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Fabric windshield in action

The Role of Fabric Windshields in the Oil and Gas Industry

The Role of Fabric Windshields in the Oil and Gas Industry


Introduction

The offshore oil and gas industry operates in one of the most challenging environments on Earth. With harsh weather conditions, extreme temperatures, and corrosive elements, ensuring the safety and functionality of equipment is paramount. Among the crucial components in this industry are fabric windshields, which play a vital role in protecting personnel and equipment from the elements. In this blog, we'll delve into the significance of fabric windshields and how they are utilised in the offshore oil and gas sector.

Understanding Fabric Windshields

Fabric windshields, also known as windbreaks or windshields, are specialized barriers made from durable materials such as PVC-coated polyester fabric. These windshields are designed to withstand high winds, heavy rain, saltwater exposure, and other environmental challenges commonly encountered offshore. They are typically installed around work areas, equipment, and personnel quarters to provide protection from harsh weather conditions.

Fabric Wind-shielding in action
Navigation Aid Solar Panel Windshield

Key Applications in the Offshore Industry

1. Helideck Protection: Fabric windshields are often used to shield helidecks on offshore platforms and vessels. Helidecks are crucial for transportation to and from offshore installations, but they are exposed to strong winds and turbulent weather. Fabric windshields create a barrier that reduces wind turbulence, making helicopter landings and takeoffs safer for personnel and equipment.

2. Worksite Enclosures: In offshore construction and maintenance projects, fabric windshields are employed to create enclosed worksites. These enclosures provide a controlled environment where workers can perform tasks without being exposed to adverse weather conditions. Fabric windshields can be quickly installed and dismantled, offering flexibility in adapting to changing project requirements.

3. Equipment Protection: Sensitive equipment onboard offshore platforms and vessels requires protection from the corrosive effects of saltwater spray and extreme weather. Fabric windshields act as protective barriers, shielding equipment from direct exposure to the elements and extending their operational lifespan.

4. Personnel Safety: Ensuring the safety and well-being of personnel working offshore is a top priority. Fabric windshields provide a barrier against harsh winds, driving rain, and sea spray, creating a more comfortable and secure environment for workers during their shifts.

Advantages of Fabric Windshields

  • Durability: Fabric windshields are engineered to withstand the rigors of the offshore environment, including UV exposure, saltwater corrosion, and high winds.
  • Portability: Unlike rigid structures, fabric windshields are lightweight and portable, allowing for easy transportation and installation at various locations on offshore installations.
  • Customisation: Fabric windshields can be tailored to fit specific dimensions and requirements, providing versatile solutions for different offshore applications.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to traditional construction methods, fabric windshields offer a more cost-effective solution for weather protection and site enclosures.

Conclusion

Fabric windshields play a crucial role in enhancing safety, efficiency, and productivity in the offshore oil and gas industry. By providing protection against harsh weather conditions, these specialised barriers contribute to the smooth operation of offshore installations and the well-being of personnel. As technology continues to advance, fabric windshields are expected to evolve further, offering even greater durability, versatility, and performance in the challenging offshore environment.

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Extra-Span-Shield

Extra Span Shield

Extra Span Shield


The Extra Span type shield (formerly known as the Mini ES Shield), as a product, sits between the Mini type shield and the Ladder type shield.

The Extra Span type shield is used as a permanent solution for protect both personnel and equipment from the harsh weather conditions experienced both onshore and offshore in the oil and gas industry.

They are of a single layer construction but can be altered to provide a double layer of protection. Intended for protection of key equipment and in areas where personnel will not come into direct contact with the radiant shields.

The shield is of a single layer construction which can reduce the wind speed by up to 62% without affecting light transmission and ventilation. This can be further expanded by adding an additional layer which will reduce the wind speed by up to 72%. Protection against radiant heat is also provided.

The Extra Span Shield has been successfully tested to wind speeds in excess of 100mph.

Product Features


Key Features

  • Independently tested up to 20 kW/m2
  • Heat flux reduction in excess of 80% at 300mm behind the shield
  • Designed primarily for protection of equipment
  • Able to span large distances between supporting steelwork
  • Uses the same heavy duty radiant mesh as Ladder shields
  • All stainless steel type 316L construction
  • Lower cost and weight
  • Excellent light transmission and ventilation
  • Quick onsite installation and removal, supplied complete with all necessary A4 Stainless Steel fasteners
  • Load tested up to 8.2 kN/m2

Click to download the PDF Data Sheet for Locker Extra Span (formerly Mini ES) Heat Shield.

Key Features

  • Wind efficiency 62% (72% with additional layer)
  • Independently tested at wind speeds in excess of 100mph (87knots/h)
  • Able to span large distances between supporting steelwork
  • All stainless steel type 316L construction
  • Ideal for permanent wind and weather protection
  • Excellent light transmission and ventilation
  • Quick onsite installation and removal
  • Supplied complete with all necessary A4 Stainless Steel fasteners

Extra Span Shield: Wind Speed Reduction Test Results

Free Flow
Wind Speed
Speed Recorded
Behind Shield
Total Reduction
in Speed
Percentage
Reduction
Max
Deflection
(mph)(mph)(mph)(%)(mm)
5317366814.8
8231516233.3
8732556348.5
9435596361
9737606269.6
10138636276.5

Tabulated values are extracted from Test Report No. R11918. On completion of the wind speed test the shields were fully inspected and no evidence of damage was identified.

Click to download the PDF Data Sheet for Locker Extra Span (formerly Mini ES) Wind Shield.

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Hakuryu 10

Fabric Shield

Galebreaker Industrial Fabric Shield


Our product portfolio features the Galebreaker Industrial range of lightweight tensioned fabric Heat and Wind shields. This collaboration will expand the range of heat and wind shielding products specifically designed for the oil and gas sectors.

Galebreaker Industrial is a UK based company specialising in fabric technology with 30 years’ experience developing and manufacturing heat and windshield products across a broad range of industries.

Their range of fabric Heat and Wind Shields are independently tested by UKAS laboratories and provide the following benefits:

  • Lightweight, yet robust and durable
  • Easily accommodates access and pipework requirements
  • Quick and easy to install, usually to existing structures without welding
  • Short lead times, low freight costs

The Galebreaker Industrial Wind Shield provides maximum protection from extreme wind and weather conditions on offshore oil and gas installations, whilst maintaining a light and airy working environment. The heat shield also gives maximum heat protection with minimal additional weight. It is verified by independent conductivity and radiant temperature heat tests.

Fabric shielding can often be installed quickly and simply to existing structures using a patented fixing system.
This helps to keep additional weight to a minimum and greatly reduces installation time and costs. Check this out in the video:

Product Features and Specifications


Galebreaker Industrial Heat Shields are lightweight and flexible with a range of fixing techniques available.

Key Features

  • Quick and easy to install with marine grade fixings
  • Silver-grey Vamac® coated polyester base cloth
  • Excellent UV and abrasion resistance
  • Proven efficiency: protection against radiated heat up to 10 kW/m² (3170 Btu/ft²/hr) for up to 1 hour and 6.3kW/m² (2000 Btu/ft²/hr) for continuous exposure
  • Radiant Heat reduction of 86%
  • Temperature range -30°C to + 180°C
  • Lightweight and very durable: total weight including fixings 2.5 kg/m2
  • Approx. 900g/m2 weight of material
  • Designed to withstand wind speeds up to 53m/s or 120 mph
  • Shields can be rolled into bales for easy handling, shipping and storage
  • Products available for temporary and permanent applications

Fixings and Safety

The Galebreaker Industrial Fabric Heat Shield requires a minimal support structure (fixing to client built subframe adds typically 10.8 kg/m2 in total for the subframe, material and fittings).

The patented fastening system means it is quick and easy to fit and tension.

All fixings are stainless steel marine grade (316 standard) or galvanised, and protective wraps and safety wires are also installed as necessary.

Single skin in construction, the PVC coated polyester fabric shield features a patented built in tensioning system which means it is quick and easy to fit and tension.

Click to download the PDF Data Sheet for Locker Fabric Heat Shield.

Each windshield is custom designed and manufactured in the UK. Panels are able to span lengths of up to 9.1 metres, although an additional skirting feature means panels can be overlapped to form a complete protective wall with no limit for overall wind shield width.

Key Features

  • Wind, rain and dirt resistant
  • Excellent UV resistance
  • Proven efficiency: can reduce wind speed by up to 75%
  • Charcoal grey colour polyester material with PVC coating
  • Fire resistant classification B-s2,d0 to EN 13501-1
  • Lightweight,strong and very durable: 1.25 kg/m2 total weight including fixings
  • Approx. 380 g/m2 weight of material
  • Caters for temperature range -30 °C to +70 °C. Max. temperature protection 70 °C
  • Designed to withstand wind speeds: standard 90 mph, maximum 120 mph (53 m/s)
  • Shields can be rolled into bales for easy handling, shipping and storage.

Fixings and Safety

The Galebreaker Industrial Fabric Wind Shield requires a sub-frame support structure (fixing to client built subframe adds typically 7.6 kg/m² in total for the subframe, material and fittings).All fixings are stainless steel marine grade (316 standard) or galvanised and protective wraps and safety wires are also installed as necessary.Single skin in construction, the PVC coated Polyester fabric shield features a patented built in tensioning system which means it is quick and easy to fit and tension.Click to download the PDF Data Sheet for Locker Fabric Wind Shield.
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Corrugated Shield

Corrugated Shield


Locker corrugated shield can be designed and configured for permanent protection from either heat or wind. As a result, both personnel and equipment can be protected from the harsh weather conditions or radiated heat experienced both onshore and offshore in the Oil and Gas Industry.

Heat Shielding Applications

For heatshielding applications, an open area of 32% results in a reduction of radiant heat by over 80% behind the corrugated heat shield.

Wind Shielding Applications

For windshielding applications, the corrugated panel has a single layer construction which can reduce the wind speed across the shield by over 75%.

Product Features


With an open area of 32%, the corrugated shield reduces radiant heat by over 80% behind the heat shield.

Manufactured from perforated 316L Stainless Steel, the heat shield panel is available in both single and double layer constructions, which can be used for a wide range of applications.

It is predominantly used where large repetition of panel sizes is required, and offers numerous connection options.

Whilst providing excellent protection against the effects of radiant heat, the heat shield also acts as an extremely effective wind shield barrier.

Key Features

  • Independently tested up to 20 kW/m2
  • Heat flux reduction in excess of 80% at 150mm behind the shield
  • All Stainless Steel Type 316L construction
  • Able to span large distances up to 4.5m between supporting steelwork
  • Wind speed reduction of 75%
  • Successfully load tested to wind speeds in excess of 140mph
  • Excellent light transmission and ventilation
  • Quick on-site installation and removal
  • Supplied complete with all necessary A4 Stainless Steel fasteners and isolation materials
  • Also ideal for permanent wind and weather protection.

Click to download the PDF Data Sheet for Locker Corrugated Heat Shield.

Manufactured from perforated 316L Stainless Steel, the Wind Shield panel is a single layer construction which can reduce the wind speed across the shield by in excess of 75%, without affecting light transmission and ventilation.

Key Features

  • Wind speed reduction of 75%
  • Load tested to represent wind speeds in excess of 140mph
  • Able to span large distances between supporting steelwork
  • All Stainless Steel type 316L construction
  • Ideal for permanent wind and weather protection
  • Excellent light transmission and ventilation
  • Also reduces radiant heat from offshore flares by more than 80%
  • Quick on-site installation and removal.

Load Test Deflection Results

Load Test
Weight (kg)
Equivalent Wind
Speed (MPH)
Deflection From Start (mm)
Point APoint BPoint C
00000
120601022
240851744
3601032355
4801183066
6001324089
720143651011

Click to download the PDF Data Sheet for Locker Corrugated Wind Shield.

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Mini Shield

Mini Shield


The Mini type shield is used as a permanent solution for protect both personnel and equipment from the harsh weather conditions experienced both onshore and offshore in the oil and gas industry.

'Mini' type shields are single layer construction providing benefits similar to the Ladder type, but intended for protection of equipment in areas where personnel will not come into direct contact with the radiant shields. They are typically used for small panels and complex shapes.

Product Features


Key Features

  • Designed primarily for protection of equipment.
  • Uses the same heavy duty radiant mesh as Ladder shields.
  • All stainless steel type 316L construction.
  • Lower cost and weight
  • Excellent light transmission
  • Excellent ventilation.
  • Quick on site installation and removal
  • Supplied complete with all necessary A4 Stainless Steel fasteners.

Click to download the PDF Data Sheet for Locker Mini Heat Shield.

The shield is of a single layer construction which can reduce the wind speed by up to 62% without affecting light transmission and ventilation. Protection against radiant heat is also provided.

Key Features

  • Wind efficiency 62%
  • Mesh Independently tested at wind speeds in excess of 100mph (87knots/h)
  • Complex and intricate designs can be accommodated easily
  • All stainless steel type 316L construction
  • Ideal for permanent wind and weather protection
  • Excellent light transmission and ventilation
  • Quick onsite installation and removal
  • Supplied complete with all necessary A4 Stainless Steel fasteners

Mini Shield: Wind Speed Reduction Test Results

Free Flow
Wind Speed
Speed Recorded
Behind Shield
Total Reduction
in Speed
Percentage
Reduction
(mph)(mph)(mph)(%)
53173668
82315162
87325563
94355963
97376062
101386362

Tabulated values are extracted from Test Report No. R11918. On completion of the wind speed test the mesh was fully inspected and no evidence of damage was identified.

Click to download the PDF Data Sheet for Locker Mini Wind Shield.

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Easy Connect Maintenance Shield

Easy Connect Maintenance Shield


Locker Heatshielding, in conjunction with our partners at Galebreaker, have developed a range of Heat and Wind shields which are aimed at the maintenance and short-term installation market.

Fixings and Safety


The shields incorporate a patented ratchet mechanism to tension panels in place. They are easily connected to existing platform steelwork, directly hooking to an aligned flange, using either Lindapter CF connection technology where a flange is perpendicular to the shield, or split clamp mechanisms for connecting to SHS.

Quick to install, the shields can be placed in any area where protection from radiant heat and adverse weather is required without the need for additional supporting steelwork. The Maintenance shield is supplied in standard lengths for installation in the majority of locations with additional extension pieces provided to extend the length as required. Extensions are attached using the ratchets on the rear which are then covered by flaps which are laced to the extensions to create a continuous shield.

On completion of the maintenance work the shields can easily be dismantled and stored away for the next scheduled work.

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