Offshore wireless network solution provide Salunda Limited has introduced the Hawk wireless sensor network with an aim to provide reliable and secure connectivity of critical production, operational and safety systems in oil and gas industry
Offering the latest in robust standalone technology, the patent protected Hawk network (US Patent 11,026,154) can accommodate more than 5,000 ultra-low power sensors as part of a fully integrated and functioning wide area network, providing real time location and monitoring of people and equipment operating in hazardous environments.
Hawk is specifically designed to operate with optimum functionality in harsh and cluttered environments where there are regular changes to propagation paths – for example, equipment movements and relocation blocking transmission paths. Sensors attached to people or equipment do not require line-of-sight connectivity to communicate effectively with the network, ensuring there is no drop off in signal strength or loss of message status, contributing further to improved safety levels.
Comprising robust concentrators to send and receive messages, gateway beacons to relay messages and passive sensors that listen for transmissions, Hawk can support a range of position tracking performance technologies that help to avert incidents and trigger personalised warnings to reduce the risk of workplace injuries and accidents.
IECEx and DNV-certified for use in flammable environments, Hawk can also be extended with connectivity to additional technologies and devices such as digital ranging (e.g. Time of Flight or LIDAR) cameras and machine vision to provide expanded levels of real time coverage, zone management and control of critical work area access, safety and security. Configuration flexibility sees the network capable of accommodating all sizes of multi-levelled offshore structures as well as installation in areas requiring large scale safety and automation such as drilling rigs, derricks, decks, machine rooms and mud plants.
Alan Finlay, CEO at Salunda, said, “The Hawk network has been specifically optimised to meet the requirements of industrial environments. In particular, its excellent in-service reliability, flexibility and capacity to accommodate large numbers of battery-powered sensors for very long periods is already making a significant contribution to keeping people safe and secure in hazardous environments.
