ROCKWOOL Technical Insulation (Houston, Texas, USA) has introduced its ProRox PS 680 with FR-Tech insulation for pipework systems of various sizes. The next-generation insulation technology provides proven fire resistance to a plant’s piping network, which can give workers additional time to stop the spread of a fire and get to a safe location.
Fires pose a major risk to industrial manufacturing centers, and particularly to petrochemical plants, oil and gas processing plants, and any other facilities storing or using hydrocarbons. Such fires raise the risks of serious injuries, can damage millions of dollars’ worth of equipment, and take a severe toll on air quality. An unchecked fire can result in significant plant downtime, unplanned repairs and rebuilds, and a major drop in plant profitability.
To address these concerns, ProRox PS 680 with FR-Tech is the latest offering in the company’s line of ProRox stone wool insulation products. By effectively slowing the transfer of a fire’s heat to steel pipework, this insulation can add critical time to a plant’s fire response and evacuation plans.
According to the company, ProRox PS 680 was successfully tested to the UL 1709 fire curve for optimized fire performance in one- and two-hour ratings on Schedule 40 and 80 pipe sections. It was also certified by internationally recognized organizations such as SWRI, Intertek, and SGH to deliver proven fire resistance for steam and pipe systems operating at high temperatures.
ProRox PS 680 is available as mandrel-wound, stone wool insulation pipe sections. The insulation sections are applied at typically half the thickness of conventional insulation materials and install easily, without the need for sealants or offsite cutting. According to the company, the insulation’s thinner application profile makes it easier to install around tight pipe bends and areas with limited clearance space. Moreover, because it is removable and reusable, the insulation optimizes maintenance costs and allows for a cost-effective, simplified inspection.
The system also incorporates ROCKWOOL’s WR-Tech technology, described as a revolutionary binder that coats each individual insulation fiber to combat corrosion under insulation (CUI). This gives the insulation much improved water repellency. According to the company, the patented WR-Tech makes the insulation five times more water repellent (at 482 °F, or 250°C) than standard EN-compliant stone wool, even after heating and aging.
“When it comes to fires in an industrial plant, even mere seconds are critical to containing localized fire damage and preventing serious injuries,” says Daniel Aiken, Americas business unit director for ROCKWOOL Technical Insulation.
“While it’s not possible to completely fireproof any plant, ProRox PS 680 with FR-Tech provides a cost-effective, proven solution to significantly increase your plant’s fire resistance,” Aiken adds. “Plant operators are moving quickly to install this insulation solution on their piping systems, in less time, at lower costs, and with less effort than conventional insulation systems. And with the addition of WR-Tech for CUI mitigation, PS 680 helps extend plant operations and protect against two processing risks—fire and water.”
ProRox PS 680 is made in North America and is designed for North American customers who need proven passive fire protection for plant piping systems. Information on availability and pricing is available by contacting the company.
Source: ROCKWOOL Technical Insulation, rti.rockwool.com.