Revolutionizing visual inspections of explosion-proof electrical equipment

Equipment management and safety standards on offshore oil rigs are both challenging tasks in the fast-paced oil and gas industry. To tell more about our project that aims to optimize visual inspections of explosion-proof electrical (Ex) equipment on oil rigs, we talked to Roman Trembetskyi, our electrical engineer with a wealth of experience in the field. He has worked on oil rigs in the North Sea, traversed the landscapes of Denmark, Norway, Scotland, and even ventured to South Korea, making him a true industry veteran.
Bridging the Gap: A Vision for Change
Roman noted that sometimes it feels like the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems used in the industry and the actual oil rigs live in separate worlds. These systems often fail to account for the dynamic reality of offshore operations, leading to outdated information and discrepancies. It is well said by him that “any ERP system is as good as the data that flows through it.”
The recurring problems across different companies include discrepancies in the system, duplicates, incorrect naming, and lack of documentation. These issues have significant consequences, leading to an expansion of equipment lists, more work orders, and increased operating expenses.
The Digital Transformation: Azenzus Vision Solution
In response to these challenges, our engineering team played a crucial role in the development and adjustment of Azenzus Vision software. The software is a revolutionary solution for conducting visual inspections of explosion-proof electrical (Ex) equipment remotely.
Here are the key highlights of this innovative project that Roman shared:
- Minimal Training, Maximum Efficiency
The Azenzus Vision software is user-friendly and requires minimal training for anyone on the rig. This empowers a broader range of personnel to participate in the inspection process, reducing the reliance on expensive specialists.
- Master Data Mastery
The software excels at collecting and verifying master data, ensuring that the information flowing through the ERP systems is accurate and up-to-date.
- Remote Inspections Made Easy
Some equipment on oil rigs can be challenging to access. The solution we developed was to integrate an external camera onto a telescopic rod to solve this. This setup seamlessly connects to a dedicated app, eliminating the need for ladders and the time-consuming process of reaching remote equipment.
- Streamlined Communication
Efficient communication between inspectors and engineers is crucial during inspections. Our Inspection App (Azenzus Inspection Manager) allows for real-time comments, facilitating quick and effective collaboration, and ensuring that issues are promptly addressed.
- Regulatory Compliance
Compliance with government regulations is a top priority in the oil and gas industry. Azenzus Vision provides certificates for equipment when needed, ensuring that clients remain in alignment with regulatory standards.
- Tailored Inspections
Different equipment requires different inspection criteria. We offer a variety of checklists tailored to specific equipment, ensuring that each item undergoes a detailed inspection.
The Future of Visual Inspections of explosion-proof electrical equipment
As the industry trends towards moving more data-related work from the rig to the office, Azenzus’ innovative approach to visual inspections is an encouraging sign. By reducing the need for specialists, improving data accuracy, and streamlining the inspection process, this project is set to transform how the oil and gas industry conducts visual inspections of Ex equipment.