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Reserve Your Seat TodayReliable RTU monitoring eliminated false alarms across pipeline network
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Industry | Gas & Pipe Transmission |
| Company Type | Subsidiary of Williams Companies |
| Geography/Coverage | 10,500 miles of pipeline network |
| Primary Challenge | False alarms and no real-time notifications |
| Solution Deployed | NetGuardian 216 RTUs with T/Mon NOC |
| Key Result | Eliminated false alarms, enabled real-time alerts |
| Products Used | NetGuardian 216, T/Mon |
Transco, a Houston-based subsidiary of Williams Companies, partnered with DPS Telecom to monitor 10,500 miles of pipeline across their networks. With technicians stationed at multiple locations, including a main NOC in Texas and a backup site in Pennsylvania, the company requires continuous visibility across their vast infrastructure.
Transco's legacy equipment sent conflicting false alarms that undermined their remote monitoring system. One site reported simultaneous temperature, building entry, fire, and smoke alarms when nothing was wrong. Without real-time notifications, technicians Mario Flores and Bart Pitrus manually checked for alarms across their vast territory. When lightning struck a site, old units kept sending alarms, making it hard to determine what needed attention.
Transco began phasing out their legacy equipment with a fleet of hardened NetGuardian 216 RTUs, designed to withstand the extreme conditions of outside-plant operations. These advanced remote telemetry units delivered the real-time email and text notifications the team needed. The system's intuitive design made configuration straightforward.
As their legacy equipment was decommissioned or broke down, they were systematically replaced by NetGuardian 216s. These advanced RTUs provided the email and text notifications the team needed, freeing them from constantly watching for alarms. The T/Mon NOC unified their monitoring across both locations.
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Equipment Replacement | Legacy remotes replaced with NetGuardian 216 RTUs as they failed or were decommissioned |
| System Configuration | Software loaded and configured using the intuitive web interface and setup wizard |
| Factory Training Course | Mario and Bart attended hands-on training at DPS headquarters to learn T/Mon shortcuts and advanced features |
| Team Knowledge Transfer | Mario taught fellow technicians using DPS DVD tutorials and hands-on practice with the equipment |
The NetGuardian 216 RTUs and T/Mon NOC transformed how Transco monitors their pipeline network. Mario and Bart now receive email and text notifications they need, with no more false alarm headaches. The system's reliability restored their confidence in the monitoring infrastructure and freed them from constant manual checking.
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| False Alarm Elimination | Reliable monitoring replaced conflicting false alarms |
| Real-Time Visibility | Email and text notifications replaced manual checking |
| Operational Efficiency | Time saved on configuration and daily monitoring |
| Ease of Use | Simplified setup and operation across the fleet |
"The NetGuardian 216s are very easy to use. You take it out of the box, load the software, and the rest is pretty self-explanatory."
Bart Pitrus, Network Technician at Transco
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Eliminated False Alarms | Reliable equipment restored trust in the monitoring system |
| Real-Time Notifications | Email and text alerts ended the need for constant manual checking |
| Simple Implementation | Self-explanatory setup reduced configuration time and training requirements |
| Valuable Factory Training | Training revealed time-saving shortcuts for managing dual NOC locations |
Hardened RTU for extreme conditions with web interface and automatic alerts.
Multi-protocol alarm master with map view and centralized control.
What causes false alarms in pipeline monitoring systems?
Legacy equipment often generates false alarms due to aging components, electrical interference, or poor environmental protection. Modern hardened RTUs like the NetGuardian 216 are designed for extreme outdoor conditions and provide reliable monitoring even in challenging environments. When equipment is properly configured with accurate thresholds, false alarms are virtually eliminated.
How do you monitor thousands of miles of pipeline infrastructure?
Large pipeline networks require distributed monitoring with RTUs at critical sites reporting to a central alarm management system. The T/Mon NOC collects data from all remote locations, providing a unified view of network status. Technicians receive real-time notifications via email or text when issues arise, eliminating the need to manually check individual sites.
What training is needed to operate network monitoring equipment?
Modern RTUs and alarm management systems are designed for intuitive operation. Basic setup can be self-explanatory, as Bart Pitrus noted about the NetGuardian 216. However, factory training programs reveal advanced features and time-saving shortcuts that help teams maximize their investment. DPS offers comprehensive hands-on training at their Fresno headquarters.
Can you integrate new monitoring equipment with legacy systems?
Yes. The T/Mon platform supports 30+ protocols specifically to integrate with equipment acquired over decades. This multiprotocol support allows you to phase in new monitoring equipment gradually without replacing your entire infrastructure at once. Transco replaced their legacy equipment systematically as units failed or were decommissioned.
How do you ensure monitoring reliability across remote sites?
Use hardened equipment rated for outdoor deployment, like the NetGuardian 216 series. These RTUs are engineered to withstand extreme heat, cold, and electrical events like lightning strikes. Automatic notifications ensure problems are immediately communicated to the appropriate personnel, and 24x7 technical support provides assistance when needed.
Stop wasting time with unreliable legacy equipment and false alarms. Get the same monitoring reliability and real-time visibility Transco achieved with NetGuardian RTUs and T/Mon NOC.
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