Back to News >

---

GAS DETECTORS

T&D, the specialist distributor of Gas Detection, Detectors & Monitoring Equipment for use in hazardous area industries provide the following overview of Crowcon Gas Detectors suitable for the oil and gas industry.

We begin by generally reviewing the 3 stages of the oil and gas process and focussing on the specific gas risks.

4 types of Crowcon gas detectors often deployed in Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas (ATEX) forming their hazardous area gas detector range for the detection and monitoring of flammable or toxic gases are highlighted for each of the 3 sectors.

Upstream industry – discovers and produces crude oil and natural gas and is commonly referred to as the exploration and production (E&P) sector.

Midstream industry – processes, stores, markets and transports commodities such as crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs, ethane, propane and butane) and sulphur. The midstream oil and gas sector provides the vital link between often remote petroleum producing areas and the population centres where most consumers are situated. Transmission pipeline companies are a key part of the midstream petroleum industry.

Downstream industry – oil refineries, petrochemical plants, petroleum products distributors, retail outlets and natural gas distribution companies. The downstream oil and gas industry connects consumers providing thousands of products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, heating oil, asphalt, lubricants, synthetic rubber, plastics, fertilizers, antifreeze, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, natural gas and propane.

1. GAS DETECTION FOR UPSTREAM OIL & GAS

The upstream sector includes exploration and drilling for potential oil and gas fields, followed by the recovery and production of crude oil and natural gas if it is viable. Gas hazards in the upstream sector are compounded by the very harshest of environments providing challenges for the reliable detection of harmful gases.

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies and unconventional methods are allowing access to new geographic areas, as well as improving the level of recoverable resources within known reservoirs.

Fixed and portable gas detectors are required to protect plant and personnel from the risks of flammable gas releases (commonly methane gas detection) as well as high levels of hydrogen sulphide particularly from sour wells. Oxygen depletion, sulphur dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) are also among the most common gas risks.

External URL: https://www.heatingandprocess.com/gas-detection-zone1-zone2-hazardous-area/