Member Article

Fire Protection Box License Generates Growth at Barrier

Barrier Fire Protection, part of the Barrier Group, has secured in excess of £1.3 million of new contracts since securing an exclusive UK licence to manufacturer fire protection units for oil & gas facilities.

The Wallsend-based company is the only UK manufacturer and supplier of the patented Benarx F Epoxy fire protection box, which are utilised to protect flanges, valves and instruments such as actuators.

In the period since the licence was secured, Barrier has won a number of projects and is in line to secure further contracts with UK and international customers.

Among the early projects secured was a significant contract to manufacturer 1000 boxes for installation at the Teesside Gas Processing Plant.

The company, which also installs the units and provides on-going maintenance support, has also manufactured and installed more than 100 boxes for the Sullom Voe oil and liquefied gas terminal in the Shetland Islands.

In addition to the UK contracts the company is currently tendering for, Barrier Fire Protection is also targeting international markets in including Papua New Guinea. Barrier is currently operating on the Indonesian island fireproofing pipe racks and has identified the market potential for the Benarx boxes.

Barrier carries out passive fire protection contracts using all of the leading and tested products, backed by supporting technical and installation services from within the Barrier Group.

Developed by Norwegian manufacturer, Benarx, which is part of the Beerenberg Group, the Benarx F Epoxy Box secures steel structures against the dangers of heat, fire and explosion.

The boxes, which can be manufactured to thicknesses of between 6-20mm, are entirely covered with an expanding epoxy coating. In case of a fire the epoxy mass expands and creates a tight barrier between the fire area and the protected units.

They have been subjected to a number of tests, including a 120 minute Jet Fire test, and meet OTI 95634 (Jet Fire) and ISO 834, IMO Resolution A 754 (18) (HC Fire ).

All joints facing steel are sealed with packing in order to avoid water ingress. The boxes can be disassembled into two or more pieces, each fastened with adjustable eccentric locks, depending on customers’ requirements. The epoxy boxes are custom made and individually marked in order to ensure accurate fit and maintenance friendliness.

Steve May, Managing Director of Barrier Fire Protection, said: “We are very pleased with the immediate response we have received for the Benarx boxes from our customers. Barrier has built an excellent reputation in the fire protection and coatings marketplaces and this additional offering has further strengthened our position.

“The UK market is already proving lucrative as companies continue to enhance their commitment to safety and site security, but we see much potential from overseas markets such as Papua New Guinea and West Africa where new facilities are being constructed that have to meet the latest, internationally-recognised safety standards.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Recognition PR Business Team .