US IoT provider Senet has struck a deal with Canada-based Lorax Systems, a safety and environmental solutions company, around utility monitoring against natural gas incidents. The companies have certified Lorax’s meter and service shut-off valves on Senet’s LoRaWAN network.
The integration provides utilities 24/7 monitoring with automatic and remote gas shut-off capabilities, delivered over LoRaWAN, when hazardous conditions have been detected at any location. As it stands, utility providers are typically made aware of gas leaks only after customers report them, by which time a leaked gas has potentially created a dangerous situation.
The new valve shut-off capabilities mean the gas supply can be shut off remotely as soon as leaks are detected, by IoT sensing and alerting systems running over LoRaWAN to cloud-based control dashboards. Senet said the partnership gives utilities “complete awareness and control” of their gas distribution systems, including automating the secure shutdown of single or multiple valves “before a gas leak becomes a safety issue”.
Lorax Systems offers meter and service valves to stop gas leaks. The company’s mechanical Lorax Meter Valve provides automatic shut-off in the event of methane detection, over pressurization, fire, or flood using IoT connectivity to provide insights and remote operation. Its Lorax Service Valve is an underground intelligent safety shutoff device that halts the flow of gas in the event of a breach in the service line.
Senet and Lorax said they are engaged in field trials with “large multi-utility service providers” to improve safety levels and reliability across regional natural gas distribution networks. Lorax said its utility customers want a solution that provides “situational awareness without requiring constant maintenance or exorbitant costs”.
Mark Bishoff, president and chief executive at Lorax Systems, said: “For many utilities that need to go beyond managing a small number of devices, it quickly becomes evident that a LoRaWAN network is more financially sound than other communications options, especially considering the need for sensor-enabled devices to last for ten years or more in the field. After researching IoT connectivity options, we found Senet’s carrier-grade LoRaWAN network provides the coverage and performance we need without compromising on our customers’ requirements.”
Bruce Chatterley, chief executive at Senet, said: “Utilities are constantly evaluating new technologies to improve safety, operational efficiency and customer service. Recently, from a safety standpoint, several major disasters have happened because of gas line failures or breaks, not to mention commonplace leaks that harm the environment. Complementary technologies from Senet and Lorax represent a reliable and cost-effective solution to previously challenging problems.”
