Category: Blog

Oil and gas rigs can be in remote locations. This is just a simple fact that operators and owners must deal with on a daily basis. The networks needed for regular cellular or internet connection just don’t exist in these locations, and accumulate high data costs as the devices tries to search all directions for signal. 

So how does the industry stay connected? 

Satellite phones!

Keep reading to learn the top reasons why satellite phones for oil/gas industry are so important for daily operation.  

1.  Satellite Phones Increase the Exchange of Data

When you’re working on a rig, you are constantly collecting drilling and seismic information from beneath the earth’s surface. This data informs the rig’s decisions about where to drill, how to drill, etc.  

There are times when this information needs to be shared with a crew of scientists or other decision-makers. Having satellite connectivity from the rig back to headquarters can increase the exchange of real-time data and allow all parties involved to make better, more accurate decisions. A simple data subscription will allow to the information to be passed from site to engineers.  

2. Satellite Phones Increase Efficiency

Satellite communication speeds the efficiency of oil/gas operations. It allows the rig operators to remotely manage the full operation from the rig in the middle of anywhere. 

Using satellite technology allows the rig to track the volume of oil, the angle of the drill bit, and other operations. They can send video via satellite communication of the operations while they are drilling. 

Being able to directly communicate with the office while actively monitoring the operations of the rig allows for quick and efficient solutions to problems. Rig operations are no longer held up by a lack of communication. 

3. Satellite Phones Increase Safety

When working in such extreme conditions, it is a top priority to increase the safety of workers in any way possible. The oil/gas industry strives to maintain safe working conditions for all of its employees. 

Oil/gas rigs can utilize satellite communication to make sure that operations meet the most stringent standards of health and safety. They can more easily communicate about problems, address unsafe conditions, and identify solutions via satellite communications. 

Satellite communications also increase access to medical or other emergency personnel in the event of a crisis. 

4. Satellite Phones are the Standard of the Future

When you are hiring a workforce that is expected to spend months at a time on location, it is important to be able to offer then reliable communication back home. Satellite communication is starting to become the expected standard on rigs. 

In order to hire and keep top-notch talent, your oil/gas rig will need to offer reliable internet access that gives your crew access to social media, video chats with loved ones, and media streaming.  Satellite phones and VoIP (voice over IP) phones are the only way to stay competitive in the industry. 

Like satellite phones, VoIP phones give your crew the ability to stay in touch with friends and family by calls placed over the internet instead of phone lines. 

You Need Satellite Phones for Oil/Gas Industry

As the industry’s rigs become better-equipped with safety, communication, and efficiency options, you will need to invest in satellite phones for oil/gas industry in order to stay competitive.

To see our satellite communication options, click here. Or contact us with any questions!

In 2018, there was a deadly explosion and fire outside of Quinton, OK. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board got involved, which is the first time they had gotten involved in an onshore drilling accident. 5 people died, but the accident was completely preventable.

Workers who drill for oil and gas are often in great danger during their typical 12-hour workdays.

When the drilling takes place offshore, it can be a lonely profession. Plus, if something goes wrong, the coast guard receives the first call. By the time medical help arrives, it is often too late.

Gas search technology is changing the industry in many different ways, including an increase in safety. With advancements that are being made in portable gas technology, the oil and gas industry is changing. Keep reading to find out how!

Satellite Communication

Oil and gas drilling often takes place in remote locations where there is no availability of terrestrial network infrastructure. Because of this lack of support, being able to rely on satellites for safety, communication and essential information is a must.

During drilling, information is constantly being pulled as it pertains to things like pay zone, temperature and pressure monitoring, leak detection and pump and valve control data.

This data is sent back to the company offices, and the ability to do so is because of those satellites.

Using this wireless oil and gas technology provides information and time for the offices to react and direct workers accordingly.

Wireless Gas Detection Technology

The right equipment and the right maintenance are vital when it comes to the success and health of those working on an oil or gas rig. Wireless gas detection technology is one of the more essential forms of oil technology out there.

The most effective oil rig detectors can look at over 60 variables when testing. This equipment helps to ensure that the crew stops accidents before they happen.

These advancements make things much easier than the days of hard-wired systems. They allow for the re-broadcasting of alarms and data in real-time. Plus managers and safety experts can engage remote industrial experts, the same way that a doctor working in a remote location can communicate with a medical-center and specialists at that center.

The Benefits of Wireless Technology

AI machine-learning applications, wireless gas detection, and satellite technology are feeding the U.S. oil and gas boom.

New technology is making things safer and more streamlined. Environmental safety is becoming increasingly more common as well because of these new technologies.

The training is more thorough and efficient. Plus, the best of the best want to work for and with companies who are using and promoting their new technology.

Not only is a crew safer because of all the benefits of wireless technology, but they will also be healthier. That’s because if they can communicate with their friends and family for the days and sometimes weeks on end that they spend on-site, they’ll be much more inclined to be healthy and happy while performing the duties of their jobs.

Gas Technology is Making Jobs Better and Safer

The oil and gas industry is one of the most dangerous jobs that exist. But most of the accidents that have happened in the past could have been prevented. With new oil and gas technology, this industry is changing its reputation and we can help.

Better equipment and stronger means of communication ensure stopping accidents before they happen.

Do you want to know how we can help your workers stay safe and knowledgeable? Give us a call and ask us how.

A great man once said that the single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.

This couldn’t be truer in the oil production and processing industry. If you manage a business in this industry, you’re already aware of the importance of communication. But are you confident that you have the most effective communications systems in place?

Fortunately, communication equipment that allows workers to conduct their work safely and productively is available to oil rig and drilling operators. Let’s look at the tools that can make your operation as safe and productive as possible.

Communication Technology and Productivity

Many years ago, communication technology used among offshore and onshore oil workers consisted of two-way radio. The data needed to make decisions was offshore, but the decision-makers were onshore. You can imagine how long it took to exchange information!

Today,communication technologies like satellites, microwaves, fiber optics, and cellular networks have improved the quality of life on oil rigs.

Better communication leads to:

• Fewer misunderstandings and less conflict
• Employees who perform confidently
• Employees who feel respected and understood
• Employees who keep each other accountable for good work
• Employees who understand what management wants to achieve

All of these behaviors lead to increased productivity.

Satellite Communication

This is the most common communication tool used for offshore oil work. A satellite system requires a teleport onshore, a broadband satellite connection in space and a very small aperture terminal at the offshore site.

A satellite system allows for immediate and clear phone calls anywhere in the world. In addition to voice communication, satellite systems deliver the following data.

• Drilling and seismic survey activities
• Rock formation data from drilling recorder
• Pump and valve control data
• Flow measurement data
• Monitoring temperature, leaks, and corrosion

Offshore data is delivered continuously to onshore management.

Wireless Rig Intercoms

Communicating with onshore management is critical to good decision making. But communication among rig crew members is critical to making these floating cities as productive as operators need them to be.

Communication among coworkers on an oil rig is a lot more difficult than a typical manufacturing or office workplace. Oil rigs are noisy and hazardous work environments. Crew members need to communicate clearly without the benefit of being face-to-face.

Operators who recognize the importance of communication among an oil rig crew also recognizes the importance of communication across a fleet of rigs within a certain range.

Cell Phone Boosters

Given how much we all rely on our cell phones while onshore, it’s hard to imagine not having reliable cell service to communicate with loved ones. Being away from friends and family can cause a lot of mental strain.

Cell phone boosters support easy and reliable communication for rig workers, making for a higher quality of life on the rig. Without a booster, cell phones can search all networks for hours trying to connect – draining batteries and creating safety concerns.

Importance of Communication for Productivity

Effective communication among workers means that messages are delivered clearly without room for misunderstanding. When messages aren’t delivered clearly, conflict and distrust arise.

Oil rig operators and management are at a huge disadvantage when it comes to communicating effectively. Communication under the easiest conditions is tough, but add in a remote, noisy and hazardous environment and you’re being set up for disaster.

Disaster can be avoided if you recognize the importance of communication. Even better than avoiding disaster, good communication can boost productivity. Find out how you can boost your productivity.

Whether you’re working in a forest, an oil rig, or camping with your family, a weak cell phone signal can ruin your day. Nowadays, smartphones have been integrated into our lives that they’re almost a basic necessity. In fact, the number of mobile connections has surpassed the world’s population by over one billion.

When we’re in a remote area, we often think that there’s nothing we can do about a weak reception. We can’t just plant some magic seeds to grow a new cell phone tower. But this isn’t always the case.

If you want to know how to boost your cell phone signal, here are five things that you can try.

1. Switch Carriers

If you live or work in an area with constant poor coverage, this is an option that you should seriously consider. The most likely reason why you have a weak signal is that you’re too far from the cell phone tower of your current network. Different providers have their own infrastructure which accounts for the variation in coverage.

Switching providers can often give you the best result. The process is also easy and you can usually keep your current number.

But before you switch, you should make sure that you are, in fact, getting better coverage by switching. Most networks, such as Telus, have their own coverage map on their website. You can also visit independent websites such as opensignal.com or comparecellular.com.

2. Use a Cellphone Booster or Repeater

Cell phone boosters are like megaphones for mobile signals. They can pick up a weak cell signal, boost it, and broadcast it over the area where it’s needed.

There are many variations of these types of devices but the most common is the repeater. The repeater can pick up a stable signal with an antenna and repeat or amplify it to an area with weak reception. Other “smart” boosters can clean up a signal before it is broadcasted again.

Some networks will provide a booster for free or for rent if you ask them. You can also buy your own but they can be expensive or may not be compatible with your current network.

How to Boost Your Cell Phone Signal: Simple Fixes

The next methods are some basic troubleshooting that can help improve your cell signal. While they may not be as effective as the other two methods, they’re very easy to do and will not cost you a single cent.

3. Go to the High Ground

This isn’t about getting an advantage in a fight with Anakin Skywalker. But it will give you a terrain advantage so you can search for better reception.

Any type of obstruction, such as trees or tall buildings, can disrupt the signal between your phone and the cell tower. If you go to higher ground, the tower will have a better line of sight to your mobile phone. So start climbing!

4. Go Outside

Mobile signals struggle a lot to penetrate the steel and concrete that make up the walls of buildings and houses. This spells trouble if you’re indoors or underground.

If you’re getting poor reception, open a window. Better yet, go outside and have some fresh air while you’re at it.

5. Avoid Interference

Interference can come from many sources. Other electronic devices are common culprits. These can include laptops, tablets, and even your microwave. To get a better signal, move away from these devices or turn them off.

Another source of interference that we normally don’t suspect is our own hands. If you hold the phone in a way that covers the internal antenna, the reception will weaken. To avoid this, hold your phone upright or use a hands-free headset when making calls.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, these methods on how to boost your cell phone signal will help you wrap up your phone calls without it breaking up or dropping. Some solutions are a simple fix while others require a little effort. If you’re in the market for communication solutions, contact us.