Huntsman Reactor Vessel Fireproof
Vessel-skirt fireproofing renewal at Huntsman combined removal, corrosion-barrier preparation and replacement dense fireproofing.
Delta Structural Technology completed a reactor and vessel-skirt fireproofing project at Huntsman’s Port Neches facility. The proposed treatment combined removal of existing dense concrete fireproofing and steel mesh with surface preparation, a corrosion barrier and new dense fireproofing. This integrated scope recognized that the protective system depended on both its thickness and the condition of the underlying steel surface.
- Market
- Petrochemical
- Services
- Vessel-skirt fireproofing renewal
- Location
- Port Neches, Texas
Project challenge
Renewing fireproofing around industrial vessels requires more than replacing the visible outer material. Existing fireproofing and mesh must be removed to expose the substrate, and corrosion beneath the old system must be addressed before the new assembly is applied. Access around equipment and the removal of interfering items also affect the ability to prepare and cover the intended surfaces.
Project approach
Delta’s proposed assembly included an epoxy-mastic barrier beneath dense fireproofing made with a sand-and-cement mix. The specification described a nominal two-inch thickness and welded wire fabric reinforcement. Shotcrete, troweling or casting were identified as installation methods within the proposed scope. The sequence connected demolition and substrate preparation to the application of the new protective layer rather than treating them as separate repairs.
Delivery and coordination
The construction package included scaffolding and coordination of laydown space and water with the client. It also identified obstructions that needed to be removed by others before the work could proceed. Site review and a detailed construction schedule were part of preparing the scope. These interfaces mattered because access to vessel skirts and the underlying surfaces controlled the practical application sequence.
Project significance
The Huntsman fireproofing project demonstrates the relationship between corrosion protection and a replacement fireproofing assembly. The specification brought steel preparation, an epoxy barrier and reinforced dense fireproofing into a single package. For industrial owners, the case illustrates why the full protective system and the access needed to install it should be considered together.
