Remote monitoring of pipeline equipment and factory testing proves its worth post Covid-19 for STATS Group

Communication technology is transforming the way STATS Group conduct testing on client projects and on the safe monitoring of pipeline isolation tools when deployed.

Remote monitoring for factory acceptance testing at STATS Group’s HQ

A Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) is an important milestone of every project – providing assurance that STATS equipment is performing to specification.

The FAT is typically witnessed by the client (and where required by an independent verification body) at STATS operational base near Aberdeen in the UK, or at one of its international bases in Canada, America, the Middle East or Asia Pacific.

Increasingly, and particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic, witnessing a FAT at a STATS site is not always possible, so the pipeline technology specialist has developed a system where customers, regardless of location, can witness a FAT without attending in person.

Utilising up to 12 cameras, remote live streaming captures every aspect of a FAT. This high-definition stream, with real-time voice communication, is combined with live data feeds, and securely shared through a centralised web console to any global location. All data captured during testing is securely stored and can be easily accessed for future reference.

Steven Byers, STATS Group Director of Operations said: “Clients have been very positive on being able to remotely view Factory Acceptance Tests as they offer not only transparency and reliability, but lead to significant savings in travel and accommodation costs and time out of the office.

“Without the requirement to travel, remotely screened FAT’s also help in reducing the carbon footprint of our customers and importantly during the Covid-19 pandemic, reduce the risk of spreading the virus.”