. In addition to the back-end data integration, EMI developed an extensive library of PI ProcessBook displays and customized Excel Datalink reports, enabling the plant operations team to access vital performance metrics via intuitive graphical and tabular formats.
One of the project’s key success factors was balancing the delivery of complex data interfaces and high tag volumes with strict time constraints. EMI carefully managed secure OPC DA interface setups to align with best practices and ARAMCO’s cybersecurity requirements. The integration effort resulted in a scalable, high-performance PI environment capable of supporting both current and future operational needs, ultimately enhancing decision-making and transparency at the Safaniyah Clean Fuels plant.