Blast Window Design & Supply

Following updates to state legislation in Thailand, petrochemical facilities are required to meet enhanced blast defence requirements for all new and replacement openings within operational assets. This includes doors and windows located within high-risk process areas, where blast overpressure and fragment resistance are critical to personnel safety and asset integrity.

A Thai-based petrochemical asset owner, identified the need to upgrade blast protection across its facility to ensure compliance with the new legislative framework. MM Engineering was commissioned to design, supply and support the installation of a bespoke blast-rated window solution suitable for a live, high-traffic industrial environment.

The Challenge

Designing blast-resistant glazing for a multi-user petrochemical facility presents a number of challenges. In addition to meeting blast performance criteria, the solution had to integrate seamlessly into an operational site, maintaining visibility, security and safe day-to-day use by personnel.

Unlike standard blast products, this installation required a tailored approach that balanced robust blast protection with controlled access, durability and long-term maintainability. Particular consideration was given to ensuring that safety systems did not introduce additional operational risk within a busy process area.

 

The Solution

Drawing on extensive experience delivering complex automated flood defence systems in the public domain, MM Engineering’s in-house design team developed a bespoke blast window system engineered specifically for the site conditions.

The solution incorporated a heavy-duty steel window frame and leaf assembly, designed to withstand a blast loading of 1.6 psi peak pressure with a duration of 55 ms, combined with laminated, thermally toughened blast-rated glazing. All structural steelwork was fabricated to recognised international standards, with blast-cleaned surfaces and a high-performance epoxy coating system to ensure durability in a corrosive industrial environment.

Working closely with specialist component suppliers, MM Engineering ensured that all mechanical interfaces, fixings and sealing systems were fully compatible with the blast design intent. The complete assembly was manufactured and trial-fitted at MM Engineering’s UK facility, allowing quality, tolerances and interfaces to be verified prior to shipment.

Safety and Quality Assurance

Safety was paramount throughout the project. Blast-rated components were designed not only to perform under extreme loading, but also to remain safe during normal operation and maintenance activities. The window assembly incorporated controlled tolerances, robust hinge and fixing arrangements, and high-integrity sealing systems to minimise risk to personnel.

All fabrication and coatings were completed in-house under controlled conditions, with rigorous inspection and testing carried out prior to dispatch. This ensured the system delivered consistent performance and complied fully with the specified blast and material standards.

 

Installation and Delivery

Following successful factory testing in the UK, the blast window components were carefully packaged and shipped to Thailand.  Installation was carried out by an established local partner, with MM Engineering providing remote engineering support to ensure the works were completed in line with design intent, quality requirements and MM Engineering installation standards.

This collaborative approach allowed the client to benefit from local site expertise while maintaining full assurance over the integrity of the blast defence solution.

The Outcome

The completed installation provides the asset owner with a fully compliant, blast-rated window system that enhances personnel safety while maintaining operational visibility and site security. The bespoke design ensures long-term durability, legislative compliance and confidence in performance within a demanding petrochemical environment.