Harsh and Hazardous Environment Solutions: Oil, Gas and Energy

Harsh Environment Solutions
OIL | GAS | MINING | POWER AND ENERGY | CHEMICAL | RENEWABLE ENERGY

Defence, Aerospace and Transportation industries often face harsh environments, demanding robust industrial computing solutions.

BVM specializes in designing and distributing industrial and embedded systems that are not only resistant to moisture, dirt, and extreme temperatures but also excel in harsh and hazardous environments. Our solutions are engineered to ensure reliable operation even in the most unforgiving conditions.

With BVM, you can trust that our rugged industrial-grade products are built to withstand temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C. Utilizing fanless cooling technology, our systems offer efficient heat dissipation without relying on external airflow, making them ideal for environments where dust and debris pose a challenge. Moreover, our products boast extended lifetimes, ensuring longevity and durability in demanding applications.

Whether it’s extreme cold, scorching heat or rugged terrain, BVM’s industrial and embedded systems are designed to deliver unmatched performance and resilience, providing you with the reliability you need in critical operations.


Industrial Motherboards and SBCs

These features emphasize the suitability of industrial motherboards and embedded SBCs for critical and long-term applications in harsh and hazardous environments

  • High Performance and Energy Efficient Processors
  • Extended temperature range (-40°C to 85°C or higher)
  • Rugged design for shock and vibration resistance
  • Wide input voltage range (9V to 36V or higher)
  • Fanless cooling with passive thermal management
  • Long lifecycle and extended availability (5 – 7 years minimum)
  • Diverse I/O options (USB, Ethernet, RS232/RS485, CAN bus, GPIO)
  • High reliability with low Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)
  • Advanced security features (TPM, secure boot, hardware encryption)
  • Environmental certifications

Industrial Motherboards and Embedded SBCs

Industrial Grade Motherboards provide the backbone for Industrial PC Systems, they are revision controlled and are available for a longer time scale compared to commercial motherboard’s and typically operate over a wider temperature range than their commercial equivalents.

Harsh Environment SBC
Harsh Environment Solutions - Mini itx

Mini-ITX Motherboards and SBCs

Long Life Industrial and Embedded Mini-ITX Motherboards. A Mini-ITX Motherboard is a solution that offers performance with low power and long-life availability. Mini-ITX is a specification for a motherboard measuring 170 x 170 mm with a conventional I/O shield as used on larger scale motherboards.


Computer-on-Modules (COMs)

These features make Computer-On-Modules highly suitable for deployment in harsh environments where traditional computing hardware might fail

  • Energy-efficient and high-performance processors
  • Extended temperature range (-40°C to 85°C or more)
  • Durable, compact form factor for space efficiency and robustness
  • Wide input voltage range compatibility for diverse power sources
  • Protective conformal coating against dust, moisture, and chemicals
  • Reliable thermal management, often utilizing fanless designs
  • Long-term product availability and lifecycle support
  • Flexible I/O interfaces (PCIe, USB, Ethernet, display outputs)
  • High reliability with low Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)
  • Adherence to industrial and environmental standards

System-On-Module products are the ideal solution for many space-constrained applications where the
build-up of heat within the operating environment can become an issue.

System-On-Modules and Carrier Boards

COM/SOM modules are ideal for applications where product time to market and longevity of solution are critical to your business. Today’s COM modules mainly come in two main formats; COM Express (COMe) in Mini, Compact, Basic and Qseven.
 
Plugged into carrier boards (baseboard), they can be upgraded to newer, backwards-compatible versions as processor technology capability progresses. COM/SOM modules are typically used in Industrial, military, aerospace, gaming, medical and transportation.

• Why use a Computer-on-module? What are the Benefits?
COM Express vs Qseven vs SMARC: A Comparison of Modular Embedded Computing Standards

Harsh Environment Solutions - COM Express

System PCs and All in One Panel PCs

These features make our System PCs and Panel PCs highly suitable for deployment in harsh environments where traditional computing hardware might fail

  • Robust and durable construction for shock and vibration resistance
  • Wide operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C or higher)
  • Fanless cooling for silent operation and reduced maintenance
  • High-brightness and anti-glare displays for readability in sunlight
  • Ruggedized touchscreens, often with multi-touch capability
  • Waterproof and dustproof ratings (IP65, IP67, or higher)
  • Advanced connectivity options (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G/5G, Ethernet)
  • Wide input voltage range for flexible power supply options
  • Long lifecycle and support for industrial-grade components
  • Compliance with industrial and safety standards (MIL-STD-810, IP Rating, ATEX, IECEx)

Harsh Environment Embedded Systems and Panel PC solutions are designed with:-

  • Industrial-grade components
  • Mindful of thermal management
  • Robust enclosures
  • Extended power input voltage
  • Extended operating temperature support
Harsh and Hazardous Environment Solutions

Before release, our Harsh Environment Solutions undergo stringent test programs during the product development phase to ensure compliance where system failure isn’t an option. Testing includes shock, vibration, drop testing, humidity, electromagnetic sensitivity, power, thermal shock, burn-in, performance testing, available up time / reliability.

System PCs

Our Industrial PC products feature IP6X-rated protection, ensuring safety in harsh and hazardous environments by shielding the system from water, detergents, and high-pressure jet washing.

Harsh Environment PC

Rugged PCs and Embedded Systems

Rugged Industrial Computers and Embedded Systems specifically designed to operate reliably in harsh and hazardous environments and conditions, such as strong vibrations, extreme temperatures and wet or dusty areas. Available with Intel i3 / i5 / i7 / Celeron and AMD Ryzen Embedded CPU’s.

BVM can tailor your System PC of choice to your exact specification including processor, memory, storage and operating system.


All in One Panel PCs

Our Rugged Panel PC products offer IP6X-rated protection,
providing protection in harsh and hazardous environments, keeping the system safe from water, detergents, and high-pressure jet washing.

ATEX and C1D2 Certified Panel PCs

In certain industries, there is always the risk of an incendiary reaction due to the high potential of a volatile atmosphere being present. Three individual factors generally contribute to these probabilities; explosive materials, oxygen and a source of ignition. Explosive materials include flammable gases, mists, vapor and combustible dust.

BVM can provide ruggedized Panel PCs certified to Class 1 / Division 2 and Class 2 / Division 2, IECEx, ATEX Zone 2 – and Zone 22 approved.

APLEX AEx Series. ATEX Certified Panel PCs
Stainless Steel Panel PCs and HMIs
Winmate M Series C1D2 Certified Panel Pcs
Aplex AEx Series: ATEX Zone 22 Certification

Harsh Environment ATEX Panel PC
IP69K Stainless P Series Display 2

Rugged Panel PCs

Ruggedized or Harsh Environment Panel PCs are typically used where Wide Temperature diversity is needed in operation (-40°C to +85°C) and/or where the supply of input voltage can vary or be erratic; ruggedized panel PCs typically can accept 9V-36V DC in. BVM can provide 7″ to 24″ TFT display solutions with projected capacitive or resistive touch input – and screen readability enhancement features such as high bright LED backlighting, optical bonding and anti-glare or anti-reflecting coatings.

IP66/IP69K Stainless Steel Panel PCs and HMIs

Waterproof, Stainless Steel Panel PCs with an Anti-Corrosion design for use in Harsh and Aggressive Environments where water, dust and dirt are present. The main benefit of these Stainless Steel Waterproof Panel PCs is that their touch-screens are resistive and fully sealed to an IP66 rating, which make them highly suited for use in food preparation areas.

Stainless Steel Panel PCs and HMIs
Full IP66 IP69K Stainless Panel PC with Cable Gland Solution
Stainless Steel Touchscreen Monitors: Rugged IP65/66 Design
Waterproof IP66/IP69K Stainless Steel Panel PCs

Harsh Environment Solutions - Stainless Steel Panel PCs


Portable, Ruggedized PC Solutions with Touchscreen Interactivity

Rugged Industrial Peli Case PCs are a great alternative to rugged laptops or tablets – providing better protection, IP rating (if required) and space for custom electronics and selectable I/O.

  • Customizable Sizes: BVM Peli Case PCs are available in a wide range of sizes, guaranteeing the perfect fit for your space and weight requirements, from portable PCs to expansive workstations.
  • High-Performance CPUs: Our Peli-case PCs boast the latest in embedded computing technology, featuring Intel Atom to Intel Core series CPUs, ready to tackle the most demanding applications now and in the future.
  • Interactive Displays: With TFT displays spanning from 7.0″ to 21″ and optional touch capabilities, our PCs deliver responsive and user-friendly interaction, expertly optimized for various lighting conditions.
  • Advanced Connectivity: Outfitted with LTE and Wi-Fi options, our Peli-case PCs provide continuous connectivity, ensuring seamless data transfer.
  • Diverse Storage Solutions: Offering an array of storage options with a focus on SSDs, we ensure durability and top-notch performance in any environment.
  • Expansion Options: Our PCs are designed to accommodate additional hardware like mPCI-E, M.2, and PCI-Express, delivering unmatched functionality.
  • Custom Electronics Integration: We craft bespoke electronics, tailored internal cabling, and custom designs to precisely meet your unique requirements.
  • Designed for Clarity: Each PC features custom labelling and clear interfaces, ensuring straightforward and intuitive use.
  • Robust and Secure: Engineered with IP67 rated dust and water resistance, our PCs also include secure, lockable components to safeguard your data.
  • Ergonomic Designs: Select from a range of handle types for effortless and comfortable transportation.
  • Reliable and Long-lasting: Constructed with industrial-grade components, our Peli Case PCs boast a 5-7 year lifespan and include replacement programs to guarantee uninterrupted service.
BVM Pelicase PC

Portable Peli Case PCs

  • They’re a great alternative to rugged laptops or tablets – providing better protection, IP rating (if required) and space for custom electronics and selectable I/O.
  • They’re a good harsh environment solution for combining instrumentation and computing in one rugged and portable package.
  • Good value where a bespoke – rugged embedded computer solution with HMI is being sought, one that can be protected from its immediate environment.

All designs and configurations are an example of solutions we’ve produced for our customers
and will hopefully serve to provide you with an idea of what we can produce.


Harsh and Hazardous Environment Solutions - AI Technologies Machine Vision

AI-based Harsh and Hazardous Environment Solutions

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in the oil, gas, and energy industry to optimize operations, cut costs, and boost safety. AI applications cover areas like exploration, production, refining, predictive maintenance, and energy management to improve system performance and integrate renewable sources. Such innovations are poised to transform these industries.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Harsh and Hazardous Environments

Here are a few examples of how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in harsh environments such as oil rigs, gas production and steel manufacturing :

  • Predictive Maintenance: AI predicts equipment failures, enabling pre-emptive maintenance to boost reliability and decrease downtime.
  • Process Optimisation: AI analyses sensor data to enhance processes and efficiencies in sectors like oil, gas, and steel production.
  • Safety Monitoring: AI monitors harsh environments for hazards using data analysis and personnel tracking.
  • Quality control: AI detects defects in real-time, ensuring high quality in critical sectors like oil and gas.
  • Supply chain management: AI optimizes material flow, enhancing supply chain efficiency even on oil rigs.
  • Machine vision inspection: AI uses advanced imaging techniques to automatically inspect and monitor equipment for maintenance and safety purposes.

The hardware required to support artificial intelligence (AI) can vary depending on the specific  application and the type of AI being used. Some AI algorithms are computationally intensive and require powerful hardware to run effectively.

Deep learning algorithms, which are used for tasks such as image and speech recognition, typically require specialised hardware such as graphics processing units (GPUs) to run efficiently. GPUs are designed to perform the complex matrix calculations that are required for deep learning – and they can be much faster than traditional central processing units (CPUs) at these types of tasks.

Other types of AI, such as rule-based systems, may not require as much computational power and can be run on standard CPUs.

Harsh and Hazardous Environment Solution AI Bases PC

BVM Design, Manufacturing and Distribution Services

At BVM, we bring over 35 years of experience in designing, manufacturing and distributing rugged, industrial and embedded computer hardware. Our dedication to quality and innovation has made us a trusted partner for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and system integrators worldwide.

What we Offer OEMs, ODMs and System Integrators

With cutting-edge design and manufacturing facilities in Southampton, complemented by a vast global partner network, BVM offers a variety of ready-made “off the shelf” rugged, industrial and embedded computing solutions for a number of industries including industrial automation, harsh and hazardous environments, medical, military, transport, smart city and more. These solutions can be completely customised and integrated into larger systems to meet our customers’ exact requirements.

If you can’t find an “off the shelf” product that suits your needs, our in-house design team can create a new solution from scratch.

BVM Design, Manufacturing and Distribution Services

Harsh and Hazardous Environment: Case Studies


BVM Design and Manufacturing Services: The manufacturer behind the solutions you know

When a standard embedded design won’t suffice for what you need, you can always turn to BVM for help and use our custom design and manufacturing services.