Tufcoat, the Plymouth based supplier of industrial transport and storage covers, has completed one of the largest packaging projects of it's kind in the UK.
[UKPRwire, Thu Jul 24 2008] Tufcoat, the Plymouth based supplier of industrial transport and storage covers, has completed one of the largest packaging projects of it's kind in the UK. Two oil & gas 'cold box' modules, manufactured by Air Products for Chevron Corporation, required protection for storage and shipping to Nigeria.
The modules are 68m (223') long, 7.5m (25') wide and up to 13m (43') high. Chevron specified that each should be completely encapsulated and that any covering should be able to withstand severe weather conditions. Tufcoat was selected because it's heat-shrinkable coverings tightly mould to the product underneath, which ensures they cannot flap and 'self destruct', even at high wind speeds.
Using a team of Tufcoat approved installers, a bottom sheet of 8m (26') wide shrink wrap was first rolled out underneath the module and temporarily held in place using strapping. 14m (46') wide x 30m (164') long sheets were then unrolled over the roof and each side of the module. As each 14m strip was installed it was heat welded to the bottom sheet to create a water tight seal. Finally, the entire cover, almost 2500 square metres, was heat shrunk 'drum tight' using hot air guns.
Tufcoat, an ISO9001:2000 accredited company, is based in Plymouth, and provides industrial shrink wrapping supplies, equipment and training services.
Industrial shrink wrapping describes the technique of covering a large product with a heavy duty plastic film. The film is heat shrunk using a hand held hot air gun to create a tightly fitting and moulded covering which cannot flap or chafe. Once the cover is no longer required it is removed and disposed of for recycling.
Tufcoat specialises in extra wide films for the packaging of the largest industrial products. It is the only company in the UK to stock a 14 metre wide shrink wrap film. Ultra Violet Inhibitor (UVI) means that wrapped products can be stored outside for up to 2 years whilst EVA prevents the film becoming brittle at low temperatures.
Tufcoat films are used in the aerospace, rail, construction, marine, military and oil & gas markets.
