Chevron Phillips Chemical Company (CPChem) has taken a forward step in enhancing safety and efficiency by deploying eight private LTE networks using CBRS spectrum. In a strategic move, the company chose to collaborate with Nokia and Kyndryl instead of partnering with a wireless carrier. Nokia provided the necessary wireless equipment and expertise, while Kyndryl undertook the network deployment and integration.
The decision to adopt private cellular networks was primarily driven by the hazardous environments in which CPChem operates. With a focus on business-critical operations, the addition of private LTE is expected to introduce next-level automation, agility, and safety. Bill Timmons, IT manufacturing systems manager at CPChem, emphasized the importance of bringing reliability to facility plants, especially in light of their strict safety requirements. Implementing the network presented considerable challenges due to the nature of the industrial facilities and the resistance to technological changes. However, Kyndryl’s integration of the network with operational technology allowed for comprehensive monitoring and management of industrial equipment on factory floors.
Workers at CPChem facilities will also benefit from the networks in outdoor environments, enabling them to access online manuals and complete work orders in the field. The mission-critical business applications will be accessible by approximately 3,000 mobile devices connected to the networks.
While the networks currently utilize LTE, CPChem and its partners have ensured that they are 5G-ready. The CBRS networks have the potential to support 5G connectivity for future industrial devices and use cases as the standard gains traction. However, due to the shared CBRS spectrum, CPChem’s networks may encounter interference if other entities attempt to access the same bands. To mitigate this risk, Chevron purchased 26 CBRS Priority Access Licenses in West Texas, where CPChem has a facility, with plans to expand coverage in other areas.
The private networks deployed by CPChem utilize Nokia’s Digital Automation Cloud private wireless solution, bolstered by specialized hardware and software specifically designed for edge applications in industrial settings. Notably, CPChem’s networks do not connect to public cloud providers, distinguishing them from the majority of Kyndryl’s private network deployments.
To date, Kyndryl and Nokia have successfully deployed 18 extensive private networks across three continents, some spanning up to 20 square miles. Nokia’s growing prominence in private networks is evident with over 550 deployments worldwide. While Kyndryl has forged alliances with notable companies such as Microsoft and VMware to support its private network initiatives, these partners did not participate in the CPChem networks.
By prioritizing private cellular networks and leveraging strategic partnerships, Kyndryl has solidified its position as the world’s largest infrastructure services provider. The company’s ongoing commitment to monitoring and managing services ensures the smooth operation and automated resolution of any potential disruptions to CPChem’s networks.
Private cellular networks have become an invaluable tool for petrochemical companies like CPChem, offering enhanced safety, operational efficiency, and reliability. As more industries recognize the benefits of private networks, we can expect a growing demand for similar deployments in hazardous and critical environments.
FAQ
Q: Why did Chevron Phillips Chemical Company (CPChem) choose to deploy private LTE networks?
A: CPChem chose to deploy private LTE networks to enhance safety and efficiency in their hazardous operational environments. They wanted to bring reliability to their facility plants and enable next-level automation, agility, and safety.
Q: Who did CPChem collaborate with for their private LTE network deployment?
A: CPChem collaborated with Nokia and Kyndryl for their private LTE network deployment. Nokia provided the necessary wireless equipment and expertise, while Kyndryl undertook the network deployment and integration.
Q: What challenges did CPChem face in implementing the private LTE networks?
A: CPChem faced challenges in implementing the private LTE networks due to the nature of the industrial facilities and resistance to technological changes. However, Kyndryl’s integration of the network with operational technology allowed for comprehensive monitoring and management of industrial equipment on factory floors.
Q: How will workers at CPChem facilities benefit from the private LTE networks?
A: Workers at CPChem facilities will benefit from the networks in outdoor environments, enabling them to access online manuals and complete work orders in the field. Mission-critical business applications will be accessible by approximately 3,000 mobile devices connected to the networks.
Q: Are CPChem’s private LTE networks 5G-ready?
A: Yes, CPChem’s private LTE networks are 5G-ready. The CBRS networks have the potential to support 5G connectivity for future industrial devices and use cases as the standard gains traction.
Q: How is the risk of interference mitigated for CPChem’s private LTE networks?
A: CPChem purchased 26 CBRS Priority Access Licenses in West Texas to mitigate the risk of interference for their private LTE networks. This helps ensure that other entities do not access the same bands and cause interference.
Q: What technologies are used for CPChem’s private LTE networks?
A: CPChem’s private LTE networks utilize Nokia’s Digital Automation Cloud private wireless solution, which is supported by specialized hardware and software designed for edge applications in industrial settings. Notably, the networks do not connect to public cloud providers.
Q: How many private networks have Kyndryl and Nokia deployed?
A: To date, Kyndryl and Nokia have successfully deployed 18 extensive private networks across three continents, some spanning up to 20 square miles. Nokia has over 550 private network deployments worldwide.
Q: Did Microsoft and VMware participate in the CPChem networks?
A: No, Microsoft and VMware did not participate in the CPChem networks. Kyndryl has alliances with these companies but they did not contribute to the CPChem private LTE network deployment.
Q: What are the benefits of private cellular networks for petrochemical companies like CPChem?
A: Private cellular networks offer enhanced safety, operational efficiency, and reliability for petrochemical companies like CPChem. These networks can play a critical role in hazardous and critical environments.
Key Terms:
– LTE: LTE stands for Long-Term Evolution and is a standard for wireless broadband communication of mobile devices.
– CBRS: CBRS stands for Citizens Broadband Radio Service and refers to a range of wireless frequencies in the United States that can be used for private LTE and 5G networks.
– Private LTE networks: Private LTE networks are wireless networks that are independently owned and operated by an organization, providing dedicated connectivity for their specific needs. They offer enhanced security, control, and performance compared to public networks.
Related Links:
– Nokia – About Us
– Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
– Kyndryl