Energy production facilities often operate in risky conditions in the industrial world. From coal mines and petroleum refineries to offshore platforms, these environments demand precision equipment engineered to operate in dangerous environments.
In energy-producing settings, whether oil and gas or renewables, force measurement devices must not only deliver accurate data but do so safely, reliably, and in compliance with stringent global safety standards.
Hazardous energy sector locations are typically classified by their explosive risk level:
- Zone 0 – An explosive gas or dust atmosphere is continuously present.
- Zone 1 – An explosive atmosphere is likely during normal operation.
- Zone 2 – An explosive atmosphere is not likely but may occur during abnormal conditions such as leaks.
Coal mines, refineries, hydrogen facilities, and pump jack operations frequently fall into these classifications, requiring measurement equipment with specialized construction, materials, and electronics.
Beyond explosive risk, these areas are simultaneously challenged by high temperatures, humidity, or water exposure, abrasive dust, vibration, and heavy mechanical loads. Equipment must therefore be ruggedized, sealed, and engineered to operate safely, while still maintaining accuracy.
Use Cases for Interface Solutions in Hazardous Energy Environments
- Pump Equipment
- Extraction Supports and Structures
- Hydraulic Fracturing Equipment
- Downhole Drilling Machines
- Wirelines
- Wet and Dry Well Load Strings
- Cranes and Rigging
- Transportation Vehicles
- Storage Facilities
- Conveyors and Pipelines
- Weighing
- Tool Recovery
- Crush and Strength Testing
- Wireless Monitoring
- Submersible Testing
- Robotics and Inspection Automation Tools
In hazardous energy environments, Interface solutions load cells provide quantifiable benefits in accident prevention, structural protection, operational efficiency, and compliance. Interface solutions are used in real-time load monitoring to prevent overloading, equipment failure, and collapse. Force readings support optimized drilling, pumping, lifting, and material handling.
Interface’s Hazardous Locations Solutions
Interface has long supported the energy sector with Hazardous Locations sensors that meet the standards of North America ETL, ATEX, and IECEx. These standards define design requirements for atmospheres, zones, temperatures, and more. To ensure compliance, each Interface Hazardous Locations product undergoes a detailed inspection, is marked with its zone and temperature rating, and is supported by complete manufacturing traceability maintained for at least 10 years.
Interface Hazardous Location Intrinsically Safe Products
- LowProfile Load Cells 3410 and 3416
- Sealed S-Type Load Cells SSMH
- Coil Tubbing Load Cells 3416, 3420, and 3430
- Sealed Column Load Cells 3450
- Stainless Steel Load Cells IPA and ITCA
- Flame-Proof Load Shackles
- Stainless Steel Load Pins
- Stainless Steel Tension Link Load Cells
- Customer and Wireless Load Pins
By integrating Interface’s hazardous environment sensor technologies into their operations, equipment manufacturers can use the data for safety and performance monitoring while maintaining production. We provide standard and custom designs. Contact our application experts for product specifications and pricing.
Examining Force Measurement in Subsea Oil and Gas
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface subsea oil and gas industry force measurement solutions for applications, including pipeline integrity monitoring, riser tension monitoring, and wellhead fatigue analysis, are important in deep sea exploration projects. Accurate force measurement ensures the safety and efficiency of subsea operations, preventing costly failures and environmental damage.
Exploring Load Shackle Solutions
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface load shackle load cells are designed with robust, high-strength materials such as steel or aluminum to handle heavy loads while resisting corrosion and wear. They incorporate integrated strain gage load pin load cells that accurately convert tension forces into readable electronic signals, with Interface ensuring precise calibration for minimal error.These shackles are available in wired and wireless communication options, facilitating seamless integration into data acquisition systems or remote monitoring platforms. Additionally, many load shackles feature overload protection, safeguarding the load cells from excessive forces to enhance safety and extend operational longevity, even in the most demanding environments.
Driving Force in Biomass Optimization is Measurement Technologies
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface supplies force, torque, and weighing measurement solutions to advance biomass energy production. Our diverse range of products, including load cells, torque transducers, and wireless telemetry systems, are engineered for precision, durability, and versatility. These sensors are critical for optimizing biomass processing, ensuring safety, and maximizing efficiency across various applications.
Integrated Measurement Solutions Elevate Design and Enhance Functionality
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface, a pioneer in load cell design, supports innovation by offering integrated measurement solutions that ensure the safety and reliability of machines, products, and processes in sectors including aerospace, energy, medical and healthcare, automotive, manufacturing, and industrial automation. Our sensor technologies are seamlessly integrated into diverse products and machines, from lifting equipment to consumer goods. This adaptability ensures that our solutions can be tailored to your unique requirements.
Types of Test Machines Using Sensors for Reliable Assessments
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface supplies sensor technologies to UTM machine architects, engineers, machine builders, integrators, and testing labs. Test machines use Interface load cells, torque transducer and multi-axis sensors for all kinds of tests including fatigue, stress, destructive, cycle, material, tensile and more. Interface products are used in test machines across all industries, including automotive, energy, medical, aerospace, and manufacturing.
Measurement Solutions Advance Industrial IoT Success
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface provides high-accuracy measurement solutions for Industrial IoT. Our Wireless Telemetry System (WTS) components drive adoption and innovation in IIoT, from cobot design to smart pallet inventory controls. Load cells, torque transducers, instrumentation, and DAQ systems evaluate force, torque, and weighing data to optimize IIoT in manufacturing, energy, agriculture, and other sectors.
Showcasing Load Pin Versatility and Adaptation
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface Load Pin measurement devices provide real-time force and weighing data for performance monitoring, equipment quality control, operational support, and product safety. These load pins are used in energy, agriculture, manufacturing, aerospace, infrastructure and manufacturing industriy applications. Interface Load Pins are machined from high-tensile stainless steel and are suitable for all settings, including exposed environments such as seawater. They are used in heavy machinery in industrial factories and submersible energy generators in the ocean.
Silo and Tank Measurement Solutions
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface provides testing sensors, weighing devices, and force measurement solutions used for tanks, silos, vessels, and industrial storage containers in several industries, including agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, natural resource management, and energy. Load cells are invaluable tools for silos and tanks, providing accurate and reliable force and weight measurements. The benefits of implementing precision measurement systems for testing and monitoring include improved accuracy, real-time data, reduced waste, enhanced safety, and cost savings.
Mining for Rare Earths and Minerals Using Load Cells and Torque Transducers
/in Uncategorized /by Jamie GlassInterface load cells and torque transducers are addressing challenges and empowering the mining sector as demand for rare earths and minerals rises. Driven by the demand for clean energy minerals like lithium and cobalt, these sensor technologies provide the real-time data needed to optimize operations, safeguard workers, and propel the industry toward a sustainable future.
The Importance of Load Cells in Oil and Gas
/in Blog /by Jamie GlassInterface load cells are used in many facets of oil and gas, including to ensure safe lifting, enhance equipment integrity, provide accurate measurements in field operations, and even assist with optimal storage tank management. Our energy solutions include load cells that are used on rigs, downhole projects, extraction tools, and field support systems. We offer products ideal for harsh environments, extreme temperatures, and even submersible projects. Learn about our dry cell technology and IPCD product for downhole operations.