K-MASS

Intumescent Epoxy

K-MASS HAS BEEN SPECIFICALLY FORMULATED FOR PROTECTION OF CRITICAL PROCESS CONTROL EQUIPMENT (CPCE) IN HYDROCARBON FIRES

K-MASS is a proprietary moldable epoxy intumescent epoxy that becomes reactive in the presence of heat, expanding to several times its original thickness as it develops the insulating char that inhibits CPCE temperature rise. This pyrolytic reaction shields wire insulation, solder connections, circuit boards, terminal blocks, relays and metallurgy allowing the CPCE to remain operational during the fire.

Benefits of K-MASS

Cannot be removed and left off during servicing activities, so the fireproofing is never compromised.

Because it is an epoxy product directly bonded to the equipment, it adds an extra layer of corrosion protection.

Does not permit Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI)

Full access to equipment with no special tools required

Doesn't affect the flame paths on explosion proof actuators and the equipment initial ATEX approval is maintained

Will last the life of the actuator if the paint integrity is maintained

Actuators can be fire tested to industry standards such as UL 1709 to prove functionality for a specified time, typically 30 min

Weather and chemical resistant

K-MASS

Before the fire

  • A new actuator coated with K-MASS DB
  • The coated actuator appears and operates the same as the uncoated actuator
K-MASS

Externals after the fire

  • The 3/4 inch (19mm) K-MASS coating has intumesced resulting in much thicker char
  • The expanded char completely encapsulates the actuator
K-MASS

Internals after the fire

  • Electronics remain undamaged
  • The "O" ring is still intact

How K-MASS Intumesces

K-MASS

As the fire starts

K-MASS starts to react at 85.6°C. A chemical process causes the coating to expand (intumesce). Evaporation on the surface then takes place which also has a cooling effect.

K-MASS

During the fire

The surface char deepens reflecting 80-90% of the heat back into the fire. Intumescing continues and forms a barrier, both insulating and cooling.

K-MASS

Long term exposure

The heat will penetrate the first layer, then the K-MASS below will start to react. The layers react until the fire is extinguished.

Hydrocarbon vs Cellulosic Fire

K-MASS

Of all the fire tests available UL 1709 is the most demanding, with the fastest temperature rise coupled with one of the highest heat fluxes.

Thermal Designs in-house ANSI/UL 1709 as per API 2218 compliant burn test (1093°C/ 2000°F for minimum of 30 Minutes)

K-MASS has been tested in accordance with UL 1709 Rapid Rise Fire Test. Structural steel fire test temperature criteria are less stringent than the pass/fail criteria of CPCE. Structural steel can loose up to 50% of its strength at temperatures below 440°C/824°F.