New Wireless Data Acquisition System DAQ>W 2.0
Posted: 06 June 2005
Next Generation Capitalises on On-board Memory and Narrow Band Radio
AnTech Ltd has introduced the DAQ > W 2.0. The new data acquisition system represents the next generation of AnTech’s DAQ>W, which transmits data wirelessly via narrow band radio transmission from the well site.
 When AnTech debuted the original DAQ>W in March 2004, it became the oil industry’s first wireless data acquisition system. For the first time, users could set up a data acquisition system at the rig site very quickly because it isn’t hampered by unwieldy cables and cumbersome electrical connection issues. “Freedom from the traditional cables normally required to operate an acquisition system translates to reduced costs and safety risks associated with cables, as well as completely eliminating damage to the cables themselves,” said Toni Miszewski, Managing Director of AnTech. The “cable-free” aspect of the system also means that drilling engineers need never worry about losing data acquisition capabilities due to damaged power cables.
The DAQ>W is a modular configuration comprised of a computer equipped with custom AnTech DAQ>W software, a receiving unit, a number of transmitting units, and a network of sensors. Each sensor is connected to a battery-powered ATEX-certified transmitter that is approved for use in Zone 0 hazardous areas. As data is acquired by the sensors, it is immediately stored on memory located within the transmitting unit, and then transmitted at regular intervals – from 100 to 200 meters away (depending on environmental conditions) at a data rate of 160bits per second - to the receiving unit in the control cabin. Readings are immediately displayed for analysis by drilling engineers.
On-board Memory & Narrow Band Radio Address Customer Concerns
Although AnTech customers expressed strong satisfaction with the original DAQ>W, it became clear during the past year that they were concerned about losing data should interference caused by a competing power supply disrupt the transmission of data. AnTech addressed this concern by fitting the DAQ>W 2.0 with an on-board memory. The transmitting unit is now fully equipped with a special on-board memory within which data is collected and stored prior to being transmitted to the receiving unit. In the event that communication between the transmitter and the receiving unit is temporarily disrupted, the data will not be lost. It can always be accessed from the transmitting unit.
A number of AnTech customers also voiced concern about whether the system was safe to operate near explosives. “We want to reassure our customers that the DAQ>W versions l.0 and 2.0 operate using low frequency narrow band radio frequencies to transmit data. We designed it this way to make sure that it is safe to use in hazardous areas. It is also completely safe to use within close proximity of explosives or in conjunction with firing systems,” said Toni Miszewski, Managing Director of AnTech.
Self-contained System Draws on Internal Power
According to AnTech, the DAQ>W 2.0 is equipped internally with batteries with a one-year lifespan that provide a power supply to the transmitter; the system can power six 20mA sensors. There is no requirement to attach lines or wires to operate it. It is a completely self-contained system.
A Wide Range of Applications
Because it is modular, the DAQ>W 2.0 system may be configured to operate a wide range of sensors for nearly any application, including CT drilling and work-over or wireline operations. For example, sensors that record data on temperature, flow level, load/strain, pressure, and others are available.
An Evolving Process
The DAQ>W 2.0 evolved from a number of AnTech’s innovative hazardous area equipment and data acquisition systems stemming back to 1992, with the introduction of the Burner Monitoring System, which was followed by the Portable Well Test System in 1998. Then in 2003, AnTech incorporated on-board memory and infra-red transmission of data via sensors to a handheld computer with the
RED-I. Just one year later, the original DAQ>W was introduced, ushering in a new generation of data acquisition systems using radio transmission. Today’s new DAQ>W 2.0 is the next step in the developmental process, this time combining the advantages of on-board memory, narrow band radio transmission and internal power to offer a reliable, effective and highly adaptable data acquisition system.
Posted by Editor Pipeline Magazine
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