PR 35617
26 August 2014

High-solids system revolutionises the fire protection of steelwork

 Providing adequate fire protection to structural steelwork is an essential
and often time-consuming element to the construction process, and one
which is best carried out as the programme progresses.

Providing adequate fire protection to structural steelwork is an essential and often time-consuming element to the construction process, and one which is best carried out as the programme progresses.

As one of the most respected names in the field of intumescent coating technology, Nullifire has in the past asserted that its water-based systems were capable of moving this essential work off the critical path for many projects - but now the manufacturer has made a game-changing advancement which radically reduces the time taken; either on site or in the factory.

Rather than being classed as either a traditional solvent based system, or a more modern water based alternative, Nullifire's SC901 and SC902 are two-pack high solids treatments which can be applied as a single coat. So where a 90 or 120 minute intumescent protection system would previously have been built up over four or five visits by the specialist applicator, SC901/902 can be sprayed as a single coat.

Repeated passes enable the required coating thickness to be achieved, but it will cure overnight. In the case of the SC901, which has been developed as a factory protection, it offers a pot life of 15 minutes in the assumption of ideal working conditions. It cures in just a couple of hours and the steel sections would be ready for delivery the next day. SC902 is intended for on-site use and the window for spraying therefore increases to an hour, while the curing time extends to around eight hours. Due to the high-solids content, Nullifire is recommending the use of a Graco Mark 5 or similar industrial grade spray gun, capable of achieving flow pressures in the order of 3,300 psi.

Reflecting on the significance of the new systems' introduction, Nullifire's Technical Services Manager, Jeff Dyson, comments: "Intumescent coatings have long been acknowledged as offering the best means of providing the right level of fire protection for steelwork, while also achieving an attractive finish. The repeated applications did, however, mean it was still a time sensitive operation, and if the coating got damaged during transport or on site, it might well require the same number of coats to be repeated. Our introduction of SC901 and SC902 seems set to reduce the labour requirement and potentially speed the whole production schedule.

"Furthermore, having a design system that is capable of speedy repair is very important. If you've got a conventional system built up over four or five coats then the repairs have to be built up in the same manner. This would mean several return visits, allowing for water or solvent to evaporate. With this new system you could do a 4/5mm repair in one go, with the material which would probably be used in more of a putty type consistency, a filler, put into place with a spatula.

"It's very easily tooled and sanded whereas the normal systems will clog sandpaper. SC901/902 will essentially sand until the grit on the sandpaper is worn away. It doesn't clog the system at all, and it can be finished off to very high levels of decorative finish if required."

Nullifire's standing in the fire protection industry is based not just on its comprehensive commitment to product quality and independent, third-part accreditation, but also on its continued investment in research and development. It is a reputation that has recently been enhanced by the setting up of a brand new laboratory at its premises in Coventry.

This includes a large sample preparation area with the most up-to-date spraying facilities, and a furnace hall which features the latest EN combustion oven to test sections of steel columns up to two metres in height.

All of this has endowed Nullifire with a level of expertise and experience which has permitted the manufacturer to develop these new hybrid systems based on a combination of silicone and PU constituents; combined under advanced production processes to ensure totally predictable performance.

With 85% solids by volume, compared to around 70% for traditional systems, the SC901 and SC902 will cure to a thickness far closer to that which is initially sprayed. It will also be very stable with no chance of solvent pockets causing incongruities, either in appearance or performance.

In addition to providing specification guidance and technical back up on site to assist with inspections, Nullifire also has a national network of approved applicators. The company recommends that consultants and customers only use FIRAS or BRE Global accredited contractors to ensure its intumescent coatings will offer the required periods of fire protection from the time they are applied and throughout the life of the building.

For further information on tremco illbruck, please visitwww.tremco-illbruck.co.uk.

-ends-

With compliments:
Alison Relf
Taylor Alden Ltd
Unit 2, Temple Place

247 The Broadway
London
SW19 1SD
Tel: 020 8543 3866
Email: alison@tayloralden.co.uk

Editors' note

tremco illbruck encompasses four brands in the UK after a worldwide brand reorganisation - more details can be found atwww.tremco-illbruck.co.uk. The brands are TREMCO, illbruck and Nullifire for the construction business and PACTAN for the manufacturing business.