Pipe Penetration Seals
Shield is proud to partner with MCL Unitex, a global leader in flexible passive fire protection, to deliver world-class pipe penetration sealing solutions to the Australian market. This collaboration brings together Shield’s expertise in engineering precision with MCL Unitex’s cutting-edge, certified sealing technologies—ensuring unparalleled safety, compliance, and durability in demanding industrial environments.
With a commitment to engineering excellence and safety, Shield and MCL Unitex are setting a new benchmark for pipe penetration sealing technology in Australia, ensuring superior protection, efficiency, and longevity for critical infrastructure.
MCL Unitex specializes in manufacturing flexible passive fire protection systems, including a range of pipe penetration seals designed to maintain structural integrity and safety in various industrial applications. These seals are certified by Lloyd’s Register of Shipping and DNV (Det Norske Veritas) for hydrocarbon and jet fire scenarios.
Industrial environments, especially those in offshore, oil & gas, petrochemical, and energy sectors, require high-performance seals to protect against fire hazards, extreme weather, and mechanical stress. This article explores H0, H120, Jet Fire, and Weather-Resistant Seals, their applications, benefits, and key features.
H0, H120, Jet Fire, and Weather-Resistant Seals
H0 and H120 Fire-Resistant Seals
Fire hazards in industrial settings, particularly those involving hydrocarbons, demand passive fire protection (PFP) solutions. H0 and H120 fire-rated seals prevent fire spread and reduce heat transfer, ensuring critical infrastructure protection.
H0 Fire-Rated Seals
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Definition: These seals provide protection against hydrocarbon pool fires but do not have a specific time rating for preventing heat transfer.
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Fire Resistance: Designed to contain fire, preventing flames and smoke from spreading to adjacent compartments.
Applications:
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Bulkhead and deck penetrations on ships, offshore platforms, and FPSOs.
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Cable and pipe penetration seals in oil & gas refineries.
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Industrial enclosures requiring basic hydrocarbon fire protection.
Advantages:
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Provides thermal insulation against hydrocarbon fires.
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Lightweight and easy to install in confined spaces.
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Helps maintain structural integrity during fire incidents.
H120 Fire-Rated Seals
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Definition: Provides 120 minutes of fire resistance against hydrocarbon pool fires, ensuring prolonged protection.
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Fire Resistance:
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Rated to withstand temperatures exceeding 1,000°C (1,832°F) for 120 minutes.
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Minimizes heat transfer, protecting essential equipment.
Applications:
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Offshore oil platforms, LNG plants, and refineries.
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Pipe and cable penetration systems exposed to extreme fire risks.
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Structural barriers in high-risk environments.
Advantages:
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Enhanced fire insulation, maintaining compartmentalization.
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Resistant to chemical exposure, high humidity, and mechanical stress.
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Customizable to fit different penetration sizes and configurations.
Jet Fire-Resistant Seals
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Jet fires, unlike standard pool fires, result from pressurized hydrocarbon leaks igniting into a high-velocity flame. These fires erode materials quickly, requiring seals with superior protection.
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Definition: Specially designed to resist the erosive force of jet flames.
Fire Resistance:
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Withstands temperatures exceeding 1,250°C (2,282°F).
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Tested against ISO 22899-1 Jet Fire standards for reliability.
Applications:
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Offshore and onshore oil & gas facilities.
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Refineries and LNG processing plants with high-risk jet fire exposure.
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Valve enclosures, emergency shutdown (ESD) systems, and pipeline penetrations.
Advantages:
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Extreme thermal insulation, maintaining asset protection.
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Resistant to flame impingement and high-velocity combustion.
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Customizable to fit different pipe and cable sizes.
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Durable materials prevent degradation over time.
Weather-Resistant Seals
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Industrial environments often experience harsh weather conditions, including high humidity, saltwater exposure, extreme temperatures, and UV radiation. Weather-resistant seals protect critical infrastructure from environmental wear and tear.
Definition:
- Designed to withstand long-term exposure to harsh weather conditions without degradation.
Resistance:
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Waterproof and dustproof, preventing moisture ingress.
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UV-resistant to prevent cracking and material degradation.
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Can withstand temperatures from -50°C to +200°C.
Applications:
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Marine and offshore platforms, where saltwater exposure is high.
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Industrial enclosures and electrical panels requiring long-term durability.
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Pipe and cable entry systems exposed to wind, rain, and environmental contaminants.
Advantages:
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Corrosion-resistant, ensuring long-term performance in extreme conditions.
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Prevents leaks, water damage, and insulation failure.
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Provides seamless integration with existing fire and thermal protection systems.
Seal Fixing
Fixing bands/clips:
Each standard MCL pipe penetration seal comes with four grade 316 stainless steel worm drive clips to secure the seal to both the pipe and sleeve. For larger diameters, the clips may consist of several individual clips arranged in tandem. This configuration allows for multi-point tensioning, ensuring a secure installation.
Anti slippage system to be installed on the hazard side of the barrier, under MCL fire seal. Wire ends to face toward penetration.
Clipping lengths and cuffs:
Each seal is designed with a cuff (often referred to as the clipping length) to accommodate the worm clips at both ends. The sleeve cuffs are typically 70mm long, with 50mm for the pipe. However, if site conditions require, the cuffs can be shortened to fit smaller upstand heights.
Advanced Features
Construction
Specially designed for use on both pipework with metal cladding and in fireboxes
Certified Fire Protection
Lloyd’s Register of Shipping and DNV-certified for hydrocarbon and jet fire scenarios. Compliance with A0, H0, A60, H60, H120, and J120 fire ratings.
Blast Resistance
Independently tested to withstand blast overpressures up to 1.35 bar g, ensuring structural integrity in high-risk environments.
Weather & Environmental Protection
Weather-resistant variants available to prevent water ingress in non-fire-rated applications.
Wide Size Compatibility
Designed to fit steel pipes with outer diameters ranging from 33mm to 1067mm.
Customizable Solutions
Custom-designed wraps tailored to specific project requirements. Various sealant designs available for reference.
Flexible & Easy Installation
Made from multi-layer fabric construction for durability and flexibility. Wrap-around design with metal worm drive clips for secure fastening. Allows easy removal and reinstallation, facilitating maintenance and corrosion management.
For technical datasheets and performance test results, please contact us. For various seal types and typical site survey layouts can be downloaded below. All specialized sealing systems require accurate and precise information from the site survey team. Additionally, feel free to reach out for any specific design challenges or further project requirements.