ATEX & C1D2 Computing for Oil, Gas and Petrochemical

Rugged ATEX, C1D2 & Petrochemical Computing

Impulse engineers and specialists have the industry insight and technology know-how for upstream and downstream environments with complex operational challenges.

 

Industry Insight. Technology Know-how.

Why Certification Matters in Hazardous Environments

Ruggedised industrial computers, particularly those certified by ATEX/C1D2, are critical in the Oil and Gas industry, where devices are integrated into high-risk environments. Our industrial-grade systems are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, and exposure to dust and moisture, ensuring long-term reliability in offshore platforms, refineries, and remote field operations.

Working with OEMs and service companies, Impulse combines industry expertise with technology partnerships to offer class-leading devices to integrators who require reliable, repeatable and robust solutions that comply with industry certifications. 

Explosion-Proof

Explosion-Proof

Protection against ignition of explosive materials including gas and dust.

Wide Temperature

Wide Temperature

Designed to operate reliably in extreme temperatures such as -40°C to +85°C.

Fanless

Fanless

Offering reliable performance with minimal maintenance for 24/7 operation.

 

BXP-C100 Series

Configurable System with 8GB DDR4 Onboard, Up to 10x GbE LAN Ports, 12V to 24V DC input, and Extended Wide -30°C to 60°C Temperature Operation.

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ATEX & C1D2 Computing for Your Application: Where Our Solutions Work

  • Oil & Gas Use Cases

Offshore: Oil Drilling Control Systems

Upstream monitoring and optimisation applications require ruggedised displays that meet stringent safety and durability requirements in hazardous environments. These displays are equipped with explosion-proof enclosures, touchscreen and sunlight readability and are tailored to meet size, mounting and functionality requirements. At Impulse, we can supply a range of wide temperature, ATEX/Class 1, Division 2 certified products that provide clear visual information and HMI for your drilling-rig application, suitable for system integrators and OEMs.

Onshore: Drilling and Wellhead Automation

Wellhead automation and drilling rigs require ruggedised computers capable of withstanding harsh and hazardous environments. These computers are often deployed in extreme temperatures, subject to shock and vibrations and exposed to contaminants such as dust and moisture. At Impulse, we can supply a range of panel PCs that are capable of meeting these stringent requirements, offering reliable performance for 24/7 operation.

Process Automation

At Impulse, we supply a wide variety of ATEX & C1D2 certified computing solutions for process automation, which play a crucial role in streamlining oil and gas operations, including exploration, drilling, refining and logistics. With automated safety protocols, remote SCADA systems and predictive maintenance, unmaned processes can improve operational efficiency and enhance workplace safety in the most extreme environments.

PAGA Systems

Industrial networks play a crucial role in oil & gas Public Address and General Alarm (PAGA) systems. At Impulse, we supply a variety of ATEX-compliant networking solutions designed to withstand the harsh conditions faced in oil and gas applications, offering safe and reliable performance.

Zone 1 Compliance

Zone 1 refers to the classification of hazardous areas where explosive atmospheres are most likely to be present during normal operations. This includes flammable gases, vapours or mists, commonly found in oil and gas environments. It is crucial that the equipment deployed on Zone 1 sites is engineered to prevent ignition, ensuring systems maintain operational efficiency and safety in mission-critical operations.

Zone 2 Compliance

Zone 2 refers to the classification of hazardous areas where explosive atmospheres are not likely, but could occur briefly during normal operations in the event of a spill or gas leak. Common in gas plants, these areas require equipment which is designed to prevent or mitigate ignition sources, should flammable substances be unexpectedly released.

 

Explore Our ATEX Zone 2 Certified Products

atex zone 2 and c1d2 panel pcs

ATEX Zone 2 Panel PCs

Certified touchscreen panel PCs for safe, reliable HMI operation in hazardous Zone 2 / C1D2 areas. Built rugged for harsh conditions and straightforward panel integration.

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atex zone 2 and c1d2 embedded box pcs

ATEX Zone 2 Embedded Box PCs

Compact, certified embedded PCs designed for dependable edge computing in Zone 2 / C1D2 environments. Ideal for tight spaces where safety compliance and reliability are critical.

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Require Something Custom?

Our team designs and delivers custom computing and connectivity solutions that bridge the gap between what’s available and what’s possible. Using the latest cloud-native CAD modelling tools and a trusted network of fabrication partners, we turn your ideas into precision-engineered solutions.

Consult. Design. Integrate.

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How We Work on Oil & Gas Projects

Our work on oil & gas projects usually follows a defined process. We start by understanding the environment and application in detail, then agree a suitable hardware platform, build and validate systems in the UK, and finally manage changes and lifecycle.

Requirements Capture & Context

Projects typically start with a requirements capture phase. This covers environmental conditions such as temperature range, dust levels, vibration and cleaning regime; electrical considerations such as supply, earthing and panel layout; performance requirements; I/O and expansion needs; relevant standards or approvals; and expectations around lifecycle, volume and support.

Consult Image

Platform Selection & Design

Based on this information, suitable hardware platforms are shortlisted and reviewed. CPU class, memory, storage, I/O, expansion options and mounting arrangements are agreed, along with any specific BIOS or firmware requirements. For repeat deployments, a small number of standard builds are usually defined to simplify stocking, rollout and support.

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System Build & Validation

Systems are then assembled and validated in the UK. This includes physical assembly, OS installation and configuration, loading of customer images where required, and burn-in and functional tests defined for the project. The goal is that systems arrive on site ready to be integrated with minimal additional work.

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Lifecycle & Change Management

Once deployed, attention shifts to lifecycle support. Agreed configurations are documented and controlled as a bill of materials. Changes announced by manufacturers are monitored, and when they occur, suitable replacement options are identified and discussed. Where appropriate, last-time-buy planning and controlled transitions are used to minimise disruption to machines and production lines.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can standard industrial computers be used in oil and gas applications instead of ATEX/C1D2 certified systems?

  • No, standard industrial computers should not be used in oil and gas applications due to the hazardous environments they are implemented into, often containing flammable gasses and exposure to extreme temperatures. These harsh conditions require ruggedised, explosion-proof computers that meet safety regulations.

What is the difference between ATEX and C1D2 certifications?

  • ATEX is a European certification that outlines the requirements for equipment used in explosive atmospheres. It ensures industrial computers used in these environments are designed to prevent ignition.
  • Class 1, Division 2 (C1D2) is a North American classification that applies to locations where flammable glasses may be present under abnormal conditions.

What Types Of Applications Need ATEX Zone 2 Or C1D2 Certified Computers?

  • ATEX Zone 2 and C1D2 certified computers are used where flammable gases or vapours may be present occasionally, such as on oil and gas skids, compressor packages, chemical dosing systems, tank farms, offshore modules and vapour recovery units. They are also common in paint, coatings, pharmaceutical and food production where solvents are handled. In these areas, certified hardware lets you place computing power closer to the process, reducing the amount of cabling back to safe-area control rooms.

How Does Impulse Embedded Support ATEX Zone 2 And C1D2 Projects?

  • Impulse Embedded can supply certified computers, panel PCs and displays configured with your choice of memory, storage and operating system, within the limits of the approval. Systems are assembled and tested in our UK facility, with documentation packs and labels to match your project requirements. Our technical team can help you compare ATEX and C1D2 options, interpret markings, and select hardware that aligns with your hazardous-area classification, reducing uncertainty during design, specification and site acceptance.