In the oil and gas industry and general industrial sectors, fundamentally different types of equipment are used due to their specific operational environments. The key distinction lies in the level of protection against explosions and fires, which is directly linked to working conditions. Let’s explore the main aspects of these differences.
1. Design Features
Explosion-proof equipment for the oil and gas sector is designed to operate in environments saturated with flammable gases, vapors, or dust. It includes:
- Sealed enclosures (e.g., Ex d — flameproof enclosures) to prevent contact between internal components and the external atmosphere.
- Intrinsically safe circuits (Ex i), limiting energy to levels insufficient for ignition.
- Materials resistant to corrosion, high temperatures, and mechanical damage.
General industrial equipment does not require such measures, as it operates in non-hazardous areas. Its design focuses on overall reliability but lacks specialized protective elements.
2. Standards and Certification
The oil and gas sector adheres to strict international standards:
- ATEX (Europe), IECEx (international), NEC (USA).
- Hazardous zone classification (e.g., Zone 0/1 for gases), defining required protection levels.
General industrial equipment is certified under universal standards (e.g., IEC 60034 for electric motors), which do not account for explosion risks.
3. Applications
- Oil and Gas Industry: Drilling rigs, refineries, pipelines — where even a minor spark can cause disaster.
- General Industry: Manufacturing facilities, warehouses, offices — low-risk environments.
4. Cost and Maintenance
Explosion-proof equipment is more expensive due to complex design and certification costs. Its maintenance requires regular inspections and specialists trained for hazardous areas. General industrial counterparts are cheaper and easier to operate.
The core difference lies in protection levels and adaptation to extreme conditions. Explosion-proof solutions in oil and gas save lives and prevent accidents, while general industrial equipment prioritizes efficiency in “safe” environments.