PPG’s PITT-CHAR® NX offers next-gen fire protection for O&G and petrochemical industries, with flexible, durable coating that withstands cryogenic spills, jet fires, and explosions.
Fire protection for environments in O&G and petrochemical industries is demanding, with more frequent complex fire scenarios every day that potentially involve cryogenic spills, pool and jet fires and explosions.
For this reason, PPG has created a flexible epoxy intumescent passive fire protection (PFP) system engineered to withstand severe hazards like cryogenic spills, jet fires, explosions and hydrocarbon fires. PPG’s technology, PITT-CHAR NX, offers the solution to meet industry demands.
The emergence of a strong U.S. LNG market has brought new challenges and requirements for PFP products, which are now expected to provide cryogenic spill protection before a hydrocarbon pool or jet fire. Additionally, offsite stick-steel or modular fabrication for construction brings another set of issues, such as the risk of damage to PFP coatings of prefabricated steel during transit.
The flexible and tough PFP system can be applied quickly to protect against the full range of hydrocarbon hazards and prevent the cracking and delaminating risks associated with traditional PFP coatings such as concrete, "lightweight" cementitious systems and rigid epoxy coatings. It provides long-term durability, even under severe temperature cycling and mechanical stresses, ensuring its performance is maintained throughout the asset’s life.
"The PPG PITT-CHAR® NX flexible, single-product coating system represents a leap forward in fire protection, merging three decades of trusted technology with the latest advancements to offer a product that helps protect people and assets."
Upon exposure to intense fire conditions, the PPG PITT-CHAR NX coating system swells to create a durable, insulating barrier, slowing the heat transfer to protect the structure. This safeguard allows workers essential time for evacuation and ensures the continued operation of vital safety systems and equipment, maintaining the structural integrity of the steel.
Notably, PPG PITT-CHAR NX technology is 15% lighter than alternative PFP systems, reducing overall weight on structures and contributing to cutting transport and construction costs. Its sagging resistance and rapid cure properties allow for application in a single day, translating to up to 60% savings in application time. This significantly enhances productivity, increasing throughput and reducing construction schedules and application costs.
