In this case study, we hear from Gordon Farquhar, consultant with Joulon LCAM (UAE), on his experience with installing Galebreaker’s offshore heat shielding solutions on multiple offshore rigs, including in Qatar.

Joulon LCAM is a globally recognised provider of asset solutions for the energy sector, specialising in improving the efficiency and performance of energy operations.  The company is a trusted partner to the offshore oil and gas industry, delivering asset management and maintenance solutions to an extensive portfolio of established clients.

The challenge

Installing heat shields on offshore oil rigs is a specialised skill with multiple challenges. “Over the years we’ve come across several issues when installing heat shields onboard drilling rigs, namely, restricted product availability, shipping time and customs, limited access and deck space availability.

“We’ve also come across issues with a lack of existing support structures, and excessive ambient temperatures during installation meaning crews need regular rehydration breaks,” Gordon explains.

“In the summer, temperatures can reach 50°C, and humidity levels can exceed 75%. Winter months can see persistent high winds – sometimes over 40 mph – and can last several weeks without easing. This restricts the use of cranes and overboard scaffolding, making installation even more difficult,” he says.

The team’s challenge is to ensure that heat shielding is installed effectively, given these constraints, while also safeguarding the crew working in such demanding conditions.

The solution: Galebreaker fabric heat shields

For his most recent installation on a jack-up rig – a mobile offshore drilling unit with extendable legs that can raise and lower its platform to allow it to work in shallow waters – Gordon chose Galebreaker’s heat shields. These were installed at main deck level, rising six metres high and positioned adjacent to the flare booms, where protection from radiant heat is most critical.

Flaring, the process of burning off excess gas during drilling, produces intense heat that can make surrounding areas unsafe for crew and damage rig structures.

“We opted for Galebreaker’s heat shields due to the flexibility of installation, technical specification, and its weather resistance,” says Gordon. “With the heat shield in place, crews can continue working safely in areas where flaring takes place, which would otherwise be impossible.”

The benefits go beyond this. Galebreaker’s fabric heat shields form a barrier against both extreme heat and high winds, improving day-to-day working conditions for offshore personnel and helping safeguard critical equipment.

Key features of Galebreaker offshore heat shields

• Temperature range: -30°C to +180°C
• Heat radiation protection: Up to 10 kW/m²
• Radiant heat reduction: Up to 86% (300mm behind the shield)
• Weight:5kg/m² (six times lighter than steel shields)
• Durability: UV and abrasion-resistant
• Up to 120mph wind load resistance
• Easy and fast, installation, with no welding required, uses marine-grade fixings and safety wires to prevent droppage
• Suitable for both temporary and permanent installations

Download heat protection technical data

Benefits of fabric heat shields over steel alternatives

One of the key advantages of Galebreaker fabric heat shields is their flexibility and ease of installation, compared to traditional steel shields.

Fabric shields are light and easy to transport, and quick to install. This made them the ideal choice for Joulon LCAM’s offshore installations, where space and crane limitations are common.

“Fabric heat shielding was chosen over traditional steel shields for several reasons,” Gordon explains. “Transporting steel shields from the UK to Qatar would have been problematic, whereas Galebreaker’s fabric shields can be rolled, packed, and transported much more easily. With fabric heat shielding, we can install the agreed support structure on-location, ahead of delivery, thus reducing installation time once the product is onboard.“

Key lessons learned

Through experience, Gordon’s team has refined the installation process for heat shields. One significant learning curve was adjusting the design to address issues with water ingress from the rig’s deluge system during flaring.

“On the first installation, we had a 300mm gap at the bottom of the heat shield, which caused water from the deluge system to enter the main deck.

“For future installations, we extended the fabric heat shield by 500mm below the lower fixing point, allowing any water to drain over the side of the rig instead of onto the main deck,” says Gordon.

Why choose Galebreaker?

Galebreaker worked closely with Joulon LCAM during the survey phase, offering valuable advice on the design and installation process.

“Galebreaker is an extremely professional organisation and have supported us from the tender phase, right through to design, manufacturing and shipping,” says Gordon.

“Galebreaker’s technical expertise and knowledge in their product guided us to the best end result, ensuring a ‘right first time’ approach on installation. I can’t recommend them highly enough.” 

Client feedback

The feedback from rig operators and crew has been overwhelmingly positive, Gordon notes.

“The feedback from the crews has been outstanding. The rigs here have never seen such improvements in working conditions,” Gordon reports.

“Our client has been so impressed with the system that they have committed to upgrading each rig in their fleet.”

Looking for effective heat shielding for offshore oil and gas rigs?

Whether for temporary or permanent protection, our heat shields are designed to withstand harsh offshore conditions, offering the highest quality marine-grade fixings, lightweight, flexible, and durable materials to ensure optimum safety and performance.

Contact our team today to learn more about how heat shielding can enhance your offshore operations.