An Introduction to the Oil and Gas Industry 

The oil and gas industry is one of the biggest industries in the world, making a significant contribution to the global economy. This vast sector is often separated into three main sectors: upstream, midstream and downstream. Each sector comes with their own unique gas hazards. 

Upstream

The upstream sector of the oil and gas industry, sometimes referred to as exploration and production (or E&P), is concerned with locating sites for oil and gas extraction the subsequent drilling, recovery and production of crude oil and natural gas. Oil and gas production is an incredibly capital-intensive industry, requiring the use of expensive machinery equipment as well as highly skilled workers. The upstream sector is wide-ranging, encompassing both onshore and offshore drilling operations. 

The major gas hazard encountered in upstream oil and gas is hydrogen sulphide (H2S), a colourless gas known by its distinct rotten egg like smell. H2S is a highly toxic, flammable gas which can have harmful effects on our health, leading to loss of consciousness and even death at high levels. 

Crowcon’s solution for hydrogen sulphide detection comes in the form of the XgardIQ, an intelligent gas detector which increases safety by minimising the time operators must spend in hazardous areas. XgardIQ is available with high-temperature H2S sensor, specifically designed for the harsh environments of the Middle East. 

Midstream

The midstream sector of the oil and gas industry encompasses the storage, transportation and processing of crude oil and natural gas. The transportation of crude oil and natural gas is done by both land and sea with large volumes transported in tankers and marine vessels. On land, transportation methods used are tankers and pipelines. Challenges within the midstream sector include but are not limited to maintaining the integrity of storage and transportation vessels and protecting workers involved in cleaning, purging and filling activities. 

Monitoring of storage tanks is essential to ensure the safety of workers and machinery. 

Downstream

The downstream sector refers to the refining and processing of natural gas and crude oil and the distribution of finished products. This is the stage of the process where these raw materials are transformed into products which are used for a variety of purposes such as fuelling vehicles and heating homes.  

The refining process for crude oil is generally split into three basic steps: separation, conversion and treatment. Natural gas processing involves separating the various hydrocarbons and fluids to produce ‘pipeline quality’ gas. 

The gas hazards which are typical within the downstream sector are hydrogen sulphide, sulphur dioxide, hydrogen and a wide range of toxic gases. Crowcon’s Xgard and Xgard Bright fixed detectors both offer a wide range of sensor options to cover all the gas hazards present in this industry. Xgard Bright is also available with the next generation MPS™ sensor, for the detection of over 15 flammable gases in one detector. Also available are both single and multi-gas personal monitors to ensure workers safety in these potentially hazardous environments. These include the Gas-Pro and T4x, with Gas-Pro providing 5 gas support in a compact and rugged solution.

Our Partnership with Gasway

Background

Founded in Norwich in 1982 Gasway Services Ltd have over 40 years industry experience, with over 200 contracted engineers. They are experts in all boiler types. Gasway are the largest heating company in the East of England. With 4 offices, 2 in Norwich and the other 2 in Colchester (Gasway are a subsidiary company of Flagship Group and has acquired Colchester-based Blueflame Services).

Their team of engineers help thousands with their heating. Gasway specialise in gas appliances and boilers, providing services for all kinds of heating systems including gas, oil, electrical and LPG. As well as renewable technologies, commercial heating, and electrical services. Gasway install, repair, service, and even offer you a boiler cover plan to protect your heating system.

Views on HVAC

Renewable heating solutions are becoming more popular, with the UK Government’s new low carbon agenda. The burning of gas is responsible for more carbon dioxide than any other fuel source. To hit net zero by 2050 there are several ways that need to be achieved. There are many ways that we need to change our lives in order to help achieve this. Gasway acknowledges that they have a part to play in helping to achieve net zero by 2050. They have a dedicated department that focuses purely on renewable energy with future aims to expand in the future. Alongside this Gasway are aiming to offer more apprenticeships dedicated to renewable energy. These initiatives highlight that they believe in renewable energy as well as the possibility for hydrogen to play a part in this.

Working with AntonbyCrowcon

Gasway Services Ltd has been a partner of AntonbyCrowcon for over 3 years. They have provided their engineers with equipment that they can rely on when servicing gas, and oil boilers. Through continuous communication with their service team, our partnership has provided Gasway with the confidence to provide expert advice to their customers. “AntonbyCrowcon provide our engineers with reliable, multi-purpose equipment that not only ensures the safety of our workers and our customers. But also allows our engineers to carry less equipment and work more efficiently.”

The Gas Safe Register was introduced to protect the public from rogue gas engineers and plumbers. Millions of lives are put at risk by faulty gas work every year and illegal work costs millions of pounds annually to fix. Gas Safe makes sure that everyone on its register is competent to carry out the type(s) of gas work they’re registered for, and their registration is updated every year. Making it very easy to check if the engineer completing work on your behalf is authentic. If a Gas Safe-registered contractor breaches the terms of their registration, Gas Safe can investigate them and may revoke their registration. Gasway are investing in UK manufacturing to give customers and engineers the safety that they require and can rely on.

Our Partnership with Thorne and Derrick

Background 

Founded in 1985, Thorne & Derrick (T&D) and with offices in Chester-Le-Street and Bristol are leaders in product development and problem solving in hazardous areas. T&D distribute our full range of gas detection products, supplying industries such as utilities, power, renewable energy, construction, rail, offshore, oil, gas and petrochemical industries. Thorne & Derrick provide constancy to their global customer portfolio through high responsivity and are absolutely committed to providing world-class customer service. 

Views on gas detection

Portable gas detection is an essential piece of equipment when detecting toxic or explosive gases and measuring gas concentration. T&D put the customers needs at the forefront, by providing workers in all sectors with safety products that are correctly certified and efficient. This helps to alleviate the risk of working in hazardous areas alongside Thorne & Derrick’s provision of certified and safe portable & temporary lighting, power, heat and ventilation to ensure workers can carry out maintenance, repair and installation works safely. 

Through expertise and confidence given by their sales engineers as well as listening to the customer’s requirements, T&D confidently provide solutions that are fully compliant with regulations and that are tailored to what the customer needs. 

Working with Crowcon

A 10-year partnership and continued communication have allowed Thorne & Derrick to supply their customers with gas detection solutions and aim to continue to educate and meet legislation. “We’re thrilled to be working alongside T&D to provide gas detection to support a wide range of applications of applications in numerous industries”- Natalie Lundie, Marketing Lead. With over 35 years of experience, T&D delivers effective gas detection solutions providing confidence for those working in hazardous areas.  

Our Partnership with Hatech Gasdetectietechniek B.V.

Service providers are vital in supplying products and solution services to customers. However, they also provide customers with a range of knowledge and expertise to ensure they supply their customers with the correct equipment.

Background

Founded in 1994 and located in Raamsdonksveer, North Brabant, Hatech Gasdetectietechniek B.V. are a gas detection specialist. With over 25 years of experience, Hatech is the biggest service provider in the Netherlands, operating as a seven-person organisation and supply gas detection for the office, workshop, factory, plants, offshore, biogas or any other industrial environment. Hatech supply a wide range of gas detection products, from portable devices to complete fixed setups and customised installations. In addition to the supply of gas detection, Hatech is also a ‘one-stop shop’ as they issue calibration, service and supply rental of gas detection equipment.

Views on Gas Detection

Gas detection is a crucial piece of safety equipment for those who work in hazardous environments; therefore, supplying the correct equipment for the job is vital. Hatech ensures they provide the knowledge and understanding to enable their customers to understand and know the equipment they are buying correctly. Hatech issues tailor-made advice that ensures they know what application and who will be entering these environments to ensure that they offer the most suitable solution for your gas detection application.

Working with Crowcon

A 15-year partnership and continued communication have allowed Hatech to supply their customers with a gas detection solution. Although Hatech Gasdetectietechniek is based in the Netherlands, our partnership provides them with a short lead time allowing for a quick turnaround in products. Hatech is an official service center for portable devices and supplying service engineers for fixed products. “Crowcon detectors are a premier gas detection solution that is simple to operate, with a complete sales and service team. Our partnership has provided our customers with new technology and the knowledge and understanding allowing for the correct equipment for the right application.”

Our Partnership with Tyco (Johnson Controls)

Background 

Johnson Controls has over 120 years’ experience in providing complete life safety to the oil and gas industries world-wide helping to provide 90% of the world’s top fifty oil and gas companies. Merging with Tyco in 2018 they now provide a full turn-key solution for the global marine and navy industries. The merge has allowed for the protection of over 80% of the vessels at sea for all types of assets and facilities including fixed and portable devices. Johnson Controls also supply gas detection to the renewable industry.

Views on Gas Detection 

Johnson Controls is uniquely positioned to offer comprehensive and integrated solutions for a wide range of proven products and systems across several industries and applications. Johnson Controls have a culture that focuses on innovation and continuous improvement which in turn helps to us to solve current challenges whilst constantly looking to ‘What’s next’. As gas detection is an essential instrument for many workers within the oil and gas and marine industries, providing honestly and transparency is key as well as upholding the highest standards of integrity and honour in the commitments they make, ensure that their customers are given a solution that not only solves their pain but also protects their workers.  

Working with Crowcon 

Through continuous communication, our partnership with Johnson Controls has allowed them to provide honesty and transparency to their customers. This partnership has allowed Johnson Controls to reach a variety of industries and applications. Although previously our partnership has predominately been focused on our portable product range, future hopes will be focussed on our fixed product range, of which will allow Johnson Controls to expand their customer base as well as providing a solution to a wider audience. “Our partnership with Crowcon has allowed us to offer a solution to all customers, ensuring that those who we supply equipment to are protected.”  

Service, calibration and hire

With 25 years’ experience, Johnson Controls are experts in the service and calibration of our products in both their Aberdeen and Great Yarmouth offices. Johnson controls understand the need for gas detection therefore a fast turnaround is a must. Johnson controls not only distributes, services and calibrate our products but they also offer portable product hire in both locations.

 Our Partnership with Point Safety 

Background

Point safety Ltd is one of the UK’s leading gas safety consultants with 20 years of experience, knowledge and background in the instrumentation industry. Founded in 2011, it specialises in sectors such as oil and gas, pharmaceutical, utilities and telecommunication, providing a range of industries, supplying, installing and maintaining bespoke solutions and the service and supply of test equipment. Point Safety provide constancy to their customers as they believe that there is no such thing as ‘one size fits all’ nor does one solution have to be ‘fit for purpose.

Views on Gas Detection

Portable gas detection is an essential piece of equipment when detecting toxic or explosive gasses and measuring gas concentration. Point Safety puts customers at the forefront of gas detection; they believe that it protects their customers’ plants and processes and, more importantly, helps prevent injury, thereby helping to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of its workers. 

Through the supply and support of Crowcon, our portable instruments allow Point Safety’s customers to have the freedom to have reliable, efficient service with the confidence and knowledge that the equipment being provided allows for the protection of workers and their employees. Therefore, turnaround is important to Point Safety; ensuring a quick and effective service turnaround for all units is essential, ensuring minimal downtime and increased customer satisfaction.

As Point Safety provide the supply, installation and maintenance of the bespoke solutions, the implementation and servicing of their fixed systems that are provided nationwide are vital to their customers. Point Safety are confident that the continuous monitoring of these systems ensures that our customers’ and their employees’ lives are safe and that of their surroundings.

Working with Crowcon

Through continuous communication of knowledge and expertise with Point Safety, our partnership will allow for the supply of gas detection instruments to ensure the safety of those working within the oil and gas, pharmaceutical, utilities and telecommunication industries. Additionally, as an approved service centre, Point Safety ensures the highest standards in the maintenance and calibration of Crowcon products.

“We have a long-standing relationship with Point Safety, now a trusted partner in the North. Point Safety offers outstanding service to our end-users and is extremely knowledgeable on Crowcon products” – Katherine Winter, Northern Account Manager. Our partnership, Point Safety, allows for the distributors of Crowcon products throughout the UK in portable and fixed gas detectors/systems. Our partnership has also enabled Point Safety to become a Crowcon calibration site, with all its engineers fully trained and certified to Crowcon standards. “Point Safety Ltd are extremely proud to be associated with Crowcon, the leaders in gas detection systems, not only in the UK but worldwide. Their expertise, knowledge, first-class product range, and total support is second to none.” – Dawn Beever, Head of Sales and Marketing.

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Many of you may have wondered what life is really like offshore? To fly in a helicopter to work in the middle of the sea? To work 12-hour shifts for 14 days straight, surrounded by dangerous equipment and hazardous materials?

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Hydrogen Sulphide: toxic and deadly – Chris explains more about this dangerous gas

Many of you will have come across hydrogen sulphide (H2S). If you have ever cracked a rotten egg the distinctive smell is H2S.

H2S is a hazardous gas that is found in many work environments, and even at low concentrations it is toxic. It can be a product of man-made process or a by-product of natural decomposition. From offshore oil production to sewerage works, petrochemical plants to farms and fishing vessels, H2S presents a real hazard to workers.

Continue reading “Hydrogen Sulphide: toxic and deadly – Chris explains more about this dangerous gas”