TRADING & AGENCY PRODUCTS - PRODUCTS / SYSTEMS - DROPPING OBJECTS PROTECTION STRUCTURES

As aluminium has very good energy absorbing properties, it is very well suited for dropped object protection structures.

Marine Aluminium have supplied subsea structures for protecting pipelines from falling objects, and also from fishing equipment.

The structures’ greatest advantage is that they can be installed using a much smaller and cheaper crane vessel than for other types of protections. Subsea hatches in aluminium can also be operated by a smaller ROV than for similar steel structures.

The corrosion properties of aluminium in submerged condition is well documented and can be designed for up to 25 years design life.

The structure on the right picture is an example of a subsea protection structure that was taken from the seabed after 15 years of service. It did not show any significant signs of corrosion.

On the topsides, the dropped object protections are used for protecting decks or equipment. They can be made in small panels or large protective decks. They are especially used where swinging objects may be lifted above critical equipment.

The panels can be designed to withstand the load from falling objects like drill collars, containers etc.