Corrosion Control in MSC and BSC Sites

Corrosion Control in MSC and BSC Sites: Ensure Uninterrupted Telecommunication Signals

Telecommunication towers are actually part of a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) which facilitates wireless communication between user equipment (mobile phones, handsets, WLL phones, computers with wireless internet connectivity) and a telecommunication network. BTS is controlled by a Base Station Controller (BSC).Generally, there are 3-4 BTS under each BSC site.

The BSC site is in turn connected to a large centralised Mobile Switching Center (MSC) site. MSC is the centrepiece of a Network Switching Subsystem (NSS).

Base Transceiver Station (BTS) Components

Base Transceiver Station has several sophisticated electronic devices. Each of the devices has an important task or utility for the proper functioning of the BTS. It has equipment for encrypting and decrypting communications, spectrum filtering and several transceivers (TRXs) which allows it to serve different frequencies and different sectors of the cellular network. The antenna is just another component of BTS, facilitating the proper functioning of BTS.

Considering the importance of each electronic component of BTS, BSC and MSC, together with the high replacement costs associated with them, the need for their proper protection against airborne molecular contamination cannot be overstressed.

BTS Locations and Risk of Component Damage Due to Corrosion

The base transceiver stations which are located near industrial areas or places within the city where heavy traffic congestion is observed are exposed to the risk of corrosion of their sophisticated electronic components.

Atmospheric air, especially in industrial areas, is laden with molecules of corrosive gases like Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S), Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂), Chlorine (Cl), Ammonia (NH₃), Ozone (O₃), Hydrogen Fluoride (HF), etc. which are generated during the manufacturing processes and eventually mix with the surrounding air. 

Similar is the case of air within the city, where heavy traffic congestion can lead to high levels of pollution along with dust particles suspended in the atmosphere. Airborne molecules of corrosive gases contaminate the air inside BTS shelter and MSC sites, which can damage the circuit boards of electronic devices installed there, reducing the life expectancy of these sophisticated devices apart from causing electronic malfunctions, signal failure and downtime losses.

Corrosion of metals is caused primarily due to uncontrolled temperature and humidity inside the BTS shelter and Mobile Switching Center. However, corrosion is aggravated by the attack of gaseous contaminants.

While measures are in place for controlling temperature and humidity, gaseous contamination is generally overlooked. To ensure proper protection against corrosion of electronic devices, gaseous contamination should also be controlled.

The Most Effective Way of Removing Airborne Molecular Contamination

Bry-Air Gas Phase Filtration Systems protect electronic equipment and devices from the threat of abrupt failures due to corrosive gases. It reduces downtime by removing corrosive gases through the process of adsorption and chemisorption. It is designed to maintain the ANSI/ISA-71.04-2013 standard, IEC standards and various other environmental standards followed by electronics manufacturers.

These GPF systems also neutralise odourous gases and make the environment comfortable for humans.

Bry-Air: A Step Ahead, Always

Bry-Air is the only Gas Phase Filtration Company in India having its own R&D and Testing Lab for granular media and chemical filters. Backed by world-class technology and systems, the laboratory is capable of testing the performance of impregnated/non-impregnated loose granular media and impregnated/non-impregnated air cleaning devices such as chemical filters, under one roof. The tests are conducted as per ISO/ASHRAE Standard 145.1 and BSR/ASHRAE Standard 145.2/ISO Standard 11155-2 guidelines. The core objectives of the tests are to assess the performance and efficiency of loose granular sorptive media and chemical filters in any particular application.

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