Oil and Gas

Fence Line Monitoring

ION Science can help refineries to monitor the fence line of their facilities for concentrations of benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Continuous area monitoring for airborne toxic or noxious gases can protect worker and site safety inside a perimeter.

According to EPA (Method 325) the regulatory objective of refinery fenceline monitoring is to manage benzene and eventually other toxic VOCs. The primary risk factor is the supply of breathable air and dangers presented by toxic gases.

Confined Space Entry

When your workers enter confined spaces, you want the confidence that comes with ION Science gas detection equipment, that your operatives are protected.

ION Science instruments detect common toxic gases and use their own MiniPID gas sensor to signal the presence of VOCs to keep workers safe during entry or rescue operations.

ION Science solutions help you meet regulatory requirements.

Decontamination

Spills of crude or refined petroleum products will always require prompt and professional attention with a response appropriate to the scale of the spill and the material to be controlled.

First responders will require personal protective equipment (PPE), which might be as simple as footwear, gloves, and eye protection, or as comprehensive as a full Hazmat (hazardous materials) suit with breathing apparatus.

Determination of the level of protective clothing required for a specific incident will follow an assessment of the specific petrochemical products to be dealt with. Portable gas detectors are an important part of this assessment.

Specific hazards are presented by spills due to the uncontrolled release of toxic and carcinogenic aromatic hydrocarbons including benzene, toluene, and xylene. Further hazards may be presented by chemical dispersants, which may release noxious compounds including hydrogen sulphide (H2S), which is recognised by its ‘rotten egg’ smell and is very poisonous.

For rapid determination of volatile organic and total aromatic compounds the Tiger range of VOC detectors is the ideal choice. Utilising patented photoionisation detection (PID) technology, the instruments are immune from the effects of humidity, giving them a distinct advantage in spill situations. The Tiger range of instruments measures TVOCs rapidly and accurately, providing essential information in spill management.

For personal protection, workers may be fitted with a Cub wearable VOC detector to provide assurance that individual exposure remains within limits, or enable appropriate after care if limits are exceeded.

Exploration

Protect your workers and your surrounding communities against high concentrations of toxic gases and VOCs with the flexibility of ION Science gas detection equipment.

ION Science monitors are proven, intrinsically safe, and can be used in harsh operating environments anywhere around the rig. ION Science gas detectors can also provide you with continuous monitoring to improve safety and streamline compliance.

Fracking

Fracking is the process of drilling into the ground to release gas from inside rocks. Pressurised fluids are used to create fractures.

Although fracking is arguably emitting less carbon dioxide than coal, it still has its effects on the environment.

Gas detection instruments are used to prevent lost time injury, illness and occupational fatality.

Plant Shutdown and Turn-around

Shutdown and maintenance are important periods in the yearly cycle at many facilities. Anything delaying the programmed activities can be a cause of significant cost as well as inconvenience, whilst also always ensuring optimal safety during plant and refinery turnarounds.

ION Science’s range of fixed and portable gas detectors can help you maximise turnaround efficiency, reduce downtime, and get back to production quickly.