M2M Data Corporation Introduces Monitoring and Control for Light-duty Compressors

M2M Data Corporation (M2M), the leader in remote machine-to-machine (m2m) communications for high-value compressor units is extending its service offering to serve a broader range of asset size for lighter duty, high-speed separables rated at 500 horsepower and below.

Englewood, CO (PRWEB) July 14, 2004 -- Compressor performance monitoring and control is more affordable and easier to implement than ever before.

The value of remote compressor monitoring and control is extended to all-sized units.

M2M Data Corporation (M2M), the leader in remote machine-to-machine (m2m) communications for high-value compressor units is extending its service offering to serve a broader range of asset size for lighter duty, high-speed separables rated at 500 horsepower and below.

From the wellhead to burner tip, M2Ms iSCADA real-time compressor monitoring and control service platform continuously collects data, confirming operability and alerting operators when problems occur. From the Internet, operators look at key operating parameters - such as status, suction and discharge pressure, RPM, gas and machine temperatures and error codes - and start and stop problem units without having to travel to the site. Monitored data ranges from simple on/off status to hundreds of data points. Immediate control serves customer needs and machine functioning. Trending from historic data reveals long-term productivity and maintenance profiles.

New demand for light-duty compressors is being driven by expansion in marginal and unconventional natural gas resources. According to the U.S. Department of Energys Annual Energy Outlook 2004, as a result of technological improvements and rising natural gas prices, natural gas production from tight sands, shale, and coalbed methane is projected to increase more rapidly than conventional production. Reliance on these marginal sources is seen as a significant contributor to near-term national energy supplies.

Additional wells in many new and existing gas production areas will be lower volume producers more sparsely located. This means smaller and more widely separated compressors are required to move lower production volumes from the field. Until now it has not been cost effective to deploy comprehensive remote monitoring for medium-sized and small units rated under 500 hp. M2M has changed that with new basic alarm/alert/control packages, ultra-light wireless communications, and affordable pricing.

With smaller compressors deployed over expanded territories, our customers are telling us it is even more critical now to remotely monitor these units to make better use of windshield time" and avoid increasing field operations staff," said Don Wallace, Vice President, COO for M2M Data Corporation. The reduced cost and operational improvements come from M2Ms ongoing research and development in distributed software, lighter and faster remote field devices, and more efficient and cost effective bundled communications packages."

Owners and operators of compressors of all sizes and in all locations will find it beneficial to talk to us about remote monitoring and automation for their units," said Bob Forbes, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for M2M Data Corporation. Compressor operators put a very high value on the M2M Service PlatformTM with such attributes as rapid deployment, turnkey service, strong track record of support and Service Level Guarantees. Now they recognize us for our flexible tiered service and pricing for units of all sizes."

Ultralight SAT-SCADA and iSCADA CA-50 for Compressor Monitoring and Control

The M2M single unit monitoring and control package, Ultralight SAT-SCADA, starts at $952. Equipment and features include a satellite modem, IP communications gateway, MODBUS over RS232, 12V 42 Amp hr sealed lead/acid battery, NEMA4 enclosure, factory integration and testing, application and service activation and a one-year warranty.

iSCADA CA 50 monthly service for alarm alerts and remote start/stop is as low as $23.95 with discounts up to 20% for quantity orders. Features include continuous monitoring for on/off status, alarm alerts via cell phone, text message, PDA or email for immediate action. Data can be downloaded from a company branded web portal for trending and use in other applications. Users enjoy wide flexibility for data access, organization and presentation customized by job function and personal preference. Service Level Guarantees assure a robust level of network service to reduce downtime, lower repair costs, extend equipment life and more effectively use field staff.

Payback from M2M monitoring can be realized in as little as three months through more efficient deployment of operations staff and reduced downtime. All levels of M2M compressor monitoring result in significant hard savings. Typical on-site staff monitoring of smaller compressors occurs once a day or less. An individual unit could go down shortly after an 8 am daily on-site visit. If the compressor goes down at Noon, without remote monitoring, it likely will not be started again until sometime after the 8 am on-site inspection the following day resulting in at least a 20-hour downtime. With M2M monitoring, an alert would be received immediately resulting in a 20-hour head start in response. In addition, if remote monitoring shows the unit is performing satisfactorily, the field technician will better use the time to attend to actual problems.

Beyond SCADA
M2M solves several problems with traditional SCADA systems. Typically, SCADA and measurement accounting systems have been isolated from each other and the enterprise business systems. Manipulating historic data for trending is not a traditional SCADA feature.

Further, with Ultralight SAT-SCADA, there is no minimum asset threshold to reach, as there is to justify traditional SCADA. There is no in-house infrastructure to build and maintain, no software licensing fees, no capital and operating costs for heavy weight, owned communication systems, SCADA host computers or in-house SCADA expertise.

About M2M Data Corporation
M2M Data Corporation of Englewood, Colorado, is a five-year old leader in machine-to-machine communications for remote monitoring and control of fixed and mobile assets. The companys M2M Service PlatformTM is a distributed software system enabling remote field devices to communicate with each other, the Internet, value-added applications and enterprise systems and users. The M2M Service Platform features rapid deployment of highly engineered solutions for many-sized assets and industries, enterprise-wide service, bandwidth optimization and industry leading levels of service and security.

Contact:Phil Samuels
M2M Data Corporation
9785 Maroon Circle, Suite 210
Englewood, Colorado 80112
Phone: 303-768-0064
Email: psamuels@m2mdatacorp.com