Highlights
- Field tags feature prominent QR codes which are easy to scan with any device camera
- Field tags designed to be tear-proof and waterproof, withstand heat up to 350F, and to repel grease, solvents and chemicals
- A manual entry option exists for the rare case that a QR code cannot be scanned with the device camera
- If a field tag is lost or destroyed a new tag can be easily scanned in its place
- QR codes eliminate the need to find leaks from a web dashboard in the field; instead, scanning the QR code onsite opens the leak on the tablet
- Field tags are uniquely colored and remind the repairman to remove the tag when the leak is repaired
- Field tags are available in 6 standard colors, custom colors are also available for purchase
- Tags can be color-coded, for example delayed leaks could be orange field tags while repairable leaks could be red field tags
QR Codes Increase Efficiency
From the beginning, Screening Made Simple was designed to utilize QR codes and allow for all field data to be referenced in-app (goodbye dashboards!). This design enables key synergies which translate into less time spent in the field maintaining LDAR compliance.
How QR Codes Work in SMS
- App operators place provided QR coded field tags in the field near each identified fugitive leak.
- Tags warn that a fugitive leak exists in the area and feature a prominent QR code with a manual lookup code below it (in case the device’s camera malfunctions or electronic devices cannot be used onsite)
- If a tag is destroyed, SMS makes it simple to replace it with another
- Repairmen scan each QR code onsite to bring up the associated leak workflow for completing the repair record.
- QR codes must be generated from long and unique codes, meaning each leak can be efficiently referenced by just the QR code (unlike sequentially numbered field tags which eventually repeat)
- After repairing the leak, field tags instruct repairmen to remove the tag. Once all tags are removed the repairman will have completed all necessary leak repairs.
- Tags are available in many vibrant (and custom) colors making it extremely easy to spot them from afar in a quick overall site review
- If a leak cannot be repaired, the tag remains in place. Operators may scan the tag to record a follow-up leak observation at any time prior to the leak being repaired.
- Tags can be color-coded, for example, delayed leaks (leaks which can’t be repaired at this time) could utilize orange field tags while repairable leaks could utilize red field tags. When the delay is removed, the tag could be easily swapped over to a red field tag.
High Visibility Color-Coding
All field tags are designed to be scannable in adverse conditions from at least one foot away; this means tag colors must be chosen somewhat carefully to ensure the resulting QR code’s constrast is sufficiently high. To date we have identified 6 colors which can easily be noticed at an oil well site while also providing the necessary constrast needed to make the QR codes highly scannable. Moreover, field tags can be color-coded so different colored tags represent different leak states. For example one could utilize different tag colors for leaks that have to be repaired in 24 hours from leaks which have to be repaired in 30 days.
Industrial-Strength Field Tags
Beyond color, the material our tags are made of is an industrial-strength patented material which was developed to be durable, tear-proof and waterproof. Our field tags can withstand rain, high heat (up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit) and temperature fluctuations all while repelling grease, solvents and chemicals.
Destroyed Tags and Broken Cameras: No Problem
SMS is a product of experience and in our experience recording over 20,000 fugitive leaks we know that field tags get lost or destroyed and electronic devices don’t always function correctly. This being said, if during a routine visit an operator notices that a field tag is missing or has been rendered unscannable, SMS makes it easy to replace the tag by simply tapping the tag ID button and scanning a new tag in its place.
Moreover, if a field tag cannot be scanned (due to the electronic device malfunctioning or electronic devices not being permitted on site) each tag includes an 8 character lookup code which can be utilized to load each leak instead (no Internet access is required for this lookup).