Resilient and robust communication technologies support Oil & Gas refinery

The challenge.

The old system consisted of an analogue radio system and RF PA units which were failing after 10 years of good service. Like-for-like replacement units were no longer available therefore it was the perfect time to consider updating their analogue communication system to a digital alternative.

Aside from enabling smooth logistical communications, radios are a lifeline in emergency situations. Upgrading to a digital solution offered the following benefits:

• Better quality, highly secured signal
• Lower error probability
• Improved noise immunity
• Separation of noise and signal
• Configuration flexibility
• Ability to broadcast to more channels simultaneously

The client needed an experienced communications partner who could enhance these digital systems with on-site training, 24/7 support and regular system optimisation.

Radiocoms Systems Limited was already supplying critical analogue communications systems to this client. However, the decision was made to go out to a competitive tender to better understand the market and compare alternatives.

Motorola Solutions representative commented,

It’s incredibly important when deploying refinery communication systems that we help drive safety, efficiency and productivity. The Motorola Solutions MOTOTRBO System helps deliver on all these requirements. Constant instant communications is key through our Intrinsically Safe Atex certified devices, flexible infrastructure and dedicated Control Room Solutions. Radiocoms have worked closely with the customer to design and deploy a system in line with a company proud to boast industry-leading safety records and continued efforts in reducing emissions.

The solution.

Radiocoms offered a winning solution:

• A combination indoor/outdoor coverage area of approximately 3 miles sq.
• Hand portables (MOTOTRBO GPS Enabled DP4801Ex) with the following features:
  • Location services
  • Man-down accelerometers
  • All call
  • Emergency call to connect all levels of teams and lone workers
• Genuine Motorola remote speaker microphones.
• All equipment was ATEX-certified to ensure compliance with safety standards in areas with explosive atmospheres.
• Motorola Solutions Capacity plus system to prioritise important communication exactly when it is needed, and emergency alerts to enable workers to send notifications to a central location.
  TRBONet for radio system traffic dispatching and monitoring purposes.

This hardware and firmware configuration worked hand-in-hand with a support retainer. A specialised, dedicated training programme designed by Radiocoms senior engineer ensured compliance over a large-scale deployment, as each operative was fully briefed on how the system works — instructive classes were run for the IT department who manage the system’s day-to-day operation and training was incorporated into the packages offered to teams on-site.

Further, Radiocoms provides continued on-site support for systems maintenance and optimisation and 24/7 remote support via email and telephone. The maintenance package covers complete on-site infrastructure and software support, preventative maintenance and regular performance reviews. A dedicated engineering support contract also includes visiting the main control rooms and work as directed by the IT department.

The results.

The majority of users saw an improvement in communications due to noise cancellation, increased coverage and less voice traffic.

By monitoring progress on a real-time basis, Radiocoms and the client could understand the system’s weaknesses and establish improvement priorities. The greatest result of this actively managed, constantly improving system is that it supports rapid deployment to areas during an emergency situation.

The client prioritised quality of service over cost, while keeping value for money in the bulls-eye. Partnering with Radiocoms meant they could offer their employees industry-leading radio communication coupled with qualified training, so everyone was confident in its proper use. This proactively reduces accidents and optimises emergency response.

The client has reaped the full benefits of the switch to digital with ATEX-certified radio communication systems hardware and firmware, enjoying the peace of mind offered by dedicated onsite support and individualised training and systems optimisation.

Annual maintenance further ensured their system remained in optimal condition, in line with manufacturer specifications, with guaranteed uninterrupted communication. Local support also increases the speed of fault rectifications — a crucial factor in this time-critical environment.

On-site support technicians work closely with key personnel to define and iterate processes that consistently meet and surpass operational requirements and site safety demands.