Above Ground Fiberglass Valve Vault Case Study

Equipment Protection at High Elevation

Located in a valley along the Piceance Basin, this custom fiberglass valve vault sits at 6,000 feet above sea level, offering vital protection for control valves and piping used in the treatment and reuse system for water produced from oil and gas operations. In higher elevations, extreme weather conditions can threaten the functionality of sensitive equipment, making robust protection essential.

In oil and gas operations, water treatment and reuse systems are critical for minimizing environmental impact and conserving water. Control valves play a key role in regulating the flow of produced water through various stages of treatment. These valves are essential for maintaining the appropriate pressure and flow rates needed to ensure the efficient operation of the water treatment system, preventing contamination and facilitating the safe reuse of water.

This 8' x 14' x 6' fiberglass enclosure protects these control valves from exposure to extreme weather, ensuring the system operates reliably year-round. Without adequate protection, freezing temperatures could damage the valves and disrupt the water treatment process, leading to costly repairs and downtime.

Protection From The Elements At High Elevations

Fiberglass shelters are a practical solution for safeguarding critical equipment in harsh environments, particularly in high-elevation areas where temperatures drop dramatically and the weather can be unforgiving with heavy snow, high winds, and moisture.

Fiberglass offers excellent insulative properties, ensuring heat retention even in frigid conditions. This custom fiberglass valve vault, built with 1-1/2" insulation and a field-installed heater, maintains an interior temperature well above freezing, safeguarding equipment from the damaging effects of cold weather. Even with the interior heated to 70°F, the insulation is so effective that snow remains unmelted on the roof, demonstrating its superior performance in high-altitude environments.

Fiberglass valve vaults are resistant to wind and moisture, further enhancing their durability in cold-weather regions. Unlike traditional materials, fiberglass does not rust, corrode, or deteriorate when exposed to harsh weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for equipment protection in remote, elevated locations.

Custom Design and Easy Access

The fiberglass shelter was custom-built to meet the specific needs of the project. Instead of traditional doors, it features four hatches, two on each long wall, held open by gas springs. These hatches allow technicians easy access to the equipment inside while offering some protection from the elements. The access panels are securely locked with pad-lockable 2-point hardware when not in use.

To ensure the shelter blends seamlessly with its surroundings, Shelter Works color-matched the building to a custom "Light Stone" color requested by the client. This attention to detail enhances the shelter's visual appeal and demonstrates the flexibility of fiberglass shelters in meeting both functional and aesthetic requirements.

Why Shelter Works

Randy Kenyon, Professional Engineer for CGRS, Inc., shared his satisfaction with the shelter, noting that it "is working very well." The building's effectiveness in extreme weather and insulation capabilities exceeded expectations, making it a reliable solution for protecting vital control valve equipment.