IoT Device Development for Oil & Gas Sensors

The project's overarching goal is to develop an IoT device for oil and gas sensors and an AWS-based backend. We have developed IoT hardware, firmware, and a backend for API debugging.

The device has several options for use.

First, the IoT solution is used to determine the operation of pumpjacks, so it has a built-in accelerometer. The gadget is attached to the pumpjack with high-strength rare earth magnets. 
The embedded tilt and vibration sensor detects equipment vibrations, allowing specialists to monitor the pump operation remotely and fix downtime and breakdowns.

Secondly, the IoT object determines the oil level in tanks. 

The device has industrial interfaces for pressure, liquid height, and other analog sensors (4-20 mA / 0-10 V) or digital RS-485. It also has a low-noise, high-gain sensor signal amplifier for signal processing.

The third use case is to connect the device to an external pressure sensor installed in a pipe to monitor the pressure inside it and ensure the absence of breaks.

The nRF9160 module used in the PCB design has a built-in GPS receiver, enabling users to know the device's location by getting its coordinates.

The IoT solution does not require an external power source.

Solar panels are installed on the gadget case to power and charge the internal battery. Thus, the device can work 24/7. The solar panel charges the battery and powers IoT during the day, and the battery drives the gadget at night.

We chose a high-capacity custom rechargeable battery with fault protection circuitry for stable device operation.

A cellular module with a cellular antenna provides device communication and allows it to send the received data in JSON format via HTTP requests to the AWS cloud. 

We have set up the Amazon service to collect and view JSON data sent from devices to check and debug devices according to the collected data.  

Users can view the gathered data using a standard Amazon viewer with no GUI provided. 

The device is designed according to general restrictions for hazardous environments (without arcs, sparks, and excessive heating during work) to comply with certification rules.

Our specialists used FCC- and CE-certified modules for a streamlined certification process. The system is also prepared for Class 1/ Div 1 and Div 2 certification, which regulates hardware operation in explosive environments.

We provided all the necessary documents and prototypes, including a PCB design, a list of components used, and design solutions with a case for passing a certification.

Major Issues Resolved

A challenge related to PCB design was to create a board that would fit the size of the factory case approved by the customer.

In the final version, the device has two printed circuit boards. A 6-layer high density PCB with a processor and all the components is placed at the bottom of the case. A PCB with a connector for external sensors is located on the side face.

The second issue was to ensure the energy balance so that the device could work with a constant recharge during daylight and operate on a battery charge during dark hours.

The IoT solution is constantly recharged from a solar battery during daylight using a specialized microcircuit. The high-capacity battery ensures stable device operation at night.