Let us explore how intumescent coatings work and their applications in industrial settings.
The chemistry behind it is revolutionary fireproof components coming together to form a powerful protective barrier when the conditions demand it.
This is where intumescent coatings get their ‘magic’ from. The behaviour of intumescent coatings is that they remain invisible until fire occurs, at which point they swell 50 times to provide fire protection.
How Intumescent Coatings Work During a Fire
Intumescent coatings or intumescent paints are passive fire protection systems that can be applied to steel frame structures, much like a conventional coat of paint. Intumescent coatings react to flame conditions when exposed to extreme heat above 200°C. They swell and produce a thick, carbonaceous char that acts as a protective barrier for surfaces.
Below is how intumescent coatings are providing protection:
- Increased Thickness Upon Heat Exposure: Once heated, the coating will expand, and can expand 10–50 times its unexpanded thickness. This expansion will create a char layer over the steel.
- Thermal Insulation: The char layer acts as an insulator, protecting the steel from rising temperatures. This gives the building more time to withstand the fire, delaying structural failure.
- Preventing Collapse of Steel: Steel is very vulnerable to high temperatures (around 500°C). Unprotected steel can lose approximately 60% of its load-bearing capacity. Intumescent coatings can delay this form of degradation, prolonging structural strength for 120 minutes. This delay allows for evacuation, firefighting, and system shutdowns.
- Invisible Protection: Intumescent paint is invisible in design, as it doesn’t alter the appearance of steel structures. However, it provides critical protection during a fire, helping save lives when it matters most.
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5 Industrial Spaces Where Intumescent Coatings Are Needed
Intumescent coatings can be applied to many industries to protect essential infrastructure in high-risk locations.
Here are 5 important industries that utilize this essential fire protection technology:
- Oil & Gas Facilities
Intumescent coatings are used on structural steel, LPG storage tanks and pipe racks in oil & gas facilities to protect against collapse from severe hydrocarbon fires. They are of most importance in high-pressure areas.
- Power Plants
Intumescent coatings are used on turbine halls, control rooms and supporting steel frames within power plants. With the coating, a fire does not cause a widespread outage or catastrophic failure.
- Chemical & Pharma Plants
In chemical and pharma plants, intumescent coatings are used on reactor vessels, steel supports, and chemical tank structures to protect from secondary explosions during a fire.
- Warehouses & Manufacturing Units
In warehouses and manufacturing units, intumescent coatings are used on steel columns, beams, roof trusses, and more. This provides valuable evacuation time and protects personnel, valuable stock or equipment.
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- Transport & Logistics Infrastructure
Public facilities, such as airport terminals, rail cargo depots and bus depots, rely on intumescent paint to ensure that the structure remains intact and operational in an emergency, protecting public safety.
For enhanced industrial safety, check out our latest blog on Why HDPE Membranes Are a Must for These 8 Industrial Assets, where we highlight key applications for protecting critical assets.
Sunanda Global’s Premium Products for Intumescent Coatings
There are several different preparations of intumescent coatings, each suitable for particular environments and requirements.
The 2 main types are as follows:
- Water-Based Intumescent Coatings
- Low Environmental Impact: Minimal odour and low VOCs make them ideal for use indoors where potential pollutants are a concern.
- Used in: Warehouses, offices inside plants, and enclosed area applications.
Sunanda Global’s premium water-based intumescent coating: SUNNOFLAME IP
- Epoxy-Based Intumescent Coatings
- High Durability: Especially formulated for extreme environments and hydrocarbon fires, these coatings offer complete abrasion resistance and long-term protection.
- Used in: Chemically aggressive positions like refineries and industrial plants.
Sunanda Global’s superior epoxy-based intumescent coating: SUNNOFLAME IP 1709
Why Sunanda Global Is Your Trusted Fireproofing Partner
With over 45 years of hands-on experience in providing advanced fireproofing solutions, Sunanda Global ensures your industrial buildings remain protected with intumescent coatings.
With over 45 years of experience in Indian industrial construction, Sunanda Global is a trusted fireproofing and waterproofing company and manufacturer of ISO 9001:2015-certified, R&D-driven products. Our solutions cater to diverse sectors, from pharma to petrochemicals, and are designed to meet Indian safety standards while promoting sustainability.
Choose Sunanda Global for passive fire protection that combines scientific innovation, safety, and reliable performance.
