Special Focus: Process/Project Optimization

R. LANDSFIELD, Skymira, ​Milford, Connecticut

Few people realize the importance of communication systems until something goes wrong. However, these system interruptions have far-reaching consequences that can lead to critical situations. Thorough preparation is essential to avoid unnecessary interruptions and hazards.

Three vulnerabilities. Three areas tend to be particularly vulnerable when it comes to land mobile radio (LMR) communications for hydrogen (H₂) processing applications: turnarounds, disaster-based outages and dead zones can be weak links in otherwise strong networks. These events—both expected and unexpected—can throw communications into a state of chaos or cut off connection altogether. Consequently, implementing a solution that reduces these risks improves the efficiency and reliability of the entire operation and directly enhances the safety and environment of the facility. 

Developments in communications technology mean that these three vulnerabilities can be simply and efficiently addressed with integrated radio over internet protocol (RoIP) solutions. RoIP technology has come a long way in the last decade and offers secure, reliable solutions​ that ​seamlessly support existing communication infrastructure.

Turnarounds. If turnaround success is based on staff safety, budget compliance and minimal downtime, then increasing efficiency and safety are primary goals. Good communication is the most foundational element to ensure these critical components are operating efficiently. However, ensuring reliable radio communications during turnarounds is more complex than it sounds. 

The added personnel and disparate radios and equipment can strain even a strong LMR network to the breaking point. Hundreds of new users alone would be a challenge for any workflow. When separate teams—sometimes using different radios and protocols—are factored in, integration can be a nearly impossible task. 

The necessary flexibility and security can be achieved with a mature RoIP system integrated into the facility network. This integration is compatible with existing radios and other communication devices, making it a practical and affordable solution. With RoIP, seamless interoperability and comprehensive coverage create a secure, reliable communications environment. 

Due to the way RoIP works, an RoIP-enhanced communications network is infinitely expandable and can incorporate any radio-, cellular- or IP-based communication device. RoIP gateways convert radio transmissions into internet packets that can be sent via ​long-term evolution​, satellite or private network across the premises and worldwide. The receiving gateway reconverts internet packets and transmits them as radio signals. With latency on par with 5G, end users have a familiar experience they associate with traditional radio frequency transmissions.  

This RoIP process makes connecting two-way radios from disparate vendors and various bandwidths simple. It also enables the seamless integration of modern devices such as smartphones, tablets and dispatch consoles. These internet-connected devices can send and receive push-to-talk (PTT) messages and communicate with handheld and vehicle-based radios. This interoperability makes interconnections between teams during a turnaround more straightforward. 

With seamless interoperability and the flexibility to expand the network, it becomes possible to interconnect and coordinate communications for even the largest turnarounds. Reliable communications and cross-team interoperability create an environment of efficiency and safety that saves time, reduces losses and enhances safety during turnarounds.

Disaster-based outages. As with turnarounds, staff safety and minimized downtime emerge as key priorities during disasters and outages. Achieving these critical objectives is often complicated by damage caused by storms and other natural disasters. For instance, hurricanes can knock out radio and cellular towers, leaving terrestrial-based networks unavailable for days. These priorities and risks make it essential to have an alternative network for critical communications during emergencies. 

Untouched by natural disasters like hurricanes, a satellite is an ideal alternative. Recent advances have made satellite RoIP a realistic solution with flat-rate, talk-all-day plans. The satellite ​connection​ can become a central component in ​the whole​ or part of a facility’s communications network, or it can be deployed as a backup to create redundancy in case of outages. Either way, satellite RoIP makes a communication network resilient and ensures that critical PTT communications remain online.  

This satellite connection becomes a lifesaver after disasters when it is critical to get real-time reports, order supplies and quickly receive assistance. Reliable communications also increase safety for personnel working to assess the damage and restore operations quickly. 

Because satellite RoIP can be integrated into existing LMR systems, it does not require extensive training and drills; it simply ensures that standard equipment continues to work, whatever the circumstances. This becomes an added safety feature that can make a real difference in safely and efficiently responding to outages and disasters.

Dead zones. Dead zones are the third weak link in the communications workflow of many processing facilities. Gaps in coverage due to architecture and location have been seen as inevitable in some large commercial facilities. However, these dead zones create safety hazards and operational problems. 

Modern RoIP once again provides an ideal, cost-effective solution. In these instances, RoIP gateways serve as virtual radio repeaters, sending and transmitting radio signals over IP networks that do not rely on line-of-sight. This frees communications from typical restraints based on the physical environment and allows personnel and equipment to send and receive messages from anywhere.

The result. These three potential vulnerabilities of H₂ processing communications systems can be strengthened or eliminated with modern RoIP solutions. The challenges of adding hundreds of personnel and the accompanying equipment to a single site during turnarounds are elegantly solved with the interoperability and inherent flexibility of integrated RoIP. Adding flat-rate satellite connections allows critical communications to stay online during disasters and outages. By the same measures, dead zones and coverage gaps can be eliminated (FIG. 1).

With modern RoIP solutions integrated at key points throughout an LMR network, communications are hardened against disasters, gaps and dead zones are eliminated, and seamless interoperability is achieved. This secure, reliable way to strengthen existing communications systems results in a resilient, flexible communications network that can confidently withstand challenges. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ROBERT LANDSFIELD is the CEO of Skymira, a leading developer of communication solutions for land mobile radio users who need real-time communications. Since founding Skymira in 1998, Landsfield has been on a constant quest to develop solutions that streamline the communication workflow of agencies and companies that rely on remote or mobile workers and equipment.