AkzoNobel has launched a new Chartek passive fire protection product aimed at the offshore oil and gas industry. Chartek 8E provides a significant reduction in applied weight, addressing a key customer need and resulting in a more sustainable passive fire protection offer.

“We know that applied weight is a key concern for our customers and the industry, so we set out to develop a lightweight solution that delivered this benefit alongside both 60 minute jet and pool fire ratings,” said Ian Fletcher, Oil and Gas Segment manager at AkzoNobel’s Protective Coatings business.

Chartek 8E, based on a proven in-service technology, is optimized to provide 60 minutes resistance to the effects of hydrocarbon pool fires without the use of mesh; a 60-minute resistance to jet fires can also be achieved through the use of mesh reinforcement.

“An intensive R&D program has enabled us to optimize char expansion technology with and without mesh reinforcement during jet and pool fire exposure,” Fletcher added. “This means we are more equipped than ever to offer our customers the full choice of passive fire protection, whatever their needs.”

Commenting on the announcement, Mauricio Bannwart, managing director of AkzoNobel’s Protective Coatings business said: “The Chartek range has been a leader in the passive fire protection market for over 40 years. These latest enhancements clearly focus on our customers’ needs and coupled with our industry-leading fire design service, will help maintain the position of Chartek as the market’s leading passive fire protection solution. Chartek 8E is the first step in our development of a range of new passive fire protection products.”

Since its first introduction in the 1970s, Chartek technology has gone on to be used by all of the world’s oil majors and has been proven in-service in regions as diverse as the North Sea, the Arctic and the tropics.