A60 H120 Pipework Fire Protection For Offshore Bulkheads & Decks

Published 29 Jan 2019

A60 Sealing

Uploaded by: Chris Dodds, Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager

NOFIRNO Flexible Pipe Sealing System

Sealing Cables and Pipes Offshore

The NOFIRNO sealing system protects single and multiple pipe penetrations in offshore environments. It is suitable for both metallic and GRP pipes.

For fire protection, the system supports A60 to H120 bulkheads and decks. In addition, it can be used in uninsulated A0 and H0 applications.

Beyond fire resistance, NOFIRNO helps reduce vibration, mechanical stress and cathodic corrosion. Furthermore, age testing has demonstrated sealing protection over a 50-year period.

The system has also passed blast tests and a two-hour jet fire test. Following a one-hour A60 fire test, it maintained watertight integrity.

A Flexible Solution for Pipe Penetrations

NOFIRNO accommodates straight, angled and multiple pipe penetrations. As a result, its flexible design helps protect bulkheads and decks where pipes pass through them.

At the same time, the system helps keep penetrations gastight and watertight while providing fire protection.

Only two components are required:

NOFIRNO sealant: A silicone-based, fire-resistant and water-repellent sealant.
NOFIRNO multi-filler sleeves: Supplied in bonded strips to simplify installation.

NOFIRNO pipe sealing system

NOFIRNO – A Brand of CSD Sealing Systems | Distributed by Thorne & Derrick

NOFIRNO A60 and H120 Fire Resistance

Understanding the Fire Classifications

The NOFIRNO system from CSD Sealing Systems has undergone A-Class and H-Class fire resistance testing. However, these classifications represent different fire conditions.

A-Class fire: The temperature profile inside the test furnace is similar to that of a cellulose fire.
H-Class fire: The temperature profile is similar to that of an oil fire. Consequently, temperatures rise much faster than during an A-Class fire.

For general approval, cable penetrations undergo both vertical and horizontal fire testing.

Fire Protection Integrity

Fire integrity measures whether a penetration prevents flames and hot gases from passing through a bulkhead or deck during testing.

The required test duration depends on the classification. For example:

A60: 60 minutes of A-Class fire resistance.
H120: 120 minutes of H-Class fire resistance.

During testing, integrity fails if flames appear on the unexposed side. Similarly, ignition of a cotton wool pad placed against a gap or crack indicates failure.

Fire Insulation

Fire insulation measures the temperature rise on the side of the penetration away from the fire. Relevant test criteria are covered by EN 1366-3 and IMO A754(18).

For the insulation criteria described here, the maximum permitted temperature rise at any point is 180°C.

Following testing, the resulting classification reflects the fire type and duration of the required performance.

For example:

An H-Class penetration that withstands the required test for 120 minutes receives an H120 classification.
Similarly, an A-Class penetration that meets the required criteria for 60 minutes receives an A60 classification.

Fire Classes and Test Requirements

To achieve a classification, a penetration must maintain integrity and meet the relevant insulation limits for the specified period.

The following table compares the fire test requirements for each classification.

Although A0 and H0 have no insulation-time requirement, both must maintain fire integrity. Meanwhile, H0-400°C allows a maximum temperature rise of 400°C on the non-fire side.

Therefore, cracks or openings must not allow flames or hot gases to pass through the division.

Class	Fire Test Requirements Attained
Class	Integrity (minutes)	Insulation (minutes)
A0	60	0*
A15	60	15
A30	60	30
A60	60	60
H0	120	0*
H0-400°C	120	120*
H60	120	60
H120	120	120
JET FIRE
J15	60	15
J30	60	30
J45	60	45
J60	60	60

NOFIRNO A60 and H120 Fire Rating

NOFIRNO supports A0–A60 and H0–H120 protection requirements. In addition, suitable configurations provide jet fire, blast, watertight and gastight protection.

Key Benefits of the NOFIRNO System

For marine and offshore projects, the flexible design offers several practical advantages:

Standardises bulkhead penetrations and reduces the number of components required.
Allows design changes without additional hot work.
Reduces the space needed for pipe penetrations.
Helps speed up installation.
Accommodates pipework misalignment caused by build tolerances.
Reduces the number of pipe spools required.
Helps reduce vibration, mechanical stress and cathodic corrosion.
Making pipe system replacement easier is another advantage.
Reduces vibration and noise, helping to lower the noise signature.
Offers weight savings compared with bulkhead fittings.

As a result, NOFIRNO can simplify installation and maintenance while helping protect pipework.

NOFIRNO Jet Fire Testing

The following video shows NOFIRNO undergoing jet fire testing. It demonstrates the sealing system’s performance under demanding fire conditions.

NOFIRNO Fire Performance and A60 Protection

NOFIRNO has undergone fire, environmental and mechanical testing. Its reported performance includes:

Certified for A60 boundaries with a minimum length of 180mm.
Tested and approved without additional insulation for A0 applications, with a minimum length of 250mm.
Proven watertight following an A60 fire test.
Tested in a two-hour hydrocarbon fire test, both with and without insulation, achieving H0 and H120 ratings.
Passed a two-hour jet fire test without additional insulation.
Shock tested to 850g in accordance with DEF STAN 08-120, including a post-test pressure test to 6.9 bar.
Blast-rated sealing system.
Low smoke and toxicity performance to DEF STAN 02-711 and DEF STAN 02-713.

These tests demonstrate the system’s range of capabilities. However, the correct installation arrangement must match the required approval and application.

NOFIRNO A0 A60 H0 H120 jet fire blast watertight and gastight ratings

NOFIRNO is designed for A0–A60, H0–H120, jet fire, blast, watertight and gastight applications.
Download the Installation Guide.

Further Benefits of NOFIRNO Sealing Systems

Alongside fire protection, NOFIRNO provides environmental sealing for cable ducts, building entries and electrical infrastructure.

Consequently, it can help protect sensitive installations from water, gas and other external hazards.

Supports ATEX, DSEAR and WIMES compliance.
Age tested to demonstrate 50 years of sealing protection.
Quick and easy to install in horizontal and vertical cable ducts.
Allows easy re-entry when adding, removing or replacing LV, MV and HV cables.
Fits openings, penetrations and ducts of different sizes and shapes.
Resistant to submersion in petrol and diesel.
Resistant to methane, hydrogen sulphide and chlorine.
Suitable for trefoil and large-diameter 11kV and 33kV power cables.
Helps prevent rat and rodent ingress into low, medium and high voltage substations.

Furthermore, its re-enterable design makes future cable installation and replacement easier.

Sealing Pipes, Cables and Ducts with NOFIRNO

Watertight and Gastight Sealing for Building Entries and Cable Duct Terminations

NOFIRNO seals cable ducts and building entries against water and gas ingress. In particular, it provides protection where flooding could affect electrical infrastructure.

Typical applications include substations, equipment rooms, cabinets and wind turbines. Additionally, the system is suitable for other critical infrastructure requiring dependable sealing.

It can be used in LV, MV and HV electrical installations, subject to the selected sealing arrangement.

NOFIRNO cable and pipe sealing system

NOFIRNO duct sealing system

NOFIRNO Site Installation Photographs

The following photographs show NOFIRNO cable and pipe sealing installations. These examples illustrate how the system accommodates different penetration arrangements.

NOFIRNO cable pipe sealing system installation

NOFIRNO cable duct sealing installation

NOFIRNO pipe penetration sealing installation

NOFIRNO cable and pipe transit installation

Marine and Offshore Power Cable Accessories

Thorne & Derrick supply LV, MV and HV cable accessories and electrical equipment for marine and offshore projects.

Our range covers cable installation, jointing, substations and earthing. In addition, we provide products for harsh and hazardous environments.

These include cable joints, glands, cleats and accessories for installation and maintenance.

Since 1985, Thorne & Derrick have built an international reputation based on SERVICE | INTEGRITY | TRUST.

Cable joints cleats and glands from 3M Ellis Patents and CMP

CMP Cable Glands | 3M Scotchcast Joints | Ellis Patents Cable Cleats

DNV Type Approval for Cable Accessories

DNV Type Approval provides an independent assessment process for marine and offshore products.

For example, IEC 61914 is a relevant standard for cable cleats. However, requirements differ for cable joints, glands and other accessories.

Products receive DNV Type Approval only when they meet the requirements of the applicable approval scheme.

Cable Joints

DNV Approved

Hydrocarbon Resistant Cable Joints | Zero Halogen and Fire Resistant Cable Joints

Cable Glands

Hazardous Area Explosion-Proof Cable Glands | Zero Halogen Cable Glands

Cable Cleats

Zero Halogen Cable Cleats | Fire Resistant Cable Cleats | Stainless Steel Cable Cleats

Other cable accessories include: Cable labels, cable ties, cable transits and cold shrink products.

For technical advice or product selection, contact Thorne & Derrick. Our team can help identify suitable accessories and check approval requirements for UK and international projects.