Longfellow Energy Upgrades to the Detechtion Compressor Control Panel

October 2024 marked a significant milestone for Detechtion Technologies as we successfully installed our first full compressor control panel for Longfellow Energy.

To dive deeper into the details, we sat down with Christian Montes, our Director of Automation/Field Services, to discuss the project, the challenges, and the exciting outcomes of this first installation.

Why Longfellow Chose to Upgrade

Longfellow Energy decided to upgrade their compressor control system to address the growing need for telematics and remote monitoring. Their previous system, equipped with outdated Murphy TTD and TDXM controllers, lacked modern functionality and reliability, especially in terms of remote management. As their field technicians faced growing demands with limited resources, Longfellow needed a system that could streamline operations and provide real-time data to improve decision-making.

“The biggest challenge was the lack of telematics. They needed to monitor their assets in real-time, especially with the limited manpower in the field,” explains Christian Montes. The solution was clear: integrate a modern panel that would consolidate all monitoring and control systems into one seamless platform.

Why Longfellow Chose the Detechtion Compressor Control Panel

When considering other options, Longfellow ultimately chose Detechtion based on our proven track record of support and reliability. "We were looking for top-notch technology and the best customer service. After evaluating various companies, we found that Detechtion was the one capable of delivering both, which is why we decided to go with them." says Eloy Renteria, Service Manager with Longfellow Energy. 

Moreover, Longfellow was impressed by the versatility of the Enbase line of products, which allows for remote updates and future upgrades without the need for costly upgrades to the control systems. Whether it’s adding automated valves controlled via various PID loops (see Advanced PID Control) or implementing more advanced solutions like Dynamic Package Control (DPC), Longfellow’s investment is protected for years to come.

According to Christian, the relationship Detechtion has built with its clients played a significant role in the decision. “Our services team supports them 24/7, and that’s the kind of support that made the difference,” Christian notes. In contrast, Longfellow had experienced delays in support from other vendors, which had caused bottlenecks and extended downtimes in the past.

What the New Panel Offers

The newly installed Detechtion panel brings multiple features to the table that Longfellow didn’t have before, including:

• Remote Monitoring and Control: The new system enables Longfellow to monitor all aspects of their compressor units in real-time. This includes remote start/stop functionality, which will be added to the third unit being installed.
• Future-Proofing: The panel’s flexibility allows for future automation upgrades, such as integrating additional process controls. Longfellow can upgrade features as needed without replacing the panel or buying new software.
• Consolidated Operations: Previously, Longfellow relied on multiple systems from different vendors. Now, all monitoring, control, and telematics are integrated into one solution. This consolidation not only simplifies operations but also reduces the time and cost associated with managing multiple vendors.

Smooth Installation Process

Despite being the first full panel installation, the process went smoothly. Christian Montes and his team, Arturo Garcia and Gerardo Perales, managed to remove the old panel and install the new one within two days, including pre-commissioning. Check out the timeline below.

“The most challenging part was removing the old panel and installing the new one onto the skid, as it required the use of a forklift”, but everything else went really well. We traced all the cables, reconnected everything, and performed a pre-commissioning to ensure all devices were functioning as expected,” Christian explains. The installation team worked diligently to make sure all third-party devices, such as level switches and pressure transducers, were connected and tested.

Looking to the Future

This installation is just the beginning for Longfellow Energy. With two panels already installed and a third on the way, the company is standardizing its fleet to ensure operational efficiency across all units.

“Longfellow is really impressed with the results so far. They plan to standardize their fleet with our system, whether they’re working with a Caterpillar engine or any other model. The ability to use the same panel across different units simplifies everything for them,” says Christian.