As automated remote monitoring with wireless data-communication radios are increasingly
becoming a popular choice for many pipeline, energy and utility operators, additional wireless options
have begun to emerge. Battery-powered remote monitoring is a new solution that is available for pipeto-
soil measurement. Unlike a traditional wireless system, this automated remote monitoring system
option can be submersed and installed underground.
Traditionally, a technician would manually collect pipe-to-soil measurements while walking along
the pipeline. Battery-powered remote monitoring eliminates the need for manual measurements and
provides real-time data from the field directly to the user’s fingertips. This new remote monitoring option
eliminates the need for solar panels and, because it resides underground, it decreases the chance of
theft and vandalism. Using battery-powered remote monitoring can bring the price of remote monitoring
down to the point where it’s feasible to eliminate most, if not all, pipe-to-soil manual monitoring.
These new systems are designed for pipe-to-soil users who are committed to going beyond
compliance and moving to mitigation versus simple measurement. This presentation will discuss the
economic benefits of battery-powered remote monitoring and layout the monitoring options that are
available in a secure proprietary network.
Keywords: automation, remote monitoring, wireless, SCADA, cathodic protection, frequency hopping
spread spectrum technology, submersible, proprietary communication network, polling, protection
mitigation.