Study of flame-retardant properties of thermally expanding materials for use in climatic conditions of the Arctic zone

Introduction. The application of fire protection products at oil and gas enterprises located in the Arctic region requires a special approach to the assessment of their fire-retardant efficiency. First of all, it is necessary to conduct the tests under conditions of a hydrocarbon temperature regime, the probability of development of which is very high at oil and gas storage and processing facilities. The hydrocarbon fire regime is characterized by a sharp temperature rise (within 5 minutes the temperature can reach 1,100 °C) and the occurrence of overpressure.

The purpose of the research is the choice of a flame-retardant thermally expanding coating for the possibility of application at the objects of oil and gas industry in the Arctic zone. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were solved:

• testing flame-retardant effectiveness of thermally expanding materials based on water dispersion, acrylic, epoxy and silicone binder;
• comparative analysis of flame retardant properties of studied intumescent compositions.

Methodology. In accordance with GOST 1363-2–2014 and GOST 53295–2009, tests for fire-retardant efficiency under hydrocarbon temperature conditions were carried out. The research was carried out on the universal installation for testing the fire-retardant efficiency of fire protection means and fire resistance of building structures and filling openings, certified both for the standard temperature regime according to GOST 30.247.0–94 and for the hydrocarbon temperature regime according to GOST R EN 1363-2–2014.

Results. As a result of the conducted research, the values of reaching the critical temperature (500 °C) by the samples with fire-resistant coatings applied to them were obtained.

Conclusions. Based on experimental studies, a comparative analysis of the flame retardant properties of intumescent compositions was carried out. The conclusion is made about the priority choice of flame-retardant thermo-expanding compositions based on epoxy resins for industrial facilities located in the Arctic region.

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