The Hidden Threat of Jet Fires and an unlikely solution

What is a Jet Fire?

Jet fires are high-intensity flames that result from the release and ignition of flammable substances under pressure. They occur when gases, liquids, or vapors escape from a pressurized system through leaks, ruptures, or other failures and ignite upon contact with an ignition source. Unlike pool fires or flash fires, jet fires are characterized by their focused and directional flame, which can cause severe thermal and mechanical damage to surrounding equipment and structures.

Jet fires are common hazards in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and chemical processing. These fires are particularly dangerous because they:

• Have high temperatures exceeding 1,200°C.
• Deliver intense heat flux to a localized area.
• Can cause rapid escalation by damaging nearby critical equipment.

Without adequate jet fire protection measures in place, these fires can lead to significant financial losses, operational disruptions, and safety risks for personnel. Effective mitigation of jet fires is crucial to ensuring safety in facilities where flammable substances are processed or stored.

How Passive Fire Protection Mitigates Jet Fire Risks

Passive fire protection (PFP) is a key strategy for mitigating the risks associated with jet fires. Unlike active fire protection systems such as sprinklers or fire extinguishers, PFP works by providing a physical barrier that resists the effects of fire, thereby buying time for evacuation and emergency response.

Jet fire protection involves the use of materials and systems designed to withstand extreme heat and prevent the spread of fire. A common solution in the industry is the use of flexible passive fire protection jackets (PFP jackets). These jackets are custom-designed to fit critical equipment, providing robust thermal insulation and fire resistance.

PFP jackets are a preferred choice because they adapt to complex geometries and ensure full coverage of equipment. This adaptability minimizes gaps that could compromise fire protection, making them a reliable solution for industrial facilities. By integrating high-quality passive fire protection jackets into your safety plan, you can enhance resilience against jet fire hazards.

Benefits of Using Flexible PFP Jackets

Removable fireproofing jackets offer several advantages, making them an ideal choice for jet fire scenarios:

1. Jet Fire Resistance: PFP jackets are tested to withstand high temperatures and heat fluxes typical of jet fires. This ensures that critical equipment remains operational or fails safely during an incident.
2. Custom Fit: Flexible jackets are tailored to fit specific equipment such as valves, flanges, junction boxes, and piping, ensuring comprehensive protection.
3. Ease of Installation and Maintenance: Unlike rigid fireproofing solutions, flexible jackets are lightweight and easy to install, remove, and reinstall. This makes routine maintenance and inspections more efficient, reducing downtime for essential operations.
4. Durability: High-quality PFP jackets are designed to withstand harsh environments, including offshore and chemical processing facilities. They retain their protective properties even when exposed to extreme weather conditions and mechanical stress.
5. Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) Prevention: Many flexible jackets, feature hydrophobic silicone-coated cloth inner layers that prevent water ingress, reducing the risk of corrosion under insulation. This added benefit helps extend the lifespan of critical equipment and lowers long-term maintenance costs.
6. Cost-Effectiveness: Although flexible PFP jackets require an upfront investment, their long-term benefits in reducing damage, downtime, and repair costs make them a financially sound choice for industrial facilities.

Where Are PFP Jackets Used in Jet Fire Protection?

Flexible PFP jackets are used across various industries to protect critical components, such as:

• Emergency shutdown valves (ESDVs)
• Flanges and connectors
• Piping systems
• Pressure relief valves
• Fireproof jackets for actuators
• Fireproof jackets for valves
• and many more

These components are often located in high-risk areas where flammable substances are handled or stored. By safeguarding these components, PFP jackets help maintain operational integrity and minimize the risk of catastrophic failure during a jet fire.

In addition to oil and gas facilities, flexible jackets are also employed in chemical plants, refineries, and offshore platforms. Their versatility and reliability make them a go-to solution for jet fire protection in challenging environments.

Final Thoughts on Jet Fire Protection

Jet fires pose a significant threat to industrial facilities, with their intense heat and focused flames causing potential damage to critical infrastructure. To ensure safety, companies must adopt comprehensive jet fire protection measures. Flexible jackets for passive fire protection (PFP jackets) are an effective solution, offering durable, customizable, and efficient protection against jet fire hazards.

By investing in passive fire protection jackets, businesses can safeguard their critical equipment while meeting industry standards for fire safety. Flexible PFP jackets not only protect against extreme heat but also reduce maintenance time and help prevent corrosion under insulation, making them a cost-effective and reliable choice for jet fire protection.

Best Technology works closely with our sister company, Ancloz Engineering to deliver high-quality PFP jackets that address your specific jet fire protection needs. Contact us today to explore how our solutions can enhance the safety and reliability of your operations.