Process Instrumentation: Ensuring Reliability of Drilling Equipment

What is Process Instrumentation?

Process instrumentation is the measuring, monitoring and analyzing of physical quantities such as temperature, pressure and fluid flow rates. Types of process instrumentation equipment used by engineers, technicians and operators include sensors, detectors and monitoring systems. They are used in multiple industries such as manufacturing, mining, drilling oil and gas and other sectors. Manufacturing and engineering sites are hazardous and therefore, reliable process instruments for accurate readings and analyses are vital to ensure workspace safety and environmental protection is maintained.



Importance of Process Instrumentation in Drilling Equipment

From indication to analysis, accuracy is essential when facilitating drilling rigs. Precise measurements allow complete control over the entire process. Quality pressure monitoring products are integral to accurately monitor gas and steam pressure levels when drilling hundreds of feet into the ground. Minor mishaps while measuring and monitoring can cause technical disruptions and potential explosions on the rig, leading to severe injuries to the workers and oil leakages into the environment.



There are three main components of process instrumentation equipement, specifically in the oil and gas industry:

Sensors: They measure the physical properties of a solid, liquid or gas. On drilling sites, sensors continuously detect and monitor gas emissions.

Transducers: They detect variations in the physical properties, convert the signals from the sensor to electric signals.

Transmitters: The electric signal is picked up by transmitters which send it to the control system. Some transmitters can also provide resourceful data for analysis.

Process instrumentation is the backbone of oil and gas drilling operations. Failing to keep watch on temperature, pressure and fluid flow levels can lead to devastating crises such as the BP Deepwater Horizon crisis. The BP oil rig exploded and over 100 million gallons of oil leaked into the Gulf of Mexico. It resulted in the deaths of eleven rig workers and harmful effects on marine life. The reliability of accurate process instruments is critical for drilling engineers and operators.

 

Foolproof your Drilling Rig with Contact Instruments

Contact Instruments is one of the only Original Equipment Manufacturers in Canada specializing in industry-standard instrumentation equipment and solutions. All products go through strict quality assurance tests before shipment. The core team behind Contact Instruments has been in the industry for more than 90 years. With their knowledge and experience, a reliable process instrument is guaranteed. 

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