ScourMat

Tides and currents cause erosion of the seabed adjacent to solid objects.This erosion is know as scour. Scour affects the stability of pipelines and subsea structures and can also cause considerable damage to coastal areas. ScourMat is a natural way to rebuild the seabed. ScourMat can also be used for freespan correction where erosion has occurred underneath a pipeline.

ScourMat is made from a series of polypropylene fronds attached to a polypropylene net and linked by a framing network of webbing which extends around the periphery and crosses the mat at regular intervals. A number of specially designed anchors are attached to the webbing. ScourMat requires no maintenance as the polypropylene fronds will not degrade in seawater. The components are inert and will have no adverse effect on marine life or the environment.

Underwater, the ScourMat fronds open out to form a fan-like array which slows down the local current and causes suspended particulate matter to settle. This matter accumulates over time to build up a sand or sediment bank, effectively reinstating the seabed. This fibre-reinforced bank will then resist further erosion. ScourMat is designed to be diver-friendly. Installation is simple and cost-effective.

Anchors are driven into the seabed to a depth of 1m by a spigot attached to a standard hand-held hydraulic hammer.

Secure stabilisation of the ScourMat is critical, particularly at the early stages following installation. In recognition of this, FoundOcean has designed an anchoring system with a substantial holding capacity.

Additional mid span scourmats can be installed to reduce free span to acceptable lengths.