Offshore oil rigs combine explosive gas zones with harsh marine conditions. Computing systems must meet strict hazardous-area standards to operate safely
Offshore oil and gas rigs are among the most demanding environments in the world for computing systems. Positioned miles from shore and constantly exposed to corrosive salt air, these platforms contain drilling systems, production modules, and fuel skids that can release flammable gases and vapors even under routine operating conditions.
As a result, regulators classify certain areas of a rig as hazardous locations. In these zones, even a small spark or hot surface could ignite a gas–air mixture and trigger a catastrophic explosion. Any computer or electronic device installed in these zones must comply with strict international and national safety standards to prevent ignition hazards.
Hazardous locations are classified according to the type and frequency of flammable vapors or gases present. In North America, a class/division system is primarily utilized, and regulations related to the design and manufacturing of industrial equipment are formulated by the NEC, CEC, OSHA, and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). Internationally, most installations follow the ATEX or IECEx Zone system.
Under the NEC and CEC systems used in North America, Class I areas involve flammable gases or vapors, with Division 1 indicating that such hazards are present during normal operation and Division 2 meaning they are only likely under abnormal conditions.
Computing and control systems are generally not installed in Class I, Division 1 hazardous areas because these zones present a continuous or frequent presence of flammable gases or vapors. Instead, such systems are typically located in Class I, Division 2 areas, where hazardous materials are present only under abnormal conditions.
On an offshore oil rig, Class I, Division 2 areas commonly include spaces adjacent to production equipment, such as the open areas surrounding production modules, compressor skids, and separation trains. Even exterior decks and ventilation intakes may be classified as Division 2, since drifting vapors can occasionally accumulate there when wind or ventilation is insufficient.
“To create a safe and secure working environment in hazardous areas, the computing systems at the worksite must, by regulation, be designed to pass the explosion-proof certification and be able to withstand the corrosive environment,” says Paul Shu of ARISTA Corporation, a leading provider of thin client and panel PC solutions for the oil and gas industry.
In these environments, computer systems must be either intrinsically safe, explosion-proof, or installed within purged or pressurized enclosures depending on the zone and frequency of hazardous substance presence. Every enclosure, connector, and touchscreen must be tested and certified by a recognized authority, and temperature limits must remain below the ignition point of the gases present.
Shu notes that due to the harsh marine environment, computing systems on offshore oil rigs must also be engineered to withstand salt spray, constant vibration, and high humidity. As a result, they typically require enclosures rated as IP66 or IP67 to ensure adequate environmental protection. Materials such as 316 stainless steel are often used for their corrosion resistance in offshore applications.
“Long lifecycles, revision control, electromagnetic compatibility, and strict certification documentation are also crucial because industrial rigs demand predictable, stable platforms that can be supported over many years,” explains Shu.
To meet these requirements, ARISTA offers a wide range of panel PCs and thin clients, certified for Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations.
According to Shu, touch panel PCs in various sizes are routinely deployed as HMI workstations in hazardous industrial operations. For this type of application, Panel PCs such as the ARP-3821AX and the ARP-5500AX Series are certified for Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations in the oil and gas industry. These units feature explosion-proof designs and are built with NEMA 4X stainless steel enclosures, providing robust protection against water, corrosion, and other harsh environmental conditions. The Panel PCs are installed with a Windows operating system, and the high-resolution touch screens can be manipulated by operators wearing industrial gloves.
The company also provides fanless thin client models for hazardous environments. ARISTA’s Class I, Division 2 certified Thin Clients are engineered with 316L stainless steel enclosures and IP66/NEMA 4X protection, ensuring reliable operation in areas exposed to high humidity, salt spray, and corrosive substances.
Designed for offshore oil rig environments, models such as the ARP-3821AX combine rugged, fanless architecture with IP65+ protection ratings to resist moisture and chemical exposure. Available in screen sizes from 10.4 to 24 inches, these thin clients are engineered for reliable performance and long-term durability in harsh industrial environments. Touchscreen options are offered in both glove-friendly resistive and projected capacitive types, allowing precise operation even in challenging field conditions.
“As offshore oil rig operators continue upgrading their control systems, Class I, Division 2–certified computing platforms are becoming essential components of modern infrastructure,” says Shu. “Combining explosion protection with marine-grade durability, these systems provide the safety, reliability, and resilience required to operate effectively in some of the world’s most demanding environments.”
For more information, contact ARISTA Corporation at (510) 226-1800; on the web: https://www.aristaipc.com/; e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; or write to 48460 Lakeview Boulevard, Fremont, CA 94538.
