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The entire steel frame of a huge office block nearing completion in the centre of Moscow is to be protected by more than 2 million kilos of Cafco’s Mandolite coating, providing four hours’ integrity in the event of fire.
Mandolite CP2 – a spray applied, single package premix based on vermiculite and Portland cement – is designed for internal use on steel and concrete frames, metal floors or roof decks, and return air plenums. Once applied, it creates a monolithic coating to withstand the thermal shocks experienced in a high intensity cellulosic fire.
Although low in density and therefore having a reduced dead load, says Cafco, Mandolite CP2 is said to be highly durable and will not crack if subjected to mechanical impact.
Meanwhile, what will be one of the UK’s key energy assets, the South Hook LNG Terminal in Milford Haven, is benefiting from the application of passive fire protection to protect its equipment and pipe racks.
The integrated coating system, Cafco’s Fendolite MII is being applied offsite in Teeside before being transported 300 miles to Milford Haven, saving construction time. Both off-site application and on-site ‘hook-up’ installation is being carried out by Hertel UK. Fendolite MII is a single package, factory controlled premix based on vermiculite and Portland cement, and is formulated for structures and vessels in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries. When applied to steel it forms a protective coating able to provide up to 240 minutes fire resistance and will withstand the effects of real hydrocarbon fires. The $12 billion South Hook Terminal will eventually import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the world’s largest gas field in Qatar, where the gas is initially frozen to form a liquid before being transported by ship. On arrival at Milford Haven it will be warmed and re-processed into gas. When complete, the South Hook facility is expected to provide the UK with up to 20% of its gas demand. Phase one of the terminal’s construction is due to finish in the last quarter of 2007, with final phase being completed in 2009.