The RCP DPS-7000 allows the drillers cabin to be re-classified from the usual zone 2 hazardous area classification to that of a safe area. The package includes dual redundant explosion-proof blower fans driven by an explosion-proof controller to maintain a constant over pressure within the driller’s cabin. Air is taken from an area well away from any potential gas risk and manually operated gate valves allow the air to be drawn from either side of the rig to suit the prevailing wind direction. An electronic sensor measures the difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the drillers cabin and the controller automatically adjusts the speed of the fans to maintain the minimum over-pressure. Therefore, if the cabin door is opened then the fan speed will rise to compensate for the lost volume then drop when the door closes. The standard DPS-7000 system comes with built in visual and audible alarms and gas detection at the inlet to the fan assembly.

The DPS-7000 is a very cost effective solution as it removes the need to have explosion-proof equipment in the driller’s cabin allowing standard industrial equipment to be installed in its place. Standard industrial equipment is significantly cheaper and is more readily available than its explosion-proof equivalent. Furthermore with a safe area cabin third party vendors and service companies will not have to pass on the time and expense of making their temporary equipment EEx compliant. Future equipment changes within the cabin are quicker and cheaper when hazardous area compliance is not a consideration.