Passive fire protection generally consists of a fire resistant coating that is applied to components such as vessels and piping. It is often utilised in remote locations where water or other protection media are inadequate. PFP is termed ‘passive’ as it is designed to protect the structure against a fire but not quench or prevent the spread of a fire.
In high-risk facilities such as offshore oil and gas installations, epoxy intumescent coatings are commonly used. They are designed to expand as a result of heat exposure which leads to an increase in volume and a reduction in density, insulating the steel structure from the fire. They are also designed to act as a barrier coating to prevent moisture from reaching the steel surface. Epoxy intumescent coatings are usually sprayed, or hand applied onto the component, and can be reinforced with a fibre mesh system and sometimes with a wire mesh to provide support to the char that is produced when the coating is exposed to fire conditions.
There is HOIS member interest in inspection of components with passive fire protection, specifically intumescent coatings such as Chartek. It has previously been reported that PFP coatings, such as Chartek, can crack during service which may lead to moisture ingress and ultimately blistering of the coating and corrosion of the underlying steel.
The main objective of this project is therefore to develop a HOIS recommended practice or guidance document on the most effective techniques for the determination of the minimum remaining ligament under passive fire protection.
The trials have commenced and the following inspection techniques will be evaluated:
The aim is to have the trial completed by Q2 2026.