Requirements

• Compliance with Safety and Regulatory Standards

  • Ensure that all on-site equipment meets strict safety and regulatory requirements, particularly that it is intrinsically safe for use in hazardous environments.

• Comprehensive Coverage for Rugged Environments

  • Provide coverage for remote and often rugged operating environments, including offshore platforms, remote drilling sites, pipelines, and refineries. These locations can be complex, often lacking suitable sites for access point (AP) installation due to limited power and fixed network availability, complicating network design.

• Operation in Harsh Environmental Conditions

  • Design the network to function effectively in extreme environmental conditions, including high temperatures, humidity, dust, vibrations, and potential explosive atmospheres.

• Support for High-Bandwidth Connectivity

  • Accommodate the growing need for reliable, high-bandwidth connectivity essential for critical operations across both upstream and downstream sectors.
    • Upstream Operations:
      • Enable real-time monitoring and control of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems for drilling, well, and production operations.
      • Ensure reliable data transmission from sensors (e.g., flow meters, pressure sensors, temperature sensors) and actuators (e.g., valves, pumps, compressors) for predictive maintenance and optimization.
      • Provide mobility support for field crews and exploration teams to access enterprise applications and facilitate remote collaboration.
    • Downstream Operations:
      • Deliver high-bandwidth connectivity for DCS (Distributed Control Systems) and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) applications crucial for process control and optimization in refineries and petrochemical plants.
      • Ensure reliable data transmission from sensors and actuators for real-time monitoring and control.
      • Implement robust video surveillance and security systems to protect critical infrastructure.
      • Establish reliable wireless coverage for real-time monitoring of equipment, safety systems, and emergency response protocols.
      • Support mobility for field technicians and operators to access enterprise applications and collaborate with remote experts.

Why Choose Altai

• Designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions and meet safety certifications (e.g., ATEX, IECEx) for use in hazardous areas
• Provides reliable, high-capacity wireless connectivity in remote and rugged locations, with seamless roaming and handover
• Leverages advanced technologies like smart antenna, seamless roaming, and radio resource management to optimize coverage and capacity
• Centralized management and monitoring for efficient network operations and reduced total cost of ownership
• Proven deployments in challenging oil and gas environments worldwide, enabling:
  • Improved operational efficiency and productivity
  • Enhanced safety and compliance with industry regulations
  • Real-time data analysis and informed decision-making
  • Streamlined communication and collaboration across remote sites

Application

As previously mentioned, the primary challenge in the oil and gas sector is the complex site environment, where limited power availability and the absence of fiber cabling restrict suitable locations for access point (AP) installation. To address these challenges, Altai proposes a comprehensive wireless infrastructure solution utilizing the A8n(ac) as the base station, complemented by AX600-X or A2x units as wireless bridges or repeaters for extended coverage in remote areas.

The A8n(ac) should be installed at elevated locations, such as towers, tanks, or building rooftops, to ensure effective macro coverage. These AP sites can be interconnected via 5GHz wireless backhaul using pairs of AX600-X or A2x units, enabling reliable data transmission across the network. To comply with intrinsic safety requirements, all wireless equipment will be housed within ATEX-rated enclosures, with only the antennas extending outside to facilitate optimal coverage.