UK-based Proeon Systems has revealed a technology collaboration with Danish company SAAB, known for its military communications and aircraft equipment, and ATEX and AV equipment firm BARTEC.
Together the firms are offering an integrated solution to complement changes in offshore working practices providing multi-level lines of communications to onshore.
Dr Dorian Hindmarsh, Proeon’s Business Development Manager, said: “The offshore industry is really starting to look at operational costs both in the oil and gas and renewables sectors and, with the application of the right kinds of technology, safety and quality improvement, significant cost reduction can happen.”
Proeon is now working with clients to offer bespoke packages with personal helmet-mounted and remote HD ATEX cameras, PDAs and wi-fi communications, to provide direct lines of communication between workers offshore and the technical support and senior engineering team back to onshore.
“With this robust technology operators can utilise multi-skilled engineers offshore, positioned between assets, and maintaining a smaller, skilled engineering discipline team on the beach [onshore]. The smaller offshore team has fast access to all the technical details available to the senior beach team through a two-way direct and secure communication, with HD video.”
The systems offered could lead to significant headcount reductions offshore for operators with immediate reductions in logistics costs, and increases efficiency of problem solving, says Proeon.
Ben Hornsby, Proeon’s Senior Telecoms Engineer said: “With the direct ability to query a situation back to beach whilst the team are actually in front the issue, the time saved in down time, reporting, and solution development is significant. The systems can be tied in to existing communication infrastructures including the UHF and VHF radio, PAGA, etc so instructions, notices and personnel management can be maintained and improved”
Major operators from both the oil and gas and wind industry and their supporting maintenance companies attended a launch event in Norfolk, England, last week, with live demonstrations of the cameras, PDAs desktop management consoles and examples of various applications discussed; from rope access reviews and surveys, through to enclosed space operations, first aid support, and training.
Dr Hindmarsh added: “We are delighted to be working with BARTEC and SAAB on this application though I am sure this systems is sure to meet with objections and misinterpretations of spying and monitoring, but I think now everyone in the industry wants to work more efficiently and communications, cameras, and rapid verification is the method to do this.”
Subscribe
