Solmax, the world’s leading geosynthetics company, has partnered with Rock Armour LLC and will introduce its rockshield pipeline protection offering to the oil and gas industry. RockArmour is a conductive geomembrane material designed to shield pipelines from rock impact damage during backfilling and problems caused by land movement after pipeline installation.

RockArmour is made of a perforated, conductive low-density polyethylene geomembrane that exceeds the industry standards in impact resistance and tear strength. The core layer provides the impact and tears strength, while the inner layer is textured and conductive. The perforation allows for cathodic protection current to protect against damage on the coated pipe surface, according to a press release by Solmax.

In addition, RockArmour has definite cost efficiency and safety advantages in comparison with other products. It is installed with a specially designed attachment, increasing safety and minimising handling time and job site labour.

“Solmax has a long-standing relationship with RockArmour and we are excited about combining our manufacturing and technical expertise to bring the RockArmour product to market,” said Mathieu Cornellier, vice president technical services & business development of Solmax. “RockArmour provides a protective rockshield solution to a common problem of maintaining pipe safety during trenching, laying pipe and backfilling as well as long-term integrity. Our customers will be able to protect their midstream oil and gas assets more efficiently and safely.”

“With RockArmour, contractors may save as much as 75 per cent in labour costs and maintain or exceed the run rate required to stay ahead in the field, essentially giving contractors more miles for less,” concluded Cornellier. (PC)