Standards

Typical Fire Test Standards

• ASTM E-1725 For Structural Steel & Fire Doors
• ASTM E-119 For Electrical Systems
• UL 1709 Hydrocarbon Fire
• ASTM 1529 Hydrocarbon Fire
• American Petroleum Institute (API) Publication 2218 Fireproofing Practices in Petroleum & Petrochemical Processing Plants

Fireproofing Practices in Petroleum and Petrochemical Processing Plants

Health, Environment and Safety General Committee Safety and Fire Protection Subcommittee

API PUBLICATION 2218
SECOND EDITION, AUGUST 1999

7.3.3.2 Intumescent Epoxy Coatings

A wide range of intumescent epoxy coatings are available. These can be described as a mix of thermally reactive chemicals in a specific epoxy matrix formulated for fireproofing applications. Under fire conditions they react to emit gases, which cool the surface while a low density carbonaceous char is formed. This char then serves as a thermal barrier.

Advantages of intumescent epoxy coatings are:

1. Properly applied, these coatings have excellent bonding and corrosion protection.
2. They are typically lightweight and durable under nonfire conditions.
3. Product is available that is flexible and tolerates vibration.
4. Certain minerals have demonstrated exceptional durability in severe jet-fire tests.
5. Because they are based on an organic system, special characteristics can be designed into the coating.
6. Coatings are available that provide an attractive finish appearance.

Disadvantages of intumescent epoxy coatings are:

1. There is a possibility of damage to a char coating during a fire, if subjected to impingement by firehose streams.
2. They require expertise in application, and may require multiple coats or special equipment which can apply dual components simultaneously.
3. Some manufacturers require factory-certified applier personnel.
4. Some concerns have been raised regarding potential toxicity of gases generated during fire conditions.

7.3.5 Endothermic Wrap Fireproofing

Endothermic materials absorb heat chemically, generally with the concurrent release of water, and physically through heat absorption by the released water. This flexible, tough, inorganic sheet material with a bonded aluminum foil outer layer is formed from a maximum of inorganic, highly endothermic filler, and a minimum of organic binder and fiber. It can be wrapped around a wide variety of potentially exposed vulnerable equipment. Electrical cable trays are particularly suited for this type of protection, providing rated performance under UL 1709 (or functionally equivalent) conditions. In most applications,the wrap is held in place by stainless steel bands with foil tape and/or fireproofing caulk on seams, gaps and termination points. For structural steel in new construction, surface preparation of the substrate should include fresh prime paint to provide corrosion protection.

Advantages are:

1. Fire-rated wrap system are easily reentered and repaired, allowing retrofitting over steel without dissembling wiring and other attached items.
2. The wrap material does not catalyze corrosion (nor protect against corrosion).
3. Endothermic wrap systems can be applied directly over existing cement or block where additional protection is required.
4. These systems can be applied directly over other fireproofing, although a reduction in rated system requirements may not be allowed for the existing materials.
5. Flexible endothermic wrap systems are explosion-rated.

A disadvantage is that when used outdoors, the fire protection system must be weatherproofed. Stainless steel jacketing, or wrapping with the manufacturer's specified environmental protection tape, provide the recommended protection.