Flame retardant treatment of metal structures involves the creation of a thermal insulation layer on the metal surface, which protects it from overheating in the event of a fire and preserves the integrity of the structure until the fire is eliminated.
Methods of fire protection of metal structures
There are several basic methods of flame retardant treatment of metal surfaces:
- Installation of protective screens or suspended ceiling systems on pre-prepared surfaces.
- Filling the cavities of structures with special flame retardants, which act as a coolant in case of fire.
- Application of flame retardants that provide thermal protection and prevent rapid heating of the metal.
Flame retardant paints and their types
Flame retardant paints are divided into two categories:
- Non—volatile – they are created on the basis of silicates or liquid glass and resemble varnishes, but differ in a greater thickness of the protective coating.
- Bulging — when exposed to high temperatures, they swell, creating an insulating coating from the coke layer, which can increase up to 70 times in thickness, providing additional protection from heat.
Stages of flame retardant treatment
The process of flame retardant treatment of metal structures includes the following steps:
- Complete cleaning of metal from rust using grinders and brushes.
- Removal of dust and residues of previous coatings.
- Applying an anti-corrosion primer to protect the metal.
- Drying of the primer.
- Uniform application of flame retardant using a brush or spray gun.
- Quality control of the coating and, if necessary, the application of an additional layer.
For high-quality flame retardant metal processing, it is recommended to contact professionals who guarantee the correct execution of all stages.