K-Mass® FAQ

Q. How long have intumescent coatings been used?

A. Intumescent coating for fireproofing purposes have been used since the early 1970’s in such areas as structural steel supports, bulkheads, tanks, conduits, pipes and values. Use on electric value actuators commenced in 1985, and has since been utilised for electrical junction boxes, electrical switches and cable trays.

Q. Why not use "failsafe" actuators systems?

A. Failsafe systems used in emergency shutdown designs cannot insure that sequenced, safe shutdown procedures can be followed. A well protected, fully functional value actuator protected with K-MASS® Fireproofing System can provide that critical advantage.

Q. Is the K-MASS® material a health hazard?

A. No! The same caution should be used as would apply to any cured epoxy compound. Namely:

• Avoid dust inhalation when sawing or sanding.
• Avoid smoke inhalation when burning.
• The material is basically inert and does not carry a hazardous rating.

Q. What thickness should be specified?

A. Extensive testing has proven that a 12.70mm (0.5") thick K-MASS® coating over a properly prepared substrate will give adequate protection in a severe thirty minute fire duration while maintaining the all-important passive layer underneath the char.

Q. Is there recent test data for the K-MASS® Fireproofing System?

A. Yes, over 30 fire test have been conducted on the K-MASS® Fireproofing System over the past 14 years. The first in October 1985 at the Exxon refinery in Baytown, Texas. Subsequent tests were carried out by the Alberta Research Council, between 1988 and 1996. Test results are available on request.

Q. What are the advantages of the K-MASS® Fireproofing Systems?

A.

1. The 12.70mm (0.5") thickness applied means that only 25.4mm (1") will be added to the actuator diameter, which minimises the problems in confined spaces.
   
   
2. The "people problem" of removing fireproofing systems for maintenance purposes and replacing them incorrectly, or even more importantly, not at all, is eliminated as the K-MASS® Fireproofing System is an integral part of the equipment it protects.
   
   
3. A coated component comes "ready to mount" and hence does not require additional installation charges as do bag type or rigid frame fireproofing enclosures.
   
   
4. The coating is a hard-cured epoxy that weathers well, withstands physical abuse and exposure to mildly corrosive atmospheres. In order to attain additional protection, it is recommended that a weather resistant paint be applied.
   
   
5. Conduit hubs, manual controls, switch compartments, and motors can be made readily accessible for maintenance purposes.
   
   
6. The K-MASS® Fireproofing System provides the level of protection required to ensure that operating units can be shutdown safely in case of an emergency.

Q. What are limitations of the K-MASS® Fireproofing Systems?

A.

1. The K-MASS® Fireproofing System should not be used on equipment continually operating at temperature greater than 65°C (150°F) as intumescence could be activated.
   
   
2. The K-MASS® Fireproofing System should not be used on equipment subjected to continual direct steam impingement as intumescence could be activated, although water itself is not a problem.
   
   
3. The K-MASS® Fireproofing System should only be applied by approved applicators utilising proper cleaning techniques with proper mixing of the two part epoxy system.
   
   
4. The K-MASS® Fireproofing System cannot be applied to equipment being actively operated as can rigid fireproofing enclosures.

Q. Can repairs be made to K-MASS® Fireproofing System?

A. Small repairs can be made in the field by using patch kits supplied by Thermal Designs.

Q. Can the K-MASS® Fireproofing System be applied in the field?

A. While in many cases it might be advantageous to apply the system in the field, it is not practical due to the preparation, cleanliness, mixing and curing required.