PFP Specialists’ in-house Chartered engineers use standardised calculations and/or bespoke assessments, including finite element modelling to verify performance of structures exposed to fire with various passive fire protection arrangements. Our key specialisms include: –

• Engineering judgements & technical evaluations

• Non-standard construction detail arrangements

• Design fire appraisals

• Heat transfer assessments

• Structural response behaviour

• Critical temperature determination

• Passive fire protection arrangement rationalisation

• Secondary member protection elimination

• Coatback requirement and rationalisation

• Secondary attachment influence on PFP

• Evaluation of damaged PFP

• Third-party reviews

Being able to align structural engineering standards, fire engineering methodologies, fire test standards, product performance and associated application brings many advantages. The ability to demonstrate quantified robust design in fire to the satisfaction of the Approving Authority is key, but an added benefit in many assessments is the economic gain associated with rationalisation and optimisation.

We are able to undertake structural fire design assessments either by direct engagement or in the capacity of an appointed advisor to a project’s design team. We are also able to offer independent assessments and third-party verification of structural fire design appraisals to aid a project’s Approvals process. This could form an appointment by either a design team or by the Approving Authority directly.

We have a vast experience of PFP materials with a specific focus on intumescent fire protection. Whether an oil & gas or onshore building focus, be sure that your product is fit for purpose. Areas of expertise include: –

• Specification and design of PFP systems

• Alignment with Regulations, standards, and certification

• Rationalisation of PFP material through engineering assessments

• Product application and quality control processes

• Design, Specification and Product Selection

Understanding fire risk and creating the appropriate specification to meet the potential hazard presented seems logical and straightforward. However, truly understanding what the fire risk is and how to combat it is often ‘lost’ when taking into consideration the environment of the asset to be protected, legislation and regulation as well as asset owner driven requirements.

With a true understanding of all the elements required to put in place a design specification which meets all requirements it is often the case that many savings can be made whilst maintaining highest levels of fire integrity and safety.

Having a very practical understanding of passive fire protection, from design through to installation, PFP Specialists can provide an independent assessment of your requirements and provide support necessary to ensure a successful project.

However, we not only deal with new construction projects but also are able to offer services relating to existing installations which may have degraded due to time and exposure or need to be reassessed due to changes in fire safety regulation.

Assistance in fire test package design, ad-hoc testing and indicative assessments. Alignment with certification body requirements.

We have a vast experience of PFP materials with a specific focus on intumescent fire protection. PFP Specialists write dedicated software for product development. In addition, some of our key services in this area include: –

• Assistance and advice on defining ad-hoc or standard fire testing, including section sizing, thermocouple locations, specimen preparation and furnace set-up to generate optimum performance

• Handling and interpretation of raw data output from fire tests

• Informative assessments

• Indicative assessments

• Alignment with and advice relating to fire test standard and certification requirements

Assistance in fire testing of pressure vessels and protection systems, including numerical modelling approaches.

PFP Specialists have experience in the fire testing of pressure vessels and protection systems for pressure vessels. Our in-house modelling tools can assist in design of protection systems for pressure vessels and critical process control equipment.

Publications on this subject co-authored by PFP Specialists employees include: –

• Bradley, I., Willoughby, D. and Royle, M., 2019. A review of the applicability of the jet fire resistance test of passive fire protection materials to a range of release scenarios. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 122, pp.185-191.

• Albrecht, M.B., Otremba, F., Gonzalez, F., Prabhakaran, A., Borch, J., Bradley, I. and Bisby, L., 2016. Fire testing of total containment pressure vessels. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 48, pp.277-282.

• Bradley, I., Scarponi, G., Otremba, F. and Birk, A.M., 2020. An overview of test standards and regulations relevant to the fire testing of pressure vessels. Process Safety and Environmental Protection.

• Bradley, I., Otremba, F., Birk, A.M. and Bisby, L., 2016. Novel equipment for the study of pressure vessel response to fire.

• Bradley, I., Scarponi, G.E., Otremba, F., Cozzani, V. and Birk, A.M., 2017. Experimental analysis of a pressurized vessel exposed to fires: an innovative representative scale apparatus. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 57, pp.265- 270.