NBK-OILGAS-1405
nabakcomposite.com
Technical & Engineering Guide for the Energy Industry
Application of FRP and GRP Composite Profiles
in the Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Industry
Engineering analysis of composite grating flooring, safety handrail, cable tray, and support structures — from the perspective of oil and gas process
engineers, designers, structural engineers, contractors, and HSE inspectors — for offshore, refinery, and petrochemical facilities
01
Why the oil, gas & petrochemical environment is harsh on metal
02
Four key engineering properties and technical comparison with metals
03
Specific applications in industrial facilities
04
Standards and multidisciplinary engineering acceptance
Nabak Composite — Composite Solutions for a More Resilient Tomorrow
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NBK-OILGAS-1405 · Application of FRP in Oil, Gas & Petrochemical
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Composite Solutions for a More Resilient Tomorrow
Page 01 / 04
Chapter One — The Engineering Case for FRP in Oil, Gas & Petrochemical
Resilient Infrastructure for the Harshest Environments; FRP and GRP Profiles in Oil, Gas & Petrochemical
The oil, gas, and petrochemical industries represent one of the harshest operating environments in industry: simultaneous exposure to
saline marine humidity, corrosive vapors and acids, intense sun exposure in desert regions, and the safety risks of hazardous
zones with flammable gases and vapors (ATEX). Traditional metal structures rapidly suffer corrosion,
loss of strength, and high maintenance costs under such conditions. Nabak Composite's FRP and GRP
profiles — combining chemical resistance, electrical insulation, light weight, and long service life — have become an engineering solution
of choice for flooring, handrail, cable tray, and ancillary structures in this industry.
No Corrosion
Resistant to saline moisture
and chemical vapors
Non-Conductive
Electrical safety in
sensitive facility zones
UV Resistant
Color and strength stability
in desert and offshore regions
Lightweight & Strong
Reduced structural load and
easier installation and handling
1Why the Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Environment Is Harsh on Metal?
Metal Structures in Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Facilities
- Rapid corrosion when exposed to saline moisture and chemical vapors
- Electrical safety risk near live equipment
- Color fading and surface degradation under continuous desert sun exposure
- High weight; requires heavier support structures
- High cost and operational downtime for periodic repair and maintenance
Nabak Composite FRP / GRP Profile
- High chemical and corrosion resistance in marine and acidic environments
- Complete electrical insulation; reduced risk of electric shock and sparking
- Color and surface strength stability under sunlight with UV-stable resin
- Lightweight; reduced structural load and easier handling and installation
- Reduced maintenance cycle over the project's service life
◆
In the image above, a worker is shown passing beneath the piping structure of a refinery unit — with yellow FRP composite beams beside
spherical gas storage tanks — an example of pipe rack applications, where the light weight, chemical resistance, and
electrical non-conductivity of FRP are all equally important.
NBK-OILGAS-1405 · Technical Summary of Key Properties
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Composite Solutions for a More Resilient Tomorrow
Page 02 / 04
2Four Key Engineering Properties for This Industry
The choice of FRP for oil, gas, and petrochemical applications stems from the convergence of four engineering properties, each
valuable on its own, but together forming a comprehensive solution for this industry: chemical resistance and corrosion protection
from vinyl ester/polyester resin against acids, alkalis, and saline moisture; inherent electrical insulation of glass
fiber and resin, eliminating the risk of sparking and electric shock in facilities; high strength-to-weight ratio, which
reduces support structure load and transport cost; and UV resistance for reliable performance
in desert and offshore regions under continuous sun exposure.
FRP grating walkway on an offshore platform — performance under harsh marine conditions
Performance summary of Nabak FRP/GRP profiles versus stainless steel, galvanized steel, and aluminum in oil and gas environments
| Engineering Property |
FRP / GRP (Nabak) |
316 Stainless Steel |
Galvanized Steel |
Aluminum |
| Resistance to saline marine moisture |
High | High | Low | Medium |
| Chemical resistance (acid/alkali) |
High | Medium | Low | Low |
| Electrical insulation |
Complete | None | None | None |
| Strength-to-weight ratio |
High | Medium | Medium | High |
| Color stability under desert sun |
High | High | Low | Medium |
| Long-term maintenance cost |
Low | Medium | High | Medium |
Resin selection (vinyl ester for severe chemical conditions, or isophthalic polyester for general-purpose use) based on the
specific conditions of the industrial unit is recommended by Nabak Composite's technical department.
NBK-OILGAS-1405 · Specific Applications in Facilities
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Composite Solutions for a More Resilient Tomorrow
Page 03 / 04
3Specific FRP Applications in Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Facilities
Grating FlooringSlip- and corrosion-resistant walkways and operating platforms
Handrail & Safety GuardingPlatform and walkway edge protection with complete electrical insulation
Cable Tray & LadderNon-conductive routing for power and instrumentation cables
Pipe Support StructureLightweight supports and frames for process piping
ATEX ZonesSpark-free equipment and structures for hazardous atmospheres
FRP flooring and handrail at a desert oil field — simultaneous resistance to sun and corrosion
Visual comparison of rusted steel and Nabak's FRP solution in the same marine environment
NBK-OILGAS-1405 · Standards and Engineering Acceptance
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Composite Solutions for a More Resilient Tomorrow
Page 04 / 04
4Reference Industry Standards
ASTM D638 / D790
Tensile and flexural testing of pultruded composite profiles
ASTM E84 / D635
Surface flame spread and resin self-extinguishing classification
ASTM D4181
Specification for pultruded FRP grating
ISO 14125 / 527
Mechanical property testing of fiber-reinforced composites
NORSOK M-501
Coating and corrosion resistance requirements for offshore equipment
5Multidisciplinary Engineering Acceptance of This Solution
⛽
Industry PerspectiveOil, Gas & Petrochemical Process Engineer
From a process engineering standpoint, choosing FRP for ATEX zones carries significant safety value due to its non-conductive,
spark-free nature; the chemical compatibility of the resin with hydrocarbons, acidic vapors, and refinery/petrochemical operating
conditions is ensured in advance through proper resin selection (vinyl ester or isophthalic). Eliminating corrosion under
insulation (CUI) in pipe support equipment and reducing structural fire load compared to some other polymeric materials
are further reasons this solution is accepted in the process safety design of energy facilities.
Fast installation with hand tools and lightweight components; reduces the need for cranes and shortens unit downtime during repairs and expansion.
A full range of standard sections (angle, channel, beam, grating) for integrated design of flooring, handrail, and ancillary unit structures.
Mechanical properties and load ratings compliant with international standards, suitable for reference in load analysis of support structures and flooring.
✓
Project / HSE Supervisor
Complete electrical insulation and non-conductivity reduce spark risk in ATEX zones; compliant with process facility safety requirements.
◆
Nabak Composite offers a complete range of FRP/GRP composite profiles, grating flooring, handrail, and cable tray suited to the
technical, process, and safety requirements of the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries — from offshore platforms to desert
fields and refinery units — supported by technical documentation and test certificates.