Project Specs:
Location: Gulf of Mexico
Application: Walkways
Product: Safe-T-Span I6015 pultruded grating with phenolic resin system
Overview
Shell's Mars exploration and production rig is located 130 miles south of New Orleans in the Gulf of Mexico. Mars is not a solid steel structure, but a floating structure, also called a tension leg platform, and extends below 3,000 feet of water to the Gulf floor and is over 300 feet high above the ocean water.
Problem
The combination of salt water spray, diesel fuel and oil presents very slippery conditions on at-sea equipment. Steel diamond plate, which has marginal slip resistance, has traditionally been used on drilling platforms. Fighting salt water corrosion is also the number one maintenance expense on offshore platforms.
A competitor's FRP phenolic grating was initially installed on the Mars offshore platform. The grating that was installed did not have a UV coating which eventually caused the grating to fade and lose structural properties.
Solution
Fibergrate's I6015 phenolic pultruded grating has replaced all initially installed competitor's phenolic grating, amounting to a little over 400 panels. The phenolic resin is Coast Guard Level 2 approved flame-resistant resin with a flame spread rating of 5 or less and a smoke index of 45 or less. Phenolic FRP grating is designed primarily for the offshore industry, providing a safer environment for all offshore workers. In addition to the low smoke toxicity of phenolic grating, it is slip resistant and has corrosion resistant elements that stand up to the harsh salt water environment.
The selection team was highly impressed with Fibergrate’s corrosion resistance in harsh, marine environments. With the Fibergrate products, there is no need for sandblasting and repainting. Fibergrate has provided a long-term, low-maintenance solution for this offshore oil platform.
