Jotachar’s mesh free solution provides significant benefits for owners, fabricators and applicators compared to systems that require mesh reinforcement:

• increased productivity
• installation time reduced with up to 50%
• maintenance cost reduced
• saves material costs with up to 50%
• less risk

With Jotachar’s continuous application process, projects are completed more rapidly with significant savings in man hours and costs. Maintenance and repair are also much simpler and require significantly less time and cost.

Mesh containing systems require a larger installation crew to complete the project, and more frequent inspections to ensure the complex mesh overlap and depth rules are in compliance with product- and project certification rules. These factors will add time and cost to any project.

The industry’s challenge has been to design an epoxy PFP with low installed weight and the fastest possible installation without additional mesh reinforcement.

Low-cost solutions such as concrete and lightweight cementitious materials are often unable to meet client requirements for long-lasting corrosion protection, durability and low life cycle cost.

Early deterioration of low-cost systems can lead to reduced fire protection, compromising the safety of personnel and the protection of assets and inventory.

Traditional epoxy PFP materials often need additional mesh reinforcement to guarantee certified performance.
Any requirement to install mesh introduces risks associated with omission or incorrect installation.
Jotachar advantages versus mesh containing PFP
No mesh depth rules to follow

Left: mesh embedded at the correct depth in the coating Right: mesh embedded too close to the coating surface

Certification rules dictate that mesh reinforcement must be installed at a specific depth within the PFP coating, typically at the middle. If the mesh is not installed at the correct depth, the system will not meet these requirements.
No epoxy PFP detachment from the mesh layer

Poor installation of mesh with mesh exposed and detachment of the final coat

Incorrectly installed mesh reinforcement can significantly reduce the cohesive properties between the mesh and the final coat of epoxy PFP. This can lead to detachment and system failure in a fire scenario. Jotachar 1709’s continuous mesh free application eliminates this risk.
No complicated repairs or upgrades

1. Damage repair required 2. Remove PFP back to primer and step back 2nd coat of PFP to expose sound mesh layer 3. Apply 1st coat of PFP and apply new mesh 4. Apply 2nd coat of PFP and then topcoat

Mesh containing systems can be difficult to repair as the replacement mesh layer has to follow the same certification rules as the initial layer. This means cutting back to expose undamaged mesh and overlapping with a new mesh layer. If a fire scenario upgrade is required, the mesh should be completely removed and replaced in accordance with the certification rules.
Mesh incorrectly installed or omitted

Lack of overlap of mesh results in unpredictable fire performance

The mesh reinforcement must be installed in accordance with strict certification rules depending on fire scenario. It is very difficult to observe if the mesh has been installed correctly or installed at all. Incorrect overlaps or lack of mesh will result in unpredictable fire performance.
No water ingress at mesh terminations

Mesh strands exposed – offering a route for moisture to enter the coating

If system terminations are not completed correctly, mesh strands can protrude from the termination point. These exposed strands provide a path for moisture into the coating, leading to poor adhesion, water uptake and reduced fire performance through the life of the system.
No mesh detachments from overlaps

Poor adhesion at mesh overlaps – the result of incorrect installation and the source of delays and reworking

At mesh joints an overlap must be introduced according to certification rules. If the overlapping mesh is not correctly installed with adequate adhesion, the upper layer of mesh will lift. This will cause project delay due to rework of the mesh and the subsequent coats.
Jotachar advantages versus concrete and lightweight cementitious PFP

Concrete and cementitious based PFP materials have been widely used in the hydrocarbon processing- and related industries. Whilst they are considered low-cost options, Jotachar 1709 has a number of significant advantages:

Easier to install; no pins, no metal- or fabric mesh
Continuous application process
Reduces project completion time
Apply at site or off-site with lower transport costs
Significantly reduces asset down time when used for on-site repair or maintenance
Low moisture absorbency
High resistance to freeze-thaw cycles in challenging environments
Provides an aesthetic finish
No topcoat required