When routine inspection at an oil and gas facility reveals corroding infrastructure, it signals time for maintenance. Whether you manage land or offshore oil operations, corrosion remains a frequent cause of failure for aging equipment constantly exposed to the forces of nature. And after decades in operation, even the most well-built facilities face the ongoing challenge of keeping safety standards high.
To address these challenges, Laser Photonics supplies oil and gas companies with field-ready laser surface preparation tools. Advanced laser technology has proven highly effective at removing rust, old coatings, oil, chloride salts, and even mill scale. Today, this technology is more accessible than ever, helping operators perform maintenance faster, cleaner, and more efficiently than traditional methods.
Built for Fieldwork
Our CleanTech line of handheld laser cleaners offers mobile tools for handheld surface preparation. They rely on high-intensity laser energy to remove top layers off various surfaces in a non-contact process known as ablation. It effectively vaporizes corrosion, anti-rust coatings, and other contaminants, preparing surfaces for new layers of protective coatings or paint.
A system consists of the main unit and the scanhead, or handheld laser blaster, connected by a fiber cable. Laser Photonics’ new and upgraded scanheads weigh about 6.5 pounds and can be detachable for quick replacement. Depending on your system build, the fiber cable can extend up to 40 feet, allowing for extra maneuverability.
CleanTech systems come in a variety of laser operation modes and power outputs. Your choice will depend on the application requirements: speed, precision, and finish. Read more about that here: Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Laser Cleaning Blaster. Our clients in the oil and gas sector typically go for our speedier, heavy-duty solutions such as the CTIR-3040 and CTIR-3060.
Designed for the field, CleanTech systems are mobile, rugged, and easy to transport. Where traditional cleaning methods are messy and labor-intensive, laser cleaning provides a non-damaging, low-effort alternative, enabling efficient coverage of large surfaces, corners, and hard-to-reach areas. All this without generating the debris or toxic waste that often accompanies abrasive blasting and chemical cleaning.
There are several things you must know about a laser system before buying one. We cover this in the next section.
Laser System Setup
Activating a Class IV handheld laser system requires strict safety measures to prevent accidental exposure to laser radiation. Laser light can reflect off surfaces and cause serious damage to the eyes or skin. All personnel who could be exposed to the beam or its reflections must wear appropriate laser safety goggles rated for the laser’s specific wavelength.
During operation in open or accessible areas, operators must block off the space with safety curtains and display clear warning signs.
A laser cleaning system relies on electrical energy only – no abrasive media or chemicals involved. When working in the field, operators need a suitable power source, such as an electric generator.
Another key element is air pressure. It helps keep the airborne particles away from the protective glass on the laser blaster and preserve the sensitive optics inside from overheating. A CleanTech system will not work without an air compressor.
A fume extractor is recommended when laser cleaning in enclosed areas or when vaporizing potentially harmful substances.
Your laser cleaner may be air-cooled, if it’s in the lower power range. However, high-speed surface preparation applications require a high-power laser solution, which will contain a water chiller. It must be filled either with water or antifreeze, depending on your climate.
Lastly, note that a laser beam will scatter in high humidity, which will decrease performance and impact optical components. Avoid operating in rainy or foggy conditions.
Click here to learn how to maintain a CleanTech system.
Energy Sector Maintenance Optimization
Preventive maintenance is your first defense against sudden equipment failures and structural breakdowns. Corrosion shouldn’t be ignored, as prompt treatment can save you significant repair costs in the long run.
Laser blasting is an emerging technique that, while it requires a hefty initial investment and adherence to laser safety protocol, offers advantages in versatility, ease of use, and speed. It is gaining traction across the energy industry, where facility managers face challenges such as labor shortages and high repair costs, and seek surface preparation tools that are time-efficient and sustainable.
In applications ranging from oil and gas facilities to nuclear power plants, laser cleaning helps reduce downtime and lower expenses associated with labor and waste management. It also supports compliance with environmental and safety regulations by minimizing hazardous waste and operator exposure to harmful substances.
To learn how laser cleaning can support your maintenance and sustainability goals, contact a Laser Photonics specialist. Our team can help assess your specific application needs and recommend the most effective solution for your facility.