HMi Elements launches hazardous area-approved computer for oilfield services companies

HMi Elements, a specialist that designs and manufactures hazardous area-approved computers for the world’s leading oilfield services companies and their customers, has launched a breakthrough Zone 1 product.

HMi Elements’ 1301-Z1 allows field maintainability for computer hardware in a Zone 1 product for the first time.

With ATEX, IECEx and AEx certification the 19 in. display computer also has a range of new technology and design features including glove-friendly touchscreen controls, edge-to-edge glass and a high resolution 1,000 nit display so it can be used even in the brightest environments.

All six sides are waterproof and ingress protected to IP66/NEMA 4X standard and can operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +60°C (-40°F to +140°F).

HMi 1301-Z1 features a high-speed i7 processor, a choice of operating voltages and has ethernet, Wi-Fi and bluetooth as standard.

Crafted from a single piece of aluminium, it is lighter and slimmer than anything before with just a 5-in. wide profile.

The hinged-front enclosure of the HMi 1301-Z1 allows access to the inside so it can be maintained in a safe area close to drilling rigs and oil refineries, improving health and safety while saving time and money.

“We have designed and manufactured computers for the oil and gas industry since the 1980s, and this is by far the best Zone 1 product we or anyone else in the industry has ever created,” Howard Gould, Chief Executive of HMi Elements, said. “The HMi 1301-Z1 will play a crucial role helping some of the biggest companies in the industry source and extract oil and gas.”

“It combines show-stopping design with rugged toughness that is built to withstand all the challenges faced in any Zone 1 environment,” Mr Gould added. “It is incredibly intuitive and easy to use with features including touchscreen controls and we can also tailor the input connectors to the specific needs of the user.”

R&D and manufacturing is carried out in HMi Elements’ UK headquarters, with sales managed from its office in Houston, Texas.

All HMi Elements’ products undergo rigorous testing and auditing so they are certified to use in and withstand explosive atmospheres for Zone 1 and Zone 2.