Fireproofing: What does it mean? Types, materials, and methods

In case of an accidental fire, Ignifugacion ensures that critical structures remain operational until the fire is brought under control so that the critical structures can continue to operate. Essentially, fireproofing is the process of applying specific products over materials or structures which minimize the possibility of a fire escalating, thus allowing plant operators to effectively control the fire.

Many codes (like NFPA) require that the licensor use fireproofing in places where fire is likely to occur, such as refineries, petrochemical plants, power plants, service terminals, and many others. It is therefore necessary to fireproof equipment and structures up to a specific height, or the whole thing, as determined by guidelines. 

Fireproofing – What is the purpose of fireproofing?

Fireproofing equipment and structures is necessary for a variety of reasons. Here are a few of them:

• In order to meet the industrial requirements, NFPA (National Fire Protection Academy) & OSHA certification must be obtained
• Fire resistance should be increased
• During a fire, critical equipment and control systems must continue to operate.

At around 1000 degrees Fahrenheit (538 degrees Celsius), structural steel loses roughly half of its design strength. By using fireproofing, you can delay the time it takes to reach that temperature. The normal temperature for a fire is between 1800 and 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Application method for fireproofing

Application of fireproofing in mechanical equipment consists of the following steps:

• Preparation of equipment surfaces
• Primer should be applied up to 65-75 microns.
• Maintain the tie mesh by tack welding the nut.
• Pyrocrete 241 should be applied
• After the epoxy paint has been applied, check the DFT and thickness of the fireproof.
• Upon acceptance by the engineer in charge or SOP, the vessel can be released for further work.

Fireproofing types / types of fireproofing

A fireproof facility is a requirement for many industrial facilities to obtain insurance. There are two major categories of fireproofing:

• Fireproofing that is active and effective
• Fireproofing passively

A human intervention is necessary to activate the fireproofing system in the case of active fireproofing. As opposed to passive fireproofing, which is designed and planned with safety plans in mind. Among the most common passive fireproofing methods are:

• Fireproofing cementitious,
• Fireproofing using intumescent material
• Fireproofing with firestop.

Fireproofing with cementitious materials:

When dried, these plaster-like coatings resemble white stucco when they are gypsum-based. Surfaces requiring fireproofing are sprayed with these coatings. Steel girders and beams are protected from bending by cementite fireproofing, which keeps the temperatures below 540 C.

Fireproofing by intumescence:

Paints made with intumescent materials expand when heated, forming a heat-resistant barrier. Sodium silicates are used in most of them. Heat causes the intumescent paint coating to thicken, entrapping air and creating a layer of greater insulation. Metallic pipes, tanks, and valves are protected with intumescent fireproofing paints.

The Firestop Fireproofing System:

A fire-resistance-rated wall or floor seals all openings and joints in Firestop fireproofing. For filling ductwork holes, hole cuts for pipes, and electrical wiring trays, fire dampers are used.

Intumescent and cementitious fireproofing compared

Cementitious fireproofing is more difficult to apply than intumescent fireproofing. The process of application is similar to coating. This prevents moisture from settling within the layer. Cementitious fireproofing uses inexpensive materials, so it is applied to fireproof facilities in some situations. But intumescent fireproofing offers greater flexibility and is more advanced from a technical standpoint.