Gas detection equipment is critical for protecting workers in the oil and gas industry due to the number of explosive, flammable, or toxic gases that can be released from wells, tanks, production equipment, and more.

While safety is top-of-mind when choosing gas detection equipment for oil and gas applications, you have options that can get you the most “bang for your buck” without sacrificing worker safety. You have many ownership options today, including renting, buying CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) equipment, and buying new devices – but how do you decide what’s best for you? Here, we’ll explore portable gas detection equipment solutions that meet the needs of your application and budget.

1) Short-Term Needs – Rental

When you have short-term gas detection needs, renting equipment is a great choice. Renting allows you to avoid the up-front capital expense and maintenance costs for equipment that you may only need once or twice per year. Or, maybe you have a project that requires monitoring a specific gas and you do not currently have a corresponding sensor for your fleet of gas detectors. Some “exotic” sensors are expensive to purchase and maintain. Consider renting if you need the gas detectors for a few weeks or a few months.

Renting is also a good choice in these situations:

• Project/Contract Work: Short-term projects such as turnarounds or outages can last between a few days and a few months and normally require extra gas detection equipment to keep an expanded workforce safe.
• Trial: If you are in the market to purchase gas detectors, you can rent units first to see if they will fit your long-term needs.
• Repair Rental: Have you ever taken your car to the shop and found out they needed to keep it for a week or more to complete the repairs? Being without something you need ranges from an inconvenience to impossible. Many service centers offer a rental option to cover your gas detection needs while yours are being repaired. Check with your gas detector service center for a repair rental while yours are being serviced.

If you choose to rent, be sure to choose a rental company with a good track record. Ask them the following questions:

• How do they bill for their services?
• What does the rental include?
• What is the minimum rental period?
• Is there a reduced cost for longer rentals?
• When does the rental start/end?
• Is the equipment serviced by factory-trained technicians?
• How will freight charges be handled?

2) Long Term Projects – Certified Pre-Owned

If you have a longer-term project that will last six months or more, consider buying “CPO” or Certified Pre-Owned gas detection equipment. Check with the manufacturer, as some offer warranties that may cover the entire term of the project. Purchasing a CPO gas detector is a low cost, low commitment option that carries the same level of safety as gas detectors you purchase new.

3) Everyday Operations – Purchase or Subscription Programs

For everyday operations, consider purchasing new gas detection equipment or subscribing to a gas detector program. If you have the personnel and technical expertise to maintain your own fleet, purchasing new equipment can fit your situation. Weigh your options, but don’t forget about the costs that come with owning gas detection equipment.

Subscription-based programs are available that include all necessary maintenance for your gas detectors. Subscription programs may be able to save you money by eliminating ownership, maintenance, and labor costs.

These are just a few options available for gas detection coverage in the oil and gas industry. No matter your situation, there are options to protect your workers and property, even on a tight budget or short timeline.