TRELLEBORG, Sweden—Trelleborg A.B.'s Offshore unit received DNV-GL type certification for Vikodeck HF, its hydrocarbon fireproofing tiles.
There are currently four different types of Vikodeck tiles on the market, including Vikodeck JF (jet fuel), Vikodeck S (hang fire applications) and Vikodeck L (laydown areas).
"The Vikodeck HF is the version that is covered under the DNV-GL type certification," said Doug Marti, sales manager at Trelleborg Offshore.
"The Jet Fire version has been tested and qualified using our in-house testing facility on a case-by-case basis, the S version has been qualified through the end users and there really is no requirement for certification of the L version."
Trelleborg manufactures its fireproofing tiles using its Firestop material. The tiles allow for a quick and easy installation of the materials on platforms, Marti said. Additionally, the tiles provide a layer of corrosion protection that will take severe impact, protect against abrasion and can easily be replaced as compared to alternative options.
"Our lighter Vikodeck material allows more end users to reduce the overall cost of the platform over the life of the asset," Marti said. "The lighter weight also makes it easier to handle and install."
For most offshore structures, the weight of the finished platform is a consideration. This could lead to the use of other alternative solutions, Marti said, but they are easily damaged, offer no impact protection and require constant maintenance to ensure the PFP capabilities while also controlling corrosion of the underlying deck areas.
"We have a long track record from all around the world," Marti said. "The fact that the materials are now lighter, and type approved is really seen as a welcome advantage. All the feedback has been very positive."
Industries served
With the DNV-GL type approval, as well as the development of the lighter, more durable materials, Marti said "the use of Vikodeck for oil and gas is being expanded to additional areas of platforms where weight is a consideration, vertical installation on walls and other industries, such as marine and construction."
Prior to having the certification, each project and application needed to be tested and qualified to specific fire ratings, he said.
The four tiles developed address the majority of industries requirements, Marti said, and make it a good fit for a large variety of applications.
"We went through a lengthy market analysis and determined that all applications do not require the same protection based on where and how it is being used," he added.
"In order to control cost and with a focus on ease of doing business, we saw it was important to offer a more tailored solution that could be of use to customers for more applications in additional markets outside of oil and gas. This has resulted in a standardized portfolio for this product."
Compounding capabilities
Trelleborg's offshore operation based in Norway has capabilities to formulate the firm's own rubber materials for all its products.
"We have an in-house technology team working in a high-tech lab that has both the experience and technology to formulate specific rubber compounds as needed," Marti said.
All four tiles can be tailor-made to suit any customer-specific need.
"Trelleborg is continuously improving the technology and incorporating the upgraded material into existing products to meet the evolving demands of the industry," he added.
"The new formulation of the material allows for better and lower cost manufacturing processes."
Rubber is a fantastic material with properties Trelleborg knows how to fine-tune, Marti said, such as flexibility, absorption of mechanical impact and noise, weather resistance and durability.
"We develop the formulations, produce the raw rubber materials and make the end product all within our Norway operation," he said.