Oil and Gas are a dynamic yet highly volatile business, where even the slightest miscalculation can result in huge losses. This is why companies all over the world depend on reliable oil and gas instruments to ensure that production meets expectations, and prices are stable. As such, these instruments play a key role in ensuring long-term profitability for oil and gas. Yet unfortunately, like other industries, the Oil and Gas industry also faces many challenges that require immediate attention to prevent significant losses. Here is a brief look at some of the challenges facing the industry, which require urgent attention to prevent serious issues before they adversely affect production:
Oil and Gas pipelines. Oil and gas pipelines, which transport crude oil from the ground to refineries and plants, are subject to a variety of risks including physical damage, spillage and sabotage. In addition, accidents involving pipeline leaks may result in serious environmental harm. For instance, in July 2021 an explosion occurred at a Tesoro Petroleum Corporation facility in California that resulted in more than 10 million gallons of diesel fuel to leak into the soil, contaminating aquifers and potentially contaminating millions of acres of pristine rainforest. In addition, in March 2021, a train accident in the Santa Barbara area resulted in the spilled containment of at least six million pounds of sodium chloride fertilizer and chemicals, which poses a threat to the environment and public safety.
Oil and Gas plant operations. Oil and gas plants often face a number of challenges in terms of equipment operation and maintenance, including pipe cracking, welding integrity issues, and mechanical issues. Oil and gas plants require regular maintenance on pipelines, as well as onsite inspection, which can be difficult, costly and messy. The need for onsite inspectors comes in the aftermath of natural disasters and other accidents that have disrupted or halted production. In the case of the Tesoro accident, the company said that it had hired several safety managers to monitor activity at its mines and wells.
Oil and Gas Instruments. Oil and gas pipelines are comprised of numerous steel components. These pipes are used to convey large quantities of liquids, such as crude oil, as well as to transmit heating oil, steam and water. These pipelines require corrosion resistant pipe fittings and corrosion resistant welds to carry out their function. As a result of corrosion, overtime pipes can warp and bend out of shape, leading to catastrophic failures.
Oil and Gas Instruments. As drilling and extracting oil and gas from the earth’s surface goes beyond the skills and experience of a single technician, companies rely on teams of skilled engineers to oversee pipeline projects. These engineers must ensure that the pipeline, as well as its surrounding area, remain safe and can handle the volumes of fluids transported within it. Some companies are able to inspect pre-construction pipelines before actual drilling begins.
Oil and Gas Instruments. As drilling and extracting oil and gas from the earth’s surface goes beyond the skills and expertise of a single technician, companies rely on teams of skilled engineers to oversee pipeline projects. These engineers must ensure that the pipeline, as well as its surrounding area, remain safe and can handle the volumes of fluids transported within it.
Oil and Gas Instruments. Oil and gas pipelines are comprised of numerous steel components. These components must be tested for dimensional stability, tensile strength, and the ability to resist corrosion. Without these tests, companies risk purchasing costly faulty products that will lead to expensive repairs or even total failure of the system. Complete instrumentation solutions provide testing solutions for all components of the oil and gas industry.
Oil and Gas Instruments. Ongoing research and new technological advances have resulted in many new tools that make the job of an engineer more effective. In addition to helping engineers maintain and improve the integrity of their pipelines, complete instrumentation solutions also allow engineers to better detect any problems with nearby hits, which may pose a danger to the workers. Newer surge voltage and magnetic pulse products can prevent potential electrocution, oil and gas spills, and other catastrophic accidents.