Vetrotech Saint-Gobain Introduces Heated Fire-Resistant Glass for LNG Carriers

One of the world’s leading manufacturers of fire resistant glass, Vetrotech Saint-Gobain, introduces THERMOVIT© PRO A0, an electrically heated glass solution with A0 fire-resistance in line with IGC International Code for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Carriers. 
 
With over 30 years of experience in producing fire-resistant and heated glass, Vetrotech has developed a glass solution specifically for wheelhouse applications, which offers 60 minutes of fire integrity resistance (A0) and an integrated heating function in just one single laminated glass.  Assisting with the safety of crew and ship, the Vetrotech Saint-Gobain solution meets the requirements set out within the IGC International Code for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Carriers, which states wheelhouses in LNG carriers to be installed with A0 fire-protective glass.
 
Ruud van der Sterren, Business Manager Marine, says: “Having clear fire-safety guidelines for a fuel carrying ship, such as an LNG carrier, is crucial. When holding large volumes of fuel onboard, it is essential that the crew are protected in the event of a fire to the highest possible standard. Safety glass is an essential component in assisting with fire safety, providing additional time for the crew to evacuate or navigate the ship to a safe destination.”
 
A Glass Solution Resisting Extreme Temperatures

When sailing in areas where temperatures can fall below freezing – such as the arctic areas - the defrosting of glass is required before setting sail. It is common practice to use blowers directed on the glass to defrost and obtain clear views. This technique has disadvantages, when using blowers the water does not evaporate and may seep into the interior. This can cause longer term negative effects on the vessel and only provides localised clearing on the glass, resulting in limited vision. With its conductive coating THERMOVIT© Pro A0 heats the entire surface of the glass and ensures the glass remains frost, snow, vapor or condensation free.  The neutral coating eradicates external weather influences providing a clearer vision, particularly important for wheelhouses where binoculars may be used, as it causes, unlike conventional solutions, no visual disturbances of the heat conductive wires. The clear coating also improves outside views particularly for discolored views of the traffic lights which can sometimes occur.
 
Make Long-Term stays on a ship more comfortable

The coating applied on the new range of Vetrotech heated products has several features to create a comfortable living or working environment within the wheelhouse of the ship. The protective neutral coating improves the solar reflection, minimizing solar heat gain and has an impressive g-value of 0.58, allowing easier regulation of temperatures within the ship. When heated the glass can also help control colder environments to ensure that a warm and comfortable temperature is available.
 
The glass is suitable for use in both extreme heat and humidity and freezing conditions up to -40ºC. Controlled heating of the glass evaporates and clears condensation from the glass, even in high humidity environments.
 
To meet architectural and technical requirements the THERMOVIT© product range comprises three different solutions which can be customized to all project needs. The glass is available in sizes up to 5500 mm and are in line with ISO614 and ISO21005 (standard for toughened glass), ISO3434 (standard for heated glass).

About Vetrotech Saint-Gobain

Vetrotech Saint-Gobain is part of the Saint-Gobain group. Vetrotech specialises in the development, manufacture and sales of high-performance safety glass for the building and marine sectors, with a focus on providing multi-functional security, comfort and design features for safe and seamless building integration. By offering a broad selection of high-security glass products, including resistance to fire, impact, attack, bullet, blast, pressure, and even hurricane, we can provide innovative solutions for even the most demanding of applications. Vetrotech also distributes Saint-Gobain SageGlass® throughout Europe and the Middle East – an intelligent, electronically tintable glass that offers complete control over unwanted glare and solar heat gain. From its head office located in Flamatt, Switzerland, approximately 840 people work for Vetrotech around the world. It's eight main production sites, situated on three continents, ensure reliable supply to more than 60 countries over regional sales offices capable of providing global coverage.

For more information about Vetrotech, visit www.vetrotech.com or join our twitter account @Vetrotech_Int to stay updated.

About Saint-Gobain

In 2015, Saint-Gobain celebrated its 350th anniversary, 350 reasons to believe in the future. Backed by its experience and its capacity to continuously innovate, Saint-Gobain, the world leader in the habitat and construction market, designs, manufactures and distributes high-performance and building materials providing innovative solutions to the challenges of growth, energy efficiency and environmental protection. With 2014 sales of €38.3 billion*, Saint-Gobain operates in 65 countries and has more than 170,000 employees.

For more information about Saint-Gobain, visit: www.saint-gobain.com and the twitter account @saintgobain.