SCHOTT, Europe’s leading specialist glass manufacturer, says the Middle East region is becoming a large and rapidly-growing market for its safety glass Pyran S.

Introduced to the regional market at the beginning of this millennium, Pyran S with its unparalleled quality, performance and design freedom is doing well in the market, says a spokesman for the company.

Describing the product, Schott Middle East managing director Kiomars Dabbagh says: “Pyran S retains its transparency even under the greatest thermal shock. Depending on its thickness (5 to 12 mm), it is available in sizes of 1,650 by 3,100 sq mm and 1,800 by 3,600 sq mm, and has been tested and approved according to building standards.”

The glass, he says, is superior to the approved sizes of the conventional soda-lime-based security glazing. As a component of fire-resistant glazing, it meets the fire-resistance requirements for classes G30, G60, G90 and G120.
Another alternative for class G30 fire-resistance is Pyran White. This in-part thermally-annealed borosilicate glass has an improved transmission similar to white glass and an even lower weight (11.1 kg per sq m) at a thickness of 5 mm.
Pyran S gives up to two hours integrity in case of fire. The base material for the entire Pyran family of fire-resistant glazing products is borosilicate glass. Dabbagh elaborates: “Pyran S is a monolithic, fully-toughened borosilicate glass with special strength and impact resistance. It fulfils the requirements for monolithic safety glass and, at the same time, is suitable for all applications up to class E (G) 120 fire-resistance while guaranteeing room integrity against fire, hot gases and smoke.”

Among the entire range of Schott fire-resistant glazing products, Pyran S offers the greatest multi-functionality, he adds. “Such innovations as frameless butt-joint glazing, point-mount systems, and glazing with design elements open up avenues to new perspectives for the creative combination of function, aesthetics and design. Printed, coated or even in special frameless constructions, you can have full confidence in the fire- and impact-resistant properties of the safety glass Pyran S,” says Dabbagh.

Another fire-resistant type is Pyranova, a compact multi-pane composite. Used in fire-resistant glazing that meets the requirements of class EI (F) fire resistance, it provides reliable protection against the spread of fire, hot gases, and smoke and heat radiation.

“Whether as butt-joint glazing and/or insulation glazing, Pyranova easily fulfils both safety-relevant and functional aspects and at the same time is suitable for all application areas that require thermal insulation. With a weight of only 36 kg per sq m and a rating of 43 dB, Pyranova also combines a lightweight structure with effective sound reduction,” Dabbagh adds.

Both Pyran S and Pyranova in double-glazed units meet all functional requirements. Double-glazed units are suitable for internal and facade glazing. In addition to their fire-resistant properties, they also offer protection from the sun and heat, sound reduction, impact resistance and security, and design.

Known for the Pyran and Pyranova brands, Schott has been producing fire-resistant glass for more than 25 years.
Commenting on fire-resistance glazing, Dabbagh says: “Since its introduction in the 1970s, fire-resistant glazing in building projects has become increasingly important. Glass as an element of architectural design has led to ever-greater transparency in buildings and has become the driver of creative ideas.

“The protective effect is nowadays simply assumed. In place of traditional roofs, doors and partitions, today’s special glass allows the user-friendly and virtually invisible fulfilment of safety requirements for room integrity. Improvements during the past few years in fire-resistant glazing mean that architects and designers don’t have to compromise their designs any longer.”

Furthermore, Schott fire-resistant glazing enables architects and designers to create and build impressive buildings that are functional, more aesthetically pleasing and safer, he adds.

Dabbagh says fire-resistant glazing is essential for fire safety. “Its application is strictly dedicated by norms and regulations, which differ from country to country. But the reason behind using fire-resistant glazing is the same everywhere: avoiding the occurrence and the spread of fire and smoke; as well as securing rescue and extinguishing measures.”

Therefore, the application of fire-resistant glazing is specified depending on the national codes. Possible application areas are partitions, doors, transoms, facades or roof glazing in hospitals, hotels, administration buildings, shopping malls, schools, airports, stadiums, theatres, passenger ships, leisure parks, and industrial plants – primarily public buildings that have a high asset value and are heavily trafficked.

Schott products have been used for several projects in the region. Among the prestigious recent projects in the UAE are the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) and Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa) premises, Mirdif City Centre and Dubai Metro.

“Our extensive portfolio of products and services together with a strong brand name are internationally synonymous for highest quality and creativity. With the trust of our customers, suppliers and partners, Schott’s more than 16,000 employees worldwide have committed themselves to continuous innovation and a strong entrepreneurial spirit,” Dabbagh concludes.