“Technology in the field of utilities has reached such an advanced level that any equipment that until now seemed insignificant can acquire major values in an integrated system, especially regarding aspects related to safety, efficiency and comfort”, declares Bogdan Panainte, CEO and co-founder of Homplex, a Romanian manufacturer known especially for modern and innovative solutions of smart thermostats, methane gas detectors, methane gas detection radio solutions and composite boxes. Bogdan Panainte explains why a seemingly trivial piece of equipment, such as the box, is increasingly becoming a crucial element for ensuring the performance and reliability of the entire natural gas supply system.
The CEO of Homplex offers a well-founded projection on the needs of the utility industry, a booming field, against the background of growing urbanization, for which the existence of a modern and efficient infrastructure, based on the introduction of innovative technologies and effective solutions, becomes essential. “Utility infrastructure, regardless of whether we mean water supply, sewage, electricity or gas, is an essential engine for sustainable development and competitiveness. An integrated, innovative and sustainable approach is desirable to meet the ever-increasing demands of the population and the business environment,” said the Homplex CEO.
According to Bogdan Panainte, the technological revolution has also brought significant changes in the field of utilities, where even the smallest improvements or innovations can bring substantial benefits in an integrated system. Safety, efficiency and comfort aspects are essential, being enhanced by technologies that optimize energy consumption or manage resources in a smarter way, while providing a more pleasant and convenient experience, especially from a cost perspective.
Homplex has been active in Romania since 2013, when it imported and distributed materials for installations. Currently, in addition to imports, the company designs and manufactures innovative equipment for comfort, safety and energy efficiency. In the chain of equipment that makes up a gas installation, Homplex has identified the growing interest of customers in a technological solution recently proposed by the company: composite boxes.
Bogdan Panainte explains that, by offering the new technological solution represented by the composite boxes, Homplex aimed to emphasize quality, design and technology, thus contributing to reducing the risks associated with protective equipment. “The boxes segment is quite conservative. In general, no one bothers to have the gas meter protected by a modern design. Or maybe no one set out to do that. We thought it would be a very good idea to incorporate everything we’ve learned in the last 10 years of production of composite materials, electronics, radio communications and design,” stated Bogdan Panainte. Customers have appreciated the solutions offered and recognized their significant importance in ensuring the optimal functioning of gas meters, which are precision instruments exposed to weather, impact and fire. According to Bogdan Panainte, Homplex can deliver approximately 70,000 units annually and if needed can increase production capacity to over 100,000 units. The increase in orders is due to market penetration, the seriousness it has shown in the relationship with energy operators in the last 10 years and at the same time due to the programs launched by the government for infrastructure development, such as LIOP or NRRP.
The choice to use composite boxes, compared to those made of painted metal, brings, from the point of view of the CEO of Homplex, several advantages that increase the relevance and importance of these components. They provide a robust barrier against the elements, including rain, wind, temperature changes and ultraviolet radiation, thus helping to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the meters. The major difference that Homplex composite boxes bring compared to the painted metal ones is their long durability, fire resistance, UV resistance, no maintenance costs and adaptability to new technologies such as those integrated into smart meters that allow radio waves. Thus, the boxes become crucial elements for ensuring the performance and reliability of the entire natural gas supply system.
Homplex is currently probably the largest producer of detectors and radio solutions for methane gas detection in Romania. Through existing partnerships, from installation firms to energy operators, the company found that radio waves can be influenced by metal boxes. “We noticed this when we designed and produced Europe’s first 100% radio methane gas detection solution in 2018. Smart meters use a variety of communication technologies, including radio (Sigfox), GPRS, NBIoT, etc. Our goal was to bring something new to this market by diversifying and improving the available products. Keeping in mind compatibility with smart meters, durability and longevity, zero maintenance costs, work safety and security, as well as design, we set out to design and produce a 2023-level box,” explains Bogdan Panainte.
The choice of the types of boxes – metal or composite – depends on the specific needs of the project, the available budget and the desired level of protection and functionality. The opinion of Homplex specialists is that composite boxes generally offer superior advantages in terms of durability and strength, and their equipment can bring additional benefits in terms of technology and safety. There are obviously also situations when the customer needs a special format and then a metal box must be built according to the needs. “It is important to note that, in general, the quality of protective equipment, such as boxes, plays an essential role in preventing incidents and ensuring safety in various industries, gas included. If there are problems related to the poor quality of an equipment, they can lead to increased risks of accidents, gas losses or system failures. Problems can include corrosion, cracks, or other defects that can affect the structural integrity of the boxes and, then, of the gas meters. In critical situations, such as an accident in the gas industry, the low quality of the box could contribute to the damage or failure of the equipment, endangering the safety of the staff and the community”, states the CEO of Homplex.
Because energy efficiency is an important topic today, the improvement of energy efficiency equates to technological innovations and sustainability, and for this the valorization of an equipment such as the composite box is proof of the awareness of its benefits and importance in a specific context. “The use of advanced materials in the construction of boxes can contribute to better thermal insulation and resistance to temperature changes, thus reducing energy losses. Adding to the role of efficient design, meter boxes can be designed to maximize energy efficiency by optimizing airflow and controlling heat transfer, ensuring adequate protection against extreme weather conditions. The integration of smart technologies – sensors-equipped wires – allows for more efficient energy management. At the moment, there are a lot of smart meters in the area of electricity. We hope to make the transition to composite boxes in the methane gas segment, too”, explains Bogdan Panainte. Last but not least, the extended lifespan should be considered. Durable boxes with an extended lifespan can help reduce the need for frequent replacement and thereby reduce the carbon footprint associated with the production and disposal of old equipment.
Homplex introduced to the market a range of polymer and composite materials manufactured entirely in Romania in 2021. This was the company’s response to customer requests regarding the need for a gas meter box that provides safety, long-term protection and reliability. The boxes produced by Homplex have so far been included in numerous projects, successfully meeting the needs of customers. At their request, they were delivered equipped with a regulator, meter, taps, or disassembled.