A sealing member for wrapping cables and a method for preventing smoke spreading from one area into surrounding areas

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a sealing member (1) for wrapping cables (20) that run through a transit device (30) mounted on a division (40), the sealing member (1) comprising: a wrappable cloth (5) having a first end (2) and a second end (3) opposite to the first end (2), the first end (2) being adapted to be mounted on the peripheral circumference of a protrusion of the transit device (30), the wrappable cloth (5) is adapted to be wrapped around the cables (20), the wrappable cloth (5) is further adapted to be sealed around the cables (20) in a position between the first end (2) and second end (3), the first end (2) of the wrappable cloth (5) is provided with a first hem (4) forming a first cavity (6) with an outer open end (7b) and an inner open end (7a), characterized in that a third opening (8) is provided in the first hem (4), through which the inside of the cavity (6) is made accessible to allow a steelband-type fastening means (12) to be inserted between the third opening (8) and the outer open end (7b), the third opening (8) being positioned on the middle section along the length of the first end (2). The disclosure further relates to a method of attaching the sealing member (1).

Description

[0001] A sealing member for wrapping cables and a method for preventing smoke spreading from one area into surrounding areas

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a sealing memberfor wrapping cables that run through a transit device mounted on a division and a method for preventing smoke spreading from one area into surrounding areas, as defined in the introductory parts of the independent claims.

[0004] Background art

[0005] Sealing members of various kinds are commonly used to enclose spaces from each other and thereby preventing smoke or fire from spreading from one area into surrounding areas. Such sealing members are normally mounted in a division, for example a bulkhead, floor, a ship deck, a ceiling or a fire wall, where cables, hoses or other materials run through the division. One example of such a sealing member involves a wall transit device that is mounted on the division prior to the cables are fed through the division. In a fire protection assembly known from EP3299688 Al, a cloth is attached to a wall transit device with fastening elements. The cloth is further attached to the cables, hoses or other materials with two additional lacings, so that an essentially gastight passage is formed.

[0006] A problem associated with the solutions of the prior art is to provide a sealing member that can be mounted also after that cables, hoses, tubes or other applications have been routed through the division.

[0007] For example, if the cloth and / or the wall transit device needs to be replaced due to maintenance of the cloth and / or the wall transit device, according to prior art technology, the cables must be removed prior to mounting the cloth and / or the wall transit device.

[0008] In addition, a problem with the solution known from the prior art is to mount the sealing member in an easy and swift manner.

[0009] There is thus a need for an improved sealing member that can be mounted after a passage is made in a division and after that cables are guided through the division, and which sealing member is easy to mount on a transit device. Summary

[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies and disadvantages in the prior art and solve at least the above- mentioned problem.

[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a sealing member and a method for preventing fire, smoke or gas from spreading from an area filled with fire, smoke or gas into surrounding areas through transits in a division.

[0012] According to a first aspect, there is provided a sealing member for wrapping cables that run through a transit device mounted on a division. The sealing member comprises a wrappable cloth having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end being adapted to be mounted on the peripheral circumference of a protrusion of the transit device, the wrappable cloth is adapted to be wrapped around the cables.

[0013] The wrappable cloth is further adapted to be sealed around the cables in a position between the first end and second end, the first end of the wrappable cloth is provided with a first hem forming a first cavity with an outer open end and an inner open end.

[0014] A third opening is provided in the first hem, through which the inside of the cavity is made accessible to allow a steelband-type fastening means to be inserted between the third opening and the outer open end, the third opening being positioned on the middle section along the length of the first end.

[0015] A division is for example a bulkhead, a floor, a ceiling or a fire wall in a building or a ship. A transit device is a device designed to allow cables to run through an aperture in a division. The transit device allows cables to pass through fire-rated divisions and decks. The transit device is filled with intumescent. The intumescent is a material that expands under heat exposure, such as fire conditions, and hence quickly seals off the path for fire, smoke or gas. In one embodiment, the intumescent starts to expand at about 160 °C. The transit device is mounted on a division and extends out from the division, allowing a sealing member to be mounted on a peripheral circumference of the transit device.

[0016] The sealing member may also be suitable for wrapping other types of material, such as hoses, pipes or similar. The sealing member may have a substantially rectangular or square shape. The sealing member may also have other suitable shapes. The first end and the second end may have a length that allows an overlap when folded around the peripheral circumference of the transit device. The overlap is preferably shorter than the distance between the inner open end and the third opening so that the third opening is accessible for the steelband-type fastening means. The steelband-type fastening means may be metal retaining straps such as metal hose clamps, metal cable ties or any similar type of fastening means. A metal retaining strap is heat resistant and ensures that the insulation sleeve is held together even in the event of fire and at the same time represents a cost-effective solution. It is also easily available almost anywhere. When using commercially available hose clamps, a cost advantage is achieved. In addition, such hose clamps can be firmly attached to the transit device in a known manner using a conventional tool, for example a screwdriver or a wrench.

[0017] A first hem is created in the sealing member by folding a part of the first end and fixating the fold with stitches that run parallel to the first end. The fold shall be wide enough so that the steel-band type fastening means can be housed within. Also, the stitching shall be as far away from the first end to let the cavity created be large enough to house the steel-band type fastening means. For example, the stitching may be at least 10 mm from the first end. To further strengthen the fire-resistance of the sealing member, the stitches are sewn with a thread made of non-combustible material.

[0018] The wrappable cloth may be made of an elastic and gastight fabric. Alternatively, or additionally, the wrappable cloth may be made of a non-combustible material.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the second end of the cloth is provided with a second hem forming a second cavity wherein the second cavity houses a stiffener. The second hem is created in a similar manner as the first hem, namely, folding a part of the second end and fixating the fold with stitches that run parallel to the second end. The fold shall be wide enough for the stiffener to be housed within. Also, the stitching shall be as far away from the second end so that the cavity created is large enough to house the stiffener. For example, the stitching may be at least 10 mm from the second end. The stitches are sewn with a thread made of non- combustible material.

[0020] The stiffener may be a metal wire or a plastic strip. By housing a stiffener in the second hem, the second end becomes more rigid and makes it easier to wrap the cloth around the cables. The person intended to mount the sealing member to the transit device and wrap the sealing member around the cables, can hold on to the second end and twist the sealing member around cables and thereby create an essentially gastight passage. According to some embodiments, the second hem forming the second cavity with an outer open end and an inner open end, having a fourth opening provided in the second hem, through which the inside of the cavity is made accessible to allow a steelband-type fastening means to be inserted between the fourth opening and the outer open end, the fourth opening being positioned on the middle section along the length of the second end.

[0021] The sealing member may further comprise adhesive means, provided on a part of the first half facing the inner open end on the first end of the sealing member that faces the transit device. The adhesive means is a double-sided tape, glue or othertype of adhesive. The adhesive means further facilitates the mounting of the sealing member on the transit device.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method of attaching the sealing member of the first aspect to the transit device is provided, the method comprising: providing the sealing member, inserting a steelband-type fastening means between the third opening and the outer open end, mounting the sealing member on the peripheral circumference of a protrusion of the transit device, by wrapping the sealing member around the protrusion and the cables so that at least a part of the sealing member overlaps itself, securing the sealing member in the mounted position by tightening the steelband-type fastening means, twisting the second end of the sealing member so that an airtight passage is formed, and securing the sealing member in the twisted position with a second fastener. The second fastener is typically a metal wire, a pipe-clamp or a cable tie.

[0023] According to some embodiments, prior to the step of inserting a steelband-type fastening means, the following steps are taken: applying an adhesive on the first end that faces the inner open end and that faces the transit device and attaching the adhered side onto the peripheral circumference on a protrusion of the of the transit device. By applying an adhesive on the first end, the sealing member is attached to the transit device whereby a tighter mount of the sealing member against the transit device is achieved. Additional to this, an easier mounting of the sealing member is achieved.

[0024] According to an alternative embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of providing the second end of the sealing member with a second hem so that a second cavity is created followed by insertion of a stiffener in the second cavity. By adding a stiffer into the second hem, the second end becomes more rigid and makes it easier to wrap the cloth around the cables. The person intended to mount the sealing member to the transit device and wrap the sealing member around the cables, can hold on to the second end and twist the sealing member around cables, thereby preventing fire, smoke or gas spreading from an area filled with fire, smoke or gas into surrounding areas through transits in a division.

[0025] It is to be understood that all the features and advantages described with regard to the sealing member are also applicable to the method of preventing smoke spreading from one area into surrounding areas.

[0026] The present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of the disclosure by way of illustration only. Those skilled in the art understand from guidance in the detailed description that changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the disclosure.

[0027] Brief descriptions of the drawings

[0028] The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and nonlimiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 shows a front view of the sealing member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 shows a side view of the sealing member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3 shows a view from the back of the sealing member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the sealing member before it is wrapped around the cables.

[0033] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the sealing member when it is wrapped around the cables.

[0034] Detailed description

[0035] The present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below.

[0036] The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of the disclosure by way of illustration only. Those skilled in the art understand from guidance in the detailed description that changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the disclosure.

[0037] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a first aspect of this disclosure, showing a sealing member 1 from a front view. The sealing member 1 comprises a wrappable cloth 5 having a first end 2 and a second end 3. The first end 2 and the second end 3 are substantially parallel to each other, wherein the second end 3 being opposite to the first end 2. The sealing member 1 has a rectangular or square shape. The first end 2 of the wrappable cloth 5 is provided with a first hem 4. The first hem 4 is created by folding a part of the first end 2 and fixing the fold with stitches that run parallel to the first end 2. The first hem 4 is thereby forming a first cavity 6, that extends parallel with the first end 2, with an outer open end 7b and an inner open end 7a, opposite to the outer open end 7b. The wrappable cloth 5 is configured to form an essentially gastight passage and is typically made of non-combustible and airtight material.

[0038] The sealing member 1 is provided with a third opening 8. The third opening 8 is provided in the first hem 4, through which the inside of the cavity 6 is made accessible. The second end 3 of the sealing member 1 is provided with a second hem 13 creating a second cavity 9. The second hem 6 is created by folding a part of the second end 3 and fixing the fold with stitches that run parallel to the second end 3. The third opening 8 is preferably positioned on the middle section along the length of the first end 2. The stitches are typically sewn by a thread made of non-combustible material.

[0039] Figure 2 schematically illustrates the sealing member 1 from a side view where the folded first end 2 that creates the first hem 4 is shown. The first hem 4 is thereby forming the first cavity 6 configured to receive a steelband-fastening means 12. Figure 2 shows the steelband-fastening means 12 inserted in the first cavity 6. The steelband-fastening means 12 extends between the outer open end 7b, through the first cavity 6, and out through the third opening 8. Only the part of the steelband-fastening means 12 that extends out through the outer open end 7b is shown in figure 2. The steelband-fastening means 12 is configured to mount the sealing member 1 on the peripheral circumference of a protrusion of a transit device 30. In some examples, the steelband-fastening means 12 may be a pipe clamp.

[0040] Figure 2 also shows the folded second end 3, that creates the second hem 13. The second hem 13 thereby creates the second cavity 9, in one embodiment configured to receive a stiffener 11. Figure 2 schematically illustrates the sealing member 1 from a side view where the stiffener 11 is inserted in the second cavity 9 at the second end 3. The stiffener extends along the entire cavity 9. The stiffener typically is a metal wire or a plastic strip.

[0041] Figure 3 schematically illustrates the sealing member seen from the back side. The back side is opposite to the front side. In the example shown in figure 3, adhesive means 6 is provided on the folded part on the first end 2. The adhesive means 6 is provided on a part of the first half facing the inner open end 7a on the first end 2 of the sealing member 1. The adhesive means 6 facilitates the mounting of the sealing member 1 on the peripheral circumference of the protrusion of the transit device 30. Adhesive means 6 is typically a double-sided tape, glue or a chemical compound.

[0042] Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating cables running through a transit device 30 that is mounted on a division 40. Figure 4 shows the sealing member 1 before being wrapped around the transit device and the cables 20. The steelband-fastening means 12 that extends between the outer open end 7b, through the first cavity 6, is shown to extend out through the outer open end 7b.

[0043] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating the sealing member 1 when wrapped around cables. The part of the steelband-fastening means 12 that extends out through the inner end 7b is connected with the part of the steelband-fastening means 12 that extends out through the third opening 8 forming an essentially airtight connection. The steelband-fastening means 12 is tightened around peripheral circumference of a protrusion of the transit device 30.

[0044] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a method for preventing smoke spreading from one area into surrounding areas according to the present disclosure. The method relates to a sealing member 1 for wrapping cables 20 that run through a transit device 30 mounted on a division 40. The transit device may be configured as disclosed in any of figures 1-6.

[0045] The method comprises providing S101 a sealing member 1 described above. Inserting S102 a steelband-type fastening means 12 between the third opening 8 and the outer open end 7b. Mounting S103 the sealing member on the peripheral circumference of a protrusion of the transit device 30, by wrapping the sealing member 1 around the protrusion and the cables so that at least a part of the sealing member 1 overlaps itself. Securing S104 the sealing member in the mounted position by tightening the steelband-type fastening means 12. Twisting S105 the second end 2 of the sealing member 1, at least 90 degrees, from its original position, so that an airtight passage is formed. Securing S106 the sealing member 1 in the twisted position with a second fastener. The second fastener is typically a metal wire, a pipe-clamp or a cable tie.

[0046] The method may also comprise the steps of applying S107 an adhesive on the first end that faces the inner open end 7a and that faces the transit device, attaching S108 the adhered side onto the peripheral circumference on the protrusion of the of the transit device, previously the step S103.

[0047] The method may further comprise the steps of providing S109 the second end of the sealing member with a second hem 13 so that a second cavity 9 is created, inserting S110 a stiffener 11 in the second cavity, previously the step S102. The person skilled in the art realizes that the present disclosure is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. The person skilled in the art further realizes that modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed disclosure, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A sealing member (1) for wrapping cables (20) that run through a transit device (30) mounted on a division (40), the sealing member (1) comprising: a wrappable cloth (5) having a first end (2) and a second end (3) opposite to the first end (2), the first end (2) being adapted to be mounted on the peripheral circumference of a protrusion of the transit device (30), the wrappable cloth (5) is adapted to be wrapped around the cables (20), the wrappable cloth (5) is further adapted to be sealed around the cables (20) in a position between the first end (2) and a second end (3), the first end (2) of the wrappable cloth (5) is provided with a first hem (4) forming a first cavity (6) with an outer open end (7b) and an inner open end (7a), characterized in that a third opening (8) is provided in the first hem (4), through which the inside of the first cavity (6) is made accessible to allow a steelband-type fastening means (12) to be inserted between the third opening (8) and the outer open end (7b), the third opening (8) being positioned on the middle section along the length of the first end (2).

2. The sealing member according to claim 1, wherein the second end is provided with a second hem (13) creating a second cavity (9) wherein the second cavity (9) houses a stiffener (11).

3. The sealing member according to claim 2, wherein the stiffener (11) is a metal wire.

4. The sealing member (1) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein adhesive means (10) is provided on a part of the first half facing the inner open end (7a) on the first end (2) of the sealing member (1) that faces the transit device (30).

5. The sealing member according to claim 4, wherein the adhesive means (10) is a double-sided tape.

6. The sealing member according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the wrappable cloth (5) is elastic.

7. The sealing member according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the wrappable cloth (5) is made of non-combustible material.

8. The sealing member according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the first hem (4) and the second hem (13) are sewn with a thread made of non-combustible material.

9. A method for preventing smoke spreading from one area into surrounding areas, the method comprising: providing (S101) the sealing member (1) according to claim 1, inserting (S102) a steelband-type fastening means (12) between the third opening (8) and the outer open end (7b), mounting (S103) the sealing member on the peripheral circumference of a protrusion of the transit device (30), by wrapping the sealing member (1) around the protrusion and the cables (20) so that at least a part of the sealing member (1) overlaps itself, securing (S104) the sealing member (1) in the mounted position by tightening the steelband-type fastening means (12), twisting (S105) the second end (3) of the sealing member (1) so that an airtight passage is formed, and securing (S106) the sealing member (1) in the twisted position with a second fastener.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein after the step of providing (S101) the sealing member (1), the following steps are taken: applying (S107) an adhesive on the first end (2) that faces the inner open end (7a) and that faces the transit device (30), attaching (S108) the adhered side onto the peripheral circumference on a protrusion of the of the transit device (30).

11. The method according to any of claim 9-10 wherein the method further comprises the steps of: providing (S109) the second end (3) of the sealing member (1) with a second hem (13) so that a second cavity (9) is created, inserting (S110) a stiffener (11) in the second cavity (9).

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