Fire hazards of combustible liquids in insulation

FOAMGLAS insulation systems mitigate fire risks, and can be used with above-ambient temperature applications. Their multiple-layer configurations, coatings, and other components are resistant to thermal cracking

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FOAMGLAS cellular glass insulation can be prefabricated for piping applications

FIRES can result when combustible liquids, such as oils and heat transfer fluids, are absorbed by insulation materials (also called 'wicking'). Even certain non-combustible insulation materials can absorb combustible liquids and, consequently, can contribute to the spreading of a fire.

Under certain conditions, these combustible liquids can auto-ignite without the presence of an open flame.

This occurs by slow oxidation and temperature buildup within the saturated insulation, and, finally, spontaneous combustion.

As a result, system engineers often specify non-absorptive, non-combustible cellular glass insulation systems as recommended systems for applications with a risk of leaking organic fluids.

Cellular glass insulation is also recommended for low-temperature applications to minimise the potential danger of condensed hydrocarbon gases or liquid oxygen and their risk of possible interaction with organic materials.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS

Absorbent insulation materials can create a serious fire hazard because they can retain large quantities of combustible liquids should a system leak occur.

Compounding this potential danger is the fact that leakage and absorption may go undetected while developing into a serious threat to personnel, property, and production.

Fires caused by leakage into insulation lagging on hot surfaces have occurred with lubricating oil and hydraulic fluid in power stations and ship engine rooms, as well as with a variety of liquids in chemical and related industries.

Included in the wide range of potentially dangerous liquids and gases are heat transfer fluids, chemical intermediates, resins, solvents, vegetable oils, silicones, fatty acids, explosives, and oxidisers.