#USA #TotalEnergies #Lake Buena Vista #Ratawi Hub #ISA100 Wireless

TotalEnergies EP Ratawi Hub Receives ISA100 Wireless Excellence in Automation Award

The International Society of Automation (ISA) and the ISA100 Wireless Compliance Institute have recently honored TotalEnergies EP Ratawi Hub with the prestigious ISA100 Wireless Excellence in Automation Award for the 2024-25 period. This accolade was presented at the 2025 ISA Automation Summit and Expo, held in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

The Ratawi Hub project, located in Iraq, represents a groundbreaking achievement in the deployment of wireless gas detection systems, particularly in an environment fraught with significant challenges. Traditional methods for cable installation were not practical due to environmental hazards, including unexploded ordnance (UXO). As a solution, TotalEnergies implemented a fully wireless ISA100 solution. This innovative setup featured hydrocarbon and toxic gas detectors, wireless sounders, beacons, and a standalone Dräger controller, designed for seamless future integration with the Siemens SCADA system.

Notably, the installation demonstrated the capability to monitor a detector located over 500 meters from the control room using the ISA100 technology, showcasing its effectiveness even under extreme conditions. The project achieved remarkable safety and efficiency metrics, shortening the expected commissioning duration from eight weeks down to just 10 days. This reduction not only streamlined the installation process but also minimized exposure risks on site by 60%. Furthermore, the latency for alarm transmission was impressively recorded at under two seconds across the 500-meter mesh network.

The ISA100 wireless technology is recognized internationally, offering reliable, secure, and interoperable networks designed specifically for industrial settings. Each year, the ISA100 Wireless Compliance Institute selects a global end-user company that exemplifies leadership and innovation in using ISA100 technology, and TotalEnergies EP Ratawi Hub joins an esteemed roster of prior awardees over the past 12 years.

Adne Baer-Olsen from Dräger, the installation's partner, expressed gratitude for being recognized with this award. He emphasized the cooperation between TotalEnergies and Dräger, noting how TotalEnergies was willing to explore wireless solutions despite its rigorous safety standards. Dräger's expertise in wireless technology played a crucial role in developing an installation plan that was effectively executed within the tight timeframe, resulting in a deployment that met operational needs with high performance.

As one of the leading global energy providers, TotalEnergies adheres to stringent safety system requirements. The ISA100 Wireless protocol, which is built on IPv6, ensures a secure, low-latency, self-healing mesh network ideal for monitoring and safety-critical applications. Additionally, the use of redundant devices alongside the 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) reinforces the security and functionality of the system, ultimately protecting personnel, equipment, and the environment.

The project's success can also be attributed to the collaborative efforts of the TotalEnergies EP Ratawi Operations Team, Dräger experts, and the local distributor, Al Usol. Harnessing both global knowledge and local insights allowed for a comprehensive approach to tackling the unique challenges of the project.

For those interested in learning more about the project, an upcoming ISA100 webinar in January 2026 will feature discussions with Dräger and TotalEnergies on the project's implementation and results. Additionally, a white paper detailing the project’s strategies, safety features, and environmental considerations will be published.

About ISA100 Wireless

ISA100 Wireless is a cutting-edge wireless infrastructure technology, designed to enhance plant performance, simplify operations, and lower costs. Developed through collaborative efforts, ISA100 Wireless certification guarantees interoperability among vendors, providing users with access to premier wireless solutions that are built on robust industry standards.

About ISA

The International Society of Automation (ISA), a non-profit professional organization founded in 1945, aims to improve the world through automation. It supports the global automation community through standards development, knowledge sharing, and professional training. The ISA continues to foster innovation in automation standards to ensure a safer and more efficient technological future.