GPS World - May 2008 - (Page 18)

THE BUSINESS Industry news and developments | GPS | Galileo | GLONASS Near-Space Location Boost Oil and gas monitoring for pipeline corrosion is getting a boost from hotair balloons equipped with GPS and wireless monitors, courtesy of Space Data Corporation. For the past four years, Arizonabased Space Data has used classic weather balloons and a GPS-based navigation system to maintain a constellation of balloons across the southwest U.S. Its SkySite communications network enables its customers, oil and gas companies, to be aware of any developing corrosion, the primary cause of pipeline failures. Corrosion costs the pipeline industry an estimated $5.4 to 8.6 billion each year. Every month, oil and gas companies are required by regulation to assess the integrity of their pipelines, which has often meant sending personnel to locations well off the beaten path. ª Pipelines don' t follow the interstate; they' re usually in remote areas, said Space Data CEO º and founder Jerry Knoblach. ª And satellite communications are expensive. º As an alternative, Space Data' s high-altitude SkySite communication platforms have provided continuous communications for the energy industry. The balloons that make up the SkySite network are launched from airport hangars every day at sunset, and take about an hour and a half to reach altitude in near space about 20 miles up Ð higher than airplanes fly, but lower than satellites. When the GPS receiver on a bal18 GPS World | May 2008 Å THE SKYSITE NETWORK: Telemetry data is transmitted from the balloon platforms to remote ground stations (RGS), then to the network operations center (NOC). loon' s platform signals that the correct altitude has been reached, the balloon vents to remain at that altitude. The balloon then drifts, sending back telemetry data, including GPS position. The GPS receiver also provides timing for the network' s communications protocol. On the ground, customers use wireless modems provided by Space Data and installed on the pipes to gather needed data through the network. After 24 hours, the balloons land, and the GPS signal enables quick retrieval of the platforms. The GPS receiver in use is a Motorola M12 on a Synergy board. Leadtek receivers are used in fleet tracking, which is accomplished via balloon or terrestrial pager tower. ª The Skysite is a new platform that can do anything a satellite network can do, Knoblach claims. ª Because they are far less expensive than erecting towers in remote areas or using satellite communications, the SkySite alternative can significantly reduce the cost of laborintensive inspections for pipeline companies, yet expand monitoring to prevent accidents caused by corrosion, Knoblach said. Space Data' s Cathodic Protection Rectifier Monitoring Service was thoroughly tested by pipeline companies and found to be effective, he said. One customer agrees. ª Space Data' s cathodic protection monitors have greatly improved the reliability of my cathodic system, said Donald º Jones of Giant Oil in Farmington, New Mexico. ª They provide a lowcost alternative for communications with my rectifiers which keeps me informed of the status of each unit without having to travel to remote locations. The e-mail alarming feature keeps down times short and the pipelines properly protected. º Back-up for GPS. Monitoring pipes, wells, and storage facilities isn' t the only use for the network. The company demonstrated its remote imaging capabilities in April. ª Because the platforms are 25 times closer to Earth than satellites, the images are that much crisper, Knoblach said. º He says such a network could stand in for GPS should GPS ever become www.gpsworld.com http://www.gpsworld.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of GPS World - May 2008

GPS World - May 2008 Contents Out in Front Letters to the Editor Expert Advice GPS III Contract Award Now a Reality? Near-Space Location Boost RTK Crops Up in Precision Ag Safety Afoot 50+ Leaders to Watch Making a Difference with GPS Product Showcase Advertisers Index & Company Directory Marketplace Classifieds Seen & Heard

GPS World - May 2008

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