Thermal insulation of pipelines, in addition to energy-saving functions, must ensure the operational reliability and safety of the functioning of heating systems, water supply, heating networks, technological systems and air conditioning in industrial, public, and residential buildings and structures. Use of fire-hazardous thermal insulation of the pipelines and equipment during an ignition creates conditions for the development of a fire, the manifestation of its hazardous factors, which can lead to material damage and death of people.
Analysis of the normative documents regulating the installation and operation of thermal insulation for pipes and equipment showed that the fire safety requirements are established only with respect to the combustibility group of thermal insulation materials. At the same time, their ability to spread flame over the surface, smoke formation and the release of gaseous toxic combustion products are not considered.
The article presents the results of experimental studies of the complex of fire hazard characteristics of pipe insulation materials, and the study of methodological features of assessing their combustibility group according to GOST 30244 (method 2).
The expediency is identified concerning the formulation of the principles of fire-fighting rationing of the pipelines and equipment for industrial, production, residential and public buildings (premises) and structures. These criteria set limits on combustibility, flammability, flame spread, smoke generation and the release of toxic combustion products.
It is determined that the selection and justification of fire hazard indicators can be performed for thermal insulation of pipes and equipment with various functional purposes, applications, and technological features.
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