FENDOLITE PROTECTS KEY UK ENERGY ASSET
16/07/2007
To assist in managing risk at the South Hook LNG Terminal in Milford Haven, Wales, one of the UK’s key energy assets, Fendolite MII passive fire protection, manufactured by Alfreton based Cafco International, has been applied to protect terminal’s equipment and pipe racks.
Because of Fendolite MII’s tough and durable nature, the integrated coating system is being applied ‘piece small’ in Teesside, before being transported 300 miles to the site, by road. Such off-site application saves significant man-hours in construction time. Both off-site application and on-site ‘hook up’ installation are being carried out by Cafco recognised applicator, Hertel (UK) Ltd.
Fendolite MII, a single package factory controlled premix based on vermiculite and Portland cement, is specifically formulated for use on structures and vessels in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries. When applied to steel it forms a protective coating able to provide up to 240 minutes fire resistance and will withstand the effects of real hydrocarbon fire events. Compared with alternative epoxy based systems Fendolite offers significant advantages, particularly in relation to fire event reliability, capability and durability.
The South Hook Terminal will eventually import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the world’s largest gas field in Qatar, where the gas is initially frozen to form a liquid before being transported by ship. Upon arrival at Milford Haven it will be warmed and re-processed into gas. When complete, the South Hook facility is expected to provide the UK with up to 20 percent of its gas demand.
The cost of the South Hook project (operated by South Terminal Company Ltd and owned by ExxonMobil Corp and Qatar Petroleum) is currently estimated to be $12billion. Phase one of the terminal’s construction is due to finish in the last quarter of 2007, with phase two (final) being completed in 2009. By the completion of the first phase, the terminal will already have the capacity to deliver 33 million cubic metres per day to the UK gas network. When fully constructed, in 2009, capacity will increase to 59 million cubic metres per day.
Fendolite M11, which has been repeatedly specified by for similar projects throughout the world for more than three decades, has become the primary means of ensuring the necessary fire protection on refinery structures and vessel supports.
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