Jotun has launched Jotachar 1709, mesh-free epoxy passive fire protection coating to the hydrocarbon processing & energy industries, to protect steelwork from the effects of hydrocarbon pool fires (photo: Jotun)

Following the success of Jotachar JF750 revolutionary mesh-free epoxy passive fire protection coating, Jotun has announced the introduction of Jotachar 1709, a mesh free epoxy developed specifically for the hydrocarbon processing & energy industries.

Jotachar 1709 has been developed using the revolutionary technology platform behind Jotun’s successful Jotachar JF750. Jotachar JF750 continues to be embraced by the offshore and onshore industries as an alternative to traditional mesh containing solutions for hydrocarbon pool and jet fire scenarios. Jotachar JF750 is the preferred solution for operators and installers who wish to remove risks associated with incorrect mesh installation, whilst benefitting from significant reductions in installation time.

Jotachar 1709 has been specifically designed to protect steel against hydrocarbon pool fire scenarios for up to four hours, as defined within the ANSI/UL1709 Standard. Operators also benefit from long term corrosion protection, reduced life-cycle costs and the elimination of any risk associated with mesh installation errors.

According to John Warner, Jotun Category Manager (Intumescent Coatings), Jotachar 1709 offers the land-based hydrocarbon processing industry significant advantages compared with traditional passive fire protection solutions.

“Today, concrete or cementitious-based PFP materials are widely used in the hydrocarbon process and related industries to manage risks associated with pool fires,” he explains. “Installation of lightweight cementitious material often includes welded or galvanised steel mesh systems, all of which add to cost, installation time whilst extending the shutdown period. Dense concrete options have a high installed weight, often requiring additional engineering considerations and are susceptible to deterioration if not correctly maintained. Whilst these PFP solutions may appear to have a low initial cost, they often deteriorate rapidly due to the harsh industrial environment, leading to extensive substrate corrosion with compromises in fire safety. Frequent inspection and extensive maintenance over the life of the asset is often required to ensure fire performance and steel integrity.”

By contrast, Jotachar 1709 can be applied in a continuous application process. “Our mesh free solution does not require additional welded pins, metal or fabric reinforcement, eliminating the need for complex mesh depth or overlap rules, reducing both material cost and installation time,” he says. “Unlike concrete or cementitious-based solutions, Jotachar 1709 is highly durable and does not require additional weather-proofing to prevent deterioration. No topcoat is required as part of our UL1709 certification. For maintenance and repair, ease of application with Jotachar 1709 significantly reduces installation time, shortens asset downtime.”

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