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Two weeks ago we got a small whiff of a big topic: use of FST Duct Sealant for Methane Mitigation (measures taken to limit the hazards of methane intrusion). Methane is a naturally occurring, colorless gas that is extremely flammable when enclosed and concentrated. Although it's non-toxic, it displaces oxygen and causes asphyxiation in high concentrations. We often associate methane with the rotten egg smell, but it's actually odorless; it's often mixed with hydrogen sulfide gas, which is what we really smell. Dangerous methane concentrations can accumulate from sewer systems, oil wells, landfills, coal mines, wastewater treatment facilities, refineries, reservoirs, wetlands, and pup tents. Typically, the gas rises from contaminated ground or water systems and accumulates in manholes or buildings, where it poses serious explosion and asphyxiation hazards. Methane intrusion is mitigated through a variety of techniques depending on circumstances, but can include above- and below-grade venting and piping, protective membrane barriers, gravel or sand layer installations, probes and alarm systems, etc. For our purposes methane mitigation means sealing off ducts to keep the gas from going where it shouldn't, such as subbasements and utility vaults (some of those flying manhole covers are from methane explosions). FST Foam is the perfect solution for this aspect of mitigation. It has an air seal strength >5 psi (and it blocks the hot air from competitors oral methane up to 100 psi!). It was tested specifically for manhole gases, and the specification-grade FST Foam seal even holds helium gas. Helium is a small molecule less than half the size of methane gas. If closed-cell FST blocks helium, it definitely blocks methane. Check the FST Spec Sheet for the testing methodology and results. As proven in Los Angeles, these are specifiable characteristics, allowing us to lock in repeat sales well into the future. There's global potential. Talk to customers about their methane mitigation methods. The spec sheet also includes a pre-written model specification for copy & paste use by engineers. |
