Monday, August 27, 2012

Vermiculite Plaster and Fireproofing

By Ian MacOlive


Several compounds have been introduced in the market in the last few years that help in fire protection, enhancing the safety of a structure. Vermiculite plaster is one such material that is often used on the walls of a structure to increase its ability to retard flames and prevent a full blown inferno. Here is a look at what this substance is and how it can help you to protect your facility or building.

If you own or manage a business, you might be constantly worried about protecting the facility against fire related damages. Depending on how severe an incident is, a fire could cause serious and permanent damage to the structure that will result in significant losses.

Fireproofing must be done at both the active and passive levels. This means you will have to use water sprinklers, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers, but you should also have a passive system in place to prevent a fire from spreading.

What is vermiculite plaster?

Vermiculite is a naturally occurring substance that will react to fire the same way that some other commercial fire protection products do. Vermiculite expands when its exposed to high temperatures, increasing in volume and decreasing in density. It will help prevent flames from spreading quickly, which helps with rescue and evacuation efforts. Vermiculite plaster also protects walls from exposure to extreme temperatures that can cause structural failure.

How is vermiculite plaster used for fireproofing?

While vermiculite can be used in the form of boards and panels; spray applied vermiculite plasters are among the most common methods of passive fire protection. Vermiculite is light weight and has superior insulating properties which help to keep the temperature in control in case of a fire.

There are various applications for vermiculite plaster for passive fire protection:

Cellulose fire: The low cost vermiculite plaster spray is highly effective when used for fireproofing the interior of commercial buildings and structural steelwork. The integrity of the concealed steel in buildings and car park areas is protected.

Hydrocarbon fires: The naturally occurring compound can withstand very high temperatures like those associated with hydrocarbon fires. So, it can also be used in the petrochemical filed. It is well suited to application in alchemical plant steel work, LPG vessels etc.

Experience the benefits of using vermiculite plaster for fireproofing.

Versatile and lightweight Vermiculite and Portland cement can be combined and substituted for more traditional concrete mixtures to achieve superior insulation and fireproofing properties The naturally occurring substance has fibers that expand when exposed to high temperatures. Vermiculite plaster spray coatings are odorless and colorless, making them nearly invisible while providing fire protection. These products are available in the form of PPC and gypsum for decorative applications. Also available are forms of the product that create textured finishes for direct application.

Fireproofing is an important part of facility maintenance and management. Not only will the use of vermiculite plaster help protect against fire, but it enhances the appeal of your building.




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