The installation had a PU top coat applied when it was commissioned - which created a challenge for the contractor Saipem when the owner requested that they fit passive fire protection (PFP). Applying traditional PFP onto a PU coating without taking any remedial action would result in the PU coating melting under the PFP. Saipem had two options:Firstly, they could either prepare the surface to be coated in PFP by blasting away the PU coating and reapplying a primer which would have cost implications through increased downtime of installation and additional resource required. Alternatively, they could install a retrofit solution.

ContraFlex® jackets are an effective retrofit solution, that could be quickly and easily installed, by our small local team, (4-6 men) in the window available to Saipem to complete the installation. Our installers understand local working conditions and are supervised by one of our UK based experts. In 34 days they installed 811m of jackets to structures plus connections. The bespoke installation pads create a square profile, before being wrapped in PFP on the structures. Our jackets are held in place using a unique first-fit Velcro type fastening which enables quick and easy installation. It also enables future maintenance checks to be made without removing the entire covering.

Without this solution, the installation would otherwise have been non-operational for longer to achieve its PFP requirements for structures. We helped Saipem save on resource cost, installation downtime and deliver the project on time for the client. This solution contributed significantly to the overall success of the project and we are looking at further opportunities to install this solution at other installations.