Rig mats are portable platforms used for oil rigs and other large-scale equipment. They protect the ground and enable workers to work in various conditions. They can be made of wood, steel, rubber, or composite materials. They are used in mining, construction, and other industries. They provide stable work surfaces and protect the environment.
A rig mat is a portable structural support or platform used for oil rigs and other large-scale equipment, such as construction equipment. It typically consists of wood, steel, or rubber and is used to both protect the Earth and enable workers to work in a variety of conditions. For example, a mat used in an onshore oil rig could allow users to extract oil during wet or rainy seasons when the ground would otherwise be too unstable to support the necessary equipment and personnel.
While rig mats are commonly associated with oil drilling, they can also be used in other industrial applications. They can be used to provide safe and stable work surfaces on ice or wetlands for those working in the mining industry. The mats can also be used by contractors or other work crews as a solid foundation for equipment or materials that need to be stored. These mats can be used as temporary roads for vehicles traversing dangerous terrain or could even serve as helicopter landing pads in remote locations.
Types of materials used to make rig mats
The simplest mats feature a steel frame with wooden crossbars used to create the working platform. While steel and wood mats can serve as effective options for basic projects, they tend to be very heavy and can be expensive. Their weight could make them difficult to transport and they often require special equipment to position them in place.
A simple wooden mat serves as an inexpensive and lightweight alternative to a steel-framed unit. However, wooden models may not be able to support higher loads and may be subject to frequent damage and repairs. Some users in light industrial applications choose softwood mats because they are generally biodegradable and can be left in place when a project is complete.
Modern businesses often rely on composite mat designs that combine high strength with light weights. For example, a molded rubber mat can be used as both a work surface and a temporary roadway, and can weigh less than a steel-framed mat. Composite or rubber floor mats often feature an interlocking edge design, which allows them to fit together for greater versatility.
Reasons for using Rig Mats
Companies use rig mats for a variety of reasons. These mats help extend the drilling season by allowing workers to drill when ground conditions are unfavorable. They also create stable and even work surfaces in areas where the ground might be hard or where it is difficult to work in the terrain. A company might also choose a rig mat simply for the protection it offers to the environment. A rig mat distributes the weight of equipment and vehicles to protect the ground below and could help contain contaminants so they can be cleaned up before they enter the ground below.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
