Modern and effective methods of fire protection of metal

The buildings, built with steel structures that are not protected from the effects of fire, have a low degree of fire resistance. In case of fire, metal bearing elements heat up quickly. When the temperature rises to a critical value metal loses its load-bearing capacity, deforms and breaks. An important element in ensuring the fire safety of buildings, plant and equipment is fire protection of structural metal. This is a set of measures to reduce fire risk and improve fire resistance of metal parts of different purposes. Fire protection of metal allows the material to be resistant to fire, to avoid deformations and appearance of oxides on the surface reduces the risk of structural collapse, prevents the spread of flames and provides the necessary margin of time needed to evacuate people from the building.

Methods of protecting metal from fire

There are several common ways to protect metal from fire:

1. Coating of insulation materials, brick lining and the creation of heat-reflective screens. For this purpose, materials characterized by a porous structure, low thermal conductivity and high strength: refractory bricks, gypsum and gypsum sheets, asbestos cement board. This method of fire protection of metal is cost-effective, eco-friendly and functional. Its disadvantages: a significant reduction in the useful area of buildings; duration; and complexity of carrying out tiling work.

2. Plastering and concrete covering. The protective cover is made on a single mesh installed on the protected structure. Besides the obvious advantages - simplicity and cost-efficiency - this method has some drawbacks: a significant increase in weight structures and the need for a separate anti-corrosive treatment protected from the flame surfaces.

3. Processing flame retardant (paint) based on sodium silicate, vermiculite, graphite, and other substances. Fireproof paint for metal structures characterized by the ability to swell when heated, forms a protective layer of foam bubbles filled with gas. As a result, the metal is securely isolated from the effects of fire. This method has the greatest efficiency and is considered the most promising.

Fireproof paint for metal structures: simple and effective

Special flame retardant is created based on polymers with flame retardant, heat-resistant fillers and stabilizers.

The application of the fire retardant cover begins with the preparation of the surface. For this purpose, the metal is purified from traces of old paint and oxides using a sandblasting gun, then degreased with a special substance (solvent) and primed. A brush, roller or spray is used to apply two layers of flame retardant to the prepared surface.

In case of the onset of fire, a specific chemical process occurs in the flame retardants in which vapor and noble gases are emitted and this leads to the swelling of the coating. Components, which are formed on the metal surface protective layer, harden without access to oxygen. Both layers - foam and hard - have low thermal conductivity and effectively serve as a heat shield. With it, the flow of hot air is isolated from the metal surface, fire suppression occurs, combustion process slows down and the designated territory is protected the critical temperature.

The main advantages of this method of metal fire protection:

• high degree of protection;
• simplicity and efficiency of the application of mixtures, manufacturability;
• the possibility of using mixtures in indoor and outdoor facilities;
• the possibility of applying to the surface of any shape and size, as well as elements of metal structures located in remote areas;
• the absence of aggravating facilities;
• the possibility of rapid recovery of the protective coating after the fire;
• reliability;
• durability;
• efficiency;
• environmental safety;
• preserving the aesthetics of buildings and structures;
• Additional protection of metals against corrosion.

How to choose a flame retardant

Fire retardant paint for metal structures is selected by the following criteria:

• necessary protective properties (fire-resistance);
• duration of protection;
• conditions of the use of the substance, stability, flame retardant to aggressive environmental effects;
• existence of a certificate;
• technology application and drying speed;
• safety, non-toxic;
• aesthetic properties.

NPG "Granit-Salamandra" offers the market an effective fire retardant paint for metal structures. The products are called HCA LW and are a special water-based solution. The flame retardant coating is produced according to Dutch technology, by modern equipment, out of quality, environmentally friendly raw materials, produced by DuPont, BASF and Roshal Group.

Advantages over similar HCA LW

• Durability - 15 years;
• High protective properties - can withstand an open flame up to 90 minutes;
• Low fuel consumption of the flame retardant (up to 2 kg / sq.);
• Small thickness of the dry layer - up to 1.1 mm;
• Speed ​​and ease of application, the ability to automate the process;
• Quick drying time (36 hours);
• Environmental safety, the possibility of use in residential and industrial buildings;
• High quality, certificates;
• Excellent aesthetic properties;
• Attractive price.

The use of HCA LW, produced by JSC "Granit-Salamandra", allows you to quickly, cheaply and effectively protect the metal from damage due to fire.