22 Hydrogen – Leaks
Hydrogen safety in oil refineries a
he adoption of hydrogen (H2) as a
T zero-carbon renewable energy source
promises a global revolution. The safety
of H2 gas, due to its highly combustible,
flammable and asphyxiate nature,
however, poses a safety challenge in
terms of production and distribution.
Hydrogen, however, has been used safely
for decades in oil/gas refineries in critical
process applications where its hazards are
well known, it is safely monitored, and there
are lessons to be learned.
Hydrogen gas characteristics
Fire, explosion, and asphyxiation are the
primary safety considerations associated
with handling hydrogen gas, especially
considering its wide flammability range of
4-77% of volume in air. The main areas of
risk can be categorised as shown in Figure
1. In oil/gas refineries, with their complex
mazes of tanks, pumps, and piping, H2
gas leaks are a serious hazard across the
facility.
Hydrogen gas is invisible to the eye and
has no odour, making it undetectable by
human senses. H2 is lighter than air and
can drift outside. It is commonly understood
that in confined inside areas it will rise
upwards to ceiling level displacing oxygen.
However, pressurised outdoor hydrogen
gas leaks can be hard to detect as the gas
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jet direction can be unpredictable, making
it difficult to detect in refinery spaces where
accumulations cannot occur.
Typical refinery applications
Oil refineries are large producers and
consumers of H2 gas. Hydrogen plays a
pivotal role in many refining operations,
from hydrocracking – reduction of heavy
gas and gas oils to lower molecular weight
components – to treatment of gas streams,
and catalytic reforming.
In catalytic reforming processes, H2 is
also used to prevent carbon from reacting
with the catalyst to maintain production of
lighter hydrocarbons and to extend catalyst
life. Not surprisingly, refineries use large
volumes of H2 that are sometimes produced
on site or purchased from H2 production
facilities.
In oil/gas refineries, the primary hazards
associated with H2 gas include respiratory
ailments (oxygen deficiency), component
failure, ignition, and burning. Although a
combination of hazards occurs in most leak
incidents, hydrogen’s primary hazard is
production of a flammable mixture that can
lead to fire or explosion. As H2’s minimum
ignition energy in air at atmospheric
pressure is approximately 0.02 mJ, H2 is
easily ignited.
Layered gas and flame safety
In order to address hazards posed
by H2, fire and gas detection system
manufacturers work within the construct
of layers of protection to reduce hazard
propagation. Using such a model, each
layer acts as a safeguard, preventing the
hazard from becoming more severe.
Key challenges for oil/gas refineries
handling or storing hydrogen, with
supporting hydrogen production plants,
include detecting leaks outside, where
the gas can’t accumulate, and installing
detectors appropriately within different risk
zones. A robust and layered strategy for fire
and gas detection is needed (Figure 2).
To detect H2 leaks requires several distinct,
yet complementary sensing technologies
that provide layers of protection in oil/
gas refineries. Such technologies
include ultrasonic leak detection,
conventional catalytic bead gas detection,
electrochemical cells and UV/IR flame
detection, supported by plume modelling
and gas mapping to demonstrate system
effectiveness.
Ultrasonic detection of
H2 leaks
When pressurised hydrogen gas leaks, it
generates an ultrasonic sound at the exit
point. Ultrasonic monitors detect airborne
 Image: Shutterstock
and beyond
ultrasound produced by turbulent flow
above a predefined sound pressure level.
Depending upon the level of background
ultrasound, a single detector can respond to
even a small hydrogen leak some distance
from the source.
Ultrasonic detection is ideal for monitoring
pressurised pipes and vessels (e.g. open
well-ventilated areas of storage facilities
ranging from large production sites to
smaller distribution hubs). These detectors
are highly responsive, alarming rapidly in
the time it takes for ultrasonic noise to travel
from the leak source to the detector at the
speed of sound.
Point gas detection of
H2 leaks
In catalytic point gas detection, gas enters
the sensor through a sintered disc (flash-
back arrestor) and contacts pellistors
Figure 1: H2 accident risk factors – Image: MSA
Hydrogen – Leaks 23
(beads) and is oxidised. A Wheatstone The key benefit of using UV and IR
bridge converts the change in resistance sensors within a single instrument is the
into a sensor signal proportional to the gas only alarm source shared between the
level present. Results are read either locally two sensing technologies is a real fire.
via the detector’s display or remotely. Their Due to absorption by the atmosphere,
operational range is 0-100% LEL. solar radiation at certain wavelengths
does not reach the earth’s surface,
Alternatively electrochemical sensors eliminating false alarms from solar
are used where electrochemical reaction radiation when appropriate range is
generates a current proportional to the gas monitored.
concentration. The sensor contains a gel
or electrolyte and electrodes. Gas enters
through a membrane; oxidation occurs at the
working electrode and reduction takes place
at the counter electrode, creating an ion flow
generating a current, which is converted and
displayed as the gas reading.
The operational range of H2 electrochemical
cells is typically 0-1000 ppm. Their ability
for detecting these ppm levels of low gas
concentrations makes them well-suited to
areas where H2 gas would be contained
within an enclosure, such as a compressor
housing where the earliest detection of a Figure 2: H2 hazards layers of detection –
small gas release is typically required. Image: MSA
Hydrogen flame detection
About the author
In the event of flames or a fire resulting
from an undetected gas leak, H2 flame
detectors provide a warning to deploy fire
suppression and other safety actions. These
detectors simultaneously monitor infrared
(IR) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation at different
wavelengths.
When hydrogen burns, radiation is emitted
in the infrared spectrum by hot water
molecules or steam created by combustion.
An algorithm that processes IR radiation
modulation reduces false signals caused by Andrzej Janowski is Customer
hot objects and sunlight reflection. The UV Marketing Manager, Fixed Gas &
detector is typically a photo discharge tube Flame Detection, Europe at MSA
that detects deep UV radiation. Safety. Leveraging 18 years of
expertise, Andrzej currently drives
the deployment of operating system
and formulates strategic growth
plans for business in Europe. He is
recognised for managing relationships
and serving as a trusted advisor to
his customers and colleagues. His
extensive experience, including a
decade as a Product Manager, has
shown significant contributions to the
Gas Detection and Protection product
lines available today.
www.hazardexonthenet.net
24 Regulations & Legislation
Understanding the impact of c
in Intrinsic Safety stand
ublished in January 2023, Edition
P 7 of the IEC 60079-11 standard
serves as a crucial guide for electrical
equipment designed for use in explosive
atmospheres, employing the intrinsic
safety method of protection.
A year since its publication, manufacturers
are actively engaging with Certification
Bodies (CBs) seeking clarity on how
the changes impact their products and
influence associated files, such as ATEX
for the European Union and other regional
certification schemes that generally adopt
the IEC 60079-11 principles. Here, let us
explore the notable changes that will help
you navigate Edition 7 of the IEC 60079-11
standard.
• Major technical changes: In
total, there are 45 major technical
changes which refer to substantial
modifications or updates in the
technical requirements outlined
in Edition 7 of the IEC 60079-11
standard. These changes include the
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addition of new technical requirements
or an increase in the level or
complexity of existing technical
requirements when compared to the
previous edition (Edition 6).
For instance, let us consider Clause
5.2.1 Ignition Compliance Requirements,
which is a major technical change in the
standard. It mandates consideration of the
most challenging temperature within the
specified service temperature range for the
relevant part of the apparatus. For rating
of components according to Clause 7, and
thermal ignition compliance for Levels of
Protection “ia” and “ib,” factors such as
mounting conditions and the local service
temperature of the component must be
considered. The effects of heating from
other components due to related faults
might also need consideration. As a result,
this significant change in the standard
could potentially require a redesign of your
existing certified equipment to align with
the new edition and maintain compliance.
• Extensions: The new standard
introduces 76 extensions, signifying
additional options that either add
or modify technical requirements.
Importantly, these changes do not
impact the compliance of equipment
already meeting the previous edition of
the standard.
As an example of an extension in seventh
edition, the introduction of enhanced
insulation options provides manufacturers
greater flexibility in designing electrical
equipment for hazardous locations. This
extension allows for the incorporation of
advanced insulation techniques, enabling
manufacturers to adapt existing certified
equipment, stay compliant with safety
standards, and enhance equipment design
versatility.
• Minor or editorial changes: In Edition
7, there are 52 revisions, categorized
as minor editorial changes. These
modifications include clarification
of principles, minor technical
 CSA Group
changes
dards
adjustments, and a reduction of
requirements or editorial corrections.
For example, in Clause 3.1, the term
‘Intrinsic Safety’ has been revised to
provide a more precise and easily
understandable definition. This editorial
change aims to enhance the overall clarity
of the standard without impacting the
technical requirements or compliance of
the equipment. Such minor adjustments
contribute to a more user-friendly and
accessible document for manufacturers,
engineers, and other stakeholders in the
field of hazardous locations.
Key considerations for
navigating IEC 60079-11
Edition 7
With the introduction of a new edition,
questions may naturally arise for
manufacturers regarding IEC 60079-11
Edition 7. To help you better understand and
navigate the changes from Edition 6 to Edition
7 and their potential implications, here are
some key considerations to keep in mind.
Navigating IECEx CoC
Updates to Edition 7
Updating your IECEx Certificate of
Conformity (CoC) to Edition 7 is not an
immediate requirement for those with an
existing IECEx file. The IECEx scheme
typically acknowledges compliance of
new certifications with either the latest
standard edition or the previous one. The
IECEx test report is often acceptable in
regional schemes. Therefore, it is strongly
recommended to thoroughly assess your
products against the new edition and
determine whether an update is necessary.
This helps confirm that your products align
with the latest standards and with eventual
regulatory developments across different
regions.
Considerations for ATEX
Certification Holders
If you currently hold an ATEX certification
to EN 60079-11:2012 edition, you may be
wondering about the need to update your
certification. Typically, ATEX certification
for intrinsic safety aligns with the prevailing
harmonized standard, which, in this case,
is the 2012 edition of the EN 60079-11
standard. However, it is anticipated that
the harmonized standard will eventually
transition to Edition 7, requiring compliance
with the latest edition. Consequently, it is
advisable to familiarize yourself with the
requirements of the ATEX Directive and
assess your products against Edition 7 to
determine the feasibility of compliance.
CSA Group
Regulations & Legislation 25
Additionally, simultaneously pursuing CSA
certification under Edition 7 while seeking
ATEX certification for the same product is
indeed possible. ATEX projects involve an
assessment of Essential Health and Safety
Requirements. Despite the current non-
harmonization of the IEC version, choosing
it can offer the benefit of aligning your
ATEX and IECEx files.
Absence of Redline Version
for Edition 7
While some manufacturers may be
interested in a redline publication, which
is a marked-up version highlighting
differences between the two editions,
no redline version will be provided for
Edition 7. This edition incorporates
extensive reorganization of the standard,
involving clause renumbering, paragraph
regrouping, and information modification.
These structural changes make it
impractical to create a redline version for
Edition 7.
North American Adoption
of Edition 7
Currently, Edition 7 has not been adopted
for use in North America. This means that it
cannot be employed for Canadian and US
certifications, for the time being.
However, regarding the adoption of the
seventh edition in North America, the
standard is presently under review by
the US and Canadian mirror technical
www.hazardexonthenet.net
26 Regulations & Legislation
committees. These committees develop
the national deviations for adoption of
the IEC standard. Subsequently, the
adoption proposal with national deviations
will undergo public review, editing, and
formal publication processes. While there
is an estimation that the adoption process
may reach its final stages by mid-2024,
this is not an official timeline but rather a
projection based on past similar adoptions.
Recommended Next Steps
For manufacturers who are currently
preparing for the certification of new
products, adhering to applicable
requirements outlined in Edition 7 is crucial
during the design and evaluation phases.
It is noteworthy that products which have
already attained certification are not
presently mandated to comply with Edition
7. However, the circumstance may change
at some point in the future. The effective
dates for the transition to Edition 7 will
inevitably vary across certification schemes,
geographical regions, and certification
bodies.
To proactively prepare for the transition,
manufacturers can undertake the following
measures:
CSA Group
www.hazardex-event.co.uk
• Comprehensive File Review:
Conduct an exhaustive review of
existing certification files against the
requirements stipulated in IEC 60079-
11 Edition 7. This meticulous process
is crucial for determining the current
compliance status with the updated
standard.
• Understanding Certification Scheme
Requirements: Gain a thorough
understanding of the specific
requirements of the certification
scheme applicable to your product. In
most cases, standard documents are
quite lengthy and complex, and not all
requirements are applicable to every
product.
Subsequently, manufacturers may
encounter challenges in distinguishing
which requirements are necessary for
their products to comply with. Accounting
for the necessary requirements early on
in your product’s life cycle, such as the
design phase, can help avoid delays
and costly revisions down the road.
Many certification bodies offer some
type of technical guidance or support
services that can help manufacturers
understand which regulatory requirements
are relevant. More specifically, some
certification bodies may be able to
conduct a gap analysis review of your
files to help identify areas where the new
requirements of Edition 7 can impact your
product’s compliance status.
• Proactive Engagement with
Certification Bodies: In instances
where modifications are deemed
necessary to uphold compliance
with Edition 7, manufacturers should
initiate contact with an accredited
certification body. Requesting an
upgrade demonstrates a proactive
approach to ensuring that the product
aligns seamlessly with the latest
safety standards.
Overall, adopting these proactive measures
helps manufacturers to strategically
navigate the potential transition to Edition 7
– regardless of where they operate. Staying
well-informed about certification scheme
updates, maintaining vigilance regarding
compliance requirements, and fostering
open communication with certification
bodies are essential strategies for
manufacturers in this dynamic and evolving
regulatory landscape.
About the author
Goutam Das is a certification
specialist at CSA Group. With over
15 years of experience in assessing
and testing electrical and electronics
equipment intended for use in
hazardous atmospheres, Goutam
has extensive knowledge of UKEx,
ATEX, IECEx, and cCSAus hazardous
area approvals for gas and dust
atmospheres. He provides project
mentoring and technical review,
working with customers in the design
stage to help determine compliance
with applicable standards.

Image: Emerson
How advanced radar technology
increases safety at LNG terminals
ohan Sandberg from Emerson
J explains what makes radar gauges
the best option for providing accurate
and reliable level measurements in
tanks storing liquefied gases, thereby
supporting improved overfill prevention.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a hazardous
fuel that is stored in large cryogenic or
refrigerated full containment tanks that
typically have a capacity of between 30,000
and 200,000 cubic metres. These huge
vessels include an inner liquid containment
steel tank, an outer concrete (or steel) tank
for secondary containment control, and
thermal insulation between the two to avoid
liquid boil-off. To optimise site and worker
safety, and help ensure compliance with
environmental regulations, it is essential to
obtain precise measurements of the liquid
levels within LNG tanks. Level measurement
technology is integral to the overfill
prevention systems (OPS) that play a critical
role in minimising the risk of potentially
disastrous spills and leaks, but LNG tanks
represent a challenging application.
Because LNG tanks are so large, the
required measurement range for devices
can often exceed 40 metres (131 feet),
which makes it difficult to achieve a high
degree of accuracy. Compounding this
challenge is the fact that these tanks are
not opened during operation and are
not normally accessed for maintenance
purposes during their entire lifecycle. This
makes it important to select exceptionally
reliable measurement technology
with minimal maintenance needs, and
redundancy is a vital requirement for level
measurements in these applications.
Servo technology and its
shortcomings
Historically, servo has been the technology
most widely implemented to perform
level measurements in liquefied gas
applications. Servo level gauges use a
bi-directional motor attached to a displacer
and cable. A displacer float is attached to
a thin wire which is stored on a measuring
drum. The servo motor is controlled by
an electronic weighing balance which
continuously senses the buoyancy of the
partly immersed displacer. In an equilibrium
condition, the apparent weight of the
displacer balances against the force of the
balancing springs when partly immersed
in the fluid. A level rise or fall causes a
variation in buoyancy.
Storage 27
Despite their widespread use, servo level
gauges have some major shortcomings. For
example, the presence of numerous moving
parts renders these devices susceptible
to mechanical wear. This increases the
likelihood of failures, and of maintenance
and calibration being required to keep the
device in good condition.
A servo level gauge can be isolated from an
LNG tank by a ball valve, with a chamber
above the ball valve enabling technicians
to gain access, so that the device can
be calibrated when necessary. Since it is
difficult to determine if the displacer is fully
wound up above the ball valve, the wire
can sometimes be broken when closing the
valve. When this happens, the displacer
and the wire will fall down to the bottom of
the tank. Not only will a new displacer and
wire then have to be fitted and calibrated,
but the broken parts could cause serious
problems if they got sucked into pumps
and valves.
Another issue is that changes in liquid
density – which is a factor in liquefied gas
applications – impact the measurement
accuracy of servo level gauges.
Furthermore, there is the potential for
www.hazardexonthenet.net
 28 Storage
Radar gauges excel in measuring the levels of liquefied gases in cryogenic or refrigerated tanks, and
have been successfully deployed on more than 8,000 liquefied gas tanks worldwide – Image: Emerson
contamination to occur when the displacer
and the wire come into contact with
the liquid. This contamination further
compromises measurement accuracy and
can necessitate recalibration, maintenance
and repairs.
The advantages of non-
contacting radar gauges
The modern approach to level
measurement in LNG tanks is to use
non-contacting radar gauges. Radar
level gauges work by emitting microwave
signals towards the surface of the liquid,
and a precise measurement is achieved
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by analysing the signals reflected back to
the transmitter. A strong reflected signal,
commonly referred to as an echo, is
required to ensure a reliable measurement.
To maximise signal strength, the latest radar
gauges leverage frequency modulated
continuous wave (FMCW) technology,
boasting a sensitivity more than 30 times
greater than devices using older pulse
modulation techniques. This heightened
sensitivity enables FMCW devices to deliver
superior measurement accuracy. The signal
strength can be impacted by disturbances
to the liquid surface. To overcome this, a
still-pipe can be deployed which minimises
disturbances to the liquid surface, resulting
in a more robust echo.
The latest radar gauges provide level
measurement accuracy to within an
impressive 0.5 millimetres (0.020 inches)
at distances in excess of 60 metres (196
feet). This level of precision facilitates a
reduction in volume uncertainty of up to
180% compared to less sophisticated
methods such as servo gauges. A further
significant advantage is the ability of radar
level gauges to verify measurements with
the tank still in operation. This is achieved
by comparing the measured values to
the known distance of a verification pin
mounted in the still-pipe, along with a
deflection plate at the end of the pipe.
A proven measurement
solution for LNG
Some organisations have continued to use
servo technology on LNG storage tanks
due to concerns that high gas density
in the vapour space might impact the
performance of radar gauges. However,
these concerns are unfounded, as vapour
and high gas density do not influence radar
signals or compromise the measurement
accuracy of radar gauges. In reality, radar
gauges excel in measuring the levels of
liquefied gases in cryogenic or refrigerated
tanks. This is evident in their successful
deployment on more than 8,000 liquefied
gas tanks worldwide over almost 40 years.
Reliability vital in ensuring
safety
In addition to their exceptional
measurement accuracy, non-contacting
radar gauges demonstrate outstanding
reliability. During their long lifespan, the
availability of these devices is usually
close to 100%, helping to ensure that
the operational availability of tanks is
maximised.
The design of non-contacting radar
level gauges – devoid of moving parts
and eliminating the need for contact
with the liquid – minimises maintenance
requirements. The mean time between
failures for critical parts is measured in
decades, and should a failure occur,
diagnostic software will typically identify it
and take the device to a safe state.

Diverse and identical
separation
In any facility where large volumes of
hydrocarbons are stored, the safety
functions provided by level measurement
technology are of paramount importance.
Common practice in these applications
involves installing three level gauges –
one supporting the tank gauging system,
a secondary and redundant gauge for
inventory, and a third providing information
for the OPS – with safety instrumented
system (SIS) alarms triggered on a two-out-
of-three voting scheme.
Contrary to common misconception,
industry standards do not mandate the use
of different level measurement technologies
for supporting the tank gauging system
and the OPS. While the concept of diverse
separation advocates for the use of distinct
technologies (for example, radar for tank
gauging and servo for the OPS), the
International Electrotechnical Commission’s
global functional safety standard, IEC
61511, validates the use of identical
separation. This approach, using the same
technology for both tank gauging and the
OPS, is widely accepted and practiced.
While both diverse and identical separation
are legitimate options, diverse separation
introduces additional complexity and
increases the likelihood of human error.
Personnel would need training on how
to install, configure and proof-test two
different technologies, instead of just one.
According to a study by the ARC Advisory
Group in 2015, over 40% of unscheduled
plant shutdowns in the process
industry can be attributed to human
factors. Standardising on a single level
measurement technology not only reduces
the likelihood of human error, thereby
helping to prevent safety incidents, but
also simplifies maintenance and reduces
spare part requirements.
The benefits of 2-in-1
technology
Despite the ease of using radar level
gauges in both the tank gauging system
and the OPS in new installations, existing
LNG tanks may present practical limitations
which can make it cost-prohibitive to
deploy two separate radar level gauges.
Storage 29
Summary
To help ensure safety, level
measurement devices used within an
OPS on LNG storage tanks must be
able to deliver accuracy and reliability
throughout the entire service life of the
vessel. The latest non-contacting radar
level gauges provide highly accurate
measurements at long range and the
ability to overcome the measurement
challenges associated with liquefied
gas applications. In addition, 2-in-1
radar level gauges – serving as both
an automatic tank gauge and an
independent overfill prevention sensor
within a single device – can eliminate
the need for tank modifications, thus
providing a cost-efficient measurement
and safety solution.
About the author
This radar level gauge consists of two
galvanically separated and independent
electrical units and a common antenna, and
therefore requires only a single tank opening –
Image: Emerson
Scenarios where only one tank opening is
available, and modifications would involve
taking the tank out of service, can result in
additional costs and reduced throughput.
Addressing this challenge, 2-in-1 radar
level gauges provide an innovative
solution. These devices consist of two
separate and independent electrical units
and a common antenna. By connecting the
cables separately in different cable trays Johan Sandberg is a business
development manager with Emerson’s
and utilising separate power sources, a
Rosemount tank gauging team,
single level gauge can serve as both an
based in Gothenburg, Sweden. He
automatic tank gauge and an independent
has a master’s degree in electronics
overfill prevention sensor. engineering from the Institute of
Technology at Linköping University,
The primary advantage of this 2-in-1 Sweden, and has more than 35 years’
configuration is its efficiency in requiring experience in radar-based tank
only a single tank opening. This allows gauging for both marine applications
for cost-efficient upgrades of existing and onshore use in refineries and tank
tanks by replacing a single automatic terminals. Johan has held engineering
tank gauge or overfill prevention sensor and managerial positions for
Rosemount tank gauging in Sweden
with two continuous level measurements,
and the USA, and has presented
necessitating minimal tank modifications.
numerous papers at tank storage
Often, a radar level gauge with 2-in-1
industry events, mainly on the topics
technology fits the antenna of earlier of radar tank gauging and solutions for
generations of devices, thereby requiring overfill prevention.
no tank modifications at all.
www.hazardexonthenet.net

30 Case Study: Transportation
IoT plus satellite delivers ubiquitous
safety for hazardous gases in transit
t’s clear that when petrochemical
Icompanies ship explosive products
in rail tank cars and tank containers,
it’s essential that they always know the
location of these assets, especially so if
they travel long distances on their way to
distribution partners and customers.
INEOS Oxide is one such provider, and
www.hazardex-event.co.uk
a major global producer. Two of its main
products are Ethylene Oxide and Propylene
Oxide, primarily used to manufacture products
for a range of industries and applications:
agrochemicals, construction, pharmaceuticals
and personal care, solvents and inks,
surfactants and detergents. Both of these
chemicals are highly explosive, flammable
and carcinogenic to humans and animals.
Image: Globalstar
INEOS Oxide was well aware of the
requirement to deploy a tracking system that
would enable the company to monitor its tank
containers and rail tank cars as they traverse
the continent carrying their volatile products.
Fortunately, today’s advanced tracking
technology solutions that harness the Internet
of Things, with the latest IoT hardware

and software, as well as space-based
technology, ensure that potentially explosive
materials can be monitored reliably even
when the cargo travels beyond the reach
of conventional telecom networks.
The company soon discovered that such
a system also yields myriad operational
benefits. Upon initially deploying a powerful
satellite IoT asset tracking platform to
its tanks a few years ago, INEOS Oxide
soon discovered a plethora of advantages
additional to delivering the essential
imperative of safety.
The company began its initial use of the
system by carrying out track and trace on its
tank shipments of Ethylene Oxide. In addition
to continually monitoring each tank’s location
as it travels by road, the solution reduces
the risk in transportation by monitoring the
condition of the chemicals in each vessel.
Further still, it provides valuable shipment
information, thanks to the Internet of Things,
that benefits the whole supply chain.
Such was the success of this initial
deployment that INEOS expanded it and soon
the system was being used to monitor all rail
tank cars as well as tank containers dedicated
to the transport of its hazardous products,
totalling over 700 device units to date.
The solution collates data from multiple
sensors and GPS in transmitting devices
installed on each tank car and container,
and sends it securely by satellite to customer
Case Study: Transportation 31
operations teams at regular, user-defined
intervals.
“Our powerful tracking platform helps
our business in so many ways, the most
important, of course being safe conveyance
of our products,” says Business Safety,
Health & Environmental (SHE) Manager at
INEOS Oxide, Patrick De Block.
The system leverages IoT tracking to do
much more than simply provide positioning
data. “We always want to know where the
rail tank cars are, but the really important
parameter we must know for safe transport
is temperature.” Part of the platform that the
company deployed is a solution that monitors
surface temperature of the tank’s or rail car’s
contents. The temperature is monitored every
two hours for continual, rigorous monitoring.
The solution has both an online version and
local version, this duality deemed essential
backup to validate the vessel’s thermometer
readings.
In light of the highly dangerous nature of
the gases being transported, INEOS Oxide
was very mindful of the need for any solution
is chose to be certified to the very highest
ATEX safety level for explosive materials.
Ensuring data transmissions
are uninterrupted thanks to
satellites
The complexity of moving assets and
cargo over long distances is exponentially
increased when what’s being transported is
highly explosive gases. Each vessel needs to
always be in contact with central operations
in order to ensure that all stakeholders know
its precise location. The solutions data-
emitting sensors are the key enabler.
To ensure these vital data streams
are always true, robust and complete,
transmissions from the IoT tracking devices
need to be far-reaching and uninterrupted.
This presents huge challenges when
considering a container making its way
across the globe. Many of us will have
personally experienced the frustration of
data transmission interruption: for example, if
you’re watching Netflix and your Wi-Fi falters.
If you’re transmitting data to monitor vessels
containing highly unstable and dangerous
gases, the consequences are rather more
serious than a minor nuisance.
A variety of technologies and solutions exist
in the market today which promise always-
on low-power tracking capability for assets
and cargo. These are based on a range
of distribution technologies including GSM
and proprietary radio and local or wide area
network (LAN/WAN) based product offerings.
However only by employing satellite
communications can users be sure that
the connectivity with their shipments and
the assets which convey them will be
uninterrupted, whatever the weather or
environment, and even when the items travel
beyond regions of reliable GSM reach.
Image: Globalstar
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