About K-Mass® Fireproofing

The K-MASS® Fireproofing System is based on intumescent epoxy technologies that were originally developed for the Apollo space program. It has been used in critical areas such as valve actuators, electrical junction boxes, electrical switches, electrical motors, valves, flanges, and cable trays.

K-Mass Fireprotected pneumatic actuators

The K-MASS® Fireproofing System, a two-part polyamide cured epoxy containing heat absorbent chemicals, is moulded directly to the item to be protected. For instance, a uniform 12.70mm (0.5") thickness provides 30 minutes of protection and limits the internal temperature increase within the protected systems to 60°C (140ºF) in a 1093°C (2000°F) hydrocarbon fire.

The K-MASS® Fireproofing Systems uses the principle of intumescence. As the fire makes contact with the surface, the outer layer will intumesce or swell by a factor of four or five. A hard black char forms that in turn reflects upwards of 85% of the heat back into the fire. When the first layer is expended, the next layer intumesces. In addition to this fireproofing capability, the system will withstand the strong force of a hose stream during the fire extinguishing efforts.

Since its development in 1985, the K-MASS® Fireproofing Systems have been subjected to over 30 different fire tests in North America including testing by Thermal Designs’ customers and third parties. Five such third party tests have been conducted by the Alberta Research Council in Edmonton: the first on an electronic valve actuator in March 1988; the second on electrical junction boxes in March 1989, the third on fireproofed cable trays in June 1991, the fourth on electric actuator and enclosures in April 1996 and the fifth on cable tray & Si02; fire cable in September 1996.

Additionally, in July 1990, K-Mass® received certification # MOBO22554/1 from Lloyd’s Register of London. This certifies that K-Mass® adequately protected an electronic value actuator in a 1093°C (2000°F) petroleum fire for 30 minutes.

The "user friendly" system is readily accepted by maintenance personnel; because the fireproofing in an integral part of the device being protected, there is nothing to be added or replace when maintenance is completed. Once the unit is reassembled, the fireproofing is in place, and there is no further concerns that the system will not function in a fire situation.

The Best Solution

• Will protect all equipment for at least 30 minutes in a 2000°F (1093°C) fire
• Prior uses include actuators, valves, junction boxes, cable tray, conduit fittings, flanges, and other commponents
• Intumescent epoxy coating developed and used extensively by the defence/aerospace industries
• Permanently molded to equipment
• Chemically inert
  

People-Proof

• K-Mass® is typically bonded to parts: if unit is assembled, it its fireproof
• Segmented coating allows trouble-free dissassembly and reassembly
• Only maintenance is renewal of topcoat as required, i.e. every 3-5 years
  

User Friendly

• Routine service and maintenance can be performed in a normal way
• No field installation necessary
• Extrememely durable and weatherproof
• Conforming fit minimizes space requirements
• Fireproofing does not interfere with local controls
  

Most Tested

• Fire-tested and used by refineries worldwide
• Successful performance in numerous real-world fires
• Fire-tested and approved by most actuator manufacturers
• Successfully fire-tested independently by Alberta Research Council, Faverdale Labs, Sintef of Norway and Southwest Research Institute, and certified by Lloyds of London
  

Click to download the Design Properties of K-Mass® Brochure which includes physical, mechanical, corrosion and environmental properties.