New LINE-X XS-252 Spray-On Lining to Receive MSHA Acceptance for Sealants Applied to Underground Ventilation Controls for the Mining Industry

Monday, August 25th 2008

LINE-X® Industrial Coatings Division (LICD) announce that its new fire retardant product, LINE-X XS-252, has met the requirements of the Mine, Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Standard Application Procedures for Sealants Applied to Underground Ventilation Controls (ASAP 5005).

“This is big news for the mining industry,” said Michael Babiarz, vice president of business development for LICD. “XS-252 is the only spray-on product in its category to be accepted by MSHA as non-strength enhancing mine sealant, suitability number MSHA-S30/00 — a serious issue in the mining industry.”

Failing sealant materials have been an ongoing concern for the mining industry for years. These seals are designed to stop the methane gasses from escaping into working areas, mixing with oxygen and becoming combustible; thus causing a huge threat to mining company employees. LICD recognized this threat and the need for a superior sealant material; therefore we created LINE-X XS-252 with both the physical and the fire retardant properties to satisfy MSHA underground ventilation controls requirements. LINE-X XS-252 is a spray-on lining product that forms a monolithic membrane to minimize the effluent gaseous migration into the working areas therefore protecting mining company employees.

This is not the first big win for LICD, a strategic business unit of LINE-X Franchise Development Corporation (http://www.LineX.com). Last month the company received MSHA acceptance on XS-252 for the Standard Application Procedures for Acceptance of Flame-Resistance Solid Products Taken into Mines (MSHA IC-249). While molded or cast polyurethane coatings have long been the standard for the mining industry, LINE-X XS-252 was the first and only in its category to receive this suitability.

Designed to protect against abrasion, corrosion and impact, LINE-X XS-252 also has exceptional flame retardant properties that are ideal during the event of a fire. The high performance elastomeric polyurethane product can be applied to any type of underground equipment, regardless of shape or size. Plus, XS-252 has the potential for use in combination with mining equipment manufacturers to protect and extend the useful life of equipment, providing companies with added uptime and lower maintenance costs.

Prior to the MSHA certification, LINE-X XS-252 met and exceeded the specifications for British Flame Spread Standard BS 476 (Part 7), method for classification of the surface spread of flame of products, when tested by Bodycote, an independent material testing company; thus, satisfying the requirements for a Class 1 rating per BS 476 (part 7). LINE-X XS-252 also tested per ASTM E-162 “Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source.” LINE-X XS-252 exhibited an impressive flame spread index of 20. This is extremely difficult and considered the most challenging flame spread test in the industry. For complete product information or test results, please contact Dustin Le, Director of Product Technology and Development at (714) 850.8758.

“The sky is the limit for this new product,” continued Babiarz. “With both MSHA acceptances, XS-252 will revolutionize the mining industry and continue to brand the LINE-X name as the industry leader in high performance protective spray-on coatings.”

LINE-X executives will be showcasing the LINE-X products at the MINExpo Show in Las Vegas, NV on September 22 – 24, 2008 in booth #2343.