PPG has developed PPG PITT-CHAR NX, its next generation flexible epoxy intumescent coating system designed to resist severe hydrocarbon hazards in both onshore and offshore environments within the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.
The company says that when exposed to the high temperatures of the fire, PPG PITT-CHAR NX expands to form a robust, insulating char that significantly reduces the rate of heat up of the protected item. The insulation maintains steel integrity, and hence buys crucial time for personnel to escape and equipment to function on demand.
The PPG PITT-CHAR NX flexible epoxy intumescent coating system is said to offer low thickness, reduced weight and faster application, while at the same time providing outstanding durability by retaining PPG’s unique flexible technology.
The latest offering in the PPG PITT-CHAR flexible passive fire protection (PFP) range is said to reduce uncertainty as it is capable of protecting against the full range of hydrocarbon hazards. This means you no longer need to choose between jet fire and pool fire for the optimized solution. PPG PITT-CHAR NX does both and is proven to resist severe explosions and impact without affecting performance.
For further peace of mind, this coating system is comprehensively tested to comply with all the latest internationally recognized fire test standards.
PPG PITT-CHAR NX is formulated with patent-pending fireproofing technology to achieve the most durable PFP coating system yet. This toughness comes from the coating’s unique flexibility, which enables it to withstand stresses and strains without cracking or delamination during fabrication, erection, transportation and construction in vastly varying climates.
Once in service, PPG PITT-CHAR NX is designed to provide dependable performance throughout the asset’s entire lifetime. It will not only flex with the steel structure, but also resist vibration, impact, and extreme environmental conditions.
The company also says that PPG PITT-CHAR NX is also noticeably thinner and lighter than ALL alternative passive fire protection systems. For example, based on its UL 1709 two-hour fire rating, PPG PITT-CHAR NX is 7.98 mm (314 mils) thin.
The coating system is at least 15% lighter than any alternative epoxy PFP coating system and so-called “lightweight” cementitious systems are actually three times heavier.
As well as providing substantial material savings, this reduction in PFP weight on topsides and steel structures also reduces both transport and construction costs. •
