TotalEnergies EP Ratawi Hub Triumphs with Automation Excellence Award
The prestigious ISA100 Wireless Excellence in Automation award has been granted to TotalEnergies EP Ratawi Hub, acknowledging a remarkable achievement in wireless gas detection systems technology. This significant recognition comes from the International Society of Automation, a leading organization in the global automation sector.
The Ratawi Hub, located in Iraq, is a pioneering project that showcases an advanced approach to implementing safety-critical gas detection mechanisms. TotalEnergies faced numerous challenges, including environmental hazards and the presence of unexploded ordnance, which severely limited conventional trenching methods for cable installation. To overcome these obstacles, an innovative, fully wireless ISA100 solution was adopted, comprising hydrocarbon and toxic gas detectors as well as wireless sounders and beacons.
A key feature of the installation is the standalone Dräger controller, specifically designed for future compatibility with the Siemens SCADA system already in use at the site. Notably, the distance between the farthest detector and the control room surpassed 500 meters, yet the installation process remained efficient, thanks to the capabilities of ISA100 technology and the expertise of the Dräger team.
This project exemplifies how ISA100 wireless technology, when combined with Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL2)-certified devices, can enhance safety measures while simultaneously reducing installation duration, risks, and costs. Impressively, the commissioning timeline was cut from an expected eight weeks to just 10 days, leading to a 60% reduction in site exposure. Alarm transmission achieved a deterministic latency of under two seconds across a 500-meter mesh network, ensuring timely response in critical situations.
Annual recognition is given by the ISA100 Wireless Compliance Institute to companies implementing ISA100 wireless technology with exceptional leadership and innovative spirit. TotalEnergies EP Ratawi Hub now stands proudly amongst a select group of awardees over the past 12 years, solidifying its reputation in the energy sector.
"It's a great honor to receive this award for TotalEnergies EP Ratawi Hub," shared Adne Baer-Olsen from Dräger during the awards ceremony. "A heartfelt thank you to TotalEnergies for their open-mindedness in addressing complex challenges. We are also grateful to ISA100 WCI for their commitment to developing robust protocols, ensuring cybersecurity and functional safety. Our collaborative efforts with TotalEnergies led to the successful 10-day installation of the system, which is performing exceptionally well."
TotalEnergies, recognized as one of the leading global energy companies, upholds stringent safety requirements within its operations. ISA100 Wireless is an open standard built on IPv6 technology, providing secure, low-latency, and self-healing mesh networks ideal for monitoring and managing safety-critical applications. The integration of devices complying with ISA100's 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard assures a combination of speed, reliability, and strong cybersecurity measures, all essential for protecting personnel, equipment, and the environment.
Speed and reliability were top priorities for total response time at Ratawi. Although wireless technology was a new approach, the TotalEnergies team invested considerable effort to evaluate the Dräger ISA100 system comprehensively. Following a rigorous review process, the technology was confirmed to meet the necessary safety standards and functionality requirements.
This project was made possible through a collaborative effort involving TotalEnergies EP Ratawi Operations, experts from Dräger, and local distributor Al Usol. This partnership harnessed both global insights and regional knowledge, ensuring a tailored solution for the Ratawi site.
Discover More at the Upcoming ISA100 Webinar and Installation White Paper
Details are forthcoming regarding an ISA100 webinar scheduled for January 2026, hosted in collaboration with Dräger and TotalEnergies. It will cover the installation processes and the outcomes to date. Additionally, a white paper will elaborate on the project plan, emphasizing safety features, environmental considerations, and more.
About ISA100 Wireless
The ISA100 Wireless network promotes enhanced plant performance, streamlined wireless operations, and cost reductions throughout industrial environments. Through a collective stakeholder effort, it was designed to fulfill specific operational needs. The ISA100 Wireless certification guarantees compatibility across various vendors, offering clients access to top-tier wireless solutions characterized by resilience and security. Notably, ISA100 Wireless operates as a non-profit consortium under the International Society of Automation's framework.
About the International Society of Automation (ISA)
The International Society of Automation is a global non-profit organization established in 1945, striving to create advancements through automation. Its mission encompasses empowering the automation community via standards development, knowledge sharing, and education. ISA is involved in formulating widely-adopted international standards, certifying professionals, offering educational resources, and orchestrating conferences and networking programs—all aimed at enhancing professional growth around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ISA100 Wireless Excellence in Automation award?
This award recognizes exceptional leadership in implementing ISA100 wireless technology in the industrial automation sector.
Who presented the award to TotalEnergies EP Ratawi Hub?
The award was presented by the International Society of Automation and the ISA100 Wireless Compliance Institute.
What advantages does ISA100 wireless technology offer?
ISA100 technology provides secure, reliable, and low-latency networking suitable for safety-critical industrial applications.
How did the project reduce installation time?
The use of fully wireless systems allowed TotalEnergies to significantly cut the commissioning period from eight weeks to just 10 days.
What types of devices are integrated with ISA100 Wireless?
ISA100 Wireless incorporates hydrocarbon and toxic gas detectors, sounders, beacons, and safety integrity level 2 devices among others.
