Market Spotlight: Oil & Gas

There are so many FRP products available that it’s helpful to narrow down by industry and focus on a few applications. Today’s discussion is on the benefits that FRP brings to oil and gas applications. Petroleum products are extracted from a variety of harsh climates: it could be an offshore oil rig or a fracking operation in the Bakken shale. FRP operates in a wide variety of temperature ranges and is impervious to water and salt. Where other materials corrode, FRP will outlast them. In addition, the oil and gas industry values ease of installation, low weight, and durability.

It is true that metal components will have a lower upfront cost. However, they often require heavy lifting equipment, increased labor, welding, painting, and edge-banding. FRP will not require these additons to the job. This means that FRP will have a lower lifecycle cost than traditional materials such as metal. Some useful products for the oil and gas industry include FRP molded and pultruded grating, in particular DURAGRID phenolic grating, which can take high temperatures and has been successfully used on oil platforms. SAFRAIL ladders and guardrails can be substituted wherever metal ones are used. EXTREN shapes such as I-beams can be used in structures, support systems, and platforms. DURASHIELD or DURASHIELD HC wall panels function as wind walls, cladding, and for both insulated and non-insulated enclosures.

There are countless other applications where FRP can provide a durable, net zero maintenance solution allowing your business to focus on profitability. If you’re interested in learning more please contact us today.