Everyone knows that metal does not have combustible properties, but at high temperatures the material becomes more flexible, is able to take various forms, loses its bearing capacity. Such a property during a fire can lead to the collapse of the building or some part of it, which is dangerous for human life. To prevent this, use various flame retardants.
What is fire protection for metal structures for?
Fire safety is a complex of technical solutions, including the processing of metal structures, in which using a fire retardant composition. This method is called passive fire protection. Buildings that are not treated with this compound have a low level of fire resistance, which means that the building will begin to crumble before the victims are evacuated.
The increase in this indicator is due to the formation of a special film on the surface, which slows down the combustion process, protecting the structure from rapid destruction.
The most effective ways to protect metal from fire
Thanks to modern technology and rapid development, many methods have been invented to reduce the effect of fire on various metal alloys. Fire-retardant compositions on the surface of the structure form a heat-insulating layer that is passive to fire, can withstand high temperatures and direct exposure to fire.
Fire retardant composition for metal structures helps to increase the heat resistance of the building by slowing down the heating of the metal. Thus, the building is able to maintain its design features for a certain period of time. It remains only to choose the right tool for the passive protection of the building.
Effective fire protection products:
- intumescent fire retardants increase the fire resistance of the building by 90 minutes;
- plasters are able to increase the fire resistance threshold by 180 minutes and even more;
- facing plates treated with a special composition are able to increase the fire resistance limit to 180 minutes or more.
How to choose a fire retardant composition?
In order to maximize protection, when choosing a mixture, you need to carry out a
feasibility study of the object and study the following characteristics:
- The index of the fire resistance of the structure, without additional protection.
- The level of complexity of the design and configuration.
- The presence or absence of restrictions on the weight of the fire retardant coating.
- Features of the operation of the building and the possibility of construction and installation works.
- Assessment of environmental and protective material compatibility .
- Dates reserved for the application of flame retardant.
- Aesthetic requirements for the appearance of a room or structure, etc.
Is fire protection important?
With a competent approach, fire retardants will not only protect the building from fire, but also save lives.
In chemistry classes, we were told that high temperatures make the metal soft. During a fire, the temperature exceeds 500 ° C, which means that an unprotected structure will begin to lose its load-bearing properties in the first minutes. To increase this time, various methods are used to increase the resistance threshold of metal. This time will be enough to evacuate people and put out the fire.
The principle of operation of intumescent protective compounds
Intumescent compositions are one of the most promising directions in preventing the ignition of metal structures. The principle of their work is that under the action of high temperatures, the insulating layer does not allow the metal to warm up and lose its bearing capacity. With thermal exposure, the thermal insulation layer increases by almost 40 times, due to this, its thermal insulation properties increase significantly.
Instructions for modern intumescent mixtures state that they must be applied to the surface to be protected with a layer about 2 mm thick. If a larger amount is applied, then in an emergency the layer will unevenly warm up and swell. Hence the heterogeneity of the protective layer will arise, and it can simply crumble.
Before applying a flame retardant for metal structures, the surface must be primed with the agent specified in the instructions for use. In addition, this substance must comply with a fire safety certificate. Do not forget that the primer can be applied to a surface that has been cleaned of old paint or dirt.
Fireproof plasters
The modern market is flooded with a product such as refractory plaster. It has a low cost, provides a high limit of security and is resistant to environmental aggression. However, its use has its drawbacks:
- Surface treatment with such a tool is time consuming and physical.
- The surface must be covered with reinforced mesh, otherwise the plaster on the walls will not stay for long.
- Weighting of the frame increases the load on the foundation of the building, which does not always have a good effect on the condition of the building.
- When applying plaster, it is necessary to use anti-corrosion compounds, which makes this procedure more expensive.
Plasters are used only in rooms whose humidity does not exceed 60%.
In connection with the desire to lighten the mass of the protective coating, light plasters were developed that are not inferior in quality of protection. Modern technologies have made it possible to obtain plaster that does not contain gypsum, lime and water glass, but at the same time has high strength and good adhesion.
In the case when it is necessary to create an attractive appearance for a building or to protect flame retardants from the effects of an aggressive environment, the use of finishing putties or paints is allowed.
The most famous manufacturers of flame retardants
Manufacturers of paints and varnishes have long adjusted their price list and added flame retardants to it. This applies both to foreign firms, and to our domestic ones.
Under the brand name Interpon produce some of the most resistant and effective fire retardant paints. Nullifire Ltd strives to keep up and offers paints to protect metal, concrete and drywall.
Of the domestic companies, Eurostil CJSC should be noted. They make mixtures according to the latest European technologies, which are characterized by high performance. Do not forget about NPO Polimerstroyservis, LLC Kroz, LLC Transformer, NPF Laboratory of Fire Protection and others.