Thermal protection systems
Planning, installation and maintenance of refractory and thermally insulating systems to protect infrastructure and personnel from extreme heat exposure. Covers fire protection, explosion protection and passive thermal barriers.
Thermal protection systems
Application scenarios
Military infrastructure is exposed to extreme thermal loads: missile launches generate exhaust temperatures in excess of 2,500 °C, ammunition depots must achieve defined resistance periods in the event of fire, and shelters require thermal barriers against blast effects.
SBS Refractory Service transfers its expertise from industrial refractory construction to the requirements of defence infrastructure. Our refractory solutions withstand not only high temperatures but also the mechanical loads caused by blast waves and vibration.
Every project is designed individually for the specific threat situation and the structural conditions on site. From material selection through design to acceptance, we work closely with planning offices and military construction departments.
At a glance
- Thermal analysis of the threat scenarios prior to design
- Material certificates for all refractory products used
- Verifiable blast wave resistance of the structure
- Combination of thermal insulation and mechanical resilience
- Fire protection verification in accordance with the applicable regulations
- Regular inspection and maintenance
How we work on Thermal protection systems
Proven methods and specialised equipment for optimal results.
Ablative heat shield panels
Sacrificial layers that absorb thermal energy through controlled decomposition. Used on missile launch pads and test stands. Regenerated by replacing the panels after exposure.
Refractory wall lining
Multi-layer lining systems consisting of refractory bricks, insulating boards and anchoring. They protect concrete structures from thermal decomposition and enable defined fire resistance classes.
Thermal sprayed layers
Spray application of refractory castables onto existing structures. Rapid application over large areas and complex geometries. Particularly suitable for retrofitting and repair.
Blast protection doors & closures
Refractory-lined steel closure elements for ammunition depots and shelters. They combine mechanical blast wave resistance with a defined fire resistance.
Step by step to the result
Structured, transparent and on schedule — this is how we work.
Threat analysis & design
Definition of the thermal and mechanical load cases, determination of the protection objectives.
Analysis of the temperature-time curves, blast wave parameters and exposure durations. Selection of the protection strategy: insulation, ablation or a combination. FEM simulation where required.
Material qualification
Testing and certification of the refractory materials for the specific application.
Laboratory tests: compressive strength at temperature, thermal shock resistance, ablation rate. Documentation of the material characteristics and batch traceability.
Assembly & installation
Professional installation of the protection systems by trained refractory specialists.
Anchoring in the supporting structure, installation of the refractory layers in the specified sequence, jointing and sealing. Quality control of every layer.
Acceptance & testing
Performance verification of the protection system by inspection and, where applicable, load testing.
Visual inspection, layer thickness measurement, thermography. Where required, fire testing or blast wave testing on sample panels. Acceptance documentation.
Inspection & maintenance
Regular condition checks and replacement of protective layers that have been exposed.
Inspection intervals in accordance with the manufacturer's specification and the exposure profile. Documentation of the degree of wear, replacement of ablative panels, repair of damage.
Material flows in Thermal protection systems
Proper separation, recovery and disposal of all resulting materials.
Ablative refractory material (SiO₂/phenolic resin)
Composite material that absorbs thermal energy through controlled pyrolytic decomposition. Protects the underlying structure from temperatures of up to 2,500 °C.
High-temperature insulating bricks (lightweight fireclay)
Porous refractory bricks with low thermal conductivity (< 0.3 W/mK). They reduce heat transfer and protect load-bearing structures in the event of fire.
Refractory sprayed concrete
Machine-applicable refractory castable with good adhesion to concrete and steel. Rapid application, including on vertical and overhead surfaces.
Heat-resistant anchoring systems (V2A/V4A)
Stainless steel anchors with defined thermal expansion allowances. They secure the refractory layers even under dynamic loading and thermal cycling.
Application scenarios
Typical situations in which Thermal protection systems is used.
Thermal protection of missile launch pads and engine test stands
Fire-resistant lining of ammunition depots and stores
Fire protection lining of shelters and bunkers
Retrofitting of existing infrastructure with thermal protection systems
Heat protection for fuel depots and refuelling facilities
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Thermal protection systems
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