In addition to a wide range of products, such as anchor buoys, dredging equipment, and navigation aids, Floatex carries out work on large pipes coated with polyurethane elastomer, which makes them more resistant to abrasion. These pipes, about 12 metres long each, carry the oil from oil platforms to tankers from the bottom of the sea. As a result, they need a special coating to keep them intact.

In order to spray the polyurethane on these pipes, Floatex decided to create a dedicated temporary retractable painting booth and installed a Ready Box 6 retractable tunnel (W: 15 m, L: 6 m, H: 6.6 m) designed by the Italian company Giulio Barbieri S.r.l.

"To get an optimal result during the preparation and spraying of polyurethane, we must make sure that as little air enters as possible. For this reason, we have created a controlled atmosphere area equipped with a suction system that is always monitored in accordance with applicable law", says the Floatex S.r.l. spokesperson.

"We don't carry out these works on a regular basis.  It depends on the needs of our customers, who can request it on a daily or even monthly basis. In addition, the pipes are very large: 12 meters in length and a maximum of 1 meter in diameter. We use a forklift truck to handle them and it requires ample room to manoeuvre inside our warehouses."

"For this reason, we preferred to set up a temporary retractable painting booth. The structure remains closed while we put the pipes into position. Once these are in place, we open the tunnel, creating a hermetically insulated chamber with a suction system that guarantees optimal ventilation and atmospheric pressure. We are 100% satisfied with this solution."

In doing so, Floatex improved its internal operations and optimised space and cost by avoiding the installation of a larger permanent structure.

"Increasingly more often Italian companies choose their suppliers very carefully and tend to prefer simple and safe solutions, avoiding unforeseen costs and waste of money and space," says Luca Barbieri, commercial director of Giulio Barbieri S.r.l

"Floatex is a leading Italian company marine supply and we are very proud to have contributed to improving their productivity with the help of our tunnel!
Due to the quality and strength of the materials, our retractable structures are perfectly comparable to permanent structures and offer several additional advantages. Since there are no foundations, it is always possible to move the tunnels according to the logistical needs of the moment.
Once a structure has been purchased, it is possible to add modules and make modifications. The cover sheet is divided into modules which are easily replaced in case of breakage. The set up requires just a few days and does not hinder the regular production activities. Last but not least, in comparison to all metal and PVC sheet structures, a retractable tunnel has the greatest possibility of falling into the category of temporary structures that can be installed without a municipal permit. However, every municipal administration has its own legislation, so you should always check with the relevant governing bodies."

A close look at Floatex S.r.l.

Floatex S.r.l., located in Provaglio d'Iseo (BS) Italy, was founded in 1976 and occupies an area of 11000 square meters, of which production departments and offices cover 5000 square meters.
The main material used by the company is plastic.
Its products brought numerous benefits to various markets, such as the shipping aid sector, general offshore and deep-sea, state-of-the-art technology for aquaculture facilities, etc.
Since 1976, Floatex S.r.l. is among the pioneers in the manufacture of products built using the method of rotational moulding. In recent years, the company has grown and diversified its stock by establishing itself in the production of composite materials among other things and becoming a supplier of components for racing cars.
Currently Floatex S.r.l. comprises several divisions and is well sponsored on the world market by experienced agents and representative offices.