Development of a novel Passive Fire Protection system – Humidur Char

Abstract

Passive Fire Protection (PFP) is a key risk reduction measure used to protect people on hazardous facilities by maintaining structural integrity in the event of a fire scenario. Epoxy intumescent PFP products currently available in industry, have high-cost surface preparation requirements, need specialist craft labour and are multi-coat systems. With PFP refurbishment projects planned for major offshore and onshore facilities, Woodside Technology embarked on a program to develop a new PFP with the following attributes: single coat, simple and versatile application; reduced surface preparation; and comply with all relevant fire and corrosion testing criteria. Woodside engaged Acotec NV, Belgium to develop a new PFP which incorporated the proven surface-tolerant and corrosion-resistance properties of Humidur FP. Throughout 2019, over 100 candidate formulations were tested for strength, intumescent and thermal insulation properties with the highest performing product being selected for fire and corrosion testing. A comprehensive international test program was completed and the new PFP, Humidur Char, is now available. It has been third-party certified by DNV as meeting all performance requirements of the latest international fire test standards and design verification reports are in place for all heritage Woodside assets. Third-party verified NORMS have been developed to compare application of Humidur Char with an equivalent epoxy PFP system widely used in the industry and showed that Humidur Char could be applied up to 5 times faster. Feedback from the offshore refurbishment program confirms the use of Humidur Char has resulted in a 30% reduction in execution hours when compared to the previously used product. Similar significant cost reductions are expected for the onshore PFP program.