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    European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK

    Access Platforms

    Project Overview

    Designed, fabricated and installed by Dura Composites, this GRP access platform facilitates critical electrical equipment inspections at the substation for this offshorre wind farm in Aberdeen, Scotland.

    Enabling regular inspections using non-conductive GRP platforms.

    The gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) at this windfarm protects the wind turbines from overloads and short circuits and is a critical piece of machinery. Instruments located on top of the switchgear must be regularly inspected and maintained, and safe access for on-site personnel is paramount – but site limitations in this instance presented complex challenges which Dura Composites were able to solve.

    The shape and size of the unit made it impossible to use usual design methods, so following a consultation with their design team, Dura Composites’ engineers were able to perform an analysis which resulted in the selection of a single heavy-duty handrail and beam to connect two end frames, created from Dura Profile, and support the Dura Grating floor panels. The finished design had several conflicts with the usual standards used to build plant access platforms, but with their significant design, fabrication and installation expertise, Dura Composites was confident that it would meet the client’s exacting requirements. A design Risk Assessment was conducted to identify and mitigate any residual risk, and the design was altered to incorporate a self-closing door before being presented for approval.

    Installation by Dura overcame access challenges.

    With approval granted, fabrication could commence, with the Dura Install Team cutting the Dura Grating flooring panels in situ to allow them to fit around the tricky format of the switchgear. Whilst the end client benefited from the eliminations of residual risk when maintaining the GIS, Dura Composites client J. Murphy & Sons also benefitted from a completed managed package that provided a hassle-free, safe and non-conductive bespoke solution to a complex problem.

    Contractor

    J. Murphy & Sons

    Installer

    European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre

    Products

    Standard Mesh GRP Grating
    GRP Structural Profiles

    Services

    Installation
    Design & Engineering

    The platform was delivered and installed as planned. We’d like to commend your installation team for a proactive approach and professional attitude.

    Andrew Gaft MSc MIET MAPM

    Project Manager at J. Murphy & Sons Limited

    Aberdeen Bay Wind Farm

    Our Specialists

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