Working on an oil rig is one of the most demanding jobs on the planet. Whether on solid ground or offshore, having the right equipment is essential for keeping operations running smoothly and keeping workers on the rig safe. 

This oil rig equipment list focuses primarily on the devices workers regularly wear or carry with them, as that is the equipment they most frequently use and rely on.

Personal Protection Equipment

Unsurprisingly, oil rigs are dirty and hazardous work environments. This makes protective equipment and clothing an absolute necessity. Reinforced hard hats, gloves, and steel-toed boots are mandatory no matter what role a worker may have on the rig. 

Additional protective clothing may be required depending on where the rig is located. For those working on offshore rigs, their clothing must also be waterproof and insulated to protect them against ocean spray and freezing temperatures. 

Repair and Maintenance Tools

With the countless moving parts on a rig, proper maintenance and timely repairs are obviously critical. This includes the usual suite of wrenches, hammers, and screwdrivers, which workers use to disassemble, replace, and then re-assemble components they’re working on. 

In addition to those general tools, workers also need more specialized equipment, such as pipe cutters, flange pullers, and pneumatic wrenches.  These tools let workers fulfill the unique repair and maintenance jobs that an oil rig faces. 

Communication Equipment

Given the complexity of an oil rig’s operations, staying in constant contact with each other is essential. While some workforces are in the range of cell towers where they can use their personal phones, many rigs are located in more remote areas, which precludes that option. 

On these kinds of worksites, roughnecks typically rely on satellite phones or radios to stay in touch. This spares them the need for direct face-to-face communication and leads to a more efficient workforce. 

IoT Sensors

The “digital oilfield” concept has gained popularity in the petroleum industry as companies look for ways to make rigs safer and more efficient. By adding sensors to equipment such as drills, mud cleaners, and shale shakers, workers can monitor their condition and track patterns in their operation. This helps them better optimize their workflows on the rig or identify failing equipment before it becomes a cascading issue. 

IoT sensors can also be used to track workers’ locations on the rig itself by attaching sensors to their equipment or clothing. This makes it easier to ensure they don’t wander into hazardous areas or locate them in the event of an emergency evacuation. 

Industrial-grade Computers and Tablets

Of course, a digital oilfield requires digital tools to interact with it. Industrial-grade computers and tablets are necessary for controlling machinery on the rig and tracking data from IoT sensors such as pressure, temperature, and mud weight. 

These computers and tablets must be extremely rugged and durable. Conditions on an oil rig often involve harsh vibrations, extreme temperatures, and, in the case of offshore rigs, frequent exposure to saltwater spray. Any device in these conditions must integrate rugged design elements like military-grade parts, an IP65-sealed front bezel, and shock-absorbing components. 

Lighting

While oil rigs are typically well-lit, lights can’t go everywhere, or they may break down and fail. For this reason, workers need durable, high-powered flashlights that let them inspect the rig’s components and structure or simply navigate safely around it during darker hours. 

This is especially important on offshore rigs, which are far from ambient light sources and experience harsh weather that blocks the moon and stars. 

Lifting Gear

Workers rely on cranes, winches, and hoists to lift and move heavy equipment around a rig. The chains, hooks, and locks used to lift and secure equipment during this process must be constantly inspected and replaced as needed. 

Batteries and Backup Power Supplies

Power systems are obviously the lifeblood of an oil rig, but smaller handheld devices and auxiliary equipment also need electricity. For this reason, workers often carry spare batteries and power supplies to ensure these systems stay running. 

Keep Your Rig Running With Cybernet Computers

The key to a successful oil rig is understanding your equipment and deploying it safely and effectively. However, just as important is having the right equipment from trusted partners. Assembling this oil rig equipment list is the first step to ensuring your workers have the tools they need.

If you need industrial-grade tablets and computers that can withstand the rigors of an oil rig’s work environment, contact the team at Cybernet Manufacturing. Our products use military-grade components and are exhaustively tested to ensure their reliability even in the harshest conditions. 

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industrial computers industrial safety oil industry oil rigs