Abstract :
This paper presents an overview of the methods employed by oilfield service companies to address the use of electronic equipment within hazardous areas on offshore oil rigs. Techniques which accomplish primary operational safety objectives are discussed. These include the details of cabin construction and pressurization, sensor types and utilization, pressurized color terminals, handling downhole tools on the drillfloor, kick detection, and the challenges of introducing advanced new satellite communications systems. All are addressed in relation to hazardous areas in the international arena as well as in the North Sea
