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Corrosion-Resistant Fiberglass SCADA SheltersCase Study

Long Lasting Protection for SCADA Equipment

fiberglass shelters, fiberglass SCADA shelters, fiberglass equipment shelters

For more than 30 years, Shelter Works has manufactured durable fiberglass (FRP) buildings engineered to protect critical field equipment used in natural gas distribution. Utilities rely on these FRP enclosures to ensure their equipment operates reliably in areas prone to harsh weather, vandalism, and corrosive environments.

One Midwestern natural gas distribution company recently replaced several aging metal structures with Shelter Works fiberglass equipment shelters. The utility selected FRP buildings to provide long-term protection for their SCADA assemblies, communication hardware, electrical panels, and associated field instrumentation. They chose fiberglass for its dependable performance in secluded locations and its ability to maintain stable interior conditions regardless of climate, weather, and other site conditions.

Fiberglass vs Metal

The utility initiated the replacement program after multiple steel buildings exhibited advanced corrosion, coating failure, and rising maintenance demands. Steel exposed to moisture, chlorides, and freeze–thaw cycling deteriorates quickly, increasing maintenance costs for repainting, surface treatment, and structural repair.

A fiberglass building eliminates these issues. FRP construction does not rust, peel, or require periodic coating maintenance. It provides excellent corrosion resistance in both atmospheric and ground-contact conditions, making it well-suited for natural gas sites exposed to UV radiation, moisture, chemical contaminants, and seasonal temperature swings. Shelter Works FRP buildings offer a long-term solution that provides a lower lifetime cost of ownership.

FRP Control Buildings for Critical Natural Gas Infrastructure

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems provide centralized monitoring and control for natural gas distribution networks. SCADA receives real-time data from pressure regulators, flow meters, odorization systems, and other process components installed across multiple locations. The instrumentation operates continuously and must provide accurate input; therefore, utilities require control buildings that can maintain stable interior conditions and protect sensitive electronics from environmental exposure that could compromise system performance.

A typical SCADA control building can range from 8' x 10' to 10' x 16' and weighs between 2,000 and 4,000 pounds, depending on the assembly. These FRP enclosures deliver ample interior space for critical electronics and safety systems, while providing the strength and durability needed for decades of service in natural gas distribution applications.

Advantages of Shelter Works FRP Buildings

Shelter Works designs each FRP building to provide dependable protection for SCADA systems and other natural gas field equipment. Key advantages include:

  • Corrosion Resistant – Withstands exposure to moisture, chemicals, and harsh environmental conditions.
  • Low Maintenance – Does not require routine maintenance or application of inhibitors.
  • Structural Strength – Manufactured with proprietary FiberBeam™ technology, ensuring reliable longevity.
  • Lightweight - Simplifies installation, decreases shipping costs, and reduces foundation requirements.
  • Energy Efficient – Insulation regulates temperatures and humidity within the shelter, protecting electronics.
  • Customizable – Shelters can be designed and manufactured to meet the needs of the application. Additional structural support for hanging equipment, access and accommodations for field equipment, and increased insulation for temperature extremes.
  • Durability – Fiberglass construction resists UV, wind, freeze–thaw cycles, and long-term weathering. Ideal in remote locations.
  • Warranty – Shelter Works offers an industry-leading 25 year warranty

Why Shelter Works

Shelter Works fiberglass buildings routinely outlast the equipment they protect, helping utilities lower lifecycle costs through corrosion resistance, reduced maintenance, and sustained structural performance. For natural gas operators, fiberglass control buildings deliver a dependable, long-term solution for protecting SCADA systems and other critical field equipment.