Development of a novel Passive Fire Protection system – Humidur Char
Michael Brameld A * and Travis Baensch AA Woodside Energy Group Ltd, Perth, WA 6000, Australia.
The APPEA Journal 63 S155-S158 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ22081
Accepted: 24 March 2023 Published: 11 May 2023
© 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of APPEA.
Abstract
Passive Fire Protection (PFP) is a key risk reduction measure used to protect people on hazardous facilities by maintaining structural integrity in the event of a fire scenario. Epoxy intumescent PFP products currently available in industry, have high-cost surface preparation requirements, need specialist craft labour and are multi-coat systems. With PFP refurbishment projects planned for major offshore and onshore facilities, Woodside Technology embarked on a program to develop a new PFP with the following attributes: single coat, simple and versatile application; reduced surface preparation; and comply with all relevant fire and corrosion testing criteria. Woodside engaged Acotec NV, Belgium to develop a new PFP which incorporated the proven surface-tolerant and corrosion-resistance properties of Humidur FP. Throughout 2019, over 100 candidate formulations were tested for strength, intumescent and thermal insulation properties with the highest performing product being selected for fire and corrosion testing. A comprehensive international test program was completed and the new PFP, Humidur Char, is now available. It has been third-party certified by DNV as meeting all performance requirements of the latest international fire test standards and design verification reports are in place for all heritage Woodside assets. Third-party verified NORMS have been developed to compare application of Humidur Char with an equivalent epoxy PFP system widely used in the industry and showed that Humidur Char could be applied up to 5 times faster. Feedback from the offshore refurbishment program confirms the use of Humidur Char has resulted in a 30% reduction in execution hours when compared to the previously used product. Similar significant cost reductions are expected for the onshore PFP program.
Keywords: corrosion, Humidur Char, hydrocarbon fire, jet fire, Norsok, Passive Fire Protection, refurbishment, risk.
Mike graduated from Curtin University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Applied Science majoring in Metallurgy and worked for the past 43 years in the field of materials engineering, initially within the foundry and materials testing industry, and later in the oil and gas sector. Mike commenced with Woodside Energy Ltd in 1996 and currently holds the position of Principal Materials Engineer. Mike is an Adjunct Professor in the Curtin University School of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering. Mike works closely with the Woodside Future Labs at Monash and Curtin Universities and the University of WA to identify, research and solve materials and corrosion challenges at Woodside. |
Travis is a coating, passive fire protection (PFP), insulation and corrosion management subject matter expert who has worked in the marine, oil and gas sector for 25 years. Travis started his career as a Technician in one of Australia’s leading industrial service companies, providing preservation and corrosion management services for major marine, oil and gas clients. He started at Woodside in 2009 where he was responsible for managing an extensive PFP program onboard the Ngujima Yin FPSO. In 2010 he was deployed to Karratha where he spent the next 9 years as Woodside’s coating and insulation SME, overseeing the refurbishment activities on the North West Shelf assets. In 2019 Travis joined Woodside Technology where he currently manages a ‘War on Rust’ portfolio focussed on delivering opportunities to reduce operating costs and improve safety and quality in fabric maintenance. |
