Designing to prevent catastrophe — safeguarding bulk chemical distribution
Everyday across New Zealand IXOM delivers thousands of litres of chemicals to industry. Accidental mixing of incompatible chemicals can have catastrophic consequences.
Challenge
Ensure the right chemical, and only the right chemical is delivered into any one of the thousands of chemical delivery points across New Zealand.
CoDé System – An RFID based system to monitor and control each and every step in the chemical transfer process. Operational incidents associated with chemical delivery have reduced to zero.
CoDé System – An RFID based system to monitor and control each and every step in the chemical transfer process. Operational incidents associated with chemical delivery have reduced to zero
A challenging environment for people and technology.
Working with bulk industrial chemicals requires care, attention and heavy duty PPE. IntelliDesign engaged closely with the drivers and technicians to fully understand the challenges of operating equipment while wearing chemicals suits, face shields, and thick gloves.
The physical environment presented challenges for technology, in particular radios. Metal structures, liquid filled vessels, convoluted passageways and gangways necessitated a very resilient and adaptive mesh network. System integrity demanded 100% coms coverage across every worksite.
Concept + design + manufacture + support
IntelliDesign was responsible for the design and manufacture of all equipment and software deployed in the rollout.
The extreme demands of the hostile environment necessitate ongoing product maintenance and support. IntelliDesign provides an all - inclusive maintenance and support agreement with IXOM to ensure the CoDé system is always fully operational across their chemical distribution fleet.
Project Features
- Australian Good Design Award (2012) and 2012 Powerhouse Museum Selection Award.
- Deployed across a fleet of 70 bulk chemical trucks servicing 5000+ delivery points.
- Early proof-of-concept technology demo.
- Extensive user engagement and workshopping.
- RFID tags in custom form factors.
- Simultaneous multi-tag reading.
- Mesh networked RFID readers.
- Database development and administration.
- GPS, cellular, and site-specific radio coms.
- Ongoing service and support.
