Oct 6 2012
RAE Systems Inc. today announced the release of its latest technology book titled Wirelessly Networked Chemical & Radiation Detection Systems: Essential Technologies and Applications for Increased Safety in Continuous Gas and Radiation Monitoring.
Today's wirelessly networked gas- and radiation-detection networks play an increasing role in oil and gas, industrial, environmental, security and emergency response safety applications by keeping people and property safe, economic assets in production and high-profile targets protected. The book brings together nearly 15 years of collective expertise at RAE Systems on the use of wireless sensor network solutions and how they enhance safety through real-time detection of chemical and radioactive threats in real-world situations.
Alan Brown, a health supervisor and industrial hygienist for Total Petrochemicals & Refining USA Inc., wrote the book's foreword showcasing the world's first automated wireless gas-detection system using an innovative design at Total's Port Arthur Refinery in Texas. The wireless system brought an increased layer of safety to the plant, while providing a "substantial cost savings" over other monitoring options, such as fixed-wired systems, said Brown.
"We use RAE Systems' ProRAE Guardian monitoring software to collect and aggregate the data that gets wirelessly sent in real time to on-site monitoring computers, including a system at our main entrance gate that is monitored around the clock," wrote Brown. "If an incident happens, immediate response by the operator can be initiated. With the data being captured and stored digitally with GPS location coordinates, time stamps and concentration data, documenting incidents and confirming adherence to regulations has become virtually automated."
Other book contributors include industry-recognized experts from RAE Systems, including its Chief Technology Officer Dr. Peter Hsi, Vice President for Products and Marketing Thomas Nègre, and Director of Product Management Bobby Sheikhan.
"Engineers and scientists at RAE Systems have long recognized the customer need for dependable wireless capabilities for detecting gas and radiation threats," said RAE Systems' Chief Operating Officer Chris Toney. "This book combines the theory of wireless communications and networking with leading gas-detection capabilities, and then validates those using compelling case studies."
According to Don Davids, Battalion Chief for the Aurora, Illinois Fire Department, wireless detection monitoring provides real-world benefits: "Long term, I believe detection monitoring will move entirely to wireless for HazMat response teams. It's a force multiplier."