When subjected to heat, for example in a fire, two phase transitions take place. The first phase takes place between 200 and 250ºC and the second between 700 and 800ºC.
At the first phase transition, crystal water is generated from the (O-H) groups in the fillers. The water evaporates and the reaction is strongly endothermic (heat absorbing).
The temperature behind the barrier of Favuseal cannot exceed 250-300 ºC as long as this reaction takes place.
The second phase transition is the oxidation of the minerals of the fillers resulting in the formation of cellular ceramic material. This reaction is also endothermic, although to a lesser extent. The thermal conductivity of this cellular ceramic is however very low, 0.07w/mºK. The ceramic is stable to temperatures up to 1500ºC.
Favuseal has been tested in the worst fire conditions, including jetfire. Jetfire test at Sintef documented by the FPI.
The this fire barrier system was introduced in 1988 for the protection of glass fibre reinforced epoxy (GRE) piping in the offshore industry. Numerous oil installations all over the world are fire protected by FFBS.
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Favuseal AS is based in Tonsberg, Norway. www.favuseal.com