The oil and gas industry is the backbone of modern infrastructure. It powers vehicles, fuels factories, and keeps our homes heated and lit. In 2022 alone, the U.S. total petroleum consumption was about 20.28 million barrels of petroleum per day (EIA). Because so many industries depend on energy from oil and gas, any disruption in production can lead to major consequences on a global scale.
To protect these critical operations, strong and reliable oil and gas security measures are absolutely necessary. However, many of these sites are located in remote or hazardous areas where standard security systems won’t hold up. That’s why using equipment specifically designed for extreme conditions and off-grid deployment is the key to effective oil and gas security.
What Operations Are Involved in the Gas and Oil Industry?
The oil and gas industry is divided into three main sectors:
- Upstream: This sector is responsible for locating and extracting raw materials. It involves exploring underground reservoirs for crude oil and natural gas, then extracting them through methods like onshore, offshore, and subsea drilling, as well as hydraulic fracturing (fracking).
- Midstream: Once raw materials are extracted, they are transported to a refinery via pipelines. From the refinery, they travel to “market by tanker, truck, railroad car, or more pipelines” (Library of Congress).
- Downstream: In the final stage, crude oil is refined into usable products like gasoline, diesel, and petrochemicals. These products are then distributed to consumers.
Each sector is essential to the energy supply chain, requiring strong security measures at every stage of production to protect assets, infrastructure, and workers.
Why Are Oil and Gas Operations Difficult to Secure?
Oil and gas power everything from transportation to manufacturing, making them some of the most valuable resources in the world. Because of their crucial role in global infrastructure, oil and gas sites are frequent targets for theft, vandalism, and even terrorism. According to the Energy Security Council, the industry lost up to 3% of all oil produced in Texas in 2016, costing between $450 million and $1.5 billion in lost revenue (KERA News). That’s why strong, reliable oil and gas security is more important than ever.
But securing these sites isn’t as simple as installing cameras and alarms. Most oil and gas operations take place in harsh, remote environments that present challenges for conventional security systems. Here’s why oil and gas security is especially complex:
- Remote, Off-Grid Locations: Drilling platforms, pipelines, and refineries are typically in isolated areas with little to no access to electricity, internet, or other basic infrastructure.
- Limited infrastructure: These sites often lack the wiring, mounting structures, and network connections needed for standard security setups.
- Extreme and hazardous conditions: From scorching heat to freezing cold to saltwater corrosion and toxic chemicals, environmental factors can quickly degrade or damage electrical equipment.
- Explosion-risk zones: Many oil and gas sites operate around highly flammable materials. Using unprotected electrical equipment in these hazardous zones is a major safety risk, as they can trigger explosions.
All of these challenges mean that oil and gas companies can’t rely on standard security systems to keep critical infrastructure safe and operations running smoothly. They need durable, explosion-proof, and self-powered oil and gas security solutions that can survive in the toughest environments.
Surveillance Solutions for Oil and Gas Operations
It’s impossible for us to eliminate our reliance on oil and gas, but investing in the right tools can help oil and gas facilities prevent theft, reduce downtime, and protect lives. Below are some of the most effective solutions for modern oil and gas security:
Explosion-Proof Cameras & Housings
The most effective solution for securing oil and gas operations is to utilize video surveillance. As previously mentioned, however, using traditional systems is risky since oil and gas are highly flammable. Explosion-proof cameras are a safer alternative. They provide the same monitoring capabilities as regular cameras but without the explosion risks.
Explosion-proof cameras have specially sealed housings that prevent sparks or heat from igniting surrounding explosive gases or dust. These enclosures also shield the camera from harsh external elements that could cause malfunctions. They are resistant to corrosion and tightly sealed to keep moisture and debris out. Some explosion-proof cameras even have built-in heaters or coolers to maintain a stable internal temperature.
Solar-Powered CCTV Trailers
Even pipelines that transport oil and gas need constant surveillance to prevent vandalism and detect leaks. According to Nigerian researcher Freedom Onuoha, 21% of oil spills in Nigeria are caused by operational malfunctions, while 28% result from sabotage (ASIS Online). However, these pipelines are often in remote areas with little access to power or infrastructure for mounting security cameras. Solar-powered CCTV trailers resolve these issues, as they do not rely on external power or infrastructure.
The entire surveillance system is housed within these mobile units, including cameras mounted on an extendable mast. These trailers can be deployed in virtually any off-grid location, running entirely on solar energy, with backup batteries for periods of low sunlight. They are also easily transportable, making them suitable for both permanent and temporary drilling sites.
Video Analytics
When paired with video analytics, video surveillance systems become even more effective. These AI-powered algorithms analyze video footage in real-time, automatically detecting security threats like perimeter breaches or suspicious behavior. They can also spot safety risks, such as employees not wearing hard hats or fires, helping to enforce safety protocols and avoid accidents.
In the oil and gas industry, where every second counts, video analytics are useful tools for protecting assets and personnel. They instantly detect security and safety hazards, alerting operators to take action immediately. Additionally, they ensure no threat goes unnoticed by eliminating the need for manual monitoring, which can be affected by human error, resulting in missed warning signs.
Custom Oil and Gas Security Solutions from 2M Technology
Securing oil and gas operations is a complicated task, but not for the experts at 2M Technology. We understand the challenges of this industry and work closely with our clients to design custom oil and gas security solutions that ensure both the protection of critical assets and the safety of personnel. Don’t leave your oil and gas facility at risk any longer, and contact a consultant today at sales@2mtechnology.net or (214) 988-4302.
