In the oil and gas industry, complex machinery and equipment are essential for proper operation. Ever wondered what would happen if this technology malfunctioned? From pipelines to onshore extraction, equipment is used even in harsh environments. 

It is not easy to maintain an oil and gas operation if quality equipment certifications are not met. Every minute of downtime results in lost output. Wondering what challenges can happen with surplus oil and gas equipment? In addition to the challenges, here is all that you need to know about the solutions. 

Challenges in Surplus Oil & Gas Equipment 

Failure in identifying issues with oil and gas equipment leads to several problems. Some of the challenges that may arise are

  • Frequent Breakdowns

Oil and gas equipment is subjected to high levels of stress. They are frequently prone to vibrations, dust, and extremely high or low temperatures. Harsh environments lead to wear and tear, which, as a result, causes frequent breakdowns. Such malfunctions have a cascading effect that affects downstream processes, delays delivery, and disrupts operations.

  • The Paper Trail

Gone are those days when paper was used to keep records. In the oil and gas industry, this itself is a challenge. Traditional maintenance records kept on paper are prone to mistakes, loss, and data analysis challenges. The reliance on paper might result in insufficient information about many things. This includes the history of the equipment, missed preventative maintenance schedules, etc.

  • Unplanned Downtime 

Another challenge in the oil and gas industry is unplanned downtime. Even small equipment failures can affect severe output while presenting safety risks. Lack of an inspection process can cause different degrees of severity. For instance:

          1. At the stage of function loss, a system or part may fall short of its original purpose.

         2. Loss of service life indicates that although a system or component is still functional, it is unsafe or untrustworthy.

         3. The inoperable stage indicates that a system or component is rendered inoperable.

  • Inexperienced Workforce

Lack of skilled and qualified workers is another issue faced by the oil and gas industry. For this reason, finding seasoned technicians who can efficiently service complicated equipment becomes challenging. This inexperience may jeopardize productivity and adherence to industry rules. Additionally, it also risks safety standards in the workplace and the people around. 

  • Limited Spare Parts

Oil and gas activities frequently occur in isolated areas. Due to this, keeping a readily available supply of spare parts is difficult. This is yet another challenge faced by the oil and gas industry. Extended lead times for particular parts might lead to several problems. This includes worsening downtime problems and postponing repairs. 

  • Hefty Price Tag

In addition to equipment failures, what adds to the challenge is the cost of equipment failure, which is high. For instance, downtime may greatly impact the bottom line and result in lost production. Besides, the immediate expense of repairs or replacements may add to the problem. What’s more? Damaged equipment can also harm the environment, which raises the total cost even more. 

Best Practices in Verifying Quality of Surplus Oil & Gas Equipment 

Wondering how your business can reduce exposures and stay ahead of these challenges? Identifying industry concerns and implementing the best practices for risk mitigation is the answer. Here are some best practices to follow in the oil and gas industry:

  • Invest in New Equipment

A wise decision in the oil and gas industry is to invest in new, modern equipment. Doing so might have a lot of advantages, even while retaining outdated equipment can be great. With new equipment, you can enjoy longer lifespans, more efficiency, and enhanced dependability. This, as a result, reduces maintenance requirements and downtime.

  • Preventive Maintenance 

To address equipment problems, implement a thorough preventive maintenance (PM) program. This will help to detect and resolve possible issues before they become major concerns. Preventive maintenance includes routine inspections, checking on quality assurance, servicing, lubrication, etc. 

  • Regular Inspections

Regular inspections are another best practice to follow, which helps to identify issues early. Adopting condition-based maintenance (CBM) techniques would be great. CBM uses real-time data from sensors and equipment monitoring systems to identify and address issues. It focuses on actual operating conditions and reduces reliance on traditional calendar-based maintenance schedules. 

  • Training Maintenance Personnel 

Talking about the best practices, it is crucial to spend money on educating current maintenance staff. This includes offering instruction on particular machinery, troubleshooting methods, etc. Also, promoting information exchange between new and seasoned employees. For instance, learning about equipment certification can enhance general maintenance procedures.

Giving Equipment a Second Life 

At ReflowX, we are your ultimate platform for buying and selling surplus oil and gas equipment. We offer transparent listings and offer real-time procurement facilities. We aim to promote a crucial economy and improve sustainability. For more, you can contact us today.