This 10' x 250' section of fiberglass operating aisle platform was fabricated and preassembled by Strongwell utilizing EXTREN^® Series 625 structurals and molded grating. The platforms were shipped to Saudi Arabia for use in the caustic chlorine plant portion of a $3.6 billion petrochemical project. Four fiberglass operating aisle walkways of similar design are utilized between chlorine cells. This project was managed and procured by Fluor Corporation of Irvine, California. The design of the chlorine facilities was by Dravo Corporation of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Choosing materials to use in the chlorine manufacturing area was critical because of safety and corrosion factors. Fiberglass was chosen because of its resistance to the extremely corrosive environment which includes sodium hydroxide, chlorine and hydrochloric acid. Though sodium hydroxide will attack glass, the synthetic polyester surfacing veil and resin rich surface of the structural shapes provide sufficient protection against this caustic agent. Another fiberglass feature utilized was the material’s non-conductivity. Since the electrolysis can produce up to six million volts DC, the use of conductive materials was minimized by design.

In addition to the aisle platforms, Strongwell also provided ladders, ladder cages, handrail systems and electrical barriers for the project.

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