Wireless Area Telemetry Network for Gas Detection: Indigenous Product Development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

A high-profile VIP compound in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, required monitoring of methane levels at 102 points due to excessive leaks in their underground natural gas delivery network. A wireless data acquisition and monitoring solution was developed for this purpose with the objective of reducing infrastructure work and cost, and decreasing human dependence for detecting and monitoring gas leaks, while maintaining reliability compared to traditional wired gas detection safety solutions. To attain this objective, a state-of-the-art wireless data acquisition and monitoring system was designed, developed, and then implemented at the site. A wireless network utilizing VHF band was deployed as the system backbone. The system's advanced wireless detection modules with gas sensors were installed at each monitoring point. These detection modules reported to the fully redundant system controllers which were designed in-house, with information and alarms displayed at strategically placed monitoring stations to alert the trained personnel to take immediate action. Establishing a stable wireless RF network allowed for a continuous stream of real-time data to the controllers from each gas sensor and an immediate alert of any gas releases. Historical data logs of the sensors allowed for identification of high risk points in the natural gas delivery network. SMS and email notifications were made available to further guarantee a prompt emergency response. Moreover, each advanced wireless detection module also allowed for monitoring of sensor and system diagnostics using proprietary analytics algorithms, thus allowing for timely preventive maintenance personnel to be deployed by the system operator and increasing system reliability and decreasing down-time. This case study presents an overview of the design of a wireless safety system for the monitoring of a highly dense area installed with gas sensors and analyzes its reliability and performance. The case study outlines how such innovative wireless solutions can be utilized to provide communities with peace of mind while keeping infrastructure requirements relatively low.