Globalstar Certifies Ovinto Sat: M2M Satellite Monitoring of Hazardous Materials while in Transit 

April 24th 2014

Globalstar Europe Satellite Services Ltd. announced that M2M specialist Ovinto’s monitoring solution is now certified for use with the Globalstar Simplex satellite communications technology and that Ovinto is now a Globalstar Value Added Manufacturer. Ovinto Sat is based on Globalstar’s STXII chipset and lets chemical, oil and gas companies monitor hazardous materials in unpowered environments including rail tank cars and tank containers. With Globalstar Network Certification, Ovinto Sat customers have the reassurance that their solution meets the highest integration standards for reliable and effective satellite communications.

Ovinto Sat is already the only battery-powered satellite monitoring solution with Zone 1 IIC ATEX certification - the highest level - proving it is safe and non-explosive even when in direct contact with the most explosive materials, including acetylene and hydrogen. Ovinto Sat provides manufacturers with intelligence that minimises the risk associated with the transportation of their dangerous cargo while optimising their supply chain operations.

The solution provides chemical manufacturers with details about whether a container has been impacted due to a crash, is leaking, is at the right pressure and temperature and is in the correct location. Satellite is the preferred option for such communications due to its availability, reliability and low power consumption compared to GSM.

Ovinto selected Globalstar’s STXII chipset because of its very low power consumption, resulting in up to eight years’ battery. The Globalstar technology, integrated with Ovinto Sat monitoring systems, collates data from various sensors and GPS and sends it securely by satellite to the customer headquarters at regular intervals. Ovinto is certified for the STXII chipset with STXIII chipset certification in process.

Globalstar has the world’s first low-earth orbit (LEO) second-generation constellation of satellites and allows Ovinto Sat to send its encrypted data even when containers are stacked. Thanks to Globalstar’s LEO constellation, the signal from the Ovinto Sat unit only needs access to a small bit of sky, and the technology keeps working even in extreme weather conditions.

“This new certification gives customers the reassurance that Ovinto’s solution is integrated to the highest standard with Globalstar’s satellite communications,” said Corry Brennan, Simplex Regional Sales Manager, EMEA, at Globalstar. “Customers can also connect external sensors to the Globalstar network and remain fully ATEX-certified to the highest standard.”

Frederick Ronse, Ovinto CEO, commented, “This is an important step in the growth of our business. We believe other VARs and telematic companies evaluating satellite-based monitoring applications will also find this solution attractive.”