Barrier system

Abstract

 A barrier system 10 is useable to provide blast and fire protection in a hydrocarbon facility such as an oil rig. The system 10 includes a plurality of barrier members 14 provided between beams 12. Each barrier member 14 comprises a pair of composite faces 16 spaced apart by a plurality of transversely arranged I shaped beams 18.

Description

[0001] This invention concerns a barrier system, and particularly but not exclusively a barrier system usable for instance within upstream hydrocarbon facilities to provide blast and/or fire protection, and particularly fire protection subsequent to a blast and especially jet fire protection.

[0002] It is often required to provide a barrier system within upstream hydrocarbon facilities such as oil rigs. Such systems are intended to provide protection from explosions, and also potentially jet fire protection and particularly fire protection after an explosion has happened. A number of prior systems have been proposed, but these have had a number of potential shortcomings. One shortcoming is that the fire protection provided may often be compromised by a prior explosion.

[0003] Such barriers are often formed of metal, which can often lead to a relatively heavy arrangement. Furthermore the installation of such arrangements may require welding or other similar techniques, which may be problematic or at least not particularly easy on oil rigs, and other such installations.

[0004] According to the present invention there is provided a barrier system the system including a barrier member which barrier member includes two parallel composite material barrier faces, spaced from each other by a spacing structure.

[0005] The spacing structure may include a plurality of spaced elongate members extending between the barrier faces, parallel to the barrier faces, and spacing the faces apart. The elongate members may be aligned parallel to each other, and the system may be arranged such that the elongate members extend substantially horizontally in use.

[0006] The elongate members may be made of a composite material, and may be made by pultrusion. The elongate members may be made of a phenolic material, which material may include glass reinforcements.

[0007] The elongate members may be in the form of I beams or box sections.

[0008] In an alternative arrangement the spacing structure may comprise a profiled member made from a laminar material, and the profiled member may have an at least generally corrugated profile.

[0009] The profiled member laminar material may be made up of a plurality of layers of materials, which material may comprise layers of continuous filament mat and/or biaxial glass mat, and may comprise alternate layers of continuous filament mat and biaxial glass mat.

[0010] The barrier faces may be made of a phenolic material, which may also include glass reinforcements.

[0011] The barrier faces may be made up of a plurality of layers of materials, which materials may comprise layers of continuous filament mat and/or biaxial glass mat, and may comprise alternate layers of continuous filament mat and biaxial glass mat.

[0012] An insulating material may be provided between the barrier faces, and the insulating material may be foamed. The foam material may be a lightweight fire resistant foam, which foam may be phenolic, polyisocyanurate, polyurethane or silicone, and may be a phenolic syntactic foam.

[0013] The barrier member may be formed by clamping together the barrier faces and spacing structure, and using a vacuum infusion process to infuse the insulating material between the barrier faces, thereby bonding together the components of the barrier member.

[0014] A mounting arrangement may be provided for mounting a barrier member to an existing structure, which mounting arrangement may be deformed in the event of an explosion. The mounting arrangement may comprise a sandwich structure which engages on either side of the end of a barrier member, and has a mounting arrangement and can be mounted to the existing structure.

[0015] The mounting arrangement may include a mounting flange, which flange can be mountable to the structure. The mounting flange may be substantially mid way between parts of the sandwich structure.

[0016] The mounting arrangement may be mountable to an existing structure in the form of an upstanding metal beam. Casing members may be provided for surrounding the mounting arrangement. The casing members may be made of metal.

[0017] The system may include a plurality of barrier members, and a connector member or members for connecting adjacent barrier members, which may be arranged one above each other.

[0018] The connector members may comprise a first part which includes a spaced pair of members engageable respectively against inner sides of the barrier faces of a first barrier member, and a second part including a spaced pair of members which are more closely spaced than the first pair of members, and are engageable respectively against the inner sides of an elongate member provided between the barrier faces of a second adjacent barrier member.

[0019] Alternatively the connector member may be in the form of a hollow box section engageable respectively against inner sides of elongate members provided between the barrier members at respective ends of adjacent barrier members.

[0020] The invention also provides a barrier system according to any of the preceding sixteen paragraphs, the system including a plurality of barrier members each extendable respectively between spaced existing structures.

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :-

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first barrier system according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a more detailed perspective view from above of part of the system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of some of the components of the system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a similar view to Fig. 3 but also showing further components;

Fig. 5 is a perspective end view of a component of the system of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of some of the components of a second barrier system according to the present invention;

Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing some further components of the system of fig. 6; and

Fig. 8 is a perspective exploded view of components of a third barrier system according to the present invention.

[0022] Figs. 1 to 5 of the drawings diagrammatically show a first barrier system 10 usable to provide blast and fire protection in an upstream hydrocarbon facility such as an oil rig. It is to be realised that in the drawings the system is shown diagrammatically, and the system can be of a size and extent for use in particular situations. For instance Fig. 1 shows a system 10 extending between 3 aligned steel beams 12 which form part of the structure of the facility, but protection may be provided over a much greater extent and covering a larger number of such beams.

[0023] The system comprises two pairs of barrier members 14 extending between respective beams 12, with each pair of barrier members 14 arranged one above the other. Each barrier member 14, as shown particularly in Figs. 3 and 4, comprises a pair of composite faces 16 spaced apart by a plurality of transversely arranged I shaped beams 18.

[0024] The composite faces 16 may be made of a phenolic material with glass reinforcements. The I beams 18 are formed of a composite material by pultrusion, and again be made of a phenolic material or flame retarded polyester with glass reinforcements. Aligned holes may be provided in the composite faces 16 and I beams 18, and the beams 18 may be held in position by appropriate nuts and bolts or other fastening means.

[0025] A lightweight fire resistant foam (not shown) will be provided in the spaces defined by the faces 16 and beams 18. This foam may be syntactic and may be phenolic, polyisocyanurate, polyurethane or silicone, or a combination of syntactic and blown layers.

[0026] Fig. 5 shows a connector member 20 for connecting adjacent barrier members 14 as shown for example in Fig. 4. The connector member 20 has a generally U shaped profile with a lower part 22 which is slightly narrower and is of a size to slidingly locate between the cross pieces of one of the I beams, and an upper slightly wider part 24 which is of a size to slidingly fit between a spaced pair of the composite faces 16.

[0027] A joint arrangement 26 is provided for mounting the barrier members 14 to the steel beams 12. The arrangement 26 includes a deformable mounting member 30 which locates over the end of a respective barrier member 14. This mounting member 30 comprises a generally U shaped part 32 which slidingly receives the end of a barrier member 14, and a plurality of screws 34 are provided extending through holes in the U shaped part 32 into the barrier member 14.

[0028] A flange 36 extends perpendicularly and centrally from the base of the U shaped part 32 away from the respective barrier member 14, and the flange 36 is mounted to a respective beam 12 by a plurality of bolts 38.

[0029] A casing 40 is provided around the joint arrangement 26, and the casing 40 is provided in two parts 42, one on either side of the barrier members 14. The casing parts 42 are mounted to the respective mounting members 30 by outwardly extending flanges 44 provided on the free ends of the U shaped part 32, with a plurality of bolts 46 extending therethrough.

[0030] The system 10 can be installed in situ, and may be retrofitted as required. No welding or other such operations are required to install this system, which can be fitted together using conventional tools.

[0031] In use in the event of an explosion, up to a certain level of protection will be provided by flexing of the barrier members 14 to dissipate the force received thereagainst. The barrier members 14 will also provide good fire protection in the event of any ensuing fire. Where an explosion above a certain level is encountered, the energy therefrom can be dissipated by deformation of the joint arrangement, and particularly the deformable mounting member 30. As can be seen, the barrier system 10 and particularly the joint arrangement 26 are bidirectional and will operate with an explosion occurring from either side of the system 10.

[0032] Figs. 6 and 7 show a second barrier system 50. The system 50 includes similar barrier members 14 as to the system 10, but instead of the connector members 20, alternative connector members 52 are provided. The members 52 comprise lengths of hollow square section tube which slidingly locate between the cross pieces of respective I beams 18 on adjacent barrier members 14, and this arrangement is better illustrated in fig. 7 which shows two barrier members 14 with respective connector members 52 at each end thereof.

[0033] Fig. 8 shows a third barrier system 60 again with connector members 52 at each end, but an alternative barrier member configuration 62. The barrier member 62 comprises a pair of composite faces 64 spaced apart by a spacing structure 66.

[0034] Each composite face 64 is made up of alternate layers of continuous filament mat and biaxial glass mat, and typically four layers of each would be provided to provide a laminate thickness of approximately 5mm.

[0035] The spacing structure 66 comprises a profiled laminate layer 68 which has a generally corrugated shape to space the composite faces 64 apart. The ends 70 of the profiled layer 68 adjacent each end of the composite faces 64 extend perpendicularly between the faces 64 to provide a similar structure as provided by the I beams 18.

[0036] A phenolic syntactic foam insulation is provided between the composite faces 64 and around the spacing structure 66. The barrier members 62 are formed by clamping together the composite faces 64 and spacing structure 66 and infusing the insulation layer 72 in a controlled manner in a vacuum infusion process. This process bonds the various components of the barrier members 62 together.

[0037] There are thus described barrier systems which provide for a number of advantageous features. As indicated this can readily be assembled in situation without the requirement for welding, and other installation techniques or specialised tooling or equipment. The system provides effective blast and also fire protection including jet fire protection, and also including fire protection subsequent to a significant explosion.

[0038] The systems have also been found to provide significant thermal insulation, noise reduction and also impact resistance. The system is significantly lighter than many prior metal systems. The systems should also provide long term service, at least in part due to the materials used in the system not being susceptable to corrosion. The systems can be used to provide protection for differing spans between beams or other structures within a facility. The systems have also been found to provide gas/smoke integrity.

[0039] Various other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance different materials may be used. Rather than I beams, potentially box sections could be used to separate the faces of the barrier members. Part or all of the system may be spread with an epoxy intumescent sealant. An intumescent sealant which may be a mastic and may be silicone, may be provided around the connections between adjacent barrier members.

[0040] In some instances, where a lesser blast resistance is required, deformable mounting members may not be used. A casing around the joint arrangement may not always be provided. The spacing structures, which include for instance steel beams, may extend horizontally rather than, or in addition to extending vertically. A wide range of insulating material or materials may be provided in the system. The number of layers in the laminate components can be varied as required.

[0041] Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A barrier system the system including a barrier member which barrier member includes two parallel composite material barrier faces, spaced from each other by a spacing structure.

2. A barrier system according to claim 1, in which the spacing structure includes a plurality of spaced elongate members extending between the barrier faces, parallel to the barrier faces, and spacing the faces apart, the elongate members may be aligned parallel to each other, and the system may be arranged such that the elongate members extend substantially horizontally in use.

3. A barrier system according to claim 2, in which the elongate members are made of a composite material, may be made by pultrusion, may be made of a phenolic material, and the phenolic material may include glass reinforcements.

4. A barrier system according to claims 2 or 3, in which the elongate members are in the form of I beams, or are in the form of box sections.

5. A barrier system according to claim 1, in which the spacing structure comprises a profiled member made from a laminar material, and the profiled member may have an at least generally corrugated profile.

6. A barrier system according to claim 5, in which the profiled member laminar material is made up of a plurality of layers of material, the profiled member laminar material may comprise layers of continuous filament mat and/or biaxial glass mat, and may comprise alternate layers of continuous filament mat and biaxial glass mat.

7. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the barrier faces are made of a phenolic material, and the phenolic material may include glass reinforcements.

8. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the barrier faces may comprise layers of continuous filament and/or biaxial glass mat, and the barrier faces may comprise alternate layers of continuous filament mat and biaxial glass mat.

9. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, in which insulating material is provided between the barrier faces, the insulating material may be foamed, the foam material may be a lightweight fire resistant foam, the foam material may be phenolic, polyisocyanurate, polyurethane or silicone, the foam material may be a phenolic syntactic foam.

10. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the barrier member is formed by clamping together the barrier faces and spacing structure, and using a vacuum infusion process to infuse the insulating material between the barrier faces, thereby bonding together the components of the barrier member.

11. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, in which a mounting arrangement is provided for mounting a barrier member to an existing structure, which mounting arrangement may be deformed in the event of an explosion, the mounting arrangement may comprise a sandwich structure which engages on either side of the end of a barrier member, and has a mounting arrangement which is mountable to the existing structure, the mounting arrangement may include a mounting flange, which flange can be mounted to the structure, the mounting flange may be substantially mid way between parts of the sandwich structure, and the mounting arrangement may be mountable to an existing structure in the form of an upstanding metal beam.

12. A barrier system according to claim 11, in which casing members are provided for surrounding the mounting arrangement, and the casing members may be made of metal.

13. A barrier system according to any of the preceding claims, in which the system includes a plurality of barrier members, and a connector member or members for connecting adjacent barrier members, and the barrier members may be arranged one above each other.

14. A barrier system according to claim 13, in which the connector members comprise a first part which includes a spaced pair of members engageable respectively against inner sides of the barrier faces of a first barrier member, and a second part including a spaced pair of members which are more closely spaced than the first pair of members, and are engageable respectively against the inner sides of an elongate member provided between the barrier faces of a second adjacent barrier member.

15. A barrier system according to claim 13, in which the connector member is in the form of a hollow box section engageable respectively against inner sides of elongate members provided between the barrier members at respective ends of adjacent barrier members.

Drawing