The demand for thermoplastic piping systems for marine applications has grown considerably over the last few years. The lightweight, corrosion-free, and long-lasting alternative to traditional steel and metal piping systems is the ideal solution to increase the efficiency of cruise ships, merchant fleets, offshore platforms, and floating wind farms. Thanks to the newly developed fire retardant system HEAT-FIT, thermoplastic piping systems can be used for essential applications (L3) onboard.
Ultimate protection
The HEAT-FIT fire retardant system was developed to bring lightweight plastic piping systems in essential applications on board. The system is on average 30% lighter than metal alternatives. For pipe protection, GF Piping Systems offers co-extruded PE pipes (HEAT-FIT PE) and intumescent pipe sleeves (HEAT-FIT Jackets). For the ultimate fire protection of the fittings, fitting jackets (HEAT-FIT Jackets) are available.
Ultimate compatibility
The system is compatible with the PE100 piping system ecoFIT and is designed for fast and straightforward new build and retrofit installations. No specialized skills are required for the jointing of the system.
Ultimate safety
The HEAT-FIT system's safety has been tested according to IMO Resolution A753 Fire Resistance L3, among others. HEAT-FIT protects thermoplastic pipes and fittings made of PE100 from fire at a temperature of 1000°C for up to 30 minutes under a pressure of 3 bar.
Ultimate approval
HEAT-FIT meets the requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and is approved with ecoFIT for essential and non-essential applications. The system was tested in accredited laboratories and multiple in-house tests and is approved by ABS, BV, DNV, LR, and RINA (for approvals per product, see product ranges).
The unique fire retardant system HEAT-FIT copes with the strict fire resistance regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and makes thermoplastic piping systems resistant to temperatures around 1,000°C for at least 30 minutes under pressure. The co-extruded pipes and pipe jackets are made of durable and flexible materials and can sustain highly demanding marine industry conditions.
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Ultimate fire protection
The HEAT-FIT fire retardant system is highly insulating and robust, protecting the medium-carrying inner pipe from fire. The flame-retardant coating reacts upon exposure to flames, forming a protective layer that shields the pipe from heat and fire.
- HEAT-FIT PE pipes feature a halogen-free, high-performance intumescent coating applied via co-extrusion, meeting strict requirements.
- HEAT-FIT Jackets boast a flexible, elastic, and smoother halogen-free intumescent coating applied to a glass fiber fabric, reinforced with a flame retardant thermoplastic urethane lamination.
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Installation
The lightweight system is installed within minutes for years of operation. The medium-carrying piping system ecoFIT and HEAT-FIT PE is jointed with buttfusion or electrofusion, and the HEAT-FIT jacket system is installed manually. No specialized skills or hot work are necessary to install the complete system. The long-established jointing technologies allow the highest reproducibility, reliable joints, and low thermal and mechanical stress during installation. In addition, the welds are trackable and recordable.
Applications
GF Piping Systems has been the global marine industry partner for over 30 years and supplies non-corrosive and lightweight thermoplastic piping systems. Thanks to the innovative fire retardant system HEAT-FIT, the range of applications of thermoplastic piping systems has been extended from non-essential to essential applications (L3), which require increased safety standards.
Application possibilities are in machinery spaces, pump rooms, cargo pump-rooms, RO/RO cargo holds accommodation services, and control spaces under the categories A, B, C, D, J, and K of the fire endurance matrix according to IMO A. 753 (18) regulations.
Video Series
Watch the video series to learn more about the development of the intumescent technology, how HEAT-FIT protects thermoplastics from fire, and where the fire retardant system can be applied.
Working principle of HEAT-FIT Jacket System
The HEAT-FIT material consists of three components. Watch this video to learn more about the different materials and technologies used to provide ultimate fire protection for your plastic piping systems in essential applications onboard.
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L3 application possibilities for lightweight plastic piping systems
Corrosion-free plastic piping systems can finally be applied in essential applications (L3) like ballast water, ballast water treatment, fresh- and seawater cooling, or exhaust gas scrubbers. Watch the video to learn more about HEAT-FITs application possibilities and approvals.
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Impact of plastic piping systems on industry challenges
Watch this video and learn why shipbuilders, shipowners, and operators should consider lightweight plastic piping systems for essential and non-essential applications onboard cruise ships, merchant vessels, and offshore work.
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How the fire retardant pipe jacket system was developed
The HEAT-FIT Jacket solution provides ultimate fire protection for plastic piping systems onboard essential applications (L3). The road to the final product has taken more than six years of research, development, and testing.
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