The oil and gas industry, as one of the large and vital fields in the world economy, needs complex and sensitive fixed equipment. These equipments are used in oil tanks, refineries and other parts of this industry. In this article, we examine the types of fixed oil and gas equipment, technological advances, and the importance of safety and productivity in the oil and gas industry.
Definition of fixed equipment
Equipment that is stationary in oil and gas processes and does not move is called fixed equipment. These equipments are the opposite of rotating equipments and are only affected by external factors such as external and internal pressure, weight, thermal stresses, etc.
Types of fixed equipment in oil and gas industries
– Heat Exchangers
Function: Heat exchangers are used to transfer heat from one environment to another environment in thermal processes.
Structure: These exchangers include tubes and shells that are created to increase the contact area between the thermal environments.
– Piping
Function: A network of pipes and fittings to transport liquid and gaseous materials from one point to another.
Structure: Materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, polyethylene, and polypropylene are used to make pipes.
– pipelines
Performance: pipelines are used to transport oil and gas products from extraction fields to refining centers and warehouses.
Structure: types of lines include transmission lines and distribution lines.
– Storage tanks
Performance: Tanks are used to store oil and gas materials among various processes in the oil and gas industry.
Structure: These tanks are usually made of steel, concrete, or polyethylene.
– Industrial valves
Function: Industrial valves are used to control the flow of materials in pipelines and various equipment.
Structure: types of valves include gas valves, electric valves, and regulating valves.
– Pressure reducing devices
Function: Pressure reducing devices are used to reduce the pressure of gases in various oil and gas processes.
Structure: pressure reducing devices can be mentioned such as vaporizers and pressure compression systems.
– Boiler
Function: Steam boilers are used to generate steam in heating processes and electricity generation.
Structure: Water is usually used as a working fluid and fuel for petroleum products.
– Furnace
Function: Furnaces are used for heating and baking minerals or steel and glass industries.
Structure: Types of furnaces include melting furnaces, oil furnaces, and induction furnaces.
Equipment in tanks
– Pumps
Pumps are used to transfer oil from a well to the surface or from one tank to another.
The development of pumping systems increases efficiency and saves energy.
– Controllers and automation systems
Control and automation systems are used in oil tanks to control and monitor processes.
It is possible to improve controllability and reduce errors by using these systems.
Equipment in refining stations:
– Taps and valves
Valves are used to control the flow of oil and gas in refining stations.
The more optimal design of this equipment leads to an increase in the accuracy of flow control.
Sensors and measuring equipment
Sensors are used to measure pressure, temperature and other process parameters.
Using advanced technologies, these equipments increase the accuracy of measurement and help the productivity of the process.
Advances in technology
– Use of intelligent system
Intelligent systems are used to predict defects and improve equipment performance.
Deep learning algorithms become intelligent equipment and thus help to improve efficiency.
– Equipment resistant to harsh conditions
Equipment designed for high temperature and pressure environments.
The use of resistant materials in the construction of equipment due to higher resistance to corrosion and special environmental conditions.
The importance of safety and productivity
– Reducing risks and accidents
Designing equipment according to safety standards helps to reduce risks and accidents caused by oil and gas operations.
– Increase Productivity
Up-to-date equipment in accordance with new technology helps productivity in the extraction and refining process.
Equipment in transmission systems
– Pipes and fittings
Pipes are used to transport oil and gas from reservoirs to refining stations and then to markets.
Connections are designed using pressure and temperature resistant materials and standards.
– Compressors
Compressors are used to compress gases for transfer from tanks to refining stations.
The use of modern technologies in compressors leads to increased efficiency and energy saving.
Advances in oil and gas technology
– Sensors and IoT:
Using sensors to better monitor the condition of the equipment.
Internet of Things (IoT) technology for data collection and communication between equipment.
Conclusion
Fixed equipment in the oil and gas industry has a very vital role in the safety of operations and productivity of resources due to the advances in technology, safety, and productivity achieved in recent decades. Advances in technology have not only contributed to the productivity of this industry, but also contributed to the protection of the environment and the improvement of employee safety. Attention to safety standards, environmental protection and the use of modern technologies are among the factors that contribute to the sustainable development of the oil and gas industry.