Sonatrach: infrastructure
Sonatrach runs over 3,900 km of crude oil pipelines, mainly carrying crude from Hassi Messaoud to export terminals, plus condensate and LPG networks linking Hassi R'Mel and other fields to Arzew.
Sonatrach · explosion proof
Explosion-Proof Smartphone Supplier for Sonatrach
The Hassi R'Mel to Skikda and El Kala gas pipeline is 48 inches in diameter and links the Hassi R'Mel gas field to the Skikda export area on the Mediterranean coast. It covers exploration and production, pipeline transport, liquefaction and separation, refining and petrochemicals, and marketing, through more than 150 subsidiaries and affiliates. This page sets out how an explosion proof smartphone supply route to Sonatrach will work for the IS-04Z1, and what is and is not available before launch.
Pre-launch · certification in progress · Launching Q4 2026
Marking targetEx ib IIC T4Intrinsic safety, Zone 1 / 21 design target · certification in progress
AvailabilityQ4 2026via authorised distributors
Search topicexplosion proof
DeviceSmartphone
RouteSupply
WhereSonatrach
Short answer. An explosion proof smartphone for Sonatrach cannot be bought yet: the SAMS IS-04Z1 is pre-launch (certification in progress, no certificate issued), and the datasheet, certification schedule and safe-area evaluation units are available now.
For the record, no certificate exists for the IS-04Z1 today. The programme is under way ahead of a Q4 2026 launch. An operator's own vendor approval is a separate step. Certification status. Place facts reviewed October 2026.
At a glance · explosion proof
Checklist: explosion proof smartphone for Sonatrach
| Check | What to look for | IS-04Z1 today |
|---|---|---|
| Protection concept | Flameproof (Ex d) or intrinsic safety (Ex i) | Intrinsic safety, level ib |
| Zone suitability | Zone 1 gas and Zone 21 dust | Design target for Zone 1 and 21 |
| Certificate | Number, issuing body and schedule of conditions | In progress; not issued |
| Where it applies | Sonatrach: Oil and gas production facilities, Gas processing, LNG liquefaction | Classified by the site operator |
Product · Algeria
The product behind this search: the SAMS IS-04Z1.
SAMS IS-04Z1
An intrinsically safe Android smartphone designed for Zone 1 and Zone 21 hazardous areas in Algeria. It is pre-launch: IECEx, ATEX and NEC 500 certification is in progress ahead of the Q4 2026 launch.
- IP68 sealed
- 4,000 mAh battery
- 50 MP camera
- Android 16
- Zone 1 / Zone 21 design target
The organisation · Sonatrach
Working with Sonatrach (Societe Nationale pour la Recherche, la Production, le Transport, la Transformation et la Commercialisation des Hydrocarbures): sites and classified areas
The main sites and the hazardous-area types a portable device is likely to meet at this organisation.
Sites and areas
- Hassi Messaoud oil field
- Hassi R'Mel gas field
- Skikda
- Arzew
Classified areas
- Oil and gas production facilities
- Gas processing
- LNG liquefaction
- Refinery process units
Supplier approval · Sonatrach
Supplier registration at Sonatrach
Supplier registration and equipment approval are run by the organisation itself; confirm current requirements with its procurement and HSE teams. The Ex certificate and an organisation's own vendor or engineering approval are two separate timelines; SAMS is working towards both and holds neither today.
Field notes · Sonatrach
More about Sonatrach that matters for portable equipment
Sonatrach: projects and investment
In February 2022 Sonatrach signed a contract to build a 150,000 cubic metre LNG storage tank at the Skikda gas export terminal, adding a new cryogenic storage area to the coastal complex.
Sonatrach: projects and investment
Production began at the Tinrhert gas field at the end of 2022, expected to yield about 500 tonnes of liquefied gas and 800 tonnes of condensate a day, and the Hassi Bir Rekaiz field reached first oil in June 2022.
Sonatrach: logistics and access
Sonatrach holds 51% of the Medgaz pipeline to Spain, with Naturgy holding 49%, and works with Eni on the Transmed pipeline to Italy, so export gas flows through large compressor and metering stations.
The term · explosion proof
What “explosion proof” means for a smartphone
“Explosion proof” is the phrase most buyers use for equipment that may be taken into a classified hazardous area. Strictly, it covers several protection concepts: a flameproof enclosure (Ex d) contains an internal explosion, while intrinsic safety (Ex i) limits electrical energy so that an ignition cannot start. Phones are normally intrinsically safe, because a flameproof handset would be too heavy to carry all shift.
The IS-04Z1 uses intrinsic safety, with a marking target of Ex ib IIC T4, and is designed for Zone 1 and Zone 21. It is pre-launch, certification is in progress and no certificate has been issued.
In Sonatrach. On a Sonatrach site, 'explosion-proof' is everyday shorthand covering different protection concepts. Flameproof enclosures (Ex d) suit heavy equipment at gas processing and LNG liquefaction units, while intrinsic safety limits the energy a handheld can release. A phone is a handheld, so the IS-04Z1 is designed around intrinsic safety rather than a flameproof casing.
The route · supply
Sourcing the IS-04Z1 for Sonatrach
Supply of the IS-04Z1 to Sonatrach starts only after certification, through authorised distributors. Until then a buyer can request the datasheet and the written certification schedule, and arrange a safe-area evaluation unit, which puts the site on the list for the right local channel at launch.
- 01
Request the datasheet
The technical specification, marking target and conditions of use, sent by email.
- 02
Ask for the certification schedule
Which certificates are in progress, in what order, and what is still to be confirmed.
- 03
Evaluate in a safe area
Evaluation units can be used for connectivity, MDM enrolment and workflow testing outside classified areas.
- 04
Register for launch
Tell us the site, zone, gas group and quantity so the right authorised distributor can contact you.
Questions · Sonatrach
Frequently asked questions
Can Sonatrach buy the IS-04Z1 today?
Not yet. The IS-04Z1 is pre-launch and its certification is still in progress ahead of a Q4 2026 launch. No unit goes into a classified area before the certificate covering it exists. The datasheet, the certification schedule and safe-area evaluation units are available now.
What does an explosion proof smartphone for Sonatrach cost?
There is no list price yet. SAMS gives indicative pre-launch pricing in writing, against a stated quantity and site, and does not commit to a lead time before certification completes.
Is the IS-04Z1 explosion proof or intrinsically safe?
It is intrinsically safe (marking target Ex ib IIC T4), which is the usual way to make a phone for hazardous areas. It is not a flameproof (Ex d) design, and certification is still in progress.
How does Sonatrach approve suppliers?
Supplier registration and equipment approval are run by the organisation itself; confirm current requirements with its procurement and HSE teams.
How will SAMS supply Sonatrach?
Through authorised distributors once certificates exist. Until then SAMS can send the datasheet and certification schedule and arrange safe-area evaluation units.
How does Saharan heat and dust affect handheld devices?
Southern fields have extreme summer heat, large day-to-night temperature swings, sand and wind-blown dust. For handheld devices this means checking the rated operating temperature, dust ingress protection, thermal behaviour in direct sun and battery performance, and asking the site for its limits.
What language and documentation does Sonatrach expect?
Algerian industry works mainly in French and Arabic, with English used on international partnerships. Manuals, labels and training for hazardous-area devices are therefore commonly expected in French, and sometimes Arabic. Confirm the required language with Sonatrach's procurement and the relevant HSE team.
Does desert heat and sand affect an intrinsically safe phone?
Heat, dust and blowing sand are routine in Saharan fields, so ingress protection and battery behaviour in high temperatures matter. IP68 is designed to keep dust out but does not replace explosion protection. Check the device's stated operating temperature range and the area temperature class against site conditions before relying on it.
Related guides
Keep exploring
More on Sonatrach, and on other places in Algeria.
Intrinsically Safe Mobile Phone Supplier for SonatrachSame place, different guide
IECEx Mobile Phone for SonatrachSame place, different guide
ATEX and IECEx Mobile Phone for SonatrachSame place, different guide
Explosion-Proof Mobile Phone for SonatrachSame place, different guide
Algeria market guideCertification route and regulators
All guides for AlgeriaEvery route we cover
Certification statusWhat is in progress
Enquiry · Sonatrach
Ask about the IS-04Z1 for Sonatrach, Algeria
Tell us what you need to equip and where. The SAMS team answers by email with the datasheet and where each certification route stands.
Enquiry · Sonatrach
Launching Q4 2026
Planning for Sonatrach?
Send the zone and gas group of your site and we will reply with the datasheet and schedule.