Fireproofing materials

There are numerous fireproofing materials available on the marketplace and the selection of the material involved is based on the application and advantages versus disadvantages of each over an economic factor. Usually no single material is ideally suited for a particular application, and an evaluation of the cost, durability, weatherability, and combination of factors is necessary. 

Cementitious materials use a hydraulically setting cement such as Portland cement as a binder with a filler material of good insulation properties, e.g., verminculite, perlite, etc. Concrete us frequently used for fireproofing because it is easily installed, readily available, is quite durable and generally economical compared to other methods. It is heavy compared to other materials and requires more steel to support that other methods. 

concrete blocks, or pre-cast cement aggregate panels have been commonly used in the past. These materials tend to be labor intensive to install and are less economical than other methods. 

Stainless steel hollow panels filled with mineral wool are fabricated in precise dimensions to withstand the specified fire exposure. Typically electrical equipment must operate within a specified level for a period of time when a fire exposure occurs and is protected by such enclosures. 

These can be inorganic materials such as calcium silicate, mineral wool, diatomaceous earth or perlite and mineral wool. If provided as an assembly they are fitted with steel panels or jackets. These are woven noncombustible or flame retardant materials the provide insulation properties to fire barrier for the blockage of heat transfer. 

---

Petersen, H., Ureidomethyl Phosphonic Dihalides for Fireproofing Materials, West German Patent Application 1,817,337, 1970. 

Water sprays are sometimes used instead of fireproofing where the fireproofing application may be considered detrimental to the situation or uneconomical to achieve. Typical examples are the surface of pressure vessels or piping where metal thickness checks are necessary, structural facilities that cannot accept additional loads of fireproofing materials due to dead weight or wind loads, inaccessibly of the surface for application of fireproofing, or impracticability of fireproofing application. 

Common Petroleum Industry Fireproofing Material Applications... 

Choosing the level of protection (based on appropriate standard test procedures) that should be provided by fireproofing material for specific equipment, based on the needs analysis. 

Each type of fire proofing system uses a different combination of materials with various physical and chemical properties. Selection of fireproofing materials... 

Compatibility—stainless steel and aluminum are susceptible to corrosion from exposure to agents that can be in certain fireproofing material, especially chlorine. 

Toxicity—certain application materials contain toxic substances 7.3.2.6. Types of Fireproofing Materials... 

Fireproofing materials should be applied directly from their original... 

Satisfactory performance of the fireproofing material over its expected lifetime depends on the user s and the applier s knowledge of materials and application techniques and on continuing inspection by qualified personnel. Specifically, once a fireproofing system has been chosen, it is imperative that personnel involved in each phase of the project be familiar with the relevant aspects of the manufacturer s requirements and specifications. 

Hold-down lugs or anchor bolts for vessels and columns should be coated with corrosion-protective mastic prior to application of the fireproofing material. 

Fireproofing may also be used as passive protection for pressure vessels. Fireproofing reduces the fire exposure heat input to the protected vessel and the rate of increase of the vessel wall temperature. Outside surfaces of vessels that may be exposed to fire should be covered with a fireproofing material having a fire endurance rating of 2 hours. Refer to Chapter 7 for additional information on fireproofing. 

Visually check for the loss of fireproofing materials as a result of mechanical abuse. 

When the fireproofing material is applied, coat and set aside several pieces of structural steel for periodic fire-testing over the expected life of the coating (this is not necessary with rigid box or flexible contaminant systems). 

Fireproofing—Materials or application of materials to provide a degree of fire resistance to protected substrates. 

---