The oil and gas industry has strict requirements for its equipment, personnel, and safety measures. This industry can be tough, and requires the utmost in durability.
This high standard of toughness also holds true with job-site identification nameplates.
Oil and gas nameplates are used to provide identification and safety within an industrial oil setting.
Process Options
Embossing
The embossing process creates raised characters in the metal material.
Embossed nameplates are perfect for the oil business. The raised text allows for the text to remain legible, even when conditions get dirty. This means that your information will not be lost or misunderstood even in a working environment.
Another great reason to use embossed nameplates is their ability for both sequential and variable data. They are great whether you need unique information on each nameplate or a sequence of numbers from 1-10,000.
Photo Anodization
Photo anodizing is one of the best solutions for oil refineries. It uses a special process to embed a design into the material underneath a highly protective anodic layer.
What makes photo anodization special is that it is capable of using any image, any information, or any design.
Another benefit is the ability to utilize barcodes or QR codes. This opens up new asset tracking and inventory management opportunities for your organization.
There are also several options for how you will attach your photo anodized nameplates. Adhesive backing is a popular option, while holes for mounting or hanging are available as well.
Durability
An oil production is a tough work environment. For instance, reading letters on a metal nameplate in a dirty or dimly lit refinery is a challenge. Plus, with all the rough and tough exposure, not all nameplates will hold up.
This is where durable processes shine. The two processes mentioned are each tested for 20+ years in outdoor environments. Embossed nameplates and photo anodized nameplates handle wear and tear, harsh weather, and more. They are even able to withstand many harsh chemicals.
Some chemicals are still an issue to be dealt with. You will need to take the chemicals you work with into consideration. For example, if there is a chemical you use that deteriorates aluminum, you probably shouldn’t go with aluminum nameplates.
High durability gives you peace of mind that your id nameplates will not be an issue. On top of that, you will only have to buy the nameplates once instead of buying and replacing every 6 months.
Color Coding
One of the most useful features of metal nameplates is the ability to add color. The aluminum anodization process not only adds to the durability of the material, but also allows color to be added. For embossing, all of the metal is colored, including the raised characters. For photo anodized nameplates, the background will be a solid color and the text will be black.
Why should I use color coding? First, color coding allows for much improved ease of use. It simplifies the identification process. For example, let’s say you have multiple pipes (or oil sample points) in the same location, each housing different fluids. With regular nameplates, you have to read the information to know what it is. With color coded nameplates you know at just a quick glance.
For instance, a blue nameplate might mean that pipe is a water line. You can even make that identification at a distance or in a darker environment without having to read the nameplate.
With quick and clear identification, the potential for error is significantly reduced. On top of that, employees can complete tasks with less training. Production managers can spend more time focused on important tasks better suited for their time.
Oil Sample Points
One of the most common uses for photo anodized nameplates is for oil sample points. For example: using them to provide specific information about each type of oil. With color coded aluminum, photo anodized nameplates drastically simplify the oil filling process.
Asset Tracking
Managing assets in an oil refinery is crucial. Metal nameplates can play a key role in successful inventory and asset tracking for oil and gas companies.
Using a nameplate-based barcode scanning system, you have access to a wealth of information. With a quick scan you know everything you need to about the item. Plus, asset tracking software automatically records the info for you.
Another option is to use serialized (numbered) embossed nameplates to help manage your assets.
Both of these options will allow you to better allocate your resources, saving time and money. In addition, it will increase the efficiency of your organization.
Wrap-Up
Oil refinery nameplates are incredibly important to not only maintain a safe environment, but to increase the efficiency of the organization as well.
With the toughness of embossing and photo anodization, you can rest assured knowing your identification solutions will survive through the dirt and debris. From color coding oil sample points to asset tracking, there is an oil nameplate solution that will work for your organization.