Jotachar JF750, a mesh-free passive fire protection (PFP) epoxy coating system for structural steel, was launched two years ago by Jotun. The Jotachar system does not require mesh reinforcement, meaning the required coating thickness for any fire scenario can be applied in a single day. When compared to traditional mesh containing products, independent tests show that Jotachar can cut material costs by more than 20% and application time by 60% (on a typical 6000sq m project).
While increased safety and reduced risk continue to be the primary objectives among operators, the current cost focus in the oil industry underlines the appeal of technologies that are proven to help meet project budgets and schedules, said Andy Czainski, global PFP sales director performance coatings. “With oil hovering around the US$50 mark, reducing downtime is more critical than ever. This is especially the case on maintenance projects, where operators are seeking every opportunity to fast track their assets back to production. In this climate, a fire protection system that is proven to cut application time by up to 60%, while improving safety, is very attractive to asset owners and installers alike.”
Statoil, known to possess one of the industry’s most stringent safety standards, recently approved Jotachar JF750 in their governing document TR 0042.
In addition to certification by all major Classification Societies, Jotachar JF750 is also approved under the Underwriters Laboratories listing scheme for up to 240 minutes protection.
Jotachar is fully compliant to the latest revision of Norsok M-501, proving corrosion resistance, material durability, mechanical and fire performance after exposure.
Jotachar’s capacity to withstand heat flux jet fires exceeding 350 kW/sq m has been critical in gaining third party assurance, said Czainski. “There is a drive in the industry to provide protection for higher risk assets against the most intense high heat flux jet fire scenarios.”
A major Middle East operator has recently chosen Jotachar to protect two large offshore units against a broad range of fire scenarios, including jet fires. This project will consume over half a million kilograms of Jotachar JF750.
Image: Platform/Blue-C
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