MAY 9, 2013 — A majority of offshore assets require some degree of jet fire protection, with many onshore owners now also demanding passive fire protection (PFP) materials that can demonstrate jet fire capability to ISO 22899.

Jotachar JF750, a next-generation mesh-free passive fire protection (PFP) coating just launched by Jotun, promises to help owners, fabricators and applicators save time, lower costs and reduce risks compared to systems that require mesh reinforcement.

According to Andy Czainski, Jotun's Global PFP Sales Director, Jotachar JF750 is the only mesh-free epoxy intumescent coating solution available to the market where jet fire protection is required for safety critical steel structures, divisions and vessels.

"The formulation of Jotachar JF750 incorporates an advanced fibre matrix system in the material" he explains. "This technology, combined with a robust and temperature stable insulating char, eliminates the need for additional mesh reinforcement, reducing complexity and making it significantly faster to apply, hence saving time and cost."

Jotachar JF 750 has been extensively and independently fire tested to all key industry standards, demonstrating structural fire protection for up to three hours. Steel sections and divisions are tested to the industry recognized ISO834/BS476 Part 21 "hydrocarbon curve," proving protection from hydrocarbon pool fires.

Importantly, Jotachar JF750 also demonstrated exceptional jet fire performance in the ISO 22899 test without additional mesh reinforcement for up to two hours. This ISO standard simulates the highly erosive, high heat flux and rapid temperate rise experienced within a jet fire. JF750 has been tested and passed a 4 bar blast overpressure, again without any need of additional reinforcing mesh.

Mr. Czainski says that "All fire and blast resistance testing has been witnessed by Lloyds Register. Witnessing of testing by a major classification society, in additional to endorsement of our 3rd party fire assessments undertaken by Exova Warrington Fire (UK), is a pre requisite for product Type Approval from Lloyds Register, DNV and other major classification societies".

Mr. Czainski adds that Jotachar JF750 is fully compliant to NORSOK M-501 revision 6, widely considered to be the industry's most rigorous test standard, proving corrosion resistance, material durability and mechanical performance after exposure. Importantly, Norsok M501 post weathering fire testing, demonstrates that Jotachar JF750 has no reduction in fire performance after the rigorous ISO 20340 cyclic durability test. These standards provide operators with confidence that fire performance and excellent corrosion protection are assured, even after many years of exposure in severe offshore environments.

NORSOK M501 revision 6 compliance has already helped Jotachar generate significant interest among owners operating within the Norwegian Continental Shelf.  "Major yards and specialist PFP applicators are already telling us that the Jotachar JF750 mesh free system will be a game changer for them."

John Warner, Jotun's Category Manager for intumescent coatings adds that in addition to lowering costs related to application, Jotachar JF750 helps owners avoid risks associated with complex mesh reinforced systems that often result in project delays. More importantly, incorrect installation can impact fire performance and therefore the safety of personnel and integrity of assets.

"Anyone working with mesh requiring systems knows that installation is a time and labor intensive process. Mesh installation involves stringent certification rules such as overlap measurement and installed depth within the system. There are many additional challenges related to installing mesh on complex structures e.g. poor mesh to mesh adhesion where overlaps are required" he says. "Because Jotachar JF750 is mesh-free,  fabricators and applicators can work faster, especially on complex structures.  The product also makes maintenance and repair much simpler, requiring significantly less time and cost."

Mr. Warner says that another major breakthrough with the Jotachar technology is the avoidance of boric acid, a harmful substance classified by the EU's REACH as a "substance of very high concern." Boric acid is incorporated into many competing materials as a flame retardant.

"The avoidance of harmful substances such as boric acid is consistent with Jotun's GreenSteps program to improve the environmental and safety impact of their products," he notes.

Mr. Warner says that with the introduction of  Jotachar JF750, Jotun is now able to offer a combined coating and fire protection solution to the oil, gas and energy industries.

"Jotun is already recognized as a global supplier of premium corrosion protection coatings" he says.  "With the launch of Jotachar JF750, our customers can now benefit from the clear advantages a new era of mesh-free epoxy PFP technology brings.