Rugged Computers for Oil and Gas
FOR FIELD WORKERS WHO NEED INTRINSICALLY PROTECTED MOBILE SOLUTIONS
In oil and gas operations, applications often involve combustible or explosive dust, gases, and vapors. Automation systems and service equipment deployed in such hazardous areas must control their electrical energy to prevent the ignition of hazardous constituents.
In the process industries, rugged computers are essential tools. Workers are tasked with asset management, field data analysis, running diagnostics, and ensuring on-site safety in challenging environments with poor air quality, humidity, explosive atmosphere, salt and fog, and high temperatures.
Durabook rugged computers can withstand the harshest environments and are built with the latest technology providing an exceptionally high-performing mobile computing device for use across the whole plant or refinery.
ANSI/UL Certification for Hazardous Locations
ANSI/UL 121201 is a widely accepted explosion-proof standard for rugged computers used in hazardous environments. This standard identifies three types of hazardous locations categorized by class, defining the general nature of the dangerous material in the surrounding atmosphere:
- Class I: Flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, and combustible liquid-produced vapors
- Class II: Combustible dust
- Class III: Ignitable fibers/ flyings
It also identifies two divisions and seven groups that indicate the level of explosive elements anticipated in each work location. Here are the division system details according to NEC article 500 through 503/CEC section 18:
- Division 1: Ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors can exist under normal operating conditions.
- Division 2: Ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are not likely to exist under normal operating conditions.
Groups – Materials are further divided into Groups for Class I, Divisions 1, and 2:
A – Acetylene
B – Hydrogen
C – Ethylene
D – Propane
Groups – Materials are further divided into Groups for Class II, Division 1, and 2:
E – Metal Dust (Div. 1 only)
F – Carbonaceous Dust
G – Non-Conductive Dust (flour, grain, wood, plastic, and more)
What is the difference between a Class I, Division 1 location and Class I, Division 2 location? What about the differences between the other locations?
Class I, Division 1 Location
Ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, vapors, or liquids:
- can exist under normal operating conditions;
- may frequently exist because of repair or maintenance operations or leakage; or
- may exist because of equipment breakdown that simultaneously causes the equipment to become a source of release.
Class I, Division 2 Location
Volatile flammable liquids or flammable gases or vapors exist, but are generally confined within closed containers;
Ignitable concentrations of gases, vapors, or liquids are usually prevented by positive mechanical ventilation; or
Adjacent to a Class I, Division 1 location where ignitable concentrations might be occasionally communicated.
Class II, Division 1 Location
Ignitable concentrations of combustible dust can exist in the air under normal operating conditions;
Ignitable concentrations of combustible dust may exist because of equipment breakdown that simultaneously causes the equipment to become a source of ignition; or
Electrically conductive combustible dust may be present in hazardous quantities.
Class II, Division 2 Location
Combustible dust is not generally in the air in ignitable concentrations;
Dust accumulations usually are insufficient to interfere with the regular operation of electrical equipment;
Dust may be in suspension in the air as the result of an infrequent malfunction of equipment; or
Dust accumulation may be sufficient to interfere with the safe dissipation of heat or may be ignitable by abnormal operation.
Class III, Division 1 Location
A location in which easily ignitable fibers or materials producing combustible flyings are handled, manufactured, or used.
Class III, Division 2 Location
A location in which easily ignitable fibers are stored or handled other than in the process of manufacture.
For C1D2 specifically, the certification covers usage in areas where combustible gases such as Acetylene, Hydrogen, Ethylene, and Propane (Groups A-D) are present occasionally. Certified C1D2 mobile devices can keep workers safe and productive for use in most specific conditions with potentially explosive atmospheres.
Environments that may require this certification include:
- Oil refineries
- Gas plants
- Mills
- Mines
- Chemical & food manufacturing
- Industrial manufacturing
C1D2 Certified Rugged Computers
Durabook offers several devices that are C1D2 certified under the certification number ANSI/UL 121201. With our Class 1, Division 2 rugged laptop and tablets designed specifically for work in hazardous environments, Oil and Gas companies can have onsite conferences, provide remote support and run diagnostics with the highest accuracy. These exceptional models are suitable for use in specified hazardous locations across Oil and Gas, Petrochemical Manufacturing, Industrial Manufacturing, and other industries with potentially explosive atmospheres.
Durabook recommends Windows 11 for business.
Z14I Rugged Laptop
Powered by an Intel® Core™ Ultra processor with integrated NPU AI engine, the Z14I rugged laptop unlocks new AI PC experiences to boost productivity, security and efficiency. The Z14I has also been tested for explosive atmosphere, solar radiation, salt fog, and fungus resistance, going beyond standard testing for other rugged devices in its class.
U11I Rugged Tablet
Choosing between mutually exclusive I/O interfaces and devices is a thing of the past. The Durabook U11I rugged tablet has it all. Within its extremely compact and rugged exterior, the U11I packs an unprecedented number of productivity features and generous space for further expansion.
R11 Rugged Tablet
Every inch and detail of the Durabook R11 rugged tablet is designed to maximize the efficiency of professional field workers. The Durabook R11 is only 20mm (0.78″) in height and weighs just 1.2kg (2.7lb), making it the world’s most compact tablet in the fully-rugged class. Adding to its appeal is a smooth, streamlined exterior that complements its tough image.
R11L Rugged Tablet
The Durabook R11L rugged tablet is built to meet the needs of workers in professions ranging from retail and hospitality to warehousing, logistics and field service. This tablet features a brilliant 11.6” capacitive touchscreen and high-performance, energy-smart Intel® processor for efficient use on the move.
R8 Rugged Tablet
Combining the mobility and flexibility of its pocketable form with a business-focused design, the R8 fully rugged tablet offers a unique combination of revolutionary computing power, rugged features and high portability to withstand the most challenging environments.
ATEX-Certified Technology for the Oil & Gas and Utility Industry
Demand within the oil and gas sector is on an upward trajectory and will likely stay that way. This pressure for organisations to keep pace with emerging sector trends has pushed oil and gas companies to implement and adopt new digital strategies and technology that supports offshore technicians by providing advanced data analysis in a safe, reliable and efficient way. Durabook, being a key player in this digital revolution, has developed cutting-edge rugged ATEX-certified devices capable of operations within the most hazardous front-line environments.
ATEX Zone 2/22 Certified Rugged Tablets
Durabook provides ATEX Zone 2/22 certified tablets to assist professionals stay safe. ATEX certification is provided to devices that has undergone the rigorous testing required by European Union directives. Durabook ATEX-compliant products have been proved safe for use in specific situations with explosive atmospheres.
U11I-EX Rugged Tablet
Powered by Intel® 12th generation processors, the Durabook U11I-EX sports a Coolfinity™ fanless design, offering the perfect blend of functionality, performance and reliability. Drop-tested from 6 feet, MIL-STD-810H and ATEX Zone 2/22 certified and with an IP66 rating, it’s the most reliable 11” tablet for the modern professional.
R8-EX Rugged Tablet
Combining the mobility and flexibility of its pocket-sized form with a business-focused design, the R8-EX fully rugged tablet offers a unique combination of revolutionary computing power, rugged features and high portability to withstand the most challenging environments.
Learn from our Experts
Yokogawa selected the Durabook U11 fully rugged tablet due to its rugged design and hazardous area approvals.
“Running Yokogawa’s FieldMate software, the Durabook U11 tablet provides technicians and field service personnel the platform they require to configure, commission, and troubleshoot field instrumentation in a variety of situations.”