Decommissioning: Overview and Current Trends

The decommissioning of 2G and 3G mobile networks refers to the planned shutdown and retirement of these older cellular technologies as telecommunications operators transition to more advanced 4G, LTE and 5G networks. This process is driven by the need to free up valuable radio spectrum for modern, faster, and more efficient mobile services.

Global Perspective

Globally, the phase-out of 2G and 3G networks is well underway. By mid-2024, 192 operators across 68 countries had either completed, planned, or begun switching off their 2G and 3G networks. Europe leads in the number of switch-offs, followed by Asia and North America. The United States and Canada have already turned off many of their 2G and 3G services, while regions such as South Africa and Africa at large are managing a more gradual and selective transition due to their distinct market and subscriber profiles.

South Africa

In South Africa, the government and mobile network operators initially targeted a shutdown by the end of 2027, with the government allowing operators to decide the order and timing of network retirements. MTN South Africa, for instance, plans to shut down 3G first, followed by 2G over a later timeline. Vodacom aims to switch off 2G first, repurposing that spectrum for 5G. Telkom has already decommissioned much of its 2G network. The exact timelines remain fluid, with stakeholder consultations ongoing to ensure minimal user disruption.

The Implications of Decommissioning 2G and 3G Networks

Impact on Consumers and Devices

When 2G and 3G networks are shut down, devices that rely solely on these networks become inoperable for voice calls, messaging, and data services. This includes older feature phones and many IoT (Internet of Things) and M2M (machine-to-machine) devices embedded with legacy cellular modules. These devices were manufactured with the then state of the art 2G and 3G GSM Modems.

Millions of IoT devices worldwide, such as sensors and asset trackers, require transition to LTE (4G), NB-IoT, or 5G technologies. The shutdown may disproportionately impact businesses that have not yet upgraded their connected device infrastructure. Telecommunication operators and governments are advising users and enterprises to prepare by replacing legacy hardware with future-proofed modems that support fallback options, including LTE and NB-IoT.

Opportunities for Network and Spectrum Optimization

Decommissioning older networks enables operators to re-farm the spectrum previously used by 2G and 3G to bolster 4G and 5G network capacity and coverage. This enhances data speeds, network reliability, and supports a rapidly growing demand for broadband and advanced mobile services.

For example, 2G spectrum, often in lower frequency bands, is valuable for extending 5G coverage in rural and less densely populated areas. Similarly, retiring 3G networks reduces network complexity and operational costs while allowing concentration on newer technologies that offer a richer user experience.

Challenges and Transition Management

The transition poses notable challenges, particularly in regions where 2G and 3G remain widely used due to affordability, rural coverage, or slow uptake of smartphones and newer technologies. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 2G still holds a significant subscriber base, primarily due to low-cost device availability and limited broadband access.

Governments and regulators like South Africa's ICASA (Independent Communications Authority) have extended deadlines and encouraged network operators to coordinate switch-offs carefully. Operators are also assisting customers through the transition by providing visibility into the types of devices connected and recommending migration plans for IoT and M2M clients to avoid service disruptions.

 

In summary, the decommissioning of 2G and 3G networks is an ongoing global trend essential for advancing mobile technology. It frees spectrum for newer technologies like 4G and 5G, offering better performance and efficiency. However, it poses challenges for legacy device users, especially in markets where 2G remains prevalent. Effective management, regulatory cooperation, and proactive device upgrades are critical to ensuring smooth transitions and minimizing disruptions for consumers and businesses.

 

How will 2G and 3G shutdown affect Omniflex IoT devices in South Africa

The shutdown of 2G and 3G networks in South Africa will significantly affect Omniflex IoT (Internet of Things) devices, especially those that currently rely on these legacy cellular technologies for connectivity. More than half of all cellular IoT devices globally still use 2G or 3G, and in South Africa, a large number of IoT devices are based on 2G networks for low-speed data and SMS communication.

Key Impacts on Omniflex IoT Devices in South Africa

• Device Inoperability: Once 2G and 3G networks are switched off, IoT devices designed exclusively for these networks will become inoperable for cellular communication unless they are upgraded or replaced with devices supporting newer technologies like LTE, NB-IoT, or 5G.


• Migration to Next-Gen Technologies: Mobile operators in South Africa plan to replace 2G and 3G with LTE-M and NB-IoT technologies, which offer improved battery life, better indoor and outdoor penetration, low power consumption, and cost efficiencies. Omniflex has already adopted these new technologies to sustain connectivity in the post-2G/3G era. All Omniflex devices are now manufactured with LTE modems as standard and as NB-IoT and LTE M are rolled out some of our products will be offered with NB-IoT and LTE M to suit their application environment.


• Gradual and Regionally Selective Transition: Because 2G and 3G are still widely used in rural and underserved areas, shutdowns will be gradual and selective to minimize service interruptions until newer technologies are fully deployed.


• Preparedness and Strategy: Omniflex IoT users must replace or retrofit legacy IoT devices to support future-proof connectivity solutions to ensure uninterrupted service during and after the shutdown.

Timeline and Regulatory Environment

• South African operators such as Vodacom, MTN, and Telkom have announced phased shutdown plans with 3G sunsets beginning around 2023-2025 and 2G phase-outs starting around 2025 continuing to 2027.


• The government and regulator ICASA allow operators to decide exact switch-off timings, emphasizing readiness and minimizing impact on users and IoT ecosystems.

In conclusion, the 2G and 3G network shutdown in South Africa will create significant challenges for IoT devices relying on these networks, necessitating migration to LTE, LTE-M, NB-IoT, or 5G for continued operation. Preparing for these changes is critical, especially for IoT deployments in critical infrastructure and low-bandwidth applications.

If needed, detailed migration strategies and technical support solutions are available from Omniflex to facilitate a smooth transition for Omniflex IoT users in South Africa.

 

What do I need to do?

If you are not sure of the status of your Omniflex IoT device, please Contact Omniflex directly for help and support to transition to the new technology.

Email : Sales@omniflex.com with a photo of the serial number label of your product.

Affected Omniflex Products

The Range of GSM Enabled Omniflex Products that are affected by the phase out and requires you to act if you have one of the products listed below.

Teleterm M2 Range :

Model No’s C2320A, C2330A, C2330B-11, C2330B-12, C2360B-11, C2360B-12

Teleterm M3 Range:

Model Nos: C2363A-11, C2363A-12

PowerView CP LC90 Range:

C2155-11, C2155-12, C2156D-11, C2156D-12

Teleterm S3 Range:

C2380-11, C2380-12

Teleterm D3 Range:

C2392A-1-11, C2392A-1-12, C2392A-2-11, C2392A-2-12, C2395A-1-11, C2395A-1-12, C2395A-2-11, C2395A-2-12

Teleterm E3 Range:

C2397A-1-11, C2397A-1-12, C2397A-2-11, C2397A-2-12

 

 

Early switch-mode CP adopters vindicated by years of successful protection and system management

Cathodic protection (CP) specialist Omniflex has completed a system upgrade for the switch-mode CP system installation protecting Yarra’s Edge, a premium residential precinct on Melbourne’s Yarra River, Australia, upgrading its remote monitoring with 4G connectivity. As the system upgrade coincides with the company celebrating its 60th anniversary, Omniflex is reflecting on the successful protection afforded to Yarra’s Edge as well as what the system represents for a global CP market that was initially hesitant about adopting switch-mode technology.

The switch-mode CP system at Yarra’s Edge, first installed in 2009, was one of Omniflex’s first CP projects and an early example of switch-mode CP in practice. It is a six-zone switch-mode CP system of six amps per zone and twelve reference electrodes and has benefited from remote monitoring and control from day one.

The system has run successfully since installation under the management of Infracorr, a leading CP consultant, and has only required upgrades to its communications protocols in that time. In light of Australia closing down its 3G network, Omniflex has just upgraded the system to 4G.

While commonplace now, when the system was first installed in 2009, switch-mode CP systems and web-based remote monitoring were still greeted with a lot of scepticism by industry experts who were accustomed to conventional phase control systems without any monitoring. Omniflex, through its relationship with Ian Godson, a leading CP consultant, was an early pioneer of these technologies, championing its ability to provide ongoing protection while lowering power loss and improving system visibility.

“Early adopters of switch-mode CP systems and web-based remote monitoring had the foresight to recognise the benefits to the industry and invest in this new technology. It would have been so easy to continue doing things in the same way as they had always been done, but it was clear to some of us that switch-mode technology represented a leap forwards in terms of system capabilities. In fact, this technology has led to a rethink of how concrete CP systems are zoned for CP, with smaller zones, with better control and monitoring becoming the industry norm,” explained David Celine, managing director at Omniflex.

16 years after first being installed, the system continues to provide reliable 24/7 protection with 24/7 oversight. This is a testament to Omniflex’s ongoing commitment to lifetime system support and servicing.

Now, as Omniflex celebrates its 60 year anniversary this year, as well as looking back on milestone projects in its history like the Yarra’s Edge CP system, Omniflex continues to look to the future. It is continuing to push the global CP market to embrace relevant new technologies such as they did with switch-mode CP and in-built remote monitoring, pointing to the success of projects like this as evidence of the benefits of adopting these new technologies when appropriate. Download CP sector overview brochure here!

The emergence of Control Logic abv Conlog. As Omniflex celebrates 60 years of engineering excellence, we are diving back to the decade where it all began – the 1960s – where bold ideas, hands-on problem solving and transistor-powered disruption were at the forefront of innovation.

The birth of a vision

In 1965, in the coastal city of Durban, South Africa, a chemical engineer named John Moshal saw the potential of the transistor. Then it was a brand-new invention, but Moshal saw it was about to change everything. He founded Control Logic Pty Ltd, or CONLOG, to lead this new era of innovation.Moshal was on a mission to replace bulky wiring intensive, power-hungry mechanical relays with nimble elegant, electronic modules. His secret weapon was an octal-based transistor logic that slashed complexity and boosted maintenance performance in industrial systems.

Engineering with grit

Moshal was joined by Alan Murray soon after, who had a design mind as fearless as the technology they were developing. Together, they began working with local industries – starting with the sugar mills of KwuZulu-Natal – but this was just the start.

Not just suppliers, Moshal and Murray worked closely with customers, taking on mission-critical challenges previously untouched. It was gritty, hands-on, and often under intense pressure – but produced results. The Engineer-to-Engineer mindset became the foundation of Omniflex’s approach.

No templates, no fear

From day one, the company was about listening, designing, tweaking, and delivering exactly what the customer needed even when that meant pushing the limits of what was technically possible at the time.

This flexibility became their hallmark, earning the respect of engineers across sectors, and establishing CONLOG as the go-to team for complex, high-stakes industrial automation.

People power

Moshal believed that great technology is built by great people. One such legend was Sidney, a team member who stayed for 47 years – and somehow knew where everything was. Stories like that aren’t just sentimental – they’re proof of the deep loyalty and shared purpose that still fuels Omniflex today.

A legacy that lasts

Today, under CEO David Celine, Omniflex continues to innovate on a global scale. But those early values of customer closeness, technical bravery, and relentless reliability still guides every product and every partnership. It has stood the test of time, like some of the systems first designed back then still running today.

To aid compliance verification in oil and gas, remote monitoring specialist Omniflex has partnered with calibration experts Kalibra OGC Services to provide the Maxiflex flow computer systems, including pulse integrity modules used for calibrating master metering systems. These systems were integrated into two test rigs designed and manufactured in Durban to be used at various facilities in Angola and Nigeria.

Kalibra OGC Services, accredited to ISO17025:2017 for the calibration of prover loops, designed the system to automate an already approved calibration rig used to calibrate prover loops using the Master Meter Method. Omniflex now offers the Maxiflex 4 Pulse Integrity (4PI) Module and Maxiflex Meter Prover Module which significantly enhances calibration accuracy, repeatability and reliability, ensuring the calibration rig’s equipment sits within acceptable limits and maintains adherence to international quality standards.

The Maxiflex Meter method’s automated system removes potential for human error by ensuring consistent and precise measurements while operating at a high flow rate, reducing the time required to calibrate prover loops, increasing efficiency. 

The Meter Prover Module performs pulse interpolation for verifying the master meter according to the Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards. It accepts four detector switch inputs from a prover loop and receives pulses from a flow meter, performing pulse interpolation calculations in real time.

The Maxiflex 4PI monitors can accept inputs from up to four oil and gas turbine flow meters to detect and correct errors, ensuring accurate totalisation and output. The prover loop is calibrated using the master meter method, which is integral to the calibration process, ensuring measurements are precise and reliable.

The calibration process adheres to requirements set out in ISO/IEC 17025:2017, OIML D36 and OIML R117, ensuring the process is rigorous, reliable and meets international standards for accuracy and reliability.

“We were impressed with the accuracy of the Maxiflex system during our in-house testing and verification of our portable test rigs,” said Warrick Riley, Kalibra Technical Director. “The Maxiflex system is suitable to ensure that the measurements recorded using the designed procedures are in accordance with the relevant guidelines and standards. This system also assists in meeting the required uncertainty of measurement (UOM), ensuring precision and reliability.”

“Our equipment can be used with different types of meter prover,” added Ian Loudon, International Marketing and Sales Manager at Omniflex. “Whether that’s volumetric, by using a tank of liquid, or by measuring weight. It depends on the technique the customer wants to use. 

By following these guidelines, Kalibra OGC Services guarantees that all measurements are accurate and compliant with regulatory requirements. Omniflex’s equipment complies with ISO 6551, ensuring accurate measurement of petroleum products during financial and regulatory processes. 

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Copyright © 2020 Omniflex (Pty) Ltd, All rights reserved. For further information, please contact us on: sales@omniflex.com or visit our website at www.omniflex.com

Monitoring temperature is crucial in the nuclear industry. If a reactor or fuel rod’s temperature rises to a potentially dangerous level, it runs the risk of fires and other catastrophic events. Having unexpected high temperatures can cause environmental and health risks as well as unplanned downtime, preventing essential work being conducted, therefore knowing about a potentially dangerous situation arising before it takes hold is pivotal for both safety and business. Here, Gary Bradshaw, director at Omniflex, highlights the important role remote monitoring technology plays in the nuclear sector.

A nuclear facility has several applications where temperature monitoring is important. This includes aspects that stem from the reactors and spent fuel rods, dry stores and, even, the reactor core.

It’s important that any temperature measurement is accurate as even minor inaccuracies can lead to significant risks, including overheating or mismanagement of a cooling system. Reliability is essential so no anomalies go undetected, especially when potentially hazardous equipment is involved.

The centre of spent fuel rods, for example, can be as hot as 1,000 degrees Celsius when they are removed. They are radioactive and take several years to cool. Though they typically go through a vitrification process to encapsulate them in glass after removal and then stored in concrete, spent fuel rods still need to be monitored for many years given their hazardous nature, as their temperature can still increase to dangerous levels.

This, along with the radiation exposure, highlights the harsh conditions that must be withstood by any technology when monitoring nuclear sites. Some nuclear facilities have a lifespan of over 150 years before radioactive material can be removed, so whatever may have been developed for a nuclear plant in the 1990s needs to last to the 2140s so products supplied to do the monitoring have to last for decades and not become obsolete.

The Reactors, spent fuel rods, dry stores and other facilities requiring temperature monitoring are usually monitored with thermocouple / RTD sensors wired to a remote monitoring system. This remote monitoring system accepts the signal from the temperature sensors, ensuring real time temperature measurements are accurately taken so that any out of limit alarms are immediately alerted to the operators to act before it reaches a critical stage.

This applies to any facility at a nuclear site. Remote monitoring technology can keep track of any temperature data and feed back into control rooms in real time – ensuring those facilities can stay ahead of any potentially dangerous situation.

The data can feed into alarm annunciators or SCADA PC-based monitoring software, which can flag a potentially dangerously high temperature to the control room at a nuclear facility so any potentially abnormal conditions can be acted upon. In many instances the SCADA monitoring system also provides historical logging for post event analysis and reporting.

For example, Omniflex’s Maxiflex IO system has dedicated temperature modules which have been designed specifically for accurate temperature monitoring. Each input is fully isolated and can take data from any type of thermocouple or RTD, they have inbuilt CJC (cold junction compensation) and can generate rate of rise alarm profiles as well as providing four independent trip points. Each trip point can then generate a digital output which can be displayed on an alarm annunciator, or it could be networked via ethernet, CONET, or wirelessly back to the control room to be displayed on a SCADA system. This allows all temperature data to be logged in real time and historically, providing a bigger picture of the environment which can help identify any potential underlying problems.

Omniflex’s specialist remote temperature monitoring solutions have been used for reactors, fuel rods and other facilities within the nuclear sector, and are designed for all aspects of temperature monitoring. Its Alarm Annunciator product range has been through the Nuclear SIL process – EMPHASIS – where products are subject to stringent studies and tests as they are assessed through the IEC 61508 Functional Safety Standard.

By implementing advanced remote monitoring solutions, you can ensure real-time data tracking and rapid response to critical temperature changes, safeguarding health, safety and operational efficiency.

Omniflex have been manufacturing remote monitoring and alarm annunciator systems since 1965 and all Omniflex products have a lifetime support policy which ensures it will continue to manufacture and support its products regardless of their age for as long as they are still operational and in service.

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Copyright © 2020 Omniflex (Pty) Ltd, All rights reserved. For further information, please contact us on: sales@omniflex.com or visit our website at www.omniflex.com

 

Ian Loudon, International Sales Manager at remote monitoring specialist Omniflex, explains how long-distance mining conveyor monitoring challenges may be combatted using bidirectional fibre-optic modules.

In mining applications globally, conveyor belts of up to 20km are used to transport ore from the excavation point to various locations, including processing and stockpiling sites. Damage to conveyors often cause cargo spillage and create major safety risks. To manage this, mining conveyors usually feature contacts that indicate problems like breakages, but these are often unreliable over the long distances involved. 

In mining operations worldwide, conveyors are used to move cargo from the point of excavation to processing and storage areas. These conveyors often operate up large inclines and over long distances, meaning reliability is extremely important. Ensuring operational efficiency and minimising disruptions are vital for meeting stringent production quotas.

The conveyor belts in mining environments are constantly exposed to harsh conditions like dust, wear and tear, and are at risk of being damaged by falling rocks. Furthermore, dust and debris build-up on the belt mechanics can cause damage and potential stoppages. This makes fault detection and maintenance critical ongoing considerations for operators.

Conveyor belt safety is equally important. Belt breakages can have catastrophic consequences – causing damage to infrastructure, environmental spills and even worker injuries or fatalities.

Overcoming conveyor challenges

Telemetry systems are vital tools for ensuring the smooth and safe operation of conveyor belts. They are used to monitor belt tension, speed and alignment continuously, and can detect anomalies that are indicative of potential problems. Real-time data transmission allows for early intervention, preventing minor issues from escalating into catastrophic failures. In the unfortunate, yet common, event of a belt breakage, sensors can immediately trigger emergency shut-off mechanisms, minimising damage to assets and potential injuries to personnel.

However, maintaining reliable long-distance signal delivery in these challenging environments can be difficult for several reasons. First, signal strength can be extremely hampered in any underground operations, as dense rock formations interfere with radio wave transmissions.

Next, mines generate a significant amount of electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is exacerbated in environments with a large volume of copper cabling, such as those used to power motors or pumps with drives. Furthermore, mining applications often take place in harsh environments where temperature, humidity and dust levels can place excessive strain on electronic equipment.

Finally, the distances involved are also a limiting factor for many transmission options. Copper wiring is extremely costly and, when required to run over many kilometres, the costs are often prohibitive. Furthermore, copper systems do not guarantee reliable transmission over those distances with standard communication links on copper wires like RS 485, which is generally limited to about a kilometre of reliable transmission.

Fibre-optic improvements

Omniflex’s FCX module is a bidirectional fibre-optic transceiver, meaning it combines both transmission and reception capabilities into one device. This eliminates the need for separate modules, halving the number of modules required in any given setting, and dramatically reducing costs for purchasing and installation. Costs are reduced further because fibre-optic cabling is much cheaper than copper, lowering the cost per module. 

Watch FCX video here to find out more -  https://youtu.be/dzI6_zSQih8

Reliability is also improved significantly as fibre-optic transmission is immune to the effects of EMI and resistant to the effects of radio frequency interference (RFI). This is because fibre optics use light pulses to transmit data, and light is unaffected by electromagnetic fields, unlike copper cables that are highly susceptible to the effects of both EMI and RFI. The transceiver is compatible with either 850nm multi-mode or 1,310nm single-mode fibre-optic cabling; the latter can send switch contact signals up to 20km of range, which is significantly better than copper cable systems.

Fibre-optic transmission also offers safety benefits for mine applications. For example, unlike copper cables, fibre-optic cables do not generate sparks, and so are not potential ignition sources in mine operations that include potentially flammable or explosive environments.

Omniflex’s FCX bidirectional fibre optic module is certified for use in SIL-2 applications. The module’s output contact is designed with dual-signal detector relays in a 1oo2 configuration, with fault indication meaning system designers can trust that the risk associated with transmitting remote emergency stop or interlock switch contact signals over long distances can be limited to appropriate levels using the module.

To find out more about the FCX module’s remote safety applications in the mining industry, visit Omniflex’s website: https://www.omniflex.com/dsview.php?hid=C2477A-2.

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Copyright © 2020 Omniflex (Pty) Ltd, All rights reserved. For further information, please contact us on: sales@omniflex.com or visit our website at www.omniflex.com

Major infrastructure like wharves, bridges, pipelines and tanks are under constant threat of corrosion, which, should it take hold, will render them unsafe. Traditionally, phase control cathodic protection (CP) systems were used to safeguard infrastructure, but these come with numerous challenges such as the expense of copper cabling and the associated power loss. These become bigger problems for asset owners who must now contend with environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting. Here David Celine, managing director of cathodic protection(link is external) specialist Omniflex, explains how CP system design can support ESG commitments, while simultaneously lowering costs and improving maintenance capabilities.

At the heart of any impressed current CP (ICCP) system is a transformer rectifier unit (T/R), which supplies the necessary electrical current for ongoing protection. There are two main types of T/R that can be used to supply current for an ICCP system: phase control and switch-mode. While both technologies are hugely important to the global CP market, it is not always clear which is best to use for a specific project.

In phase control CP systems, AC power is passed through a large AC transformer and then rectified to produce a controlled DC output to the anodes. In switch-mode systems, AC power is first rectified to high voltage DC power and then much smaller high frequency transformers and rectifiers are used to create controlled DC outputs. This technique allows smaller and more efficient outputs to be created that can be more easily controlled.

Phase control systems have been the traditional go-to for CP consultants globally. However, as ESG commitments become increasingly important for asset owners, switch-mode systems are an increasingly attractive alternative, especially on concrete structures, where a larger number of small zones need to be protected.

CP system design supporting ESG

For asset owners and infrastructure managers, ESG is becoming increasingly crucial for driving sustainable and responsible operations while enhancing long-term value.

Strong ESG practices help mitigate environmental risks, such as corrosion and climate change impacts, ensure worker safety and promote transparent, data-driven decision making. Furthermore, ESG initiatives align operations with global sustainability goals, reinforcing a commitment to preserving resources and fostering resilience in critical infrastructure. Reduction of CO2 emissions and, therefore, increasing electrical power usage efficiency, is a major factor when reporting ESG and this is an area where switch-mode CP systems excel compared with their phase control counterparts.

A phase control system running at 100 per cent capacity is, at best 80 to 85 per cent efficient. However, because of oversizing, systems never run at anything close to 100 per cent capacity. In real-world applications, phase control systems operate at a peak of 60 per cent efficiency. Furthermore, as phase control systems rely on a single large T/R to distribute current across a whole structure, they require extensive copper cabling for use. This is both extremely expensive and causes power loss. It is not uncommon for a phase control system to lose around half its voltage in the cabling, which can further reduce the efficiency down to 30 per cent.

In contrast to this, switch-mode CP systems consistently operate at 90 per cent efficiency, even when running at 50 per cent capacity, meaning overall power consumption is dramatically reduced compared with phase control systems.

Small, compact switch-mode T/Rs also make the technology ideal for use in distributed CP systems on large structures, where locating T/Rs closer to the anodes provides significant savings in installation costs, due to reduced cabling, and lower energy costs due to reduced volt drops in the cabling. Because switch-mode systems can use smaller T/Rs that are closer to each individual anode, the copper losses are largely eliminated. As a result, over 80 per cent of the power reaches the anodes in switch-mode systems.

When it comes to system installation, the distributed nature of switch-mode systems means that costs are greatly reduced compared with phase control systems. Also, CO2 emissions are massively reduced when using switch-mode systems and, in many cases, can be less than half of the emissions generated when installing a phase control system.

Supporting ESG with remote monitoring

Large CP systems typically feature many anodes that must be monitored and controlled and switch-mode technology allows each to be managed individually. For example, a typical concrete wharf structure could have hundreds of anodes along its length and each needs individually monitoring and adjustment over time. Relying on conventional manual system inspections and adjustment is a very costly and risk prone effort, because of the length of time required for completion, often in dangerous locations, such as under a wharf in a boat, and the expense involved in paying an qualified technician to carry out this work.

This is where a switch-mode CP system in combination with remote monitoring becomes a must. Deploying this technology for use in combination with switch-mode CP systems delivers three key advantages for port asset managers that, conveniently, align with improving ESG practices.

But remote monitoring is not only the domain of new installations. It is possible now to also retrofit legacy cathodic protection systems with remote monitoring and control.

This provides asset owners with access to real-time data on an ongoing basis including total power consumption, anode current outputs, reference electrode test data and anode health condition. By having ongoing access to this live data, engineers can quickly identify abnormalities and address any problems before they escalate, ensuring ongoing asset protection.

Next, they will incur lower maintenance costs on an ongoing basis as the need for site visits and physical inspections is drastically cut. For example, a typical CP installation with no remote monitoring will be inspected twice a year, and significant on-site time consumed taking readings, whereas the same CP system monitored remotely need only be visually inspected once a year, with far less time on site taking readings, reducing operational costs.

Finally, remote monitoring improves ongoing personnel safety. CP protected infrastructure is often located in hazardous and difficult-to-access environments and remote monitoring lessens the need for technicians to physically visit these sites, improving overall safety. By reducing on-site inspections, the risk of accidents and injuries is significantly reduced.

Omniflex’s CP systems and remote monitoring options allow asset owners and site managers to monitor ongoing system status and collect real time data, facilitating data-driven decision making across the board. They have also been designed to allow CP consultants to conduct all the required specialist cathodic protection testing remotely, and to set output currents remotely, without the need for site visits or manual inspections, cutting costs and improving asset protection.

In an increasingly ESG-conscious world, adopting a CP system design that lowers costs, power consumption and CO2 emissions while providing more data for owners and managers and improving worker safety is a no-brainer.

To find out more, visit www.omniflex.com.

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Copyright © 2020 Omniflex (Pty) Ltd, All rights reserved. For further information, please contact us on: sales@omniflex.com or visit our website at www.omniflex.com

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