M2M Solutions Improving Efficiency

As a result of a combination of favourable circumstances, such as the development of communications technology and a global reduction in communication prices, machine-to-machine (M2M) solutions are in the process of a massive global expansion.

Lpg companies are looking to machine-to-machine solutions as a means to reduce costs and as a gateway to expand their services. The benefits of telemetry, automatic meter reading and remote management have been known for some time, and M2M solutions are used in an increasing number of applications as managers discover that it is possible to recoup their investment in a very short period of time.

Projects involving thousands of units monitoring lpg tanks have been successfully implemented since the end of the last decade with very encouraging results. Telemetry helps to improve customer service and prevent shortages, providing real time information on consumption, replenishment and critical levels based on real rather than statistical data, improving stock management and distribution logistics.

ISA, with headquarters in Portugal, is one of the largest suppliers of lpg telemetry in Europe. Futumeter Ltd is the sole UK and Ireland distributor for ISA telemetry and automatic meter reading devices.

“Remote monitoring of machines over the internet requires more than just a modem,” said Dermot Campbell, Futumeter’s managing director. “It requires the intelligence to deliver data to a web based management application in a robust and resilient manner, as part of a wider telemetry solution. Futumeter deliver, install, customise and support all our remote management systems. We work with you to ensure that an optimum and cost effective remote management system is deployed that meets your requirements.”

It is not always easy to get a quick return on a telemetry investment, such as in cases of very low lpg consumption or the absence of a suitable power supply, so ISA’s focus has been on reducing investment and operational costs. Its technology uses ‘black boxes’, a low cost field apparatus that is easy to install and can take several different types of reading simultaneously – the tank level and pressure, for example – and transmit them to a data centre.

The implementation of an automatic meter reading infrastructure is fundamental to energy efficiency and cost and environmental savings. A case study on ISA’s technology in France by Butagaz suggests that a return on investment within six months is possible. ISA’s wireless iGas and iGasAMR for the remote reading of lpg meters are ATEX certified and battery powered, making it possible to set up a wireless mesh network of radio transmitters connected to each meter that forward readings to one GSM concentrator.

Information is transmitted to a data centre using SMS or GPRS either weekly or monthly, reducing communication costs and extending the battery life up to eight years. iGas tracks alarm conditions, such as minimum level or abnormal consumption, and will alert managers through SMS or email if such a situation arises.

The data centre that receives the telemetry is composed of the DataBase, which manages data storage and handling, and iGasWeb, a user orientated, html based software for level and metering management, the preparation of reports and maintenance control. The platform allows for PDA or SmartPhone interface by mobile installation and maintenance teams.

“ISA Portugal are world leaders in lpg telemetry solutions, with customers, such as Shell, BP, Butagaz, Repsol, and many more who use ISA's solutions to dramatically reduce operational costs,” said Dermot. “ISA provide the complete lpg telemetry solution, including installation and maintenance of all hardware devices, and full data management with customer access via the internet.”

Pictures Above: Vessel with ISA telemetry.

Contact Futumeter Ltd/ISA on +353 91 782186
www.futumeter.co.uk/
www.isasensing.com

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