WORKING AT HEIGHTS - Wind Energy Network

SPONSORS OF TYNE & TEES FEATURE6 figure investmentfor BarrierBarrier Ltd, which is part of the BarrierGroup, has completed a significantnew investment to support thetransference of skills and technologyinto the offshore wind sector.steam that spreads and bonds therubberto Risers and J-Tubes. The vulcanisedrubber protects the componentsfrom corrosion and provides abrasionprotection.Barrier Group was formed in 1975 to carryout painting of structures to be installed aspart of the growing North Sea oil industry.The company has gone on to completemore than 200 major contracts, totallingmillions of square metres of surfaceprotection and has worked for most of theworld’s major oil companies.Further expansionMore recently the company has expandedits operations beyond the oilsector and the group now carriesout passive fire protection, metalspraying, powder coating andsub-sea insulation across theaerospace, marine and offshorerenewable energy sectors.The Wallsend-based company hasexpanded its Coatings Division to be ableto deliver neoprene coatings and rubberclamps for offshore wind towers.InvestmentAs part of a six-figure investment, Barrierhas introduced a 14 metre x 3 metrevulcanising vessel, which enables theprocess of applying rubber to externalRisers and J-Tubes, which are fitted tocollector platform jackets and larger deepwater wind turbines.The steam-driven vessel generatesconsiderable amounts of high-pressureIn addition, Barrier also has the capabilityto apply ribbed rubber to the internal partsof clamps, which are welded onto jacketsor wind turbines to hold the J-Tubes andRisers in place.Proven corrosion protectionprocessThe corrosion protection process usingvulcanised rubber is already used inthe oil & gas market, particularly in theNorwegian market. However, Barrierhas diversified the process to meet therequirements of the offshore wind sector,which has included up-skilling a team offifteen of its engineers.Paul Harriman, Managing Directorof Barrier Ltd, said: “While thisis a relatively new market for us,the principles of delivering highquality engineering solutionsare the same as we have beenapplying for nearly 40 years. Theability to diversify our productsand services is essential asenergy generation opportunitiesemerge and grow.“The offshore wind sector hasseen a lot of transference in its supplychain from the oil & gas sector. This hasbeen due to the technical expertise andextensive experience of companies likeBarrier, which have a proven track recordof successfully meeting the requirementsof contractors and operators.”He added: “We are very pleased with theinvestment we have made as it will openup new opportunities for the business andhelp establish a position in the offshorerenewables supply chain.”Barrier Groupwww.barriergroup.comwww.windenergynetwork.co.uk33