GIMIX Introduces Remote Tank Entry Monitoring System at ENEOS Marifu Refinery

GIMIX Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture; Representative Director: Hirotaka Kondo) announces the official deployment of its remote tank entry monitoring system 'Safe TANK DX®' at ENEOS Corporation's Marifu Refinery (Wakamatsu Town, Kuga District, Yamaguchi Prefecture). This deployment expands on the successful operational track record since June 2025 at the ENEOS Mizushima Refinery (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture). At the Mizushima site, the integration of online entry/exit management via IC cards and centralized monitoring through remote cameras has delivered tangible results, including reduced monitoring workload and costs, lower risk of heatstroke during summer, and improved responses to labor shortages.

Image: View of centralized monitoring via remote tank entry surveillance system, showing tank interior footage accessible through camera viewer

1. Background of Implementation

In oil and chemical plants, tank entry operations often still rely on on-site continuous monitoring and analog entry/exit management. Ensuring safety while improving operational efficiency remains a significant challenge.

At the ENEOS Mizushima Refinery, to address these challenges, a remote tank entry monitoring system using GIMIX's 'Safe TANK DX®' was introduced, advancing the rationalization of monitoring tasks and enhancing monitoring quality.

Now, based on the successful implementation and operational experience at Mizushima, the Marifu Refinery has decided to officially adopt the same solution.

2. Implementation Results at Mizushima Refinery

On June 26, 2025, GIMIX announced the official deployment and commencement of full operations of 'Safe TANK DX®' at the ENEOS Mizushima Refinery.

The system is a cloud-based tank entry management solution that combines IC card-based access authentication with real-time video monitoring from remote locations. It contributes to improved efficiency of on-site monitoring, enhanced monitoring standards, and reduced monitoring costs.

3. Significant Enhancement of Video Monitoring Reliability

Based on one year of operational experience at the ENEOS Mizushima Refinery, the following features have been significantly enhanced:

(1) Communication Redundancy via Dual SIM

Two SIM cards are installed in a single router. If the primary line experiences communication failure or poor signal, the system automatically or manually switches to the backup line, ensuring continuity of monitoring operations.

(2) In-House Development of Video Monitoring Software

GIMIX has developed its own carrier-independent cloud-based video management platform. This enables flexible selection of communication lines and equipment configurations based on usage environments, enhancing the stability and operational flexibility of real-time remote video monitoring.

4. Expected Benefits at Marifu Refinery

(1) Monitoring Efficiency: Remote monitoring enables centralized oversight of multiple sites and reduces the burden of on-site verification.

(2) Enhanced Safety and Monitoring Quality: Real-time video verification and alert notifications support rapid initial response to incidents.

(3) Digitalization of Entry Management: IC cards and log management allow tracking of entrants and active personnel without visiting the site.

(4) Labor Reduction and Sustainable Operations: Supports responses to on-site challenges such as labor shortages and high-temperature working conditions.

5. Future Outlook

GIMIX will continue striving toward smart safety in the oil and chemical plant industry. By spring 2027, the company plans to implement functions for measuring the heat stress index (WBGT) and oxygen concentration inside tanks. By linking WBGT values with continuous working time in real time and combining these two data points for comprehensive risk assessment, GIMIX aims to achieve area-wide safety management that holistically captures the entire work environment.

Building on the knowledge gained at the Mizushima Refinery, GIMIX will promote stable operations and continuous improvements at the Marifu Refinery, while advancing the deployment of solutions that enhance safety, operational efficiency, and labor reduction at refineries and plant sites.

■ Company Overview

Company Name: GIMIX Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: 373-10 Tsubasa, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture

Mizushima Office: Room 310, Mizushima Refinery Partner Company Center, 2-1 Shiotsubo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, ENEOS Corporation

Representative: Representative Director Hirotaka Kondo

■ Official Website

https://www.elgimix.co.jp/

■ Announcement on Compliance with Oxygen Deficiency Prevention Regulations

https://elgimix.co.jp/news-202605141/

■ Announcement on Heatstroke Prevention and Integration with WBGT Measurement

https://elgimix.co.jp/news-202605191/

■ Contact

https://elgimix.co.jp/contact/