MINIMISING RISK OF FIRE DAMAGE AT ELECTRICAL SUBSTATIONS
Organisations with safety standards at the top of their agenda can now specify steel substations with a fire rating of up to three hours.
Portastor, which specialises in the design and manufacture of CE-marked steel substations, has achieved a new high standard in fire certification. The new standard has been achieved as part of its commitment to helping clients protect their mission-critical systems.
This change brings Portastor products into line with the latest European Standards, meaning they are capable of withstanding extreme temperatures for up to three hours.
During independent tests, Portastor's latest product innovations resisted ferocious conditions for over three hours. Exova tested the CE-marked structures in accordance with BS EN 1364-1 (Walls & Partitions), BS EN 1364-2 (Floors & Ceilings) and Resistance to Fire Classification EN 13501-2.
"Specifiers of electrical and power equipment are well aware of the value of investing in robust housing solutions. This is particularly relevant for those operating in environments where there are greater risks from fire and explosions, or natural disasters such as flooding and earthquakes," said Portastor CEO David Jennings.
"We are confident our products are some of the toughest on the market, proven to withstand the most extreme temperatures. They are an ideal choice for businesses seeking to ensure the safety of their personnel, and to minimise the impact of fire on their processes."
Portastor specialises in equipment housings designed for use in hostile environments, such as oil and gas, or power plants. It has supplied steel equipment housings to projects including Petrofac's Laggan-Tormore gas plant and the Saudi Kayan petrochemical complex.
Fire protection is measured across three elements of a structure:
stability, the ability of the support system to remain intact and fulfil the intended function;
integrity, the ability of the system to prevent the penetration of hot gasses and flames; and
insulation, the ability to restrict the temperature rise in the unexposed face and so prevent fire spread through radiated heat.
Portastor provides two types of fire rated housings: those capable of containing a fire and protecting the surrounding environment; and those capable of protecting their contents from extreme temperatures and enabling the safe shutdown of equipment.
For further information, please visit www.portastor.co.uk.
ENDS
Notes for Editors
Portastor specialises in the design and manufacture of fully integrated, factory-built modular power, equipment and control housings into critical processes and hostile environments for customers in the oil and gas, rail and power industries. Market leading clients include Siemens, Schneider Electric, Network Rail, ABB, Sellafield and NationalGrid. Portastor currently employs 70 people at its site in Yorkshire, UK. It is part of the Shepherd Group, a family-owned firm that employs around 3,200 people around the world and has an annual turnover exceeding £650 million. www.portastor.co.uk.