DOHA: ‘Samam’, a locally invented and produced smart domestic LPG leakage detection and shut-off system is to be launched in Qatar by the end of 2018.
‘Samam’, is a smart safety (IoT) LPG and natural gas shut off system that detects and reacts immediately through mobile phone application. The aim of the company is to create direct control over domestic gas system, with a wide range of compatibility.
Talking to The Peninsula, Saleh Safran, Founding CEO of Samam said: “The main aim of our product is to save lives. If we are able to save one life we will find ourselves successful. The product will come in two versions of Samam detectors , one for the gas cylinders and the other for gas pipelines. Samam’s smart LPG leakage sensor unit is responsible for interaction between Samam’s system. The shut-off unit’s novel design provides control over domestic LPG supply and ensuring the user’s peace of mind as the application will give notification allowing remote control over the gas system.”
Saleh Safran, Founding CEO of Samam
This product has three units. Sensor Unit which is responsible for the detection and interaction between Samam’s Shut Off unit and the Mobile App through Wi-Fi gateway to the clouds. Shut Off Unit helps shutting off the regulator completely by detecting the leakage automatically and Mobile App shows the temperature of the kitchen, while the person can access the switching off system of gas from app.
During the manufacture of the product several challenges were faced. Saleh said: “There were several issues we faced while testing the product which caused the delay in the launch of product. The challenges included mechanical, software and hardware issues. How to make the connectivity reliable was the first challenge we faced. After decoding the issues, we found a reliable connectivity for our users.”
Power consumption is another challenge he is working on. The battery life of the system dies after 40 days which can cause troubles for the user in long term. Saleh and his team is working on a suitable solution to make the battery life long lasting, for at least six months.
For shut-off system connected to the cylinder, which is the real deal of the product, the team was facing some issues. Currently team ‘Samam’ is working with a Dutch company which will help with manufacturing and technical work to provide them with reliable solutions.
“We are giving the final touches to the application which will be available for IOS and android. The core development is completely ready whereas the final touches are remaining. The main challenge is to fix the battery life for the users,” Safran added.
Disclosing the price of the product, Saleh said: “The price of the product will be around QR1,000. Two options will be given to users. First is full-payment option second is subscription based plan in which customers can avail more benefits and support. In this plan, the customer will pay 40% of the original price of the product and rest will be carried out on monthly bases. The user can stop the subscription anytime and end the service of ‘Samam’.”
According to the surveys conducted by ‘Samam’, Many people have lost their lives suffering from gas leakage problem. 35% of the Qatar’s population has experienced gas leakage issue and 70% of the people are afraid they might suffer from gas leakage problem.
In April 2018 ,Qatar’s team at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva had won four gold medals and two silver medals, in a strong competition with 600 inventors from 40 countries around the world. In the same contest, Saleh Safran had bagged silver medal for his ‘Samam’ invention.
The seven winners were from Qatar Scientific Club who had won medals at the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (InventionsGeneva).
