When applying glass flake mortar in desulfurization towers, it is essential to pay attention to safety to prevent fires

Thread Content

There have been reports of fire accidents occurring during the anti-corrosion process of desulfurization towers due to improper construction, and it is easy to see that in the vast majority of such incidents, it is the anti-corrosion materials that catch fire. The glass flake mortar commonly used today is primarily composed of about 60% 901 vinyl resin, curing agents of similar type, around 20% glass flakes, fillers such as 15% talcum powder, and 2% styrene as a thinner. During application, approximately 10% styrene is added as a thinner to give the coating fluidity. Due to its high molecular weight and low volatility, styrene has difficulty evaporating; moreover, the fish-scale-like structure of the glass flakes provides excellent waterproofing and shielding effects, further hindering the evaporation of styrene. As a result, large amounts of styrene remain in the coating for a long time after the application of the glass flake mortar, increasing safety risks ； The density of styrene vapor is greater than that of air; therefore, once styrene evaporates, it settles at the bottom of the construction area. Over time, the concentration of styrene at the bottom increases, and it can even reach its explosive limit. The temperature tolerance limit of glass flake mortar is around 180°C; when exposed to high temperatures such as those generated by welding, the coating is damaged, and substances like styrene and organic resins contained within the coating come into contact with air, creating the conditions necessary for combustion. If the temperature tolerance of glass flake mortar could be increased significantly so that it remains intact under short-term high temperatures, then the coating would prevent oxygen from reaching these substances, thereby preventing or delaying combustion. Unfortunately, the resins used in the production of glass flake mortar cannot achieve a substantial increase in temperature tolerance due to structural limitations, and moreover, this coating material itself is a combustible organic substance. Fire accidents in desulfurization towers occur frequently; how can we prevent them? During the construction and renovation of desulfurization towers, it is necessary to arrange the schedule properly, avoid concurrent operations, and strictly control quality, safety, and progress to prevent similar accidents from occurring again. After the hot work is completed, a fire hazard inspection of the construction area must be carried out, debris should be removed promptly, and someone must remain on site for more than two hours.