QCLNG communications network complete

Motorola Solutions has announced the successful completion of a dedicated communications network for Queensland Gas Corporation’s (QGC) liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Australia.

The network, worth AU$ 32 million, is one of the largest TETRA wireless networks in Australia, including all communications in the field while the company’s fibre network is being deployed.

Meet exploration schedule

The scope of the project has ensured that QGC successfully meets its exploration schedule, thanks to facilitating the gathering of telemetry information at the wellhead and transmission of real-time data to its central command centres.

Moreover, the data capabilities of the technology have allowed QGC to use the TETRA network for all its critical communications in the field. The backbone microwave network supports CCTV cameras in remote areas, in addition to operational functions including email, telephone communication and printing.

Motorola began working with QGC on the deployment of the 28-site digital radio network in 2011. The system provides a wide area communication network, linking the central processing plant in the gas fields to its processing plants, field compression stations, main line valve stations, and offices. The communication infrastructure includes vehicle terminals with GPS tracking, hand-held terminals, desk terminals, dispatcher console and voice recording facility.

Transmission of critical data

The QCLNG project is one of Australia’s largest capital infrastructure projects, involving expanding exploration and development in Queensland, and transporting gas through a 540 km underground pipeline network to Curtis Island near Gladstone for liquefaction.

Steven Crutchfield, managing director at Motorola Solutions Australia and New Zealand, commented: “Digital communications is fast becoming an integral part of unified communications across the resources industry – particularly to mobilise workers quickly and enhance safety across what are often remote and rugged locations. The ability to support business applications as well as provide secure, cost effective voice communications in the field not only ensures increased worker safety, but also increased efficiency, opening greater opportunities for critical data to be transmitted across sites as remote as wellheads”.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/14112013/lng_communications_network_439/