Wireless Infrastructure Program

Our control systems engineers and designers field verified and optimized the locations of a series of Wireless Access Points—both for Information Technology (IT) and Process Control Network (PCN). Scope included field location and optimization of power, fiber, and network tie-in points and designing overall network infrastructure to accommodate the unique site layouts. This involved network cabinet layouts, blown and conventional fiber optics design, and standardized design practices across multiple sites.

Our team designed these flexible installations to expand future network capabilities and reduce future modification costs. In addition, they optimized the design for easier installation practices, and eliminated nonessential scope.

Our team successfully implemented state-of-the-art technology across three of the client’s refineries on budget and on schedule, with more installations underway. With facility-wide network coverage, the client can now monitor their critical equipment wirelessly.

This program is being used as a case study for industry professionals on refinery network design and for the technology manufacturer to troubleshoot and improve their design and products. The technology implemented will drive significant savings for the refineries for years to come in avoided or deferred infrastructure costs.

• Over 300 access points installed, with more in design currently
• Over 20 miles of fiber optic cable and blow fiber tubing
• Over 200 battery backup power supply boxes and fiber patch enclosures
• Over 30 network cabinets and 80 network switches
• Over 500 individual work locations and field verification points