Hydraulic and Gas Connections: Upstream Applications in the Oil & Gas Industry

When it comes to the oil and gas industry, many of us may recall the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. This incident doesn’t just highlight the dangers of offshore drilling, it also shows how important safety equipment and dependable technology really are. Hydraulic and instrumentation components help manage the immense pressures and challenges of drilling operations. Just as the crew relied on their gear to weather the storm, today’s oil and gas professionals depend on high-quality hydraulic components to facilitate seamless operations and safeguard against potential disasters. In this blog, we will explore the key upstream applications in the on-shore and off-shore sectors of the oil and gas industry and how hydraulic and instrumentation parts and components keep the industry running smoothly. 

Key Applications

On-Shore:

• Gas Compression Units: These devices increase the pressure of gas in order to transport and process it. Gas compression units can reach pressures between 400 and 2,000 PSI, depending on the stage. In these applications, single and double ferrule fittings are key in these systems, providing secure, gas-tight connections that can withstand the pressures involved. The double ferrule design offers extra security by locking the tube in place, while the single ferrule provides a simple, effective solution for lower pressure applications
• Frack Units: These truck-like units pump water, sand, and chemicals into the ground to help release oil or gas from deep underground rocks. Engineered to handle the pressures required during hydraulic fracturing process, frack units are equipped with high-pressure pumps and hoses, reinforced steel piping, and heavy-duty manifolds specifically designed to handle the intense force needed to fracture shale rock deep underground. Hydraulic tube fittings and adapters are able to operate under those conditions and can endure continuous impulse cycles during multi-stage fracking operations without failure. 
• Conventional Land Drilling Rig: Drilling operations on land are designed to drill deep into the earth to access oil or natural gas trapped in underground rock formations. Built to withstand rugged environments, conventional drilling rigs operate under constant mechanical stress and fluctuating temperatures, reaching up to 400°F or more (204°C) . Hose protection is especially important on these rigs, as unprotected lines are vulnerable to abrasion from rough surfaces, contact with hot equipment, and harsh environmental elements. Engineered hose guards, wraps, and sleeves help extend hose life by shielding against wear and maintaining system integrity during  drilling operations.

Off-Shore:

• Subsea Drilling: This drilling method extracts oil and gas in off-shore sea beds, these depths are often ranging from hundreds to thousands of feet below sea level. In these off-shore operations, equipment is constantly exposed to saltwater and extreme temperatures that can quickly degrade standard products. The use of 316L stainless steel, Inconel, Monel, and other exotic alloys are extremely important when working underwater due to their resistance to corrosion, high pressures, and other harsh environmental conditions. 
• Directional Drilling Rigs: These drilling rigs are specialized to drill at vertical angles, this can include under obstacles like water, mountains, or other infrastructures. Directional drilling rigs operate with high-pressure hydraulic systems that often use water glycol, which helps prevent overheating and equipment wear, making it a safer alternative to traditional hydraulic fluids in harsh offshore environments. To maintain system integrity, leak-resistant fittings like JIC, and O-Ring Boss (ORB), and O-Ring Face Seal (ORFS) fittings are engineered to provide secure, reliable connections that help keep fluid contained and reduce safety risks on the rig.
• Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs): Used for deepwater tasks, a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) is an unmanned, remotely controlled underwater robot. When it comes to ROVs, hose protection comes first. As ROVs are made up of several hoses and tubes, protecting those hoses and tubes becomes extremely important. Operating in deepwater conditions, ROVs often encounter sharp rocks, abrasive surfaces, metal equipment, and strong ocean currents.  Spiral hose guards act as a durable barrier that shields hoses from these abrasive conditions. 

How Brennan Supports the Oil & Gas Industry

At Brennan, we recognize the demanding conditions and safety-critical nature of the oil and gas industry. Our products are engineered for durability, performance, and reliability to meet the rigorous standards of on-shore and off-shore operations. 

Solutions for Every Pressure Range: We offer a wide range of components designed to perform reliably in the harshest applications. Our hydraulic line of fittings and adapters perform well in ranges between 3,000 and 7,000psi. Our instrumentation line of fittings, valves, and manifolds can withstand pressures up to 10,000 PSI. We also carry high quality Cone & Thread connections for ranges of 10,000psi to 60,000psi. No matter the pressure, Brennan has a solution. 

Lab-Tested Strength: We perform corrosion testing in our Salt Spray Chamber to replicate real-world environmental conditions and ensure our products can withstand harsh environments, including underwater applications. This testing helps verify the corrosion resistance of our fittings and components, making them suitable for on-shore and off-shore use. To further ensure our products meet rigorous technical cleanliness standards, we also utilize The Lab, our ISO Class 8 cleanroom, for additional testing and quality assurance. *Brass and exotic alloys as well as oxygen cleaning are available upon request. 

Full-Circle Traceability: We set a high standard for product traceability, ensuring that every fitting and component can be tracked throughout its entire lifecycle. On each of our products, you will find a stamped Brennan logo, and a batch code allowing us uncompromising ability to monitor and document every component and material at every stage of the manufacturing process, from the moment raw materials enter the facility to the final product leaving the warehouse.  

Thermal and Abrasion Protection: We offer a wide range of products that can withstand the harsh temperatures and abrasion environments of the oil & gas industry. Our hydraulic and instrumentation components are engineered to withstand a wide range of temperatures, from -65°F to 450°F (-54°C to 232°C), ensuring reliable performance in various environments. Brennan's RHINO line of hose protection and bundling products are perfect for these harsh environments. Products like RHINO Sleeve® HT are designed to withstand temperatures up to 480°F (249°C) while protecting hoses and operators. For more extreme conditions, RHINO Firesleeve can withstand up to 2000°F (1093°C) for 15-20 minutes.

In tough environments where safety and performance matter most, reliable components are key. Brennan supports the oil and gas industry with durable, high-performance solutions that keep operations running smoothly, onshore and offshore, every step of the way.

For more information on Brennan’s oil & gas industry applications, contact your local Brennan distributor or visit www.brennaninc.com.