Insulated Rails in Petroleum Dock Facilities

[efrain]

To prevent people fom falling of our docks, we installed metal rails at the edge of our docks. Thus we have metal rails between our pipe manifolds and loading/unloading ships or barges. To conform with regulations we install insulators at our manifolds. The problem that I have now is that we use rubber hoses with a spiral wound reinforced metal exterior. When a ship is loading/unloading the hoses touch the metal rails. Thus, the ship is no longer isolated from our docks. I wanted to know how other facilities deal with this problem.

 

[terasmies]

You might consider replacing conventional handrail with GRP such as manufactured by Lionweld Kennedy. This has been extensively used in Petrochemical onshore facilities. Not a cheap option though

 

[rexastexas]

I would consider using used marine rubber hose of slightly > diamter that the rail, secured with standard stainless steel banding clips at the ends and ~0.5m o.c., cut to allow for uprights. Actually, hose of nominally the same size as th rail should be able to envelope the top horizontal pipe. It can 'gap' at the bottom and does not have to meet. Also, if this rail supports the fuel hose(s), the upper horizontal may have to be 100mm to 160mm OD. If so just find a source of used marine grade, fiber reinforced rubber hose in this, or larger, dimeter. Slitting logitudinally won't be easy, as these hoses typicalally have wire or mesh reiniforcement but can be done, perhaps running through a gated table saw running a steel-cutting blade.

th above offeers simplicity, low cost, electrical disontiinuity (can also band w/ fiberglass or HDPE strapping iis SS gives you electrical discontinuity angst. I expect the ss strapping to ned up well below th surface when cinched up, but try severaal strapping materials to find what works best.

good luck,
rex