Fire Protection

AIRPORT FIRE PROTECTION - ARTICLE FROM AUGUST 2005 ISSUE OF INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

Because it is 100% glass, without binders or fillers, FOAMGLAS® cellular glass cannot burn, even when in contact with the most intense flames. FOAMGLAS® has been classed as EuroClass A1, no contribution to fire. In tests such as BS476 FOAMGLAS® is classed as non-combustible. Since FOAMGLAS ® insulation is 100% closed cell it is impermeable and non-wicking, and cannot absorb or transport combustible liquids.

Since certain thermal insulation materials are inherently combustible and will contribute to the intensity of industrial fires, insulation is recognized by industry experts as playing a potentially-active role in fire propagation. While some insulations are themselves non-combustible (such as mineral wool) they can absorb or "wick" combustible liquids and, consequently, contribute to the spread of a fire.

Procter & Gamble's Olestra cooking-oil facility operates over a wide range of temperatures, from -100 to +315ºC, conditions where leakage could cause a risk of fire."The company was concerned that either leaks could occur directly onto the insulation and immediately ignite (due to high temperatures or open flames) or the insulation could become saturated, and as the process moved from an ambient temperature to 315°C, the insulation could ignite spontaneously. To reduce the threat of fire, P&G specified non-combustible, non-absorbent FOAMGLAS® cellular glass insulation for all tanks and piping"

In the petrochemical and oil/gas industries FOAMGLAS® is chosen to give several hours of fire protection for pipework and vessels potentially exposed to hydrocarbon pool and jet fires.

For building services applications such as chilled water, FOAMGLAS® is again used for fire protection in fire-wall pipe penetrations to give several hours of protection.

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