Illumination in the chemical industry and on oil rigs
When we undertake illumination system installation projects for companies in the chemical industry, we need to factor in several aspects such as overall safety, sustainability, energy efficiency, health and safety in the workplace, maintenance costs and visibility.
In this article we will talk about...
- Key aspects of illumination in these industries
- What are the key features of these luminaires?
- Adapted Secom ATEX luminaires
1. Key aspects of illumination in these industries
Even though chemical product production plants and oil rigs are safe environments, they do pose certain risks. By investing carefully in resources, we can ensure that conditions meet the very highest standards. There are several potential risks including explosions, deflagration and exposure to toxic substances. Therefore, all materials need to be incredibly resistant and ATEX qualified. In other words, they need to be protected against the impact of explosions.
There are many advantages to using LED technology in chemical and oil product manufacturing facilities. For example, it improves overall visibility and working conditions, provides excellent illumination and decreases exposure to risks in the workplace. A carefully-designed illumination strategy can help companies to meet sustainable development targets by decreasing consumption of electricity and limiting carbon dioxide emissions.
Of course, all work stations need to be suitably light and provide good visibility. This includes the areas where drilling takes places, inside processing plants and in storage areas.
Worker safety
Given the volatile nature of these environments, safety is key and illumination plays an essential role in ensuring that hazards are kept to a minimum. High-quality LED luminaires improve worker visibility and significantly decrease the risk of accidents.
Hazards
Explosion-proof devices play a very important role in all industrial activities that take place in hazardous locations and there are many advantages to using ATEX-qualified or explosion-proof illumination. This type of illumination facilitates work in confined spaces or areas with limited entrances and exits because it limits many of the risks associated with explosive gases (propane and methane, for example) and inflammable particles.
This technology has had a very positive impact on illumination in the petrochemical industry because it helps workers to perform their tasks with improved visibility. Essentially, this means increased productivity.
Savings
LED products are much more energy efficient than conventional ones. When companies update their installations and begin using LED lights, they make significant savings.
In fact, improved performance and lower costs can often mean savings in excess of 60%. There is also a knock-on effect in labour costs because these devices require less maintenance and last for much longer.
Any initial investment can be quickly recuperated and, on the whole, it does not take more than two years to amortise the cost.
Minimising errors
LED solutions deliver optimum visibility and can be used to make signs and indicators for petrochemical facilities. In facilities such as refineries and exploration wells where distances are huge and machinery hampers communication, illumination devices can be used to guide workers.
Key features of manufacture that take installation conditions into account
Luminaires for these types of facilities are specifically manufactured to enhance watertightness and improve resistance to heat, corrosion and impacts. Furthermore, the technical characteristics of petrochemical facilities are taken into account to ensure swift and efficient installation.
2. What are the key features of these luminaires?
The luminaires for these industries need to be suitable for the hazardous nature of the environment.
Materials
The materials used to make these kinds of luminaires need to be able to withstand vibrations, corrosion, impacts and extreme temperatures.
Colour temperature
Luminaires with LED technology can reach colour temperatures of between 3,000K and 5,700K. This helps to maximise productivity and gives workers the visual comfort they need when they are required to work for long periods of time.
Ease of maintenance
In addition to enhanced performance, LED lights require very little maintenance.
Corrosion-resistant
Caustic substances, whether they are chemical or saline, can damage luminaire housing and generate performance and safety issues. LED devices, however, can withstand the effects of corrosive substances, are fantastically sealed and are designed to withstand conditions such as the ones commonly found in petrochemical facilities. This takes the pressure off the maintenance team and decreases the risk of unexpected poor visibility caused by luminaire failure.
Service life
The longevity of these luminaires is significantly greater than alternative options and this helps to make savings in maintenance costs and increases the service life of installations. For example, a standard high-pressure sodium lamp (HPS) can last up to 24,000 hours while many LED products have a service life that can reach 100,000 hours.
3. Adapted Secom ATEX luminaires
The Secom ATEX range has been designed specifically for installation in locations where there is a risk of explosion. Our luminaires can withstand fire, extreme temperatures, chemical leaks and impacts.
They are made using top-quality robust materials and have a reinforced aluminium structure and safety-glass diffuser. This delivers the best possible levels of illumination, ensures safety and generates energy savings.
Our luminaires meet the ATEX 2014/34 EU Directive and they have undergone extensive controls to certify their quality and efficiency. They are undoubtedly the very best choice.
The chemical and petrochemical industries transform raw materials such as natural gas, methane, hydrogen, metals and minerals into over 75,000 products. Oil is drilled and extracted under conditions that require the use of heavy industry technology and the tasks can be hazardous. In the chemical industry, illumination helps to ensure that workers are provided with the necessary conditions to do their work safely.
