|
Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the world’s biggest shipbuilder, said it has developed the world’s first flame-retarding insulation material for LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cargo tanks in cooperation with global insulation manufacturers.
Typically, cargo tanks of LPG carriers have to be maintained at a temperature of 50°C below zero or lower so that the liquefied gas can be protected from evaporation. And polyurethane foam, the most commonly used insulation material for LPG cargo tank, is vulnerable to fire spread once it is exposed to a fire source. In shipyards where welding cut is an essential part of the work, there is a high chance of a fire outbreak.
To alleviate the chronic risk factors in building LPG carriers, HHI established the world’s first safety
|
standards for the insulation material. Insulation system manufacturers joined forces to optimize insulation spray systems and revise the formulation of polyurethane to make it more flame resistant.
The high flame-retarding insulation does not trigger fire spread even when it is in contact with fire sources. When the insulation catches fire it goes out within four minutes while at the same time drastically reducing smoke.
HHI is planning to apply the new material to its LPG carriers that begin to be built in the first half of this year. "This material is expected to better protect workers and LPG carriers from fire while making our LPG carriers even more attractive and popular with our clients around the world," said a company statement.
|
