Chemical, Oil & Gas

Oil and gas form the basis of the petrochemical industry and whilst they are primarily used as fuel for transport and supplying energy they also provide the primary feedstock for the production of chemicals including plastics, fertilizers, pesticides, solvents and pharmaceuticals.

Whilst Australia still has some remaining oil resources and refining capability, fuel oil and petroleum production is in decline and most of these products are imported into Australia, whilst Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) has become the largest export product in this sector, primarily out of WA and QLD. Natural gas is also the main feedstock for production of many of our common chemicals like Ammonia and Ethylene.

Other gases such as O2, N2, CO2 and Argon are important for industrial or medical use and are produced by a different process, cryogenic distillation, which involves cooling air to very low temperatures to separate out these gases.

Storage, transfer via pipelines and distribution is also an important part of the logistics environment for these products, using fuel terminals, pipelines and then transport via road or rail to industry, local outlets and other storage facilities. Custody transfer of product between companies, especially fuel, is a key issue because no one wants to pay for something they haven’t received – or give away more than they think they have – so accurate measurement is key to this, whether it be for level in tanks or flow in pipes or mass on a weighbridge.

Safety is a major consideration as these products maybe under high pressure, extremely low temperatures or, because they are often a fuel source, they form explosive atmospheres which means the use of stringent engineering practises to prevent harm.

None of this can be achieved in todays business environment without measurement, automation and control. Safety is also an important factor in the Chemical Oil and Gas sector and this is reflected in design as well as work practices.

Triple I can provide specialised personnel who have the experience and application knowledge required in these areas, especially:

  • automation and electrical engineers for control and electrical systems, measurement and reporting
  • functional safety (FS) HAZOPS, design, audits and Hazardous Area’s (EEHA)
  • electricians for installation and maintenance
  • instrument technicians for correct installation and calibration of key measurement parameters
  • mechanical fitters to fabricate, install and maintain the various plant equipment around the site.