Ensuring safety and efficiency at Doha’s Hamad International Airport

Hamad International Airport (HIA) opened in early 2014 and has become renowned for its high-quality passenger experience and world-leading efficiency. Rightfully, the airport is the pride of Qatar, and the main operating base for national airline Qatar Airways, connecting Qatar to all corners of the globe. In the latest Skytrax World Airport Awards 2020, Doha’s Hamad International was ranked the 3rd best airport globally. How does the airport innovate and remain a world leader?

Bayanat Engineering, an aerospace solutions expert based in Qatar with a global reach of clients, has worked closely with Qatar’s HIA, ensuring its place as a major hub for air travel. A key factor in the success of HIA is its ability to provide reliable airport service, with on-time departures and arrivals. One of the main contributing factors to delays experienced by passengers at airports is poor weather. In order to combat this, Doha’s main airport features a state-of-the-art meteorological system, which was installed in partnership with Bayanat Engineering. By providing HIA with the best weather observation systems, it enables the airport to operate with increased efficiency, allowing more flights to arrive and depart.

Airports such as London Heathrow and New York’s JFK are famed for their high-frequency operations, with takeoffs and landings happening up to every 90 seconds. HIA is no different, with the airport capable of handling over 360,000 flights annually. Efficiency in Air Traffic Management is vital to ensure the airport can operate such a large number of flights in a safe environment. The high skill level of the Air Traffic Controllers is enhanced by modern innovations in training. Developments of Air Traffic Solutions and 3D simulators has enabled the training of Air Traffic Controllers in highly detailed scenarios, providing HIA with increased levels of safety and efficiency.

When aircraft take off for long flights with hundreds of passengers on board, they can reach speeds in excess of 150 miles per hour, in order to generate enough lift to get airborne. It is imperative to provide the plane with a safe and sterile runway environment from which to conduct this key phase of the flight. Ensuring that the runway is clear of Foreign Object Debris or FOD for short is vital to enable the required safety. Bayanat Engineering is currently installing FOD detection at HIA. Known as RunWize, the system will not only improve safety but will also improve the efficiency at Hamad International by providing guidance to airport workers as to the location of the FOD. The result is shorter runway closures and fewer resultant delays to flights.

The COVID-19 global pandemic has undoubtedly had a large impact on the aviation sector, with restrictions to travel being implemented by governments across most of the world. It has been a key priority for airlines and airports to ensure travel can continue and passengers are safe and protected. Bayanat Engineering and HIA have been at the forefront of installing temperature checks and body scanners, giving the ability to scan multiple people in a short period of time. This ensures passenger safety and efficiency, maintaining HIA as a 5-star airport.

Solutions that help with navigation, communication and meteorology across oceans

Especially in the area around Qatar, the sea can be dangerous and needs to be monitored to avoid serious issues. There is a range of solutions and technologies in place surrounding the marine world, including navigation, communications technology and meteorological forecasting to protect planes and passengers. Here are just a few of the technologies in place, and what they do to ensure you remain as safe as possible.

 

Navigation solutions

 

Navigating over the sea can be incredibly difficult. The world in front of you looks identical, and there are no major landmarks to help pilots to see where they are or even get a better idea of where they need to go. This is where airport technologies, as developed by Bayanat Engineering, can help, including satellite-based navigation system such as GBAS or SBAS.

 

Additionally, there are backups in the case of these systems failing. Technologies like Distance Measuring Equipment and a Non-Directional Beacon can let pilots know about their proximity to the airport, which can be all-important information to stop a pilot from getting lost at sea.

 

Communications technology

 

Keeping in contact with airports can also be incredibly important for pilots. Without the ability to discuss their flights, pilots that are facing serious issues would struggle to have a safe landing, and wouldn’t be able to arrange for any special requirements in the case of a major issue. When over the sea, one of the most important technologies available to a pilot is UHF/VHF radios. These Ultra High (or Very High) Frequency radios ensure that pilots are able to communicate with airports from up to 200 miles away. In the case of Hamad International Airport, this 200 miles is mostly sea, making high-frequency radios an excellent tool to use.

 

UHF/VHF is supported by technology such as Voice Communication Control Systems, which allow longer-range conversations to take place between pilots and air-traffic control. Pilots at all ranges are well supported by air traffic controllers thanks to these technologies, which means that even when at sea, they can be as informed as possible about developing conditions.

 

Meteorological forecasting

 

Finally, weather forecasting is a vital feature of flying over the sea. Weather events can vary significantly over the ocean, so making sure that pilots have all the information they need about conditions is paramount to keeping passengers and staff safe. Using a combination of LIDAR (to keep track of wind) and meteorological sensors, a pilot can get a better idea of the weather ahead of them before they get to it, allowing them to be ready for whatever might be coming their way.

 

This is combined with more specific and detailed features such as lightning detection systems. Lightning isn’t an active issue for aircraft as the charge is often dispersed throughout the plane, but avoiding the risk of a lightning strike causing more damage is always ideal. Aircraft and airports are packed with these pieces of technology, all to keep pilots, passengers and aircraft safe through their voyages across oceans.

Outdoor air purifiers – what they are and how they can help the environment.

With environmental issues being of increasing global concern, companies and governments around the world are looking at ways to reduce carbon emissions and reverse the negative impacts of pollution on our planet. Air pollution from vehicle emissions, agricultural activities and other industries are likely to blame for the increase in human respiratory illnesses – not to mention the devastating effects of rising global temperatures.

Pollution is a significant problem in many countries – particularly in urban environments. Industries such as transportation and aviation have a large role to play in helping to keep our air clean, so companies are increasingly looking for ways to cancel out emissions. One method that’s becoming increasingly popular is the installation of outdoor air purifiers.

These are inexpensive yet effective systems that can be placed in airports, covering large areas where pollution is likely to take place. They work by absorbing the layer of toxic atmosphere that is created by emissions, passing it through a built-in filtration system before releasing it back out again.

Solar powered Eco Mushroom – effective outdoor pollution control

A great candidate for airport spaces is the Eco Mushroom, a solar-powered outdoor air purifier system that is designed for placement in streetlights. This compact system is equipped with something called a CO2 Scrubber, which absorbs pollution. Shaped like a mushroom, the device captures warm, polluted air as it rises, sucking it up into an air purification system, which is situated in the middle of the mushroom.

Disposing of air pollutants

The system purifies the air and then releases it in a downward direction at a height of around two metres – the ideal height for human breathing. The Eco Mushroom is equipped with energy-efficient motors, which absorb the polluted air into the system. These motors are operated by batteries, which are charged by sunlight through a series of PV panels that sit on the top surface of the mushroom.

Effective monitoring

The performance of the Eco Mushroom can be monitored remotely, making it ideal for recording the levels of pollutants removed from the air and therefore the effectiveness of the device. Using GSM communication, the air filter sends signals to the monitoring station about performance and required maintenance.

Of course, there are many types of air filtration systems that can be used to reduce air pollution from aviation. Generally, those using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are the ideal solution as they use the latest technology to cover larger areas of air more effectively. These systems are already being used by the likes of Boeing, built directly into its planes to capture more than 99.9 percent of airborne viruses and bacteria. These types of filters are popular for indoor use but are also capable of filtering outdoor air when built to a larger scale.

Helipad planning and design

It is essential when planning and designing a helipad to follow all the recommended guidelines. For the landing area to be safe and have all the requirements to be an ideal spot.

 

If you are looking to construct a helipad, then you are in the right place. Our company, has the expertise to handle this task. We provide companies and individuals with a wide range of solutions for airport operations.

 

Let us look at the basic layout of a helipad and the different lights required to make it an ideal landing place.

 

 

 

 

 

Basic Layout

The layout of a heliport should at least have;

• At least, one takeoff and final approach area. At the centre of it a lift-off and Touchdown area.
• At least, two or more departure and approach paths. One of the paths should align with the direction of the predominant wind.
• An outlying safety area.

 

The landing spot should be large enough to accommodate helicopters to use the helipad. On the other hand, the FATO should at least be 1.5 times the length of the chopper. The safety area’s width should be 0.33 times the rotor diameter or more, not less than 6 metres.

 

These requirements should not worry you, as our team of experts will come with a suitable design to meet the needs of your heliport.

 

Lighting

For daytime flights, the basic layout is enough for touchdowns and takeoffs. In the case of night operation, the heliport should use the appropriate lightings. However, this should be the least of your worries since we will provide the right lights to apply on your pad.

 

The FATO, TLOF, Taxi routes, taxiways and windsock need lighting to operate optimally at night. The visual aids help pilots navigate and land safely.

 

Here are lights required on a helipad to operate at night:

 

TLOF lights

To define the TLOF area, use flush green lights. Moreover, set a minimum of four lights on each side of the TLOF perimeter. Use uniformly spaced additional lights to locate lights on each corner.

 

We will place lights along the approach centreline, using an odd number of lights on each side.

 

To define a circular TLOF, we will use an even number of uniformly spaced lights at a maximum of 7.6 metres. The minimum should at least be eight lights. We will locate the flush light within 0.3 metres in or out of the landing perimeter.

 

FATO lights

To define the FATO area, you must use green lights. In the case, you locate the helipad close to a taxiway, use yellow lights. These yellow lights will prevent pilots from confusing the FATO perimeter and the green taxiway lights.

 

Also, use a minimum of four-flush or raised light on each side of the perimeter. Just as with TLOF lights, additional lights will help to locate light at each corner. Similarly, an odd number of lights will place lights along the approaching centreline.

 

For a circular FATO, we will uniformly space an even number of lights at a maximum of 7.6 metres. In and outside of the perimeter area, we locate the flush lights within 30 cm.

 

Other lights that we will provide for your helipad design are;

• Floodlights. Used to illuminate the TLOF, FATO, and the parking area. Placing floodlight should be careful not to constitute obstruction hazard by aiming them to light the surface.
• Landing direction lights. For directional guidance. % metre spacing is appropriate, beginning from 6 metres to 18 metres from the TLOF perimeter.
• Flightpath Alignment Lights
• Visual Glide Path Indicator
• Lighted Wind cone
• Heliport Identification Beacon
• Taxiway Lights

Meteorology tech you didn’t know affected day-to-day life

Meteorology is a science that affects us all daily. You might not think about meteorology as you carry out your day-to-day tasks, but it’s likely that you’ve encountered it without realising, from the rain gauge in your garden to glancing up at a weather vane, which is based on basic meteorological principles. Meteorological sensors are also crucial to predicting the weather, so whenever you check out the weather forecast, you’re unknowingly reliant on meteorological tech to give you an accurate prediction.

Let’s have a look at some projects in more detail, so you can understand how crucial meteorology is to our everyday lives.

Meteorological sensors

A meteorological sensor is a high-tech piece of equipment that is designed to measure specific elements of our weather systems, including barometric pressure (otherwise known as atmospheric pressure) and hygrometer (or humidity). This is crucial in the aerospace industry, as it allows us to predict storms, which can pose a hazard to flights; on a day-to-day level, it can help meteorologists predict the weather for general forecasts.

Other aspects of weather that meteorological sensors monitor include cloud height (also crucial to aerospace, as visibility can seriously impede flying ability); rain; temperature; wind and solar radiation. Airports in coastal locations will also have a transmissometer, including Hamad International Airport, which measures visual range as well as the merging of seawater and atmosphere to ensure safe flight proceedings.

Rain gauges

The amount of rainfall is crucial to industries such as agriculture, which relies on the climate to grow produce. With a rain gauge, which is essentially a large cylinder and funnelling system, precipitation accumulates into one funnel, showing the amount of rain over a measured length of time.

A rain gauge therefore makes for a handy tool for gardeners looking to establish the right plants, fruit or veg at a certain time of year, while on a professional level, meteorologists can use a rain gauge to help predict droughts, averting environmental or humanitarian disaster.

Lightning detection systems

Lightning detection systems are essential for large, open spaces, including golf courses, and works by detecting a radio signal pattern to pick up particular frequencies. Most golf courses will have a system like this in place to protect their members, especially if the only coverage over a large area is trees.

The importance of meteorology technology and projects

In summary, meteorology affects all aspects of our lives, whether we’re aware of it directly through an interest in weather or it’s something we don’t even consider as we board our flight. An understanding of it is fundamental to daily ongoings, including logistics and even land management, enabling us to plan and predict life, especially in adverse conditions – which meteorology allows us to navigate.

IT industry security solutions you can use in Qatar’s military, oil and gas, and maritime sectors

Cybersecurity, which is still something many of us only associate with fields like banking and tech, is quickly becoming a concern of all modern industries. The two factors that make any organisation most vulnerable to cyber-attacks are money and information. And it’s for this reason in particular that both the oil and gas and the military and maritime fields are particularly at risk.

 

Where do the vulnerabilities lie?

 

In the case of the oil and gas industry, much of the risk stems from the fact that industrial automation and control and safety systems in the field are today usually dependent on digital technology. Many of them also run on commercial systems such as Microsoft Windows. Where digital technology is involved, there’s always a risk of cybersecurity breaches, and even more so when commercial software is used because the specific vulnerabilities or ‘ways in’ to this operating system will already be well known by the hacking community.

 

In the military, cyber-attacks are most likely to come from enemy forces or overseas intelligence teams. The risks posed by security breaches in this sector are massive: from espionage and the theft of military data and confidential information to the denial of service attacks and the control of command systems, the results of a successful cyberattack on Qatar’s military from another nation could be truly disastrous.

 

And the maritime industry has also shown how vulnerable it is to cybersecurity breaches in the past years. As with oil and gas, the maritime sector has gradually moved away from proprietary technology and towards the use of commercial software for its GPS, ECDIS, and AIS systems. Earlier this year, the International Maritime Organisation itself was subject to a concerning cyber attack (https://gcaptain.com/imo-cyberattack-has-serious-implications/).

 

How can IT security solutions be implemented in these industries?

 

Today’s cyber hackers are sophisticated, and it’s no longer enough simply to implement basic firewalls to combat cybersecurity threats. A successful cybersecurity solution today will involve staff training and awareness, security testing, and the use of advanced protection software.

 

The importance of proper staff training can’t be underestimated in this field. Many security risks come from improper use of online systems or data sharing apps, for example, if staff don’t follow security protocols when emailing sensitive information, or if ‘phishing’ emails aren’t recognised as fake.

 

While using proprietary systems could significantly reduce an organisation’s vulnerability to cyberattacks, it’s understandable that many sectors today opt for commercial products because they’re more cost-effective and, often, better. If commercial software is used, it’s also important to keep it updated regularly and for security staff to stay abreast of the latest training and emerging threats.

 

There are also more technical ways that organisations can protect their operations from cyber-attacks. Making back-up copies of important data, keeping Wi-Fi networks secure, and installing firewalls will all help. Contemporary antivirus software is also a must in these fields, as is the use of regularly changing passwords for all users. In the military, it’s already commonplace to limit user access to data based on rank; this is one way to reduce vulnerability and a system which should be considered by other industries too.

 

How specialized signage and lighting solutions can improve airport efficiency

Like any business, airports should always strive to operate as efficiently as possible. The more passengers you can process every hour, and the more customers your concessions can serve, the more revenue you will generate. Ensuring that you have the right lighting and signage in place is an essential part of maximising efficiency. Here are just some of the ways it can help.

 

Improving the efficiency of passenger flow

 

Maintaining a steady flow of foot traffic through an airport is essential for maintaining operational effectiveness. If passengers or staff can’t navigate your airport easily, your operations will suffer as a result. Clear signage is the simplest but most effective way of ensuring that everyone in your airport can find what they need and navigate your terminals. Even simple signage such as arrows to indicate the intended direction of traffic can make a big difference to the way that everyone moves. Visual aids like these are effective because they can overcome any language barriers that might prevent passengers or staff from being able to read other types of signage.

 

Highlighting obstacles, obstructions, and off-limits zones

 

Like any other business, airports have an obligation to ensure all their users, staff, and visitors stay safe. Clear signage to indicate the existence and position of obstacles is an important component of this. In addition to the usual signs to indicate wet floors and trip hazards, airports also contain some more unique examples of hazardous areas. There are also numerous parts of the airport that you want to prevent visitors from inadvertently wandering into; you don’t want a hapless pedestrian accidentally straying onto the tarmac or potentially breaching a sensitive security area.

 

Of course, lighting and signage also have a key role to play in ensuring that vehicles can navigate your airport safely as well as people. Runways need to be clearly lit, as do any nearby access roads. You don’t want anyone or anything to stray too close to sensitive areas; this can result in a serious disruption to services.

 

Queue management

 

In any area of your airport where queues are likely to form, clear signage showing people where they need to queue prevents confusion and keeps traffic flowing. Not only does this ensure you can process passengers effectively at a steady rate, but it also prevents frustration. When queuing instructions are unclear, passengers end up wasting their time queueing for the wrong thing. Once they realise their mistake, they then need to spend more time finding and joining the correct queue. Clear guidance signage prevents these situations from arising.

 

Highlighting concessions and important areas

 

Most airports do more than just loading and unloading passengers from aircraft. As well as boutiques selling duty-free alcohol and tobacco, many airports also contain restaurants and fast food outlets, bookshops, and various other types of concessions. Airport operators naturally want passengers to spend money in these outlets; they are an important revenue stream for many airports. Clearly highlighting what’s available and where by using prominent signage will ensure that as many people as possible can find and use these outlets.

 

These are just some of the ways that specialised lighting and signage can benefit airports. Ensuring everything in your airport is properly signposted and clearly marked will improve your passengers’ experience while also ensuring operational efficiency. Installing specialised lighting and signage is the simplest way of achieving this.

What system and solutions are crucial for the marine industry?

The marine industry is unique in that operators have millions of dollars worth of assets spread across the globe. Often, vessels can be located in far-flung ports where maintenance and oversight are difficult.

This means that shipping companies need to have robust management systems in place to reduce unscheduled maintenance and keep vessels operating safely. Fortunately, several systems and solutions are available today which make this task easier.

So in this blog, we are going to look at five key systems and solutions every marine industry company should deploy today.

Project management tools

One of the best ways of preventing problems at sea is to ensure newbuild and refit projects are managed properly. This will not only ensure projects are completed on time and within budget, but it will also ensure all work complies with the regulations.

Project management software is the tool of choice here, but to get the best out of the software, it should be deployed early in the project. That way, naval architects and engineers can sit down to work out problems before they impact build schedules.

Marine assessment (CAP)

All shipowners need to understand the condition of their vessels no matter where they are in the world. This can only be achieved through sound management practices and reliable assessment solutions.

One of the best ways of assessing a vessel’s condition is to implement a Condition Assessment Programme (CAP). This system was developed by the tanker industry to improve safety and operational awareness at sea.

CAP consists of two modules:

CAP Hull (Assess the condition of the hull)

CAP Machinery and Cargo Systems (Assess the condition of all machinery and cargo systems onboard)

The final assessment will provide the vessel owner with a detailed description of the ship’s condition, along with photographic evidence of defects. The report will also make recommendations about which repairs need to be carried out and in which order.

Safety risk and compliance

Ships are exposed to a diverse range of risks that need to be managed using a range of prevention and mitigation strategies. Several tools are available to aid this process, including HAZID and HAZOP which can help to identify potential issues.

Should an incident occur at sea, systems should also be put in place to help manage them successfully. This can help to mitigate the impact of any incident and reduce the risk of further events in the future.

Connected cloud

The cloud is not new but many shipping companies have been slow to embrace the technology. This is despite the fact that the cloud presents many efficiency gains to ship owners and operators.

The cloud allows ship operators and crew to access the same applications no matter where they are in the world. This can help streamline processes such as fuel buying and maintenance. It can also help operators streamline communications with the crew.

Marine BI

As the range of marine assurance and environmental regulations continues to escalate, ship operators need a robust system in place which is capable of monitoring vessels in real-time to ensure compliance. Marine Business Intelligence (BI) can help to achieve this.

Marine BI monitors ship data in real-time while processing data from past events to help calculate the probability of future incidents. This can help ship operators comply with regulations, reduce incidents, plan maintenance and improve crew performance.

Conclusion

Ship operators today have a wide range of systems and solutions at their disposal to help improve operations. But it is vital that these systems are deployed correctly if problems are to be avoided.

Bayanat Engineering has a wealth of experience deploying data management and monitoring solutions in the aerospace and marine industry. So if you need help deploying oversight and operational awareness solutions in your shipping fleet -get in touch today.

 

Why engineering systems and solutions are vital to the rail industry?

The railway industry continues to grow across the world, both as a fast and environmentally friendly way to travel. In fact, according to unife.org, the railway industry has hit a record of EUR 163 billion in total market value. However, with such growth, the market for rail companies has become more and more competitive.

So, how can you keep your railway company ahead of the game? In this post, we’re going to explore the forward-thinking engineering systems and solutions from Bayanat, helping to future-proof your railway business.
High-quality surveillance

A survey from <a href= “https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/statistics/usage/passenger-rail-usage/” the UK Office of Rail and Road showcased an increase in passenger journeys by 279% in 2020, reaching 134 million trips within a single quarter from the year. With an increased volume of passengers, you need surveillance systems that are up to the job.

As a company that has worked with military organisations and world-leading airports, we have high-quality surveillance solutions you need. For example, our multi-lateration systems are fully adaptable to each site’s needs, offering in-depth coverage of large areas.

Passenger safety

Following the recent coronavirus pandemic, safety when travelling is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. So, ensure your company is ahead of the rail industry with practical Queue Management Systems (QMS) and people counting systems. In keeping your site secure and socially distanced, you can reassure your customers that they are safe when travelling with your rail company.

Plus, we offer highly accurate human body temperature scanners, allowing you to efficiently monitor and identify potential infection risks.

Specialised signage

Beyond the central railway station, your train drivers may need specialised signage. They can help you manage traffic on your railways with ease, maximising efficiency and keeping your rail services to schedule. Create customised solutions that meet the requirements of your local landscape and weather conditions.

Our specialised lighting and signage solutions are ideal for emergencies. With obstruction and beacon lighting, you can signal problems on the track with clarity. Plus, our Lighting Control & Monitoring Systems (ALCMS / ILCMS) will help you manage all your signs and signalling.

Information communication technologies

When upgrading your engineering solutions, it’s essential to take a holistic approach to your technology systems. At Bayanat engineering, we provide a range of Information communication technologies (ICT) solutions to tie all your systems together. For example, we can help improve your cybersecurity, create personalised IoT and cloud-based solutions, and install Data Communication Hardware (DCH) as required.

Whatever your sector of the rail industry needs, we can help find the technology and engineering solutions you need to make it happen.

Integrated solutions with Bayanat Engineering Qatar

We can create specialised and integrated solutions from the design to the installation to the maintenance and servicing. With over 15 years of experience and over 150 projects completed in that time, you can rely on our team to provide complete services.

For more information about how our engineering systems and solutions can enhance your railway company, contact the Bayanat Engineering Qatar team today. We deliver world-class military and civil engineering that can help improve your rail company for years to come.

Get in touch today to find out more.