Modern offshore energy operations rely on secure and durable enclosures to protect high-voltage connections from harsh environmental conditions.
In both onshore and offshore hazardous environments, these enclosures play a critical role in ensuring the reliability and safety of electrical systems.
Given the global nature of this industry, the need for robust sealing solutions that can withstand extreme weather, saltwater exposure, and fluctuating temperatures is paramount.
The Off-Shore Sealing Challenge
A leading manufacturer of high-voltage electrical enclosures for the energy industry required a high-performance silicone sealing solution for use within hazardous offshore oil and gas environments.
Their enclosures are designed to house offshore umbilical cables, onshore distribution systems, and fibre optic or control cables, all of which require superior protection against moisture ingress, temperature variations, and environmental exposure.
The customer approached Silicone Engineering to provide a material solution that could effectively seal the enclosure and maintain an IP66/67 rating, ensuring reliable performance in extreme offshore conditions.
Innovative Silicone Sealing Solution for Offshore High-Voltage Enclosures
To meet the stringent requirements of the application, Silicone Engineering supplied expanSil™ GP350 closed cell extrusion, a high-performance silicone material specifically designed for harsh environments. Key benefits of this solution include:
- IP66/67 Rating Compliance – expanSil™ GP350 is capable of meeting IP66/67 and can ensure complete protection against dust ingress and powerful water jets or submersion.
- Environmental Resistance – Provides superior durability against water, UV exposure, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Optimised Thermal Management – Works in conjunction with a thermostat-controlled heater to prevent condensation build-up inside the enclosure.
- Flexible and Durable Sealing – The extrusion is fitted into the channel of the electrical enclosure, forming a secure, long-lasting seal.
Long-Term Performance and Protection: The Impact of expanSil™ GP350
By integrating expanSil™ GP350 closed cell extrusion into their enclosure design, the customer successfully enhanced the durability and reliability of their high-voltage systems in offshore hazardous environments.
The silicone’s ability to withstand harsh conditions while maintaining an effective seal ensured long-term performance and compliance with industry safety standards.
