By Yunus Yusuf
A Nigerian engineering firm, Alfa Designs Nigeria Ltd., has developed a patented smart wellhead monitoring system to enhance safety and curb losses in the oil and gas industry.
Mr Ikechukwu Okonkwo, Head of Department at Alfa Design, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.
Okonkwo explained that the indigenous technology enables operators to remotely monitor wellhead pressure and environmental conditions in real time.
According to him, the system automatically shuts down oil wells whenever it detects abnormal pressure fluctuations, pipeline tampering or conditions capable of causing explosions.
He said the innovation would help reduce crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and environmental hazards while improving operational efficiency.
“The system stores operational data for future analysis and allows operators to monitor wellhead conditions remotely, making oil production safer and more efficient,” he said.
Okonkwo said Alfa Designs provided engineering services including pipeline construction, asset integrity management, crane certification, generator repairs, procurement and equipment fabrication.
He added that the company was also expanding Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) solutions to support Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more affordable energy.
According to him, the company manufactures and supplies conversion kits that enable diesel-powered generators to operate on diesel and CNG simultaneously or entirely on CNG.
Alfa Designs also supplies CNG conversion kits for vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles, alongside cylinders, gas cascades and transport trailers.
Okonkwo noted that the company’s gas cascades, with capacities of about 2,000 litres, could power large generators for up to one week, depending on usage.
He said wider adoption of CNG could cut fuel costs by more than 60 per cent for businesses and commercial transport operators.
“CNG offers significant savings and provides a practical alternative for organisations seeking to reduce operating expenses,” he said.
Okonkwo identified inadequate refuelling infrastructure as the major challenge hindering wider CNG adoption across the country.
He said the shortage of refuelling stations discouraged many vehicle owners and businesses from switching to the cleaner fuel despite its economic benefits.
To address the challenge, he said the company was developing CNG mother stations, daughter stations and mobile refuelling facilities.
According to him, pilot projects are already underway, with proposed facilities in Ore, in Ogun, Imo and other underserved locations.
Okonkwo said the projects would improve access to CNG and support growing demand for cleaner and cheaper energy solutions nationwide.
He also disclosed that Alfa Design operates an industrial Computed Tomography scanning system for engineering research and non-destructive material analysis.
The engineer said the technology produces detailed three-dimensional images and enables accurate assessment of material properties without causing damage.
Okonkwo reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing indigenous technologies that enhance safety, improve efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s energy security. (NAN)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo