The evolution of IoT technologies in the Oil & Gas field is redefining how utilities manage and monitor their pipeline, through digitization and data analysis processes that simplify control operations and suggest targeted and strategic interventions. Onyax, meets the needs of operators with turnkey solutions that are complete and easily operated within a unique digital ecosystem.
With an eye toward innovation, Prealpi Gas S.r.l., a leading company active in the management and maintenance of the urban natural gas distribution network based in Busto Arsizio, has identified the multiple opportunities offered by Onyax’s IoT solutions, launching a structured process of digitalization of its citywide gas distribution infrastructure, with a particular focus on final reduction groups (GRF), end-of-network points, and cathodic protection systems.
The solution: remote monitoring and centralized control
Prealpi Gas’s technological vision has led to a complete overhaul of its processes, with the aim of achieving centralized and remote control of the network, in the municipalities of Busto Arsizio and Gallarate. A first operation involved 180 cathodic protection points, where, thanks to Onyax’s BLACKBOX-CAT devices, it is now possible to monitor both active components, such as power supplies and drains, and passive components, such as characteristic and integrative measurement points. Thanks to NB-IoT and LTE-M technology with dual SIM, the devices ensure greater connection stability, lower energy consumption, and optimized field lifespan. The sensors detect voltage and current parameters, including EON/EOFF cycles, as well as alternating current values, thus providing a complete and regulation-compliant measurement, even in complex connectivity contexts. The project also included the gas distribution network, which the Utility decided to digitalise in order to provide more transparency and timeliness in management. The monitoring system covers approximately 600 kilometers of pipeline in real time and includes:
- Measurement of pressure and temperature at 70 final reduction groups (GRF) and 42 end-of-network points (21 in Busto Arsizio and 21 in Gallarate) through Onyax’s TUBE-T3 devices.
- Full controll of the operating parameters of 6 RE.MI. cabins.
ACE: a single platform for total data management
To ensure effective oversight of the entire infrastructure, Prealpi Gas has chosen to integrate Onyax’s ACE platform (Acquisition Control Ecosystem) into its control systems. Thanks to its intuitive interface, ACE aggregates and processes in the cloud the data collected from devices into a single digital ecosystem, ensuring secure and simplified control. Each acquired data point feeds into an integrated system that enables field operators to act more effectively through the ACE mobile app. Interactive maps with georeferencing and the new SCADA/synoptic visualization of points with real-time measurements provide a comprehensive view, while dynamic reporting (including support for ARERA reporting requirements) allows quick access to the information needed for maintenance and performance analysis.
Ultimately, the ACE platform enables the coordination of inspections and maintenance in a predictive framework, with the aim of reducing downtime, increasing network safety, and improving the sustainability of operations.
Innovation and sustainability: an investment for the future
“The adoption of IoT-based telemetry devices is a strategic choice that allows us to optimize costs and provide more reliable service to our customers.” – explains Massimo Landone, Chief Operating Officer of Prealpi Gas – “It is an investment that looks to the future, as it combines technological innovation with environmental sustainability.” All implemented solutions comply with Italian APCE standards for cathodic protection and UNI/TR 11631:2016 standards for monitoring operating pressure in gas distribution networks, confirming alignment with the highest industry benchmarks. “This integration enables us to acquire and centralize key process data on a single platform.” – adds Riccardo Cibin, Head of Gas Networks and Plants. – “The Onyax system processes data in real time, automatically generating reports required by ARERA and supporting more precise and widespread monitoring of our network.”
The Prealpi Gas Case demonstrates how the digital transformation driven by Onyax, powered by reliable data and IoT and AI tools, can enhance operational efficiency, improve safety, and contribute to a more sustainable management model.
