Butadiene sphere tanks at a petrochemical complex in Malaysia.
Two butadiene spheres needed 2-hour passive fire protection (UL 1709, API 521) plus condensation control in a hot, humid climate — and the incumbent light-weight cement system did neither well. Pyrogel® XTF delivered both in one system, with final approval after two inspection rounds.
PFP + condensation control + hot-humid climate.
The incumbent light-weight cement wasn’t compliant with UL 1709 / API 521; condensation control in the tropical environment was also failing.
- Not compliant to UL 1709 / API 521. Required 2-hour passive fire protection per spec.
- Condensation control in hot, humid conditions. Difficult to maintain with the incumbent cement system.
- Two spheres to insulate. Major scope on a tight schedule.
Three layers of Pyrogel® XTF + sacrificial elastomeric foam.
3 × 10 mm Pyrogel® XTF + vapor barrier + 25 mm sacrificial foam + stainless steel cladding — pre-cut in workshop, installed in 6 weeks.
- 3 × 10 mm Pyrogel® XTF. Layered system delivering 2-hour PFP per UL 1709.
- Pre-cut from templates off-site. Workshop fabrication enabled fast on-site install.
- Sacrificial 25 mm elastomeric foam. Outer layer protects the system from impact and abrasion.
- No drop hazard, lighter loads. EHS profile better than rigid alternatives — no heavy material at height.
Final approval after two inspection rounds.
The operator approved the two spheres after only two inspection rounds — citing ease of application, install speed (6 weeks total), EHS performance, and significant space savings on storage and on the spheres themselves.
Spheres or vessels needing PFP + condensation control?
Pyrogel® XTF delivers UL 1709 PFP plus thermal in one installable system — Aspen can spec your scope.