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Discuss this article (0 Comments)The silent killer
by ArabianBusiness.com staff writer on Thursday, 26 February 2009
zoomDonald White (left) and Michael Jorgensen, Rae Systems, displaying the latest MeshGuard wireless. system.
One of Simtronics competitors, Rae Systems, who manufactures a range of chemical, gas and radiation detection systems, were present at this year's fire, safety and security exhibition, Intersec 2009.
They were there displaying some of their portable and fixed gas detection devices, as well as their brand new MeshGuard system, a network of wirelessly connected detectors.
"In the Middle East we focus on two main sectors where there are hazardous materials involved: the oil, gas and petrochemical industries and civil defence. However, approximately 80% of business is done primarily with the petrochemical sector, so it is our main focus," says Michael Jorgensen, general manager, Middle East, Rae Systems.
What we bring to the table is not just a standard gas detection system, but now a comprehensive wireless system that can be integrated with not just fixed devices but portable ones as well. - Donald White, RAE systems.
Some of the gases involved in the industry which pose a real risk are hydrogen sulphide (H2S), commonly associated with sour oil and gas; benzene, a known carcinogen; combustible gases such as natural gas, oxygen and in some cases carbon monoxide.
Asked whether demand has increased in the Middle East for fixed and portable detectors, the two companies believe there has been positive move to adopting such technologies, despite economic worries.
"Demand is high, because what we bring to the table is not just a standard gas detection, but now a comprehensive wireless system that can be integrated with not just fixed devices but portable ones as well - this sets us apart form our competitors," says Donald White, regional sales manager, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Rae Systems.
"The next stage of development is linking the wireless network with other portable devices, for example you can already connect a Blackberry phone to the system, so if an alarm goes off it will send an e-mail to your phone. Seamless wireless connectivity is the future of gas detection," concludes White.
Likewise, Simtronics is still experiencing demand in a market that is starting to feel the affects of the slowdown.
"At present it is good and there is growth in the market for this region," says Sivertsen. "The Middle East market is especially important to us at the moment due to the growth in projects across the region, and there is still high demand in the oil, gas and petrochemical sectors, so we plan to continue our growth in 2009."
Rae Systems MeshGuard
When asked what the future of gas detection systems is, you usually are provided with the same response: wireless. With this in mind, Rae Systems has just launched its range of MeshGuard systems, a range of battery powered toxic gas detectors which link wirelessly through a mesh radio modem.
"A move to wireless is definitely the trend in the market right now, and all the products we are now developing are wireless enabled" says Jorgensen.
"Essentially the MeshGuard system is a device that has absolutely no cables and can be set up in roughly 30 minutes. But the most important feature is the Mesh wireless network, which enables a constant connection by interlinking all the units, so that if a connection the central modem is blocked, it will connect to another unit which will then send back to the information from a clear sight," adds White.
The cost of the entire system, which includes six detectors, the controller, the router and seven spare batteries, will cost in the region of US$20 000.
"The next stage of development is linking the network with other portable devices, for example you can connect a Blackberry phone to the system, so if an alarm goes off it will send an e-mail to your phone. Seamless wireless connectivity is the future of gas detection," concludes White.
When asked what the future of gas detection systems is, you usually are provided with the same response: wireless. With this in mind, Rae Systems has just launched its range of MeshGuard systems, a range of battery powered toxic gas detectors which link wirelessly through a mesh radio modem.
"A move to wireless is definitely the trend in the market right now, and all the products we are now developing are wireless enabled" says Jorgensen.
"Essentially the MeshGuard system is a device that has absolutely no cables and can be set up in roughly 30 minutes. But the most important feature is the Mesh wireless network, which enables a constant connection by interlinking all the units, so that if a connection the central modem is blocked, it will connect to another unit which will then send back to the information from a clear sight," adds White.
The cost of the entire system, which includes six detectors, the controller, the router and seven spare batteries, will cost in the region of US$20 000.
"The next stage of development is linking the network with other portable devices, for example you can connect a Blackberry phone to the system, so if an alarm goes off it will send an e-mail to your phone. Seamless wireless connectivity is the future of gas detection," concludes White.
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