Innovative Fireproof Insulation for Safe Operation of Non-Metallic Pipe

Abstract

Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe (RTP) is one of the solutions considered using instead of metal pipe to avoid the corrosion problem. As RTP is a non-metallic pipe that is subjected to damage or deformation when get fire. A protective fireproof system is required to protect RTP from cellulosic fire for at least 2 hours. and pipe surface temperature not over 82 °C per RTP specification and should be reusable and has a long service life. From the performance test results, there are two materials of PFP (Passive Fire Projection) that passed the requirement. One is intumescent (Composite fiber glass fabric with external polyurethane "PU" coating 0.7 mm.) and the other one is rockwool insulation (Reflective heat guard 3 mm. + Rockwool insulation 50 mm. + Aluminium 1 mm.). The rising of the surface temperature of the Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe (RTP) is in the acceptable criteria. The RTP pipe appearance is still in good condition. For PFP appearance, the intumescent will be damaged after burning while rockwool insulation is not changed and is reusable. In terms of material cost, the price of intumescent including material cost and installation cost is lower by about 20%. Both options are interesting and shall be considered again for usage purposes. Replacement of metal pipe with spoolable pipe with PFP has advantages in terms of low maintenance cost and higher corrosion resistance. The Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe with PFP can be installed on existing pipe support with enough space for inspection. This solution can eliminate the weak point of RTP and allows the application of RTP without pull through carbon steel pipe. The PFP rockwool insulation is a good option to protect pipeline damage from unpredictable fire with low material and installation costs.