How Winmate's ATEX Rugged Tablet Keeps Oil Rig Crews Safe and Connected

Background

Oil and gas operations require rugged and safe computing solutions that can function reliably in explosive and hazardous environments, particularly on offshore and onshore oil rigs. Technicians and field engineers require real-time access to operational data, inspection records, and maintenance systems while working in areas with flammable gases, high humidity, vibration, and extreme temperatures.

To address these demands, a leading energy company utilized Winmate’s M101AD-EX, a 10.1” ATEX-certified rugged tablet, across multiple drilling platforms. The goal was to provide workers with a portable, high performance tablet that ensures complete safety and reliability under challenging conditions.

Main Challenges

1. Real-Time Data Accessibility in Remote Fields
   Field engineers constantly move between various areas, needing quick access to inspection reports, schematics, or diagnostic data. Without stable wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi or LTE), synchronizing data with control centers becomes challenging, delaying decision-making and workflow efficiency.
2. Operating in Harsh Environmental Conditions
   Oil rigs expose equipment to extreme temperature fluctuations, humidity, salt spray, dust, and even high-pressure water cleaning. Devices must be ruggedly built and fully sealed to endure daily stresses without frequent maintenance or downtime.
3. Safety in Explosive Atmospheres
   Oil rig environments often contain explosive gases and vapors. Electronic equipment used in these hazardous areas must comply strictly with global safety standards (ATEX, IECEx, CID2) to eliminate explosion risks.
4. Maintaining Uptime During Long Shifts
   Work shifts on offshore or onshore oil rigs typically last 10 to 12 hours, leaving minimal downtime for charging devices. Equipment must offer extended battery life and support quick battery replacements (hot-swapping), ensuring continuous operation throughout the shift.

Core Products

• 10.1-inch ATEX Rugged Tablet – M101AD-EX

Key Features

1. Certified for Safe Operation in Hazardous Areas (ATEX Zone 2, CID2, IECEx)
   Designed specifically for explosive environments, the M101AD-EX meets the ATEX Zone 2, CID2, and IECEx certifications. These certifications guarantee that the rugged tablet operates safely in areas with potential flammable gases and vapors, significantly reducing the risk of ignition and enhancing worker safety.
2. Glove Compatible and Sunlight Readable 10.1” PCAP Touchscreen
   The high-brightness, optically bonded touchscreen of the M101AD-EX provides clear visibility in direct sunlight. Its glove-friendly interface allows easy and accurate interaction without removing protective gear, essential for fast-paced operations.
3. Rugged Build for Extreme Onshore and Offshore Oil Rig Conditions (IP65, MIL-STD-810H)
   Built to endure harsh offshore and onshore oil rig conditions, the tablet’s rugged design withstands salt spray, dust, vibrations, drops, and temperature extremes. This reliability significantly reduces downtime and repair costs.
4. Reliable Real-Time Connectivity and Powerful Performance
   Featuring an Intel® processor and comprehensive connectivity options (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, optional LTE), the rugged tablet facilitates seamless data transmission and real-time communication, enabling faster, informed decision-making in remote locations.
5. Extended Battery Life with Hot-Swappable Functionality
   Long shifts on oil rigs require devices that offer consistent uptime. With its hot-swappable battery design, the M101AD-EX allows personnel to quickly and easily replace batteries in the field without shutting down, ensuring continuous operation throughout extended workdays and minimizing interruptions during critical tasks. For safety, battery swaps should be performed in designated non-hazardous zones, ensuring compliance without compromising uptime.

Why Winmate

• Certified Safety for Hazardous Environments
• Complete Support and Customization
• Proven Reliability in the Field
• Trusted Industry Leader

Conclusion

By integrating Winmate’s M101AD-EX ATEX Rugged Tablet into oil rig operations, companies gain significant improvements in workplace safety, real-time data accessibility, and overall operational effectiveness. The rugged tablet’s certified safety design ensures reliable performance even in hazardous zones, helping to prevent costly downtime and enhancing crew productivity.

With specialized features such as hot-swappable batteries, glove-compatible interfaces, and superior connectivity, Winmate empowers energy companies to streamline their inspections, boost operational effectiveness, and maintain rigorous safety standards.

For more information about Winmate’s rugged computing solutions, please visit our website or contact Winmate.