The Background
PT Pertamina (Persero) is the biggest state-owned oil and natural gas corporation in Indonesia. Pertamina owns six oil refinery units (RU) including the biggest Refinery Unit IV located in Cilacap in central Java among other refinery units, which is capable of producing a total capacity of 348,000 barrels per day. This refinery has strategic value in the country because it supplies 34% of the national fuel needs or 60% of the fuel needs in Java Island. The Cilacap refinery has relied on an analog trunking radio communications system for more than 10 years. The network, no longer capable of supporting operations, needs to be upgraded.
The Challenge
Providing a modern digital radio network with new features such as GPS tracking and voice recording, and intrinsically safe devices
The analog radio system provided poor voice quality and is unable to support features such as data and voice recording. The new radio network needed to provide wider coverage, increased capacity, and better audio quality, along with individual, group, and emergency call services.
Pertamina also requested much wider range of features available on modern digital radio systems such as voice recording and playback, priority call, and the ability to support calls from the radio system to PABX fixed telephony systems.
The Solution
The client had a few supplier options and ran a proof-of-concept project with solutions from all the candidate suppliers. Pertamina Cilacap was satisfied with the outcome of Hytera’s DMR radio solution and eventually decided to adopt it as the devices fulfilled all the performance requirements and Hytera demonstrated a high level of commitment to excellence in services.
The communication system was based on Hytera DMR DS-6211 Tier III Trunking base stations. Hytera was able to deliver full coverage of the Refinery Unit IV site with a 16-carrier base station . In addition, Hytera supplied DMR mobile radios for vehicle and office use and intrinsically safe DMR portable radios.
The portable radio model used in this project features a high-strength LCD scratch and impact-resistant screen and full keypad. It is specifically designed to provide safe radio communications in potentially explosive atmospheres, such as oil refineries where inflammable liquids, gases, and dust particles are found. The radio meets the USA UL913 and Canada CSA standards for the operations of devices in hazardous environments.
The rugged radio is rated IP67 for dust and waterproof resistance, so it performs well in harsh environments. The radio features Hytera’s latest audio processing technology and in-built speaker to deliver clear audio even in very noisy conditions.
The Benefits
Flexible and Modular Radio System
The new DMR communications system provides wider coverage and is more efficient compared with the legacy analog system. It offers many more features and better audio quality. Hytera’s modular DMR system is easy to expand, which meets the requirements for additional voice channels and other new features.
Location Positioning
The DMR system provides built-in GPS location and AVLS (Automatic Vehicle Location System) technology, so the control center can now track and monitor individuals and vehicles in real-time.
Personnel Safety Features
The radios come with emergency call, Lone Worker, and Man Down , so when combined with GPS positioning, it is easy to locate and send help to any worker who is in trouble.
Voice Recording and Interworking
Unlike the previous analog system, DMR Tier III supports full voice recording. It also enables radio users to communicate with Pertamina’s fixed-line telephone network.
It was the first time PT Pertamina migrated one of its analog radio systems to DMR. Hytera provided technical support throughout the migration. The new DMR system has helped to boost efficiency and productivity.
