Passive protection systems fireproofing

A passive fire protection system requires no action to occur for it to function per its design intent. Examples of passive fire protection methods are fireproofing, spill containment, and physical separation of units and buildings. 

Measures to reduce the impact of fire include active and passive systems. Active systems include automatic sprinkler, water deluge, water mist, gaseous agent, dry chemical, foam, and standpipe handle systems. Passive protection is provided by fire resistive construction, including spray-applied or cementitious fireproofing of steel, concrete/masonry construction, and water-filled steel columns. Chapter 7 provides details on the design of fire protection systems. 

Fire resistant insulating material can provide passive protection for both vertical and horizontal structural steel members. The level or rating of fire resistance should be consistent to the expected fire duration. Where only fire resistant insulating material will be used, the material and its installation system should be specified to have a 2- to 3-hour fire rating (UL 1709). In applications using a combination of fixed water spray or sprinkler protection and fire resistant insulation, a 1- to 2-hour fire rating (UL 1709) is frequently specified for the fireproofing. 

Normally where it is necessary, fireproofing is preferred over water spray for several reasons. The fireproofing is a passive inherent safety feature, while the water spray is a vulnerable active system that requires auxiliary control to be activated. Additionally the water spray relies on supplemental support systems that may be vulnerable to failures, i.e., pumps, distribution network, etc. The integrity of fireproofing systems is generally considered superior to explosion incidents compared to water spray piping systems. The typical application of water sprays in place of fireproofing is for vessel protection. 

Water spray systems for hydrocarbon facilities are routinely specified because of the rapid application means the system can provide and the excellent heat absorption a water based system represents. Water sprays are also used when passive fire protection measures (i.e., fireproofing, spacing, etc.) cannot practically be utilized. The key to providing an effective system is to ensure the surfaces to be protected receive adequate water densities and that the arrangements to activate the system are equally fast acting. By far the highest... 

Fireproofing is a fire resistant material or system that is applied to a surface to delay heat transfer to that surface. Fireproofing, a form of passive fire protection, protects against intense and prolonged heat exposure that can cause the weakening of steel and eventual collapse of unprotected equipment, vessels, and supports and lead to the spread of burning liquids and substantial loss of property. The primary purpose is to improve the capability of equipment/struc-... 

Combination water spray with fire-resistive insulating material 1 to 1V2-hour rated fireproofing plus water spray (as above) 1 to 1V2-hour rated fireproofing plus water spray (as above) Active protection but the passive fireproofing allows some time of protection in event water system fails. 

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