Made in Britain
Skidway Systems for Heavy Load Movement
Crossflon® skidway plates are manufactured by Beldam Crossley in the UK for the movement of topsides, jackets and other heavy fabrications. The skidway system combines the plate arrangement, mating surface and lubrication system for the load-out or launch operation.
We offer a range of Crossflon® skidway plates to suit customers individual requirements. A typical Crossflon® skidway plate consists of 2.5mm thick dimpled Crossflon® XF225 sheet hot cure factory bonded under controlled conditions to a 3mm thick carbon steel plate.
Crossflon® skidway plates are normally manufactured with a 25mm welding lip. This prevents the Crossflon® XF225 from being damaged when the Crossflon® skidway plates are tack welded into position. The PTFE / steel bond line and all upper exposed carbon steel surfaces are generally supplied coated with paint to protect against corrosion.
Information for your skidway specification
Provide the total load, load distribution, contact area, travel distance, mating surface, construction period and environmental conditions. Include drawings of the skid beams, shoes and installation arrangement so our team can review the proposed system.
Use the Crossflon® XF225 technical data alongside the configurations and installation guidance below. Confirm the application with our engineers before specifying a system.
We offer Crossflon® XF225 with dimples spread uniformly across the skidding surface. The purpose of the dimples is to retain Crossflon® XF500, an additional lubricant, during the construction periods and to assist in reducing the static and dynamic coefficient of friction.
Crossflon® skidway plates are generally manufactured with the edges of the Crossflon® XF225 chamfered to aid the transition of the timber skid shoes during a load-out or launch operation.
Typical Configurations
Images are for illustrative purposes only. Typical configurations shown. Alternative arrangements are available, please contact us for more information.
Skidway Plate – Dimpled
Typical Assembly:
2.5mm thick dimpled Crossflon® XF225 bonded to a 3mm thick carbon steel plate.
Typical Dimensions:
Crossflon® XF225: 950mm x 450mm.
Carbon Steel: 1000mm x 500mm.
Method of Installation:
Tack welding.
- Dimpled Crossflon® XF225
- Carbon / stainless steel
Skidway Plate – Dimpled & Chamfered
2.5mm thick dimpled Crossflon® XF225 bonded to a 3mm thick carbon steel plate.
Typical Dimensions:
Crossflon® XF225: 950mm x 450mm.
Carbon Steel: 1000mm x 500mm.
Method of Installation:
Tack welding.
- Dimpled Crossflon® XF225
- Carbon / stainless steel
Lubrication Systems
Crossflon® XF500 is a water repellent grease primarily developed as a lubrication aid for Crossflon® skidway plates, but also suitable for use in general engineering applications where low coefficient of friction and reduction in shear energy is required. It offers technical and commercial advantages over conventional greases such as silicone oil.
We recommend the use of Crossflon® XF100 membrane to reduce the initial static friction caused by absorbent timber skid shoes, lengthy construction periods, uneven loading and construction site debris.
Skidway System – Fabrication Yard
- Crossflon® skidway plates – dimpled & chamfered.
- Crossflon® XF500 lubricant.
- Crossflon® XF100 membrane.
Skidway System – Launch Barge
- Crossflon® skidway plates – dimpled & chamfered.
- Crossflon® XF500 lubricant.
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Installation Guide
Stage 1
Crossflon® skidway plates are tack welded to the skid beam generally in an offset configuration. This is to distribute pressure more evenly during a load-out or launch operation.
Stage 2
Crossflon® XF500 lubricant is applied to the surface of the Crossflon® XF225 and then a layer of Crossflon® XF100 membrane is rolled into position.
Stage 3
Once the Crossflon® XF100 membrane has been installed, the timber skid shoes can be lowered into place for construction to commence.
Skidway Systems – Technical Data
Figure 1: Coefficient of Friction (Static & Dynamic) vs. Distance Travelled
Typical coefficient of friction values are 5 to 8% for static (breakout) and 2 to 5% for dynamic (skidding). These values are based upon the correct installation of the Crossflon® skidway plates, surface finish of the timber skid shoes and the application of a Crossflon® lubrication system.
Actual coefficient of friction values recorded during the load-out of a 32,000 tonne jacket on a Crossflon® skidway system were 5% for static (breakout) and 3% for dynamic (skidding).
Figure 2: Skidway Recessed Design – Max Operating Pressure of PTFE Materials
Figure 3: Skidway Non-Recessed Design – Max Operating Pressure Comparison
Figure 4: Performance Material Comparison
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