The insulation material – originally used in the oil and gas industry – has been further developed in collaboration with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA), leading professional resources in tunneling and leading professionals in polyurea. CEO Arild Apelthun hopes to contribute to safer tunnels.
- Together, we have developed a water and frost protection concept that is more effective and sustainable than traditional tunnel protection, and meets all safety requirements. This is very positive, and we hope the new mats can help improve safety in Norwegian tunnels, says CEO Arild Apelthun in Beerenberg.
All required testing has been done and documented to the NPRA and the new insulation mats have been installed in the Bratsberg railway tunnel in Vestfold and Telemark county, in addition to the Ibestad, Kågen and Maursund tunnels in Troms and Finnmark.
Sustainable development
For a number of years, Beerenberg has further developed products from the oil and gas industry for new areas of use in other markets, and has considerable expertise in the field. In this particular project, it quickly became clear that there were opportunities for a significant improvement in regards to current material use and installation methods. During the course of development, it also became clear that it was possible to make significant environmental savings in terms of reduced CO2 emissions, along with streamlining the implementation process.
- Beerenberg's insulation solutions for water and frost protection have potential for 60-70 percent CO2 emission savings compared to traditional solutions. Benefits also include reduced implementation time, flexibility during the implementation phase, safety and sustainability, says SVP Geir Harris.
Beerenberg is now experiencing a high demand for the new solution and has received several new orders.
- Through these projects, where we have successfully installed the new insulation mats, we have gained valuable experience and knowledge and are ready to take on larger projects going forward, says Harris.
Reduces the need for fire protection
Today, most tunnels are water- and frost-protected with materials that are both flammable and emit toxic gases in the event of a fire. These are traditionally fireproofed using concrete after assembly. With the insulation material from the oil & gas industry – which neither attracts water, is flammable nor emits toxic gases or smoke – there will no longer be a need for fire protection on top of the water and frost protection solution.
Develops insulation solutions for several industries
Beerenberg's independently developed insulation solutions in the Benarx® series have been a preferred product series in the oil & gas industry since the beginning of the 2000s. Tailor-made and efficient insulation solutions are now offered at competitive prices also within transport and tunnels and building and construction.