Ceramic Fiber Enclosures
The Thermal Designs enclosure utilises precision made stainless steel frames providing protection in excess of 30 minutes in a 1093°C (2000°F) high rise hydrocarbon fire.
Rigid Frame Enclosures
"Adequate fireproofing is that which can be expected to provide satisfactory protection during a one time, worst case, potentially devastating emergency"
It is this philosophy that led Thermal Designs to meet the challenge of developing the rigid frame fireproofing enclosure in the late "70’s" and early "80’s" that has become the industry standard for protection of equipment operating at temperatures above 65°C (150°F).
Tested in 1980 by Factory Mutual Research and gaining Approval Number J.I.I. 1E7.AF(6034), the Thermal Designs’ rigid frame fireproof enclosure provides protection in excess of 30 minutes in a 1093°C (2000°F) high rise hydrocarbon fire.
The Thermal Designs enclosure utilises precision made stainless steel frames; a patented wet slurry vacuum moulding system providing 50.8mm (2") thick, 1315°C (2400°F) alumna ceramic fibres; type 304 stucco embossed stainless steel sheathing on all exterior surface (and internally if desired); and type 304 stainless steel "captive" bolts which cannot be lost when panels are removed.
The rigid frame fireproof enclosures can be installed on the operating equipment utilising the modular designs. Installation drawings are provided, detailing the panel by panel installation over the equipment.
Access to critical components such as valves, gauges, etc. is provided through hinged access doors, and where needed, through the removal of an entire panel. Connections are also available for those applications where purging may be required.
The enclosures have been utilised as MOV termination boxes; electrical junction boxes; instrument junction boxes; transmitter control cabinets; "splitter boxes": switch rack cabinets; push button control stations; pull boxes; and fire monitor enclosures. Virtually any application, requiring high temperature fireproofing, can be custom designed by Thermal Designs.
Click to download the Fireproof Enclosures Information Document 
on frame construction as well as fiber insulation material chemical analysis.
Rigid Frame Specifications
Specification for Rigid Frame Fireproofed Enclosures for Remote Operated Valve and Emergency Shutdown Systems
This specification covers the technical requirements for field mounted fireproof enclosures housing electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and mechanical components of emergency shutdown systems that are used in the petroleum and petrochemical industries.
1.1 Application
The enclosures shall be suitable for installation in critical environments and shall allow for the enclosed equipment to be fully functional for a minimum of 30 minutes when enveloped by a 1093°C (2000°F) fire.
1.2 Special Considerations
1.2.1 The enclosure shall be designed to resist forces generated by severe fire.
1.2.2 The enclosure shall resist prolonged exposed to weather.
1.2.3 The enclosure shall resist temporary exposure to most petroleum products.
1.2.4 The enclosure shall resist damaged from light impact and normal wear and tear of everyday in plant service.
1.2.5 The enclosure shall resist a direct short blast from a fire hose as per ASTM E - 184 hose stream test.
1.2.6 The enclosure shall provide ready access for routine maintenance of the enclosed equipment.
1.2.7 The enclosure shall be demountable for major maintenance.
2.0 Standard and Specifications
2.1 References
Reference is made to the following specifications:
Design Sketch SFJ-101, Step Hinge Flange
Design Sketch HAD-100, Hinged Access Door
2.2 Deviations
Deviations from the requirement of this specification shall be noted in writing and accompanied by written information which details the advantages provided by the deviation.
3.1 General Requirements
3.1.1 For normal operation, the internal temperature shall stabilise at a value near or above ambient due to motor operation, solar radiation and insulation characteristics.
3.1.2 The enclosure shall be non-ventilated and reasonably dust and water tight (Nema 3 or equal)
3.2 Material of Construction
3.2.1 The frame and all internal bracing shall be constructed of Type 304 stainless steel formed and spot welding to provide a lightweight, high strength cabinet.
3.2.2 The fireproofing material shall be an alumna ceramic fibre with a colloidal silica binder or approved equal. The physical properties of the material shall be as follows:
Continuous use limit: 1260°C (2300°F)
Melting Point: 1760°C (3200°F)
Density: 7.26 - 8.16kg/cubic meter (18-22 lbs/ft2)
"K" factor (@ 1093°C) 1.30 ± 0.10
When wetted with water or steam, material shall not soften. Shall contain no asbestos or materials that could be hazardous to health.3.2.3 Exterior surface of enclosure shall be covered with a 0.254mm (0.010") Type 304 stainless steel stucco finishing sheathing for protection from exterior abuse and weather.
4.0 Details of Designs and Construction
4.1 General
4.1.1 The fireproofing materials shall be permanently attached or bonded to the frame. There shall be no open seams or exposed fibres externally or internally that have not been sealed with permanent weatherproofing
4.2 Access
4.2.1 All parted joints of the enclosure shall be step-jointed, offset or tongue and grooved to prevent a straight-line flame path.
4.2.2 All doors shall have continuos stainless steel hinges and latches.
4.2.3 All covers, doors and panels shall be secured with external Type 304 stainless steel fasteners.
4.2.4 Handwheels, declutch levers, stem protectors and extensions shall be stainless steel or carbon steel painted with weather and corrosion resistant paint.
4.2.5 All openings for such extensions shall be of minimum clearance and be sealed against weather.
5.1 The design of the enclosure shall permit installation of the enclosure over the equipment in service.
5.2 The designs of the enclosures shall provide reasonable ease of installation where clearance are minimal.
5.3 The design of the enclosure shall be constructed and installed so that removal of part or all of the enclosure can be accomplished with minimal damage or effort.
5.4 The enclosure shall be designed so that it can be totally removed and reinstalled.
The manufacturer shall provide documentation that the product supplied has been tested by a recognised third party testing or certifying agency and that it does meet the fireproofing specification of the client.