Everyone knows that the metal does not have combustible properties, but at high temperatures the material becomes more flexible, able to take on 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, various flame retardants are used.
Why do I need fire protection of steel structures?
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 collapse even before the victims are evacuated.
The increase in this indicator occurs due to the formation of a special film on the surface, which slows downcombustion process, protecting the structure from rapid destruction.
The most effective ways to protect steel structures from fire
Thanks to modern technology and rapid development, many ways have been devised to reduce the effect of fire on various metal alloys. Flame retardants on the surface of the building form a heat-insulating layer that is passive to fire, withstands high temperatures and direct exposure to fire.
Fire retardant for steel 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 means for the passive protection of the building.
Effective fire retardants:
- intumescent flame retardants increase the fire resistance of a building by 90 minutes;
- plasters can increase fire resistance by 180 minutes or more;
- cladding boards treated with a special compound can increase the fire resistance to 180 minutes or more.
How to choose the right fire retardant composition?
To maximize protection, when choosing a mixture, you need to conduct a feasibility study of the object and study the following characteristics:
- The fire rating of the structure, without additional protection.
- Difficulty leveldesigns and configurations.
- 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 work.
- Evaluation of environmental and protective material compatibility.
- Time limit for applying flame retardant.
- Aesthetic requirements for the appearance of a room or structure, etc.
Is fire protection so important?
With the right approach, fire retardants will not only protect the building from fire, but also save people's lives.
In chemistry class we were told that high temperatures make metals 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 very first minutes. To increase this time, various methods are used to increase the metal resistance threshold. This will be enough time to evacuate people and put out the fire.
The principle of operation of intumescent protective compounds
Intumescent compositions are one of the most promising areas in preventing the ignition of metal structures. The principle of their operation is that, under the action of high temperatures, the heat-insulating layer does not allow the metal to warm up and lose its bearing capacity. When exposed to heat, the heat-insulating layer increases by almost 40 times, due to this, its heat-insulating properties increase significantly.
Instructions formodern intumescent mixtures say that they must be applied to the surface to be protected with a layer about 2 mm thick. If you apply a larger amount, then in case of an emergency, the layer will warm up unevenly and swell. This will cause a heterogeneity of the protective layer, and it can simply crumble.
Before applying a fire 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 the surface, cleaned of old paint or dirt.
Fire-retardant plasters
The modern market is filled with such a product as refractory plaster. It has a low cost, provides a high margin of security and is resistant to environmental aggression. However, its use also has its drawbacks:
- Surface treatment with such a tool requires a lot of time and physical costs.
- The surface must be covered with reinforced mesh, otherwise the plaster on the walls will not linger for a long time.
- Weightening the frame increases the load on the foundation of the building, which is not always good for the condition of the building.
- When applying plaster, it is necessary to use anti-corrosion compounds, which increases the cost of this procedure.
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, lightweight plasters have been developed thatnot inferior in quality of protection. Modern technologies have made it possible to obtain plaster that does not contain gypsum, lime and liquid glass, but at the same time has high strength and good adhesion.
In the case when you need to create an attractive appearance for the building or protect fire retardants from the effects of an aggressive environment, it is allowed to use finishing putties or paints.
Most famous flame retardant manufacturers
Producers 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 trade mark Interpon produce some of the most durable and effective fire retardant paints. Nullifire Ltd keeps up the pace with paints to protect metal, concrete and drywall.
Of the domestic companies, Eurostyle CJSC should be noted. They produce mixtures according to the latest European technologies, which are characterized by high performance. Do not forget about NPO "Polymerstroyservis", LLC "Kroz", LLC "Transformer", NPF Fire Protection Laboratory and others.
