Petrochemical & Chemical Process Industries

Instructions and Manual for Application

Fendolite MII &

Fendolite TG

CAFCO International
Bluebell Close
Clover Nook Industrial Park
Alfreton
Derbyshire DE55 4RA, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 1773 837900

Fax: +44 (0) 1773 836710
Web: www.cafcointl.com
Email: [email protected]
Document Date Checked Approved
Fendolite MII & Fendolite TG Application Manual
22/01/2003
Issue 1, Rev. 4
CAFCO International
Alfreton, UK Page 2

Record of Revision
Issue Date Details of Revisions By Approved

1 22/05/95 Theoretical coverage of Fendolite TG was stated in

cubic metres not square metres

2 17/12/96 Health and safety section revised

3 19/09/97 Change from PSK100 to PSK101

4 01/05/98 Document completely re-typed

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Contents
1. General

2 General guidance

3. Installation procedure

4. Site joints

5. Repair procedure

6. Theoretical coverage

7. Site QA/QC procedures

8. Health and safety

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1. General
Introduction

This manual has been written to provide the applicator with detailed guidance in the correct
procedures for the application of Fendolite MII and Fendolite TG in the petrochemical and chemical
process industries. In the event that the manual does not address a specific situation that may be
encountered, reference should be made to Cafco International for advice.

Where relevant, the instructions contained within this manual should be read in conjunction with
Cafco International’s latest written Fendolite MII/Fendolite TG QA/QC procedures.

Product definitions

The Cafco International range of fire protective materials are single package, factory controlled
premixes based on vermiculite and Portland cement.

Fendolite MII

Fendolite MII is suitable for on or off site applications to structures, pre-assembled units (PAU’s),
piperacks (PAR’s) and single steel members.

Structures protected with Fendolite MII have been fully tested and assessed for up to 4 hours fire
resistance in accordance with BS 476, Part 20: 1987 Appendix D (Hydrocarbon curve) in the UK and UL
1709 in the USA.

Fendolite TG

Designed specifically for application by hand to structural steel elements in exterior petrochemical or
other similarly aggressive environments where machine application is not permitted, eg. due to ‘live’
plant. Fendolite TG may also be used to execute repairs to Fendolite MII when it is not practical to
apply by spray machine.

Structures protected with Fendolite TG have been fully tested and assessed for up to 4 hours fire
resistance in accordance with BS 476, Part 20: 1987 Appendix D (Hydrocarbon curve) in the UK and UL
1709 in the USA.

PSK 101

A multi-purpose product designed to ensure good bonding between the primed steelwork and the
applied Fendolite MII or Fendolite TG.

Water repellent treatment

Water repellent treatment is supplied as a ready to use fluid that can be applied by airless spray or by
brush.

Cafco Topcoat 200

A specifically designed water based topcoat of high water vapour permeability and suitable for use
over both Fendolite MII and Fendolite TG.

Cafco pins and clips

Cafco’s stainless steel stud welded pins and bridge clips or Cafco’s Helical CE Weld Pins (which require
no clips) used in conjunction with Cafco’s Plastic Coated Mesh.

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Cafco’s plastic coated mesh

A 50mm x 50mm plastic coated galvanised hexagonal mesh.

2. General guidance
Material storage

Bagged material

These materials must be kept dry until ready for use. They should be stored off the ground,
undercover and away from wet or damp surfaces or areas of very high humidity. Storage
temperatures are not critical as long as dry conditions are maintained.

They can be stored for up to 12 months from date of shipment under good, dry conditions. Each
consignment should be completely used up before the following consignment is started.

Water based coatings

These products should be protected from frost and temperatures above 45ºC. They should not be
stored in high ambient temperatures or in direct radiant sunlight.

Site application requirements

The applicator should ensure that adequate services are available on the site, eg. suitable electrical
supply, compressed air, clean water of drinkable quality, surplus water and waste disposal facilities,
heating and lighting if required.

Weather protection

The materials must be protected from extremes of weather (freezing winds, radiant heat or running
water) during application and initial curing.

Cold wet conditions

The material should not be applied unless the substrate and air temperature is at least 2ºC and rising
or if the substrate or air temperature is less than 4ºC and falling. The surface should be dry and its
temperature should be at least 2ºC above dew point temperature.

The following factors may assist application in cold weather:

• Warm mixing water may be used (maximum temperature 35ºC).

• Shielding the work area from cooling winds.

• Using a heated enclosure. Care should be taken to prevent excessive evaporation of water.

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Hot dry conditions

In very hot dry conditions, particularly where strong radiant sunlight or strong winds or both are a
feature, it is necessary to protect Fendolite MII/Fendolite TG from too rapid evaporation of its
moisture. This can be achieved by:

• Screening the work area from radiant sunlight/drying winds.

• Wrapping exposed members tightly after application of Fendolite MII/Fendolite TG with

polythene sheeting to retain moisture or wrapping with wet Hessian sacking which will require
periodic wetting down.

• Cooling the steel surface prior to application with potable water. Maximum air and substrate
temperature 45ºC.

Drying

Provision should be made for adequate ventilation during and after application until the coatings are
dry.

Masking

In some cases it may be necessary to mask off surrounding areas to protect from overspray.

Equipment

Equipment suitable for the application of Cafco International’s materials is widely available
throughout the world.

It is important, however, that any plant used should conform to the required technical specification
indicated within this section.

Other types of equipment apart from those defined here may be satisfactory but it is in the
applicators interest that such equipment is tested by practical trials and agreed suitable for use by
Cafco International.

Equipment for the application of Fendolite MII

• A spraying machine based on a metal rotor/flexible stator, eg., mono pump is recommended.
Normal pump speed is in the range of 100 – 600rpm.

• A mechanical mixer, eg., paddle blade or drum type concrete mixer should be used. Minimum
capacity 150/100 litres (5/3 ½ cu ft.).

Rotational speed 20 – 30rpm under load, maximum 35rpm free running.

Paddle blade mixers should be equipped with rubber (or synthetic equivalent) tipped blades to wipe
the drum wall during mixing.

Small capacity mixers and mixers with too high a rotational speed should not be used as they are
detrimental to Fendolite MII and Fendolite TG.

• An air compressor or adequate capacity is required. This may form an integral part of the
spray machine or stand alone as a separate unit.

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A capacity of 0.42m³ per minute (15cfm) free air delivery (FAD) and a pressure of 3.5kgf/cm² 50lbf/in²)
are normally suitable at the spray head.

In cases where an air driven spray machine is utilised then reference should be made to the
manufacturer to determine the necessary air capacity required to drive the equipment.

• A suitable sprayhead must be used in the application of Fendolite MII. Cafco International
produce a sprayhead tailor-made for this purpose and full details are available on request.

Equipment for the application of Fendolite TG

Fendolite TG is only suitable for application by hand direct from a suitable mixer – it must not be spray
applied.

It may be mixed in a mechanical mixer as described above and applied by hand using typical plastering
tools.

Equipment for the application of Cafco’s water based coatings

Airless most industrial types are suitable. Use a 0.33 – 0.54mm (13 – 21thou) spray nozzle
spray with appropriate fillers.
Typical angle of fan 30º - 60º subject to substrate shape.
Rollers most types are suitable (eg. lambswool, plastic foam)
Brush for best results a wide, soft nylon brush should be used. Areas applied by brush
should not exceed 1m²

3. Installation procedure
Substrate preparation

New primed steelwork

It is the responsibility of the applicator to ensure that all substrates to be protected are in a suitable
condition to accept the coating.

All steel substrates to be protected from the effects of fire in petrochemical plants and refineries are
normally either galvanised or primed and painted to provide long-term corrosion protection from
aggressive exterior atmospheres.

In many cases, a corrosion protection system will be based on two pack epoxy products which have
excellent corrosion resistance properties and are chemically compatible with Fendolite MII and
Fendolite TG which have high alkaline pH values of 12 – 12.5.

Whilst these epoxy coated (and galvanised) surfaces are chemically compatible with Fendolite MII and
Fendolite TG, bonding between them can be affected by a number of factors.

In order to ensure that adequate bond between the substrate and Fendolite MII and Fendolite TG is
achieved, we recommend that one coat of PSK 101 be applied to all painted substrates prior to
application except in the case when Fendolite MII or Fendolite TG is being applied as a hollow
encasement using metal lath.

Note : Prior to the application of PSK101 the applied primer must be fully cured and solvent
released and have been applied strictly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
to the specified thickness.

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Old or existing steel substrates

Fendolite MII or Fendolite TG may occasionally need to be applied over either old/existing primed steel
or over primed and painted steelwork in unsound/poor condition. Under these circumstances, please
consult Cafco International for specific advice.

Galvanised expanded metal lath

Fendolite MII and Fendolite TG are both suitable for application to either galvanised expanded metal
lath or galvanised ribbed expanded metal lath.

As previously noted, under these circumstances the application of PSK 101 application to the primed
or galvanised substrate may be omitted.

Vessel skirts and saddle supports

Vessel skirts or saddle supports may be considered as structural elements and treated as described in
the following pages providing the vessels are operating at ambient temperatures.

Skirts and saddles supporting vessels that will operate or are operating above 45ºC or below 0ºC
require special consideration and reference should be made to Cafco International.

Insulated/uninsulated vessels

A complete vessel specification will be prepared for the client/applicator by Cafco International on
receipt of project and vessel details.

Note : Where substrates or conditions other than those given above are encountered, advice
should be sought from Cafco International.

Attachments

General

The following sections describe the sequence for the installation of the Fendolite MII and the
Fendolite TG systems.

In all cases where a stud welded pin is to be attached to the steel substrate, a good weld can only be
achieved by good metal/metal contact. It therefore follows that any applied corrosion protection
system must therefore be removed locally back to bright metal prior to pin fixing at approximately
400mm centres on a diamond or staggered pitch.

Note : Prior to application of PSK101 the corrosion system must be reinstated to the original
specification. Alternatively an approved ‘touch-up’ paint may be applied.

Alternatively, the stud welded pins may be attached prior to the priming system thus alleviating the
need for on-site touch-up.

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The following notes must be observed in the use and n

i stallation of mesh reinforcement and
retention lath:

• The welded pins should be capable of being bent once through an angle of 45º and back to
their original position or, in the case of helical pins, rotated through 90º and back to the
original position, without failure at the welded joint (see QA/QC procedure).

• Self-adhesive, glued or plastic pins must not be used without prior consultation and
confirmation in writing by Cafco International, as their performance under fire conditions is
generally inadequate for normal failure criteria.

Such fixings may be approved by Cafco International when they act as a temporary fixing to assist
location of reinforcing mesh where the fire protection material cannot fall away under fire
conditions. Such applications must be approved in writing by Cafco International before
commencement of work.

PSK101

Surface preparation

Surfaces to be coated must be free from oil, grease and visible moisture (including condensation), dirt,
loose paint, dust, loose mill scale or other materials or conditions likely to impair adhesion of the
PSK101.

Note : Unknown, old or suspected multi-layer paint systems must not be overcoated without
reference to Cafco International.

Application

PSK101 must not be thinned and should be applied by one of the following methods:

Airless Most industrial types are suitable. Use 0.43 – 0.54mm (17 – 21thou) spray nozzle
spray with appropriate fillers.
Typical angle of fan 30º - 60º subject to substrate shape.
Rollers Most types are suitable (eg. lambswool, plastic foam)
Brush For best results a wide, soft nylon. The use of a brush should only be considered for
very small areas of application, ie. less than 1m².

Limitations of application

Suitable surfaces which may be overcoated with PSK101 include properly applied and fully cured
epoxy and inorganic zinc primers and galvanised steel.

Maximum time before overcoating with either a further coat of PSK101 or a Cafco International
cementitious coating is 1 month. If more than 1 month has elapsed since the application of PSK101 a
further coat must be applied before application of either Fendolite MII or Fendolite TG.

Applied thickness range

One or more coats may be applied but each coat should not be less than 100 microns WFT (55 microns
DFT) or more than 150 microns WFT (82 microns DFT).

Recoating

Ensure that the surface condition meets the requirements of “Surface Preparation” and “Limitations
of application” above.
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Approximate drying times

Rate of drying will vary with ambient conditions. High humidity and low air change will hinder film
cure.

Touch dry - ½ - 1 hour at 20ºC and 50% RH

Fully dry - 2 – 6 hours at 20ºC and 50% RH

Mesh reinforcement / retention

Reinforcing mesh

Hexagonal reinforcing mesh is required on steel beams or columns when Fendolite MII and Fendolite
TG are to be applied by either ‘following the profile’ or ‘solid fill’ methods of application. The
reinforcing mesh must be positioned so as to lie substantially within the mid third of the applied
Fendolite MII or Fendolite TG thickness.

Recom mended mesh types

• Cafco plastic coated galvanised 50mm x 50mm hexagonal mesh

• Hexagonal galvanised 50mm x 50mm x 1.4mm (minimum wire diameter)

• Welded wire mesh of size 50mm x 50mm x 1.6mm wire diameter, hot dip galvanised after
manufacture

Note : For storage vessel protection, a specification will be prepared by Cafco International. This
specification will give details of required wire reinforcement which will differ from sizes
given above.

Retention lath

Retention lath will be required if the specification calls for the application of Fendolite MII or Fendolite
TG to form a hollow boxed encasement of an I or H section beam or column. Hexagonal reinforcing
mesh is still required and must be positioned substantially within the mid third of the applied
Fendolite MII or Fendolite TG thickness.

Recommended lath types

• Galvanised expanded metal lath BB264 (from EML Company Limited)

• Galvanised ribbed expanded metal lath reference Riblath 271 (from EML Company Limited)

Recommended fixings

• Stainless steel stud welded pins 3mm diameter x 11mm long with stainless steel bridge clips
20mm x 10mm x 7mm high (available from Cafco International)

• Cafco helical stainless steel CD weld pins, 2mm diameter x 11mm long. No clips are required

• Mild steel stud welded pins (or nails), 3mm diameter x 10mm long (minimum) with galvanised
non-return washers.

• Percussion fixings.

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Note : Other types of hexagonal or square mesh reinforcement and expanded metal lath may be
suitable but must be confirmed as such by Cafco International in writing prior to their use
on site.

Installation

The following attachment/reinforcement combinations are recommended for use with both Fendolite
MII and Fendolite TG.

System A

Attachments Stainless steel stud welded pins 3mm diameter x 11mm long with stainless steel
bridge clips 20m x 10mm x 7mm
or
Cafco stainless steel helical CD weld pins 2mm diameter x 11mm long
No clips required
Reinforcement Cafco’s 50mm x 50mm plastic coated galvanised hexagonal mesh

System B

Attachments Mild steel welded pins (or nails) 3mm diameter x 10mm long (minimum) with
galvanised washers.
Reinforcement Galvanised 50mm x 50mm x 1.4mm minimum wire diameter hexagonal mesh or
similar size square (or rectangular) welded wire mesh

Steel sections up to and including 203mm x 203mm are normally protected by the solid fill method.

In this case, the web of the section is filled with Fendolite MII or Fendolite TG prior to the installation
of the mesh reinforcement.

Steel sections greater than 203mm x 203mm are normally protected by the profile method. Stud
welded pins are attached to substrate maximum 400mm on a staggered pitch.

Some specification may call for the fire protection to be provided by the use of the ‘hollow
encasement’ method.

This method of protection is not generally recommended by Cafco International due to the following
shortcomings:

• Potential damage to the fire protective system by an explosion which may occur prior to the
development of a fire

• Risk of unseen corrosion occurring within the void behind the fire protection

• Fire and flame can spread through this void unless fire stops are provided.

When required, hollow encasement protection using Fendolite MII or Fendolite TG may be provided as
follows:

System C

Attachments Mild steel stud welded pins (or nails) 3mm diameter with galvanised non-return
washers. Length to suit lath type

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Metal lath Galvanised expanded metal lath or galvanised Riblath such as is available from the
Expanded Metal Company type BB 264 or Riblath 271 respectively
Reinforcement Reinforcement may be provided by the use of galvanised or plastic coated
galvanised mesh as described in Systems A or B above, which must be located back
to the EML using 1.4mm (minimum) galvanised wire ties or in the case of a column,
wrapped around the section ensuring a minimum 50mm overlap and secured to
itself by twisting cuts ends together or 1.4mm (minimum) galvanised wire ties at
approximately 150mm centres.

Note : Individual engineering specifications may dictate alternative meshing/lathing systems and
these requirements may be followed if they are appropriate and direct text evidence or
performance exists to support their use.

General notes

• Mesh must be overlapped by at least 50mm at all joins. No more than 3 layers should overlap
at any one point.

• For thickness of fire spray up to 45mm the mesh may be applied prior to application. It is
important that the mesh is not hard up against the substrate, therefore once secured by clips
or helical pins, the mesh should be pulled away from the substrate so as to lie substantially in
the middle third of the thickness being applied.

• Where the thickness exceeds 45mm the mesh may be fixed to a suitable length of pin after
application of approximately half the Fendolite MII/Fendolite TG thickness.

• All joins and overlaps of the metal lath must be fully in accordance with the lath manufacturers
fixing instructions. It is also important to ensure that the lath does not span greater
unsupported distances than those specified by the manufacturer. No more than 3 layers of
the lath are permitted to overlap at any point.

• It is essential that the expanded metal lath is positioned away from the substrate by
approximately 6mm using suitable spacers. In the case of Riblath, this may be achieved by
inverting the lath so that the ribs face the steel substrate. This ensures that the Fendolite
MII/Fendolite TG protrudes through the mesh by approximately 6mm allowing a good key to
the lathing system.

Mixing procedure – Fendolite MII and Fendolite TG

The products Fendolite MII and Fendolite TG are factory controlled premixes which only require the
addition of potable water on site to produce a mix of suitable consistency.

Fendolite MII requires 15 – 19 litres/20kg bag.

Fendolite TG requires 13 – 17 litres/20kg bag.

Prior to the application of any of the materials the following points should be noted:

• Sufficient material should be conveniently placed by the pump and mixing equipment to ensure
continuity of supply.

• Pump and mixing equipment should be clean and operational and should be positioned to
optimise the spray area available (Fendolite MII only).

• Prior to application substrate and air temperature readings should be taken and recorded
where relevant, as the products may suffer permanent damage if:

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o They are frozen before they are cured sufficiently to resist disruption by freezing, or

o Their cure is affected by rapid migration of moisture due to excess heat.

• Any masking for the protection of sensitive areas should be carried out prior to
commencement of application.

• Ensure that the surfaces to be protected are in a suitable condition, ie. PSK101 is cured and dry
and firmly adhering to the background.

• Make sure that the mixer and all tools are clean.

• Ensure that mixing water is of a potable quality.

• Place most of the required mixing water into the mixer.

• Partially set, frozen or lumpy material must be rejected.

• Add the bagged material steadily. Add the remainder of the mixing water slowly until a
suitably consistency is obtained.

• Mixing time is 3 minutes to ensure correct properties of the mix. It is important not to add
more water than is required to obtain an easily pumpable or trowellable mix. As a general
rule, do not vary from the recommended quantities of water.

• Provided that mixing is almost continuous, the next batch can be prepared without washing
out the mixer. The measured mixing water should be poured into the mixer so that it washes
the remains of the previous mix from the walls of the mixer.

• Where a pump has not received a continuous supply of material, eg. morning start-up, clean
water should be passed through the pump, hose and sprayhead.

When the mixed material is introduced into the pump sufficient material should be allowed to pass
through the sprayhead to ensure that all traces of surplus pre-delivery water are removed and the
correct mix consistency is reached.

• The length of time the material will remain workable will depend on ambient conditions.
However, as a guide and based on an ambient temperature of 20ºC and a relative humidity of
50% the following should be considered typical:

o Fendolite MII up to 1 hour

o Fendolite TG up to 1 hour

• If the mixer is to be left for an extended period of time then it should be thoroughly cleaned
with water and left ready for further use.

• Additional water must not be added to regain workability. Unworkable material must be
rejected. Any partially set material left in the mixer must be cleaned out before further
batches are mixed.

• The following wet bulk density figures should be obtained at discharge from the mixer if
mixing and water quantities are correct:

o Fendolite MII - 690 – 840kg/m³ - 43 – 52lbs/ft³

o Fendolite TG - 900 – 1200kg/m³ - 56 – 75lbs/ft³

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Application procedure – Fendolite MII

Fendolite MII should be sprayed to give an even coating over the background building up in a series of
passes. Even coats are obtained with steady sweeps of the sprayhead which is held, wherever
possible, at 90º to the work surface. The sprayhead must not be held stationery.

The correct amount of air introduced at the nozzle is essential to ensure consistency of texture and
correct density of material usually 2.1 – 3.5kg f/cm² (30 – 50psi) and in the case of Cafco sprayhead 2.1
– 2.8kg f/cm², (30 – 40psi).

Do not apply a single coat of less than 8mm.

Coating thicknesses should be continuously checked to ensure that the correct thickness is applied.

Where structures include a horizontal surface that requires coating on the top side (eg. top of the
bottom flange of a beam) the first spray pass should be made on to that surface. This will avoid the
possibility of reduced bond strength resulting from application onto loose overspray which can
sometimes occur from prior applications to the other surfaces.

When applying the materials to beams and columns it is important that the coating thickness around
the flange edges is the same as the thickness on the remainder of the section. Failure to observe
this means that the full fire rating may not obtained.

For situations where the materials are applied in more than one coat, the preceding coat should be
left with a spray texture finish or well scratched to ensure good bonding of subsequent coats.

The time between coats will be subject to the environmental conditions at the time of application.

If the surface has become very dry, it should be well dampened with clean water before applying
further coats, but must not exhibit a water sheen. Ideally subsequent coats, if required, should be
applied with 48 hours of initial set of preceding coat.

Wet bulk density at nozzle discharge should be :

• Fendolite MII - 1,070 – 1,310kg/m³ - 67 – 82lbf/ft³

Note : Density figure determined under laboratory conditions.

Application procedure – Fendolite TG

• For profile applications check that the mesh reinforcement is securely fastened and in the
correct position.

• For hollow encasement, ensure the metal lath is securely fixed and that galvanised wire ties
for locating reinforcing mesh have been attached to the lath.

• Mix the Fendolite TG with the minimum amount of water which will produce a stiff trowellable
mix and transfer to a tray or suitable container. Mixer discharge density should be between
900 – 1200kg/m³ (56 – 75lb/ft³) if mixing and water quantities are correct.

• Apply the Fendolite TG using typical plasterer’s tools. When applying Fendolite TG on EML a
first coat of 12 – 15mm proud of lath will provide a good levelling layer for subsequent coats to
build to final thickness.

• When applying Fendolite TG to the profile of a section ensure that the first coat substantially
covers the mesh reinforcement.

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In both cases, ensure that the intermediate coats are left with a rough texture or well scratched to
ensure adequate bonding of subsequent coat(s) and that the reinforcing mesh is in the correct
position.

• Ideally, subsequent coats if required should be applied within 48 hours of initial set of
preceding coat. If the surface has become very dry it must be well dampened with clean
water before applying further coats, but must not exhibit a water sheen.

• Avoid the use of thin finish coats. Ensure that no single coat is less than 8mm.

• Avoid upward feathered edges.

• The use of screed boards, etc., is permitted, but do not use any form of corner bead without
prior written approval by Cafco International.

Surface finish and thickness tolerance

It is recommended that Fendolite MII and Fendolite TG are both trowel finished once the specified
thickness has been applied and allowed to stiffen slightly.

Do not overwork the materials as this can cause separation of the mix components and result in
surface crazing or cracking.

Alternatively, a flash texture coat may be applied to Fendolite MII immediately after levelling whilst it
is still wet.

The recommended thickness tolerance that should be achieved on site is -0 - +3mm. Individual
specifications may require other tolerances and should be followed if appropriate.

Water shedding

Where there is a risk of water accumulating on a Fendolite MII or Fendolite TG protected surface it
should be sloped to allow the water to run away. This is particularly important on beams where the
top flange is protected and on the top surface of the bottom flange when following the profile of a
beam.

Fendolite MII, Fendolite TG / steel junctions

All terminations of Fendolite MII and Fendolite TG / steel junctions must be sloped to shed water and
be sealed by the use of polysulphide or silicone rubber mastic.

A ‘U’ shaped groove approximately 10mm deep and wide should be cut into the Fendolite MII or
Fendolite TG immediately adjacent to the junction.

The mastic seal should be installed after the application of any surface coating.

Surface coatings

General

Fendolite MII and Fendolite TG have been designed for interior or exterior service, generally without
top coating but a surface coating may be required as instanced by the following:

• To seal Fendolite MII/Fendolite TG from elements that may attack the Portland cement binder.

• To prevent the ingress of ‘hydrocarbon’ or other fluid spillages.

• To prevent excess water absorption in very wet environments.

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• To prolong the service life of the system.

Note : Any repairs to the coating should be carried out and any loose surface particles removed
before application of a surface coating

Before applying any surface coating Fendolite MII and Fendolite TG should be allowed to
cure and dry for as long as possible and at least until its colour changes from the grey colour
of the wet material to the light grey/off white of the dry coating. Drying time will depend
on environmental conditions and coating thicknesses.

Surface coating types

Water repellent treatment

Water repellent treatment is supplied as a ready to use fluid that can be applied by airless spray or by
brush. It is flooded onto the surface in a liquid stream rather than a mist, and penetrates the
Fendolite MII or Fendolite TG.

The water repellent treatment contains a light sensitive dye to enable previously treated areas to be
identified. The coating described below may if required, be applied once the water repellent
treatment has cured for at least 24 hours.

Note : If a topcoat treatment is applied before the light sensitive dye has faded, temporary
discolouration of the topcoat surface may occur.

Topcoat 200

Topcoat 200 is a water permeable topcoat which may be applied once the Fendolite MII or Fendolite
TG has dried or shown a colour change as described above (and at least 24 hours after the application
of water repellent treatment, if used) by airless spray or roller in two coats to a WFT of 150 – 200
microns per coat.

Other topcoat systems may be suitable and if their use is proposed, reference should be made to
Cafco International.

4. Site joints
Where Fendolite MII or Fendolite TG have been applied to single steel sections and/or pre-assembled
units, application to site connections will be necessary.

Particular attention should be given to the condition of the substrate since surface contamination
may have occurred. A further coat of PSK101 be required if more than one month has elapsed since
the original application of PSK101.

Procedure

• Inspect background – clean/de-grease if required.

• Apply further coat of PSK101 if required.

• Install reinforcing mesh attaching to previously installed reinforcement and to any pins
previously fixed. Add additional pins as required. Ensure a 50mm overlap is maintained at
all joins. Pull mesh away from substrate to ensure its correct position in the join.

• Either apply Fendolite MII by spray or Fendolite TG by trowel to specified thickness in the
minimum number of coats ensuring that intermediate surfaces of Fendolite TG are well
scratched to ensure satisfactory bonding.

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• When repair has set, cut a ‘U’ shaped groove for mastic seal if required.

• When patch repair has shown characteristic colour change of dry material, apply any specified
topcoat system.

• After application of the topcoat system install mastic seal at fireproofing/steel terminations –
if required.

5. Repair procedure
Damaged Fendolite MII may be repaired by either a further spray application of Fendolite MII or by
hand application of Fendolite TG.

The repair procedure should be carried out as follows:

• Cut away any loose Fendolite MII or Fendolite TG, chamfering any sharp edges. Where mesh
reinforcement is exposed, clear the Fendolite MII or TG away from the mesh and ensure that it
will remain in the mid-third of the repair. If damage has resulted in mesh failure, totally
remove the affected mesh and reinstate with new mesh ensuring that a minimum 50mm
overlap onto the original mesh is achieved and that it is secured by the use of wire ties or
twisting cut ends together. Ensure correct mesh position.

• Remove loose dust.

• If existing Fendolite MII or Fendolite TG has become very dry, dampen the surfaces adjacent to
the repair site with potable water.

• Mix the Fendolite MII or Fendolite TG in accordance with the mixing procedure.

• Apply Fendolite MII or Fendolite TG and finish level with existing material.

• If more than one coat is required ensure that preceding coats are left with a rough finish or in
the case of Fendolite TG well scratched to ensure good bonding of subsequent coats.

• When patch is dry, reinstate any previously applied surface treatment.

6. Theoretical coverage
Fendolite MII and Fendolite TG

The following theoretical coverage figures are given for guidance only. Practical coverage will be
influenced by such factors as mixing, pumping and spraying techniques which can affect applied
density and wastage, the degree of site control, size and shape of items being protected, frequency
of stoppages and chosen application techniques.

Fendolite MII based on a density of 775kg/m³ - 62m²/tonne at 25mm thick or 1.24m/20kg bag at
25mm thick.

Fendolite TG based on a density of 675kg/m³ - 68m²/tonne at 25mm thick or 1.36m²/20kg bag at

25mm thick.

Water based coatings

The coverage figures quoted are calculated by a method adopted for paints. Practical coverage will
depend on several factors, eg. surface texture, application techniques, substrate porosity and can best
be determined by practical trial.

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PSK101 - 8m²/litre at 125 microns WFT

Topcoat 200 - 5.0m²/litre at 200 microns WFT

Note : Cafco International will not be held responsible for actual coverage rates achieved on site
or the extent of wastage as these matters are outside its control.

7. Site QA/QC procedures

The components used in the Fendolite MII and Fendolite TG systems are produced in modern, highly
automated plants, subject to stringent quality control procedures. The effective utilisation of these
products requires equal attention to site quality control.

• The applicator is responsible for ensuring that all raw materials as delivered to site are of
correct type and in good condition. If there is any variation, he must consult with the client
and/or Cafco International for clarification. The applicator should produce a raw materials
quality control sheet, indicating inspection of each delivery to determine acceptance. This
sheet is to be made available to the client and Cafco International on request.

• Once raw materials are acceptable into store at site, the applicator is responsible for ensuring
that they are stored in suitable conditions and are used within their prescribed storage life
(where applicable).

• The applicator should have on site at least one person who has attended an introductory
course in the application techniques of Fendolite MII and Fendolite TG.

• The applicator should appoint one person from his team on site to organise the QA/QC
procedure as required.

• A typical sample should be prepared as part of the contract to act as a reference in matters of
mesh (or lath) type location and fixing, Firespray thickness and surface texture. This sample
could either be a special item or more usually, a site beam or column.

This typical sample area should be approved by the client’s representative in writing and clearly
identified so that it may be used as an aid to settle any subsequent disputes that may arise.

Quality control/inspection

Substrate inspection

Check that the substrate is in a suitable condition before proceeding. It should be dry and free from
oil, grease, loose rust, dirt, dust, scale or any other material likely to impair adhesion.

The applied primer must be fully cured and solvent released and have been applied in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Pin fixing (where required)

The welded pin areas shall be inspected for:

• Correct grinding of surface to bright metal.

• Correct type, spacing and fixing of pins, including a 45º bend test for straight pins or a 90º
rotation test for a Cafco helical pin, at not less than one test per square meter. Maximum
allowable failure rate of not more than 10%.

PSK101

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Check the PSK101 has been applied to the required thickness and has been ‘cured’ and dried in
accordance with Cafco’s recommendations.

Mesh type and fitting

Check that the mesh is one of the following:

• Cafco plastic coated galvanised hexagonal mesh.

• Hot dip galvanised 50mm x 50mm x 1.4mm wire diameter hexagonal mesh.

• Hot dip galvanised welded wire mesh of size 50mm x 50mm x 1.6mm wire diameter.

Check the fitting of the retention mesh, ensure that clips, if required, are fitted correctly and that
overlaps between sections of mesh are to specification. Prior to commencement of spraying, the
mesh should be checked to ensure it is pulled away from the substrate to lie substantially in the
middle third of the final coating thickness. The effectiveness of the entire retention system is
negated if mesh is left hard against the substrate.

Weather conditions

Prior to application, substrate and air temperatures should be taken. Freshly applied wet
cementitious products such as Fendolite MII and Fendolite TG may suffer permanent damage if they
are frozen prior to their initial set taking place. The temperature during application should
therefore be recorded.

The products should not therefore be applied:

• Unless the substrate and air temperature is at least 2ºC and rising.

• Or if the substrate or air temperature is less than 4ºC and falling.

The following factors may assist application in cold weather:

• Warm mixing water may be used (up to 35ºC).

• Shielding the work area from cooling winds.

• Using a heated enclosure. Care should be taken to prevent excessive evaporation of water.

The maximum air and substrate temperature at which Fendolite MII and Fendolite TG should be
applied is 45ºC. The surface to be protected should also be at least 2ºC above the dew point
temperature.

Density measurement and slump tests

Density measurement

During normal spraying operation, take a daily sample of material from both the mixer and spray
nozzle working in the normal mode. In the case of Fendolite TG only the mixer density can be
recorded. The samples should be taken in a standard container of known volume (without the use
of agitation to increase packing rate).

Using the edge of a trowel or a tensioned wire, level the top of the sample by cutting back
immediately after spraying or sampling from the mixer.

Note : Do not compress the sample.

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Weigh the samples within ten minutes add record the bag numbers, the time the samples were taken
and from the weight and volume, calculate the wet density and record these values.

Slump test (only required on Fendolite MII from mixer)

Apparatus

• A flat clean plate

• Straight edge for levelling (eg. palette knife).

• 150mm rule

• Cafco plastic slump tube (104mm D x 120mm long = 1 litre volume).

• Spring balance reading – 2kg in grams.

• Plastic bags sufficient to contain 2 litres and strong enough to hang on spring balance.

Procedure

• Identify and record bag numbers and note number of bag(s) used for mix.

• Record mix water quantity used and mix time.

• As mix is being discharged into hopper, fill the plastic tube (pre-placed on flat plate) with mix
and cut back to level off at top. (Do not agitate or compress the sample into the tube.)

• Raise tube slowly and carefully vertically until the sample has slumped back out into the plate.

• Place the tube upright on the plate adjacent to the slumped material.

• Using the straight edge and 150mm rule measure and record the vertical distance from the
top of the tube to the top of the concave depression at the top of slumped material.

• Place slumped material into plastic bag.

• Weigh bag plus sample and record result.

Note : The plastic tube has a volume of one litre, therefore weight of the sample in grams taken
from above procedure will represent density in grams per litre which is numerically the
same as density in kg/cu.m.

Results

The value obtained by following the foregoing procedure should lie within the following ranges :

• Fendolite MII

o Density from mixer discharge - 690 – 840kg/m³

o Density at sprayhead - 1070 – 1310kg/m³

o Slump - 40 – 55mm

• Fendolite TG

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o Density from mixer discharge - 900 – 1200kg/m³

Surface finish and water shedding

It is recommended that Fendolite MII and Fendolite TG are trowel finished using typical plasterer’s
tools once the specified thickness has been applied to stiffen slightly.

Check that where there is a risk of water accumulating on a Fendolite MII or Fendolite TG protected
surface it has been sloped to reject water. This is particularly important on beams where the top
flange is protected and on the top surface of the bottom flange when following the profile of a
beam.

Thickness control

When each surface to be protected is required to have the same thickness, as in the case of steel ‘I’
section columns and beams, at least one thickness measurement every 3 metres should be taken on
each surface of the flanges and the web. On steel ‘I’ sections, the spray coating on the flange should
not be permitted to taper off toward the flange edge. Where there appears to be such tapering,
the thickness should be checked across the flange and over the flange edges at the recommended
nominal 3 metre interval.

All measured thicknesses must be recorded.

The specified thicknesses are a minimum requirement, however, minor thickness variations may
occur. The recommended thickness tolerance that should be achieved on site is -0 - +3mm unless the
contract or clients own specification dictates otherwise.

Fendolite MII, Fendolite TG / steel junctions

Check that Fendolite MII, Fendolite TG / steel junctions have been sloped to reject water and that a ‘U’
shaped groove has been cut into the Fendolite MII or Fendolite TG adjacent to the junction in
preparation for the application of the polysulphide or silicone rubber mastic seal.

Surface treatments

Check that before applying any surface coating Fendolite MII and Fendolite TG should be allowed to
cure and dry for as long as possible and at least until its colour changes from grey colour of the wet
material to the light grey/off white of the dry coating.

Check that any surface treatment(s) have been applied in accordance with the specification and/or
manufacturers recommendations.

Mastic seals

Check the type and installation of mastic seal and ensure they are correct.

Completed areas

Completed areas should be checked by the client with the applicator in attendance and passed in
writing as acceptable before the applicator vacates the area.

Repair work

If the applicator is requested by the client to return to a completed area for repair work, the repair
should conform to the relevant requirements of the application manual.

The applicator should not return to a completed area to carry out repair work unless he has written
confirmation that such repair work is released to him.

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Independent quality checking

The client may appoint an independent testing house to carry out quality checking.

The following procedure for sampling and sample evaluation is the method recommended by Cafco
International for checking the mix quality of Fendolite MII and Fendolite TG. Any amendments or
other methods of quality check should be submitted to Cafco International in writing for evaluation.

Method of sampling

During normal application procedure, the sample should be sprayed into two moulds without any
alterations of sprayhead or machine settings (305mm x 305mm x 75mm mould size should be used).
In the case of Fendolite TG the material may be placed in the mould from the trowel. The moulds
should be coated with a release agent prior to sample taking to allow for easy demoulding after
initial set.

The material in the mould should be equal to the depth of the mould. Any high spots should be
removed with a cheese wire or cut with the edge of the trowel. The samples should not be tamped,
vibrated or trowelled level.

Dry bulk density determination

• Demould sample not less than 48 hours after initial spraying into mould.

• Weigh sample and record.

• Allow sample to condition at room temperature for minimum of 7 days.

• Place sample in oven at temperature of 50ºC (in accordance with BS 8202, Part 1: 1987 –
Appendix B – Density Test).

• Weigh sample every 24 hours until three identical consecutive weights are obtained. The
sample is then deemed to have reached equilibrium.

• Sample should be measured accurately using Vernier callipers and dimensions recorded.

• From the final dried weight and measurement of sample, the dry bulk density of the sample
can be determined.

For Fendolite MII the dry bulk density should not be less than 660kg/cu.m. for fire protection purposes.

For Fendolite TG the dry bulk density should not be less than 575kg/cu.m. for fire protection purposes.

8. Health and Safety

Health, safety and environmental information on our products are frequently reviewed and are
available from Cafco International in the form of safety datasheets. Users of our products should
make themselves familiar with the details contained in the safety datasheets, and on product
packaging, before handling the products.

Other application methodology exists and Cafco International recognises that those alternatives may
be suitable providing they are appropriate and either direct test evidenced or performance indicates
their suitability and there is no practicable alternative.

The information given in this manual is based on actual tests and is believed to be typical of the
products. No guarantee of results is implied however, since conditions of use are beyond Cafco
International’s control.

Document Date Checked Approved

Fendolite MII & Fendolite TG Application Manual
22/01/2003
Issue 1, Rev. 4