Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)

Pipeline companies use a specialized communication system to monitor and control certain equipment on the gas pipeline. Referred to as , or SCADA, this system regularly transmits operating status, flow volumes, pressure and temperature information from compressor stations, M&R stations and valves to a centralized gas control facility. Pipeline companies use microwave communication systems, satellites and conventional telephone lines to transmit this information.

In addition to monitoring the pipeline on a real-time basis, the SCADA system may also allows an operator in the interstate pipeline's Gas Control Room or other location, to start and stop some compressor station facilities remotely.