Our Case Studies
Integrating mission-critical applications in subzero temperatures
Overview
Operating in extreme weather conditions brings with it a unique set of requirements that need to be addressed accordingly.
Owing to the bitter freezing temperatures that this EPC's processing plant operated in, we provided reliable infrastructure to ensure the successful integration and continuation of mission-critical applications.
The Task
Our global project implementation capabilities were further strengthened upon securing this international assignment, in the Central Asia region, from a global EPC.
The task at hand was to equip a section of 4,000 sq. km gas field, its gas processing facility, infrastructure, and pipelines with a state-of-the-art, converged digital telecommunication highway. It had to be built on a fibre-based backbone that enabled provisioning of CCTV surveillance systems, LAN and state of the art digital EPABX system to provide voice, video and data services.
The eventual scope of this project was to provide a seamless, Optical Ethernet-based digital communication highway over the entire field area for the customer.
The Challenge
Accomplishing a project for a customer who holds the world’s second-largest natural gas reserves comes with its own set of extremities and perplexing situations.
To start with, this fast-tracked project had extremely stringent timelines to meet. Rigorous design specifications that maintained international standards, abbreviations, and translation of the same in the local language saw a considerable investment of time and effort.
Our engineers had to meet deadlines and provide deliverables, even while the design was constantly evolving. Goalposts kept changing due to dynamic requirements both at the EPC and end-user levels. Identifying and finalizing equipment and systems that worked in subzero temperatures was a first for us at Commtel.
The Solution
The gas development project in consideration managed 10 billion cubic meters per annum (bcma) including upstream works, flow lines, trunk lines, Gas Turbine Units, Central Gas Processing Facility, and a 56” gas export pipeline.
Interconnecting such a vast collection of highly volatile and critical functions needed a solution that was absolute and infallible. It was crucial to develop an overarching execution plan to ensure consistency of approach and effective utilization of resources.
Our engineering team was hand-in-glove with the customer’s team; this ensured timely generation and approval of entire design documents, paving way for successful execution.
The telecom package comprised of a vast array of systems, comprising of LAN/WAN System from CISCO having 76 RITTAL cabinets, PELCO based surveillance system along with passive copper and fibre cabling infrastructure from 3M. We also partnered with ISKRATEL, for the first time, for the EPABX system.
We provided detailed design engineering, procured the entire fleet of systems, integrated them at our Sharjah facility, and shipped it to the site in just under 7 months from the date of award, meeting all the project deadlines.
The Highlights
- Deterministic traffic engineering to sustain critical applications over Optical Ethernet backbone.
- Synergistic client-vendor approach to meet the 7-month delivery timeline while fulfilling stringent design specifications and meeting every deadline.
- Successfully integrated a hybrid, IP based, EPABX system deployed over multiple sites using SIP-based trunks, while working with the OEM for the first time.
- All field equipment was temperature-controlled using a heater with thermostat and fan filter arrangements to work even in subzero conditions.
- Translation of all project and system documents in the local language.
The Benefits
Through our meticulous planning, detailed design execution capabilities, and precisely accurate multiple systems integration we have won another customer for life. Known for our reliable and quality solutions, we brought together a team of in-house experts who executed the project with immaculate detail, saving considerable time and effort.
The team engaged with the customer on a deeply devoted level, with round-the-clock availability in person for elaborate discussions and approvals. Such a level of sustained engagement led to on-time project delivery, fulfilling our customer’s expectations in every manner. In keeping the customer up-to-date with progress at every project stage, we demonstrated exquisite coordination and project management skills.
Due to the compressed project schedule, the entire fleet of sub-systems was flown into our Systems Integration Centre, saving crucial time and meeting scheduled deadlines. Factory Acceptance Testing for the entire telecommunication package and Integrated Factory Acceptance Test were accomplished without any pain points. Our eye-to-detail has always benefitted the customer, making it a fruitful experience at both ends.
