Technology

G.M. International explains how its X1 series provides a clear and comprehensive solution for interfacing customer systems with a complete range of modules

As industrial automation systems become more interconnected, engineers need more than reliable signal transmission. They also need to identify installed devices, simplify commissioning, access diagnostic information and integrate field data into plant-level systems. In safety-related and process I/O applications, these functions must be provided without adding unnecessary complexity to the system architecture.

Understanding the X1 Series architecture

The X1 Series from G.M. International is a modular I/O system for industrial applications. It consists of modules serving individual signal loops, installed on customised termination boards that provide their electrical connections and power supply. An optional Gateway provides access to the modules through the X1 internal bus.

As installations grow, accessing module information, configuring supported parameters and retrieving diagnostic data through a common interface becomes important for commissioning, troubleshooting and maintenance. The X1-GW-01 addresses this need by providing a centralised interface to the connected X1 modules. Depending on the termination-board configuration, one Gateway can manage up to 16 channels, while multiple Gateways can be connected within a wider X1 network.

For local engineering activities, the Gateway connects to a PC or industrial PC via USB-C using a dedicated configuration software. For integration with plant systems, it supports MODBUS TCP/IP via Ethernet RJ45 and MODBUS RTU via RS485. The dedicated configuration software provides access to connected termination boards and supported module parameters, with management of up to 256 channels from a single entry point.

Beyond communication, the Gateway enables access to the smart functions of compatible X1 modules. These include module identification, configurable application parameters and continuous acquisition of field and internal variables.

Depending on the module, available information may include voltage, current, resistance, 4–20 mA loop current, and internal status. This information supports commissioning and troubleshooting while providing maintenance teams with greater visibility into device conditions.

The Gateway incorporates three user profiles: Observer, Maintenance and Administrator. Password management, single-session enforcement, event logging and configuration-change indication help control access to system operations and settings. Mounted directly on the termination board, the Gateway integrates into the X1 architecture, which features a compact 10 mm-per-channel design and an operating temperature range of –40 °C to +70 °C. The X1 Series offers Functional Safety capability up to SIL 3 with Systematic Capability SC 3.

The X1-GW-01 therefore provides a common access point for engineering, diagnostics and industrial communication, connecting X1 modules with the systems used to supervise and maintain industrial processes.

Looking to simplify I/O configuration and access module diagnostics?

Download the X1-GW-01 product sheet to explore how it connects the X1 Series to your automation system: https://www.gminternational.com/landing/download-our-x1-gateway-product-sheet

AVEVA will show how its CONNECT platform unites engineering, operations and enterprise data across the full asset lifecycle. (image source: Adobe Stock)

AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, will showcase its industrial intelligence platform CONNECT at ADIPEC 2026, demonstrating how it can help organisations across the energy sector strengthen resilience, improve performance and accelerate decarbonisation

Why industrial intelligence?

Holding around half of the world’s proven oil reserves and producing nearly a third of the world’s oil, the Middle East remains the backbone of global energy security. The region has set ambitious growth targets – the UAE is looking to lift crude oil production capacity to 5mn bpd by 2027, with further increases beyond then; and Saudi Arabia is looking to increase gas production capacity by 80% over 2021 levels by 2030. At the same time the region has set ambitious emissions reduction and energy transition targets : the UAE aims for a 47% cut in emissions by 2035 from 2019 levels to remain on the path to net zero by 2050 as well as tripling its renewable energy contribution billion by 2030.

Growing output while cutting emissions at this pace means unplanned downtime, inefficiency or inaccurate data must be reduced to a minimum. Operators need real-time industrial intelligence to keep supply reliable and manage increasingly complex assets and control costs.

“Resilient energy is what economies are built on,” said Nayef Bou Chaaya, vice president, Middle East, Turkey & Central Asia at AVEVA. “Energy security is economic stability, and it takes shape where leaders, capital and capability unite to deliver at speed and scale. Nowhere is that clearer than in the Middle East, where actions match this ambition. The region has the resources, the vision and the leadership to define what a secure, sustainable energy future looks like for the world. By combining data and embedding intelligence across energy systems, we can keep energy resilient, affordable and secure, and turn that ambition into lasting performance.”

At ADIPEC this year, Hall 4, booth #4410, AVEVA will show how its CONNECT platform unites engineering, operations and enterprise data across the full asset lifecycle: Design, Build, Operate, Maintain and Optimize. Live CONNECT demonstrations will include data-centric engineering, digital twin foundations, AI-driven asset health monitoring and Industrial Knowledge Graphs. Visitors will also see ADNOC’s experience of using AVEVA solutions to drive operational value and how customers can connect their own large language models to industrial data through the CONNECT MCP Server. The optimisation zone will feature AVEVA Unified Supply Chain, AVEVA Process Optimization and AVEVA Predictive Asset Optimization, three solutions that help operators anticipate issues, model “what-if” scenarios and improve performance across the value chain.

Together with its regional partner, Al Masaood Energy, at Hall 4, booth #4210, AVEVA will showcase a living digital twin that connects engineering and operational data, giving operators a 360-degree view of energy consumption and emissions. While in the AI Zone, Hall 13, AVEVA’s AI Zone pod will show practical applications of industrial AI, from predicting equipment failures to giving access to operational data through natural-language requests.

The report highlights the evolution of AI in the energy sector

AI investment and adoption are accelerating across the energy industry as leaders increasingly recognise the potential for it to strengthen energy reliability and resilience in the current volatile environment, according to the third annual Powering Possible report from ADNOC, XRG and Microsoft

The report, entitled Energy Resilience in the Intelligence Era, highlights a significant shift from AI ambition to implementation, with AI delivering growing financial returns as well as creating new infrastructure challenges.

Key findings

• AI becomes a top corporate priority: 62% of energy leaders now rank AI among their top two priorities, up from 42% in 2025, while 89% report increased investment over the past year
• AI investments begin to deliver returns: 63% expect returns on existing investments to cover or exceed costs, rising to 89% for future investments
• Energy demand creates new infrastructure challenges: 74% expect AI to increase energy consumption by 2030, yet only 52% are confident existing infrastructure can meet AI-driven electricity demand – unchanged from 2025. Grid modernisation and smart-grid technologies are the leading investment priority for supporting AI growth, cited by 67% of respondents, followed by energy storage at 42%.
• Importance of energy reliability rises as a measure of AI value: 39% identify supply stability and reliability as AI's most important contribution, up from 26% in 2025, reflecting the current supply volatility. While the share giving cost savings as AI's leading contribution fell from 19% to 13%.
• AI has the potential to accelerate sustainable energy production: 71% of energy leaders expect AI to increase the speed at which the energy sector becomes more sustainable, alongside growing expectations that AI can strengthen resilience, efficiency and the ability to meet rising energy demand. 57% of respondents identify the optimisation of power flows, dispatch and balancing as the area where AI could make the greatest contribution to the energy transition.
• AI moves into everyday operations: The share of organisations deploying integrated agentic AI workflows more than doubled from 15% to 33%, while 60% are piloting or deploying robotics in physical operations, from inspecting infrastructure to performing hazardous tasks.

His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, ADNOC managing director and Group CEO and executive chairman of XRG said: “AI is creating significant new opportunities for the energy industry to drive greater value, strengthen resilience and improve safety and reliability. At ADNOC, we are embedding AI, robotics and advanced technology across our operations to optimize every barrel, every molecule and every megawatt we produce. As AI scales, energy and technology must advance together.”

Brad Smith, vice chair and president, Microsoft, added, “As AI becomes embedded in the sectors that underpin the global economy, the measure of progress will not be adoption alone, but whether it delivers lasting value while earning public trust. In the energy sector, where reliability and security are fundamental, that requires strong governance, clear accountability and sustained investment in people and skills. Innovation at scale must be matched by responsibility at the same scale.”

The findings underline the need for investment in energy and digital infrastructure to advance together, backed by strong cybersecurity, trusted AI-ready data, common standards, sound governance and a skilled workforce, so AI can be deployed safely and reliably at scale.

Powering Possible 2026 is being published ahead of the fourth ENACT Majlis in Abu Dhabi and ADIPEC 2026 and is based on a survey of almost 400 senior energy and finance leaders.

Technicians servicing stainless steel valve assembly. (Image source: VEGA)

In oil & gas facilities, maintaining continuous production while protecting personnel is a constant priority. Many process vessels operate under pressure and contain toxic, corrosive or flammable media, which makes instrument maintenance complex and potentially hazardous. Shutting down a process to service a single field instrument means lost production, higher costs and extended downtime

Process isolation addresses this. A shut-off device, such as a ball or gate valve, is installed between the process connection and the instrument. Sensors can then be removed, inspected or replaced without exposure to the process, which protects maintenance personnel and improves plant availability.

The challenge: radar above an isolation valve

A full-port ball valve may appear to offer a clear path for the radar signal. In practice, its internal geometry, sealing surfaces, flange interfaces and diameter transitions all reflect the signal. These surfaces generate false echoes before the signal reaches the product.

These effects get stronger in several situations: when measuring low-dielectric hydrocarbons or liquefied gases, under vapour-rich conditions, or where stilling pipes and multiple flanges sit between the antenna and the process. If the medium reflects weakly, installation echoes can mask the true level signal, particularly near the top of the vessel.

Engineering the installation

VEGA has years of experience in hazardous and corrosive applications. Drawing on it, VEGA developed an installation arrangement that combines safe process isolation with optimum radar performance. The valve is not treated as an unavoidable source of interference. Instead, the complete geometry of nozzle, valve and connecting sections is optimised to preserve the radar signal. The solution is built around VEGAPULS 6X, with its narrow 3° beam angle and 120 dB dynamic range.

Why beam angle matters

The wider the beam, the more energy strikes internal hardware instead of reaching the product surface. In the evaluated installation, an 8° beam spread to about 100 mm after just 700 mm of travel. It hit the valve body, reducers and pipe walls, even in a 4-inch connection. A 3° beam stayed concentrated at about 37 mm over the same distance and passed cleanly through the isolation assembly. The result is fewer installation reflections and more usable energy at the product surface.

Why dynamic range matters

Many hydrocarbons and liquefied gases have low dielectric constants and naturally reflect little radar energy. Vapours, condensation and foam weaken the echo further. Dynamic range defines the weakest echo a sensor can reliably detect. With 120 dB, VEGAPULS 6X can detect echoes up to 1,000 times weaker than a 90 dB sensor can. This lets it separate genuine level signals from installation reflections where other sensors may struggle.

Benefits for operators

• Safe process isolation without compromising measurement performance
  • Reduced risk of false readings from installation reflections
  • Reliable measurement of low-dielectric hydrocarbons and liquefied gases
  • Simpler maintenance and improved availability
  • Greater confidence in level measurement for pressurised vessels

Engineering recommendation

A narrow beam alone cannot overcome every installation challenge, and neither can high dynamic range alone. The combination of the two is what works. When isolation is required, treat the installation as an integrated measurement system, not simply a valve added beneath the transmitter. Best practice includes:
• Selecting a full-bore ball valve wherever possible
• Keeping the internal bore as large and continuous as practical
• Minimizing diameter transitions and unnecessary flanges
• Using a radar sensor with a narrow beam angle and high dynamic range

With the right mechanical arrangement and advanced radar technology, safe process isolation and reliable level measurement can be achieved together, even with hazardous, corrosive or low-reflectivity media.