ROCKWOOL introduces insulation to improve fire resistance in industrial plants
Iain Hoey
Share this content
ROCKWOOL Technical Insulation has introduced its ProRox PS 680 with FR-Tech insulation designed for pipework systems of various sizes to improve fire resistance in industrial plants.
The insulation technology provides proven fire resistance to a plant’s piping network, giving additional time to stop the spread of a fire and get to a safe location.
ProRox PS 680 with FR-Tech is the latest offering in ROCKWOOL Technical Insulation’s line of ProRox stone wool insulation products. It works by slowing the transfer of a fire’s heat to steel pipework. The insulation adds critical time to a plant’s fire response and evacuation plans.
ProRox PS 680 was tested to the UL 1709 fire curve for optimized fire performance in 1- and 2-hour ratings on Schedule 40 and 80 pipe sections. It was also certified by internationally recognized organizations such as SWRI, Intertek, and SGH to deliver proven fire resistance for steam and pipe systems operating at high temperatures.
ProRox PS 680 is available as mandrel-wound, stone wool insulation pipe sections. The insulation sections are applied at typically half the thickness of conventional insulation materials and install easily, without the need for sealants or offsite cutting.
The insulation’s thinner application profile makes it easy to install around tight pipe bends and areas with limited clearance space. It is also removable and reusable and so the insulation optimises maintenance costs and allows for cost-effective, simplified inspection.
ProRox 680 with FR-Tech also incorporates ROCKWOOL’s proven WR-Tech technology, a revolutionary binder that coats each individual insulation fiber to combat corrosion under insulation (CUI). This gives the insulation an improved water repellency. The patented WR-Tech makes the insulation five times more water repellent (at 482°F/250°C) than standard EN-compliant stone wool, even after heating and aging.
Daniel Aiken, Business Unit Director of Americas for ROCKWOOL Technical Insulation, said: “When it comes to fires in an industrial plant, even mere seconds are critical to containing localized fire damage and preventing serious injuries.
“While it’s not possible to completely fireproof any plant, ProRox PS 680 with FR-Tech provides a cost-effective, proven solution to significantly increase your plant’s fire resistance. Plant operators are moving quickly to install this insulation solution on their piping systems, in less time, at lower costs, and with less effort than conventional insulation systems. And with the addition of WR-Tech for CUI mitigation, PS 680 helps extend plant operations and protect against two processing risks—fire and water.”
ProRox PS 680 is currently made in North America for North American customers who need proven passive fire protection for their plant piping systems.