Improved fire retardant enclosure

Abstract

A fire retardant enclosure is disclosed. The fire retardant enclosure, in one aspect, includes a fire retardant end plate. The fire retardant enclosure, in another aspect, includes a plurality of fire retardant planks, each of the plurality of fire retardant planks having a first plank end and a second opposing plank end defining a plank length (Lp), a plank top, a plank bottom, a first plank side, a second plank side, a plank width (Wp) and a plank thickness (Tp), wherein each of the first plank sides includes a female joining member and each of the second plank sides includes a male joining member. In at least one aspect, 1) ones of the female joining members and associated ones of the male joining members engage with one another along their plank lengths (Lp) to form a fire retardant cover having an enclosure length (Le).

Description

IMPROVED FIRE RETARDANT ENCLOSURECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 620,228, filed on January 12, 2024, entitled “FIREPROOF ENCLOSURE FOR VALVE ACTUATOR,” commonly assigned with this application and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application is directed, in general, to a fire retardant enclosure and, more specifically, to an improved fire retardant enclosure that employs a plurality of fire retardant planks.BACKGROUND

[0003] Fire susceptible devices, such as valve actuators, are used in petroleum refineries, petrochemical processing facilities, and LNG plants, among many other applications. In some cases, the fire susceptible devices are protected by fire retardant enclosures capable of withstanding temperatures up to 2000°F (1093°C) produced by a hydrocarbon pool fire or jet fire (e.g., as set forth in the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1709 fire testing specification). Certain types of fire susceptible devices come in a wide range of sizes and configurations. It is not unusual for there to be more than one hundred different configurations for a given type of fire susceptible devices (e.g., valve actuator) from one supplier. There are many fire susceptible device manufacturers throughout the world, resulting in thousands of different sizes and configurations for a given type of fire susceptible device.

[0004] Fireproofing design has many challenges, often based on the location of the fire susceptible devices in a cramped refinery or in offshore facilities. What is needed in the art is an improved fire retardant design.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0005] Reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a plant that may include one or more fire retardant enclosures designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0007] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate a perspective view and end view, respectively, of a fire retardant plank designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or mor embodiments of the disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates side views of four different fire retardant enclosures designed according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0009] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate a perspective view and end view, respectively, of a fire retardant cover designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0010] FIGs 5A and 5B illustrate a perspective view and end view, respectively, of a fire retardant cover designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0011] FIGs 6A and 6B illustrate a perspective view and end view, respectively, of a fire retardant cover designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0012] FIGs. 7A and 7B illustrate a perspective view and end view, respectively, of a fire retardant end plate designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, as might form a portion of a fire retardant enclosure;

[0013] FIGs. 8A through 13 illustrate one embodiment for forming a fire retardant enclosure designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure;

[0014] Turning to FIGs. 14A and 14B, illustrated are a perspective view and end view, respectively, of a fire retardant plank designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure;

[0015] Turning to FIGs. 15A and 15B, illustrated are a perspective view and end view, respectively, of a fire retardant plank designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of one fire susceptible device according to the present disclosure, as might benefit from a fire retardant cover designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of a fire retardant cover designed, manufactured and / or operated according to the disclosure, as might have been manufactured to fit around the fire susceptible device of FIG. 16; and

[0018] FIG. 18 illustrates a completed fire retardant enclosure according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the drawings and descriptions that follow, like parts are typically marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawn figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the disclosure may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of certain elements may not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The present disclosure may be implemented in embodiments of different forms.

[0020] Specific embodiments are described in detail and are shown in the drawings, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure, and is not intended to limit the disclosure to that illustrated and described herein. It is to be fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodiments discussed herein may be employed separately or in any suitable combination to produce desired results.

[0021] Unless otherwise specified, use of the terms “connect,” “engage,” “couple,” “attach,” or any other like term describing an interaction between elements is not meant to limit the interaction to direct interaction between the elements and may also include indirect interaction between the elements described.

[0022] Various values and / or ranges may be explicitly disclosed in certain embodiments herein. However, values / ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited. Similarly, values / ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any other lower limit to recite a range not explicitly recited. In the same way, values / ranges from any upper limit may be combined with any other upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited. Additionally, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range ofvalues even if not explicitly recited. Thus, every point or individual value may serve as its own lower or upper limit combined with any other point or individual value or any other lower or upper limit, to recite a range not explicitly recited. Similarly, an individual value disclosed herein may be combined with another individual value or range disclosed herein to form another range.

[0023] The present disclosure is based, at least in part, on the acknowledgement that a number of different methods are currently used to fireproof fire susceptible devices (e.g., valve actuators used in conjunction with isolation or emergency shut-off valves forming part of a safety system), all of which have inherent drawbacks. One simple technique is to wrap the fire susceptible device in refractory material, for example a custom designed and manufactured refractory blanket. In most cases, such insulation is held in place on the fire susceptible device by a cloth bag laced together with metal cables. This method of protecting a fire susceptible device suffers from a number of disadvantages. For example, the blanket itself has no structural strength and cannot withstand any significant blow or direct exposure to a fire hose stream. Also, there is little weather resistance provided by such a blanket. Finally, the blanket makes maintenance difficult because it must be removed to perform any work, and the blanket is often difficult to reinstall correctly. If not installed correctly, the effectiveness of the fireproofing may be compromised. Additionally, the typical blanket life is expected to range from 6-10 years, which is significantly less than the lifespan of the fire susceptible device itself.

[0024] Another technique is to directly bond a fire retardant coating (e.g., intumescent epoxy) to the fire susceptible device. While this technique provides excellent fireproofing, easy access for maintenance and has a life equal to that of the lifespan of the fire susceptible device itself, it unfortunately requires that the fire susceptible device be disassembled and shipped to the fireproofing company for coating, and then sent back and reassembled prior to it being used. Such a process is a time consuming and expensive process.

[0025] Another technique is to enclose the fire susceptible device in a fire retardant box. While this technique provides excellent fireproofing, and a lifespan similar' to or greater than that of the fire susceptible device itself, this solution is very bulky and is designed for specific applications, with custom metal frames and substrates required to fabricate the box.

[0026] Based at least partially upon the foregoing, the present disclosure has developed a fire retardant enclosure (e.g., for pneumatic and hydraulic actuators used in the fire zone ofrefineries, petrochemical plants and LNG plants, among other fire susceptible devices) that is substantially free of the disadvantages of existing methods, for example being highly configurable with a small number of common parts. The fire retardant enclosure of the present disclosure offers superior fire protection, in part because it may be manufactured from a high performance material (e.g., intumescent epoxy, as might be obtained from Thermal Designs, Inc. - US, having a principal place of business at 5352 Prudence Street, Houston, Texas 77045) specifically formulated to protect critical process control equipment like actuators from hydrocarbon fires. The term “intumescent material”, as used herein, is intended to include all materials that swell as a result of heat exposure, leading to an increase in volume and decrease in density. In at least one embodiment, the heat exposure triggers a chemical reaction causing the expansion, the chemical reaction involving the release of non-flammable gasses, such as ammonia or carbon dioxide, which form a hard foam-like layer. This expanded layer acts as an insulating barrier, increasing in thickness — often up to 3 times its original size. The resultant thick, charred layer effectively absorbs and dissipates the heat, slowing down the fire’s spread. This char layer serves as a thermal barrier, protecting the material or structure from the intense heat of the flames. In one or more embodiments, the intumescent epoxy is molded into unique parts, that when assembled, provide a close fitting, field or factory installable fire retardant cover that complies with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1709 fire testing specification.

[0027] In at least one embodiment, the fire retardant enclosure is built and configured to provide fireproof protection for any one of the hundreds or thousands of different fire susceptible devices, such as pneumatic or hydraulic actuators. For example, in at least one embodiment, a typical pneumatic or hydraulic actuator includes a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, as well as a spring-can, of which may be separated by a gearbox. In at least this one embodiment, the fire retardant enclosure would include a first portion configured to surround the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, a second portion configure to surround the spring-can, and a third portion configured to surround the gearbox. In this embodiment, the first, second and third portions would engage one another to form the complete fire retardant enclosure.

[0028] A fire retardant enclosure according to one embodiment of the disclosure includes a fire retardant end plate (e.g., intumescent fire retardant end plate), as well as a plurality of fire retardant planks (e.g., intumescent fire retardant planks). In at least one embodiment, each of the plurality of fire retardant planks has a first plank end and a second opposing plank end defining aplank length (Lp), a plank top, a plank bottom, a first plank side, a second plank side, a plank width (Wp) and a plank thickness (Tp). In accordance with at least this one embodiment, each of the first plank sides includes a female joining member and each of the second plank sides includes a male joining member. With this design, ones of the female joining members and associated ones of the male joining members engage with one another along their plank lengths (Lp) to accommodate varying different sizes and / or diameters of the fire susceptible device. Similarly, in at least this one embodiment, the first plank ends of the plurality of fire retardant planks engage with the fire retardant end plate, the fire retardant end plate and the plurality of fire retardant planks collectively forming a fire retardant cover having an enclosure length (Le). In at least one other embodiment, the fire retardant end plate is a first fire retardant end plate, and further wherein the second plank ends of the plurality of fire retardant planks engage with a second fire retardant end plate to form the fire retardant cover.

[0029] Turning to FIG. 1, illustrated is a plant 100 that may include one or more fire retardant enclosures designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the plant 100 (e.g., a refinery, a petrochemical plant, an LNG plants, etc., a hydrogen plant, a tunnel or series of tunnels, for example including a predefined fire zone) may include one or more different types of fire susceptible devices 110 and remain within the scope of the disclosure. In at least one embodiment, one or more of the fire susceptible devices (e.g., primarily those fire susceptible devices within the predefined fire zone) are surrounded by a fire retardant cover according to the disclosure, and thus form a fire retardant enclosure according to the disclosure.

[0030] Turning to FIGs. 2A and 2B, illustrated are a perspective view and end view, respectively, of a fire retardant plank 200 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As discussed above, a plurality of these fire retardant planks 200 may engage one another to form at least a portion of a fire retardant cover according to the disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGs. 2A and 2B, the fire retardant plank 200 has a first plank end 210 and a second opposing plank end 215, for example defining a plank length (Lp). The plank 200, in the illustrated embodiment, further includes a plank top 220 and a plank bottom 225, as well as a first plank side 230 and a second plank side 235. In the illustrated embodiment, the plank 200 additionally includes a plank width (Wp) and a plank thickness (Tp).

[0031] In accordance with one or more embodiments, the first plank side 230 includes a female joining member 240, and the second plank side 235 includes a male joining member 245. While any type of female joining member 240 and male joining member 245 may be used, in at least one embodiment the female joining member 240 is a cove member and the male joining member 245 is a bead member. The cove member and bead member, in at least one embodiment, allow an adjacent second plank (e.g., not shown), to engage with the plank 200, and depending on the size of the fire susceptible device, form a larger or smaller cover. For example, the configuration of the cove member and bead member allow adjacently coupled planks to engage with and rotate relative to one another to come together to form the fire retardant cover. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGs. 2A and 2B, the cove member is a modified cove member (e.g., is not symmetrical about a centerline (CL - CL) transversing the plank width (Wp)), which allows the planks 200 to rotate relative to one another in one direction, but not another. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless otherwise required, any female joining member and male joining member may be used for the plank 200.

[0032] In the embodiment of FIGs. 2 A and 2B, the plank bottom 225 includes a support substrate 250. In at least one embodiment, the support substrate 250 provides a surface upon which the plank 200 can be formed. For example, in at least one embodiment wherein the plank 200 comprises an intumescent material (e.g., an intumescent epoxy), the intumescent material may be formed (e.g., molded) onto the support substrate 250. In at least this one embodiment, the support substrate 250 extends along at least 75 percent of the plank length (Lp). In yet another embodiment, the support substrate 250 extends along at least 90 percent of the plank length (Lp), if not at least 95 percent of the plank length (Lp) or 100 percent of the plank length (Lp). Further to this embodiment, the support substrate 250 may extend along at least 75 percent of the plank width (Wp). In yet another embodiment, the support substrate 250 extends along at least 90 percent of the plank width (Wp), if not at least 95 percent of the plank width (Wp) or 100 percent of the plank width (Wp). Ultimately, once the initial plank 200 is molded upon the support substrate 250, the plank 200 may then be machined to a specific plank shape (e.g., to include the female joining member 240 and male joining member 245) and plank length (Lp).

[0033] The plank length (Lp), plank width (Wp), and plank thickness (Tp) may vary greatly based upon the design of the fire retardant enclosure. For example, the fire retardant enclosure, in at least one embodiment, needs to withstand the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1709 fire testing-1-specification, and thus in this embodiment the plank thickness (Tp) would need to be sufficient to do so. As for the plank length (Lp), a variety of different planks 200 could be manufactured with varying different plank lengths (Lp). Accordingly, the plank 200 could accommodate different lengths of fire susceptible devices. Notwithstanding, in at least one embodiment, the plank length (Lp) ranges from 2.54 cm (e.g., about 1 inch) to 762 cm (e.g., about 200 inches). In yet another embodiment, the plank length (Lp) ranges from 20 cm (e.g., about 8 inches) to 183 cm (e.g., about 72 inches).

[0034] The plank width (Wp), on the other hand, should be selected such that the plurality of planks can come together to accommodate fire susceptible devices having diameters from 2.54 cm (e.g., about 1 inch) to 508 cm (e.g., about 200 inches), if not from 12.7 cm (e.g., about 5 inches) to 92 cm (e.g., about 36 inches). Notwithstanding, in at least one embodiment, the plank width (Wp) ranges from 5 cm (e.g., about 2 inches) to 45 cm (e.g., about 18 inches), if not from 10 cm (e.g., about 4 inches) to 31 cm (e.g., about 12 inches). Additionally, different planks 200 with different plank widths (Wp) may be used to accommodate a specific design.

[0035] It should be noted that with a handful of different standard plank widths (Wp) on hand, just about any size of fire retardant enclosure may be formed. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, no custom molds are required, as well as no onsite investigation is required, for example as the fire susceptible device dimensions are readily available from the manufacturers as they are mature and well documented products. Accordingly, the fire retardant cover may be installed in the factory or in the field around a fire susceptible device to complete the fire retardant enclosure, which is highly advantageous.

[0036] In certain embodiments (e.g., not shown), at least a portion of the female joining member 240 or male joining member 245 is located on the plank top 220 or plank bottom 230. For example, in at least one embodiment, the female joining member 240 or male joining member 245 extends entirely from the plank top 220 or plank bottom 230. This is more particularly the case with the female joining member 240, but as indicated could also be for the male joining member.

[0037] Turning now to FIG. 3, illustrated are side views of four different fire retardant enclosures 300a, 300b, 300c, and 300d, designed according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In the embodiments of FIG. 3, the four different fire retardant enclosures 300a, 300b, 300c, and 300d each include first, second and third planks 310, 320, 330 designed, manufacturedand / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As shown, the female and male joining members of the first, second and third planks 310, 320, 330 allow them to rotate relative to one another while engaged with one another.

[0038] The first fire retardant enclosure 300a illustrates that the first, second and third planks 310, 320, 330 are substantially parallel with one another, and thus the angle (0i) is zero. The second fire retardant enclosure 300b illustrates that the first and third planks 310, 330 may be angled relative to the second plan 320 by an angle (02). The third fire retardant enclosure 300c illustrates that the first and third planks 310, 330 may be angled relative to the second plan 320 by a greater angle (03). The fourth fire retardant enclosure 300d illustrates that the first and third planks 310, 330 may be angled relative to the second plan 320 by even yet a greater angle (O4). are substantially parallel with one another. In at least one embodiment, as will be discussed below, the first and third planks 310, 330 may be angled relative to the second plan 320 by even yet a greater angle of 90 degrees, and along with a fourth plank (not shown) would form a polygon (e.g., square) fire retardant cover. The ability to couple the planks at different angles allows the fire retardant cover to easily accommodate different size (e.g., diameter) fire susceptible devices. For example, by using specific plank widths (Wp), a close-fitting fire retardant cover may me created for a given fire susceptible device.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the four different fire retardant enclosures 300a, 300b, 300c, and 300d, and more particularly the first, second and third planks 310, 320, 330, additionally include a support substrate 350 (e.g., similar to the support substrate 250 of FIGs. 2A and 2B). In the illustrated embodiment, the support substrate 350 is located on a radial interior surface of the four different fire retardant enclosures 300a, 300b, 300c, and 300d. In this embodiment, the support substrate 350 would not be directly subject to a fire event, but would be protected by the fire retardant material of the first, second and third planks 310, 320, 330. In yet another embodiment (e.g., not shown), the support substrate 350 is located on a radial exterior surface of the four different fire retardant enclosures 300a, 300b, 300c, and 300d.

[0040] Turning to FIGs. 4A and 4B, illustrated are a perspective view and end view, respectively, of a fire retardant cover 400 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In the embodiment of FIGs. 4A and 4B, the fire retardant cover 400 employs a plurality of fire retardant planks 410 (e.g., designed, manufactured and / or operated according to the disclosure) that each engage with one another to form asubstantially circular plank cover 405. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIGs. 4A and 4B, the fire retardant cover 400 includes 10 planks 410a, 410b, 410c, 410d, 410c, 410f, 410g, 410h, 410i, 410j. Notwithstanding, other embodiments may exist wherein other numbers of planks 410 are used for a given substantially circular plank cover 405. For example, in one or more embodiments, three or more planks 410 are employed, although not for a substantially circular plank enclosure. In yet another embodiment, four or more planks 410 are employed, although again not for a substantially circular plank enclosure. In even yet another embodiment, ten or more planks 410 are employed, if not sixteen or more planks 410.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIGs. 4A and 4B, the plurality of planks 410 are a plurality of intumescent fire retardant planks, as that term is understood in the art and defined above. In even yet another embodiment, the plurality of intumescent fire retardant planks are a plurality of molded intumescent fire retardant planks.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGs. 4A and 4B, a fire retardant epoxy 420 fixedly couples the plurality of fire retardant planks 410 together. In at least one embodiment, the fire retardant epoxy is an intumescent fire retardant epoxy. Accordingly, in at least embodiment, the plurality of planks 410 and the fire retardant epoxy 420 both comprise an intumescent material.

[0043] Turning to FIGs. 5A and 5B, illustrated are a perspective view and end view, respectively, of a fire retardant cover 500 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In the embodiment of FIGs. 5A and 5B, the fire retardant cover 500 employs a plurality of fire retardant planks 510 that each engage with one another to form a polygon plank cover 505. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIGs. 5A and 5B, the fire retardant cover 500 includes 4 fire retardant planks 510a, 510b, 510c, 510d, that come together to form a square fire retardant plank cover 505. The fire retardant cover 500, similar to above, may include a fire retardant epoxy 520 fixedly couples the plurality of fire retardant planks 510 together.

[0044] Turning to FIGs. 6A and 6B, illustrated are a perspective view and end view, respectively, of a fire retardant cover 600 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In the embodiment of FIGs. 6A and 6B, the fire retardant cover 600 employs a plurality of fire retardant planks 610 that each engage with one another to form a polygon plank cover 605. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIGs. 6A and 6B, the fire retardant cover 600 includes 6 fire retardant planks 610a, 610b, 610c, 610d,610e, 61 Of that come together to form a rectangular plank cover 605. The fire retardant cover 600, similar to above, may include a fire retardant epoxy 620 fixedly couples the plurality of fire retardant planks 610 together.

[0045] Turning to FIGs. 7A and 7B, illustrated are a perspective view and end view, respectively, of a fire retardant end plate 700 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, as might form a portion of a fire retardant enclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the fire retardant end plate 700 includes a first face 710 and a second opposing face 715, as well as an end plate width (Wep), an end plate height (Hep) and an end plate thickness (Tep). The end plate width (Wep), end plate height (Hep), and end plate thickness (Tep) may vary greatly based upon the design of the fire retardant enclosure. For example, the fire retardant enclosure, in at least one embodiment, needs to withstand the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1709 fire testing specification, and thus in this embodiment the end plate thickness (Tep) would need to be sufficient to do so. As for the end plate width (Wep), a variety of different end plates could be manufactured with varying different end plate width (WCp). Accordingly, the fire retardant end plate 700 could accommodate different sizes of fire susceptible devices. Notwithstanding, in at least one embodiment, the end plate width (Wep) ranges from 2.54 cm (e.g., about 1 inch) to 762 cm (e.g., about 200 inches). In yet another embodiment, the end plate width (Wep) ranges from 20 cm (e.g., about 8 inches) to 183 cm (e.g., about 72 inches). As for the end plate height (Hep), a variety of different end plates could be manufactured with varying different end plate height (Hep). Accordingly, the fire retardant end plate 700 could accommodate different sizes of fire susceptible devices. Notwithstanding, in at least one embodiment, the end plate height (Hep) ranges from 2.54 cm (e.g., about 1 inch) to 762 cm (e.g., about 200 inches). In yet another embodiment, the end plate height (Hep) ranges from 20 cm (e.g., about 8 inches) to 183 cm (e.g., about 72 inches). In the embodiment of FIGs. 7A and 7B, the fire retardant end plate 700 is circular in nature, and thus the end plate width (Wep) and end plate height (Hep) are the same, and based upon a diameter (D) of the fire retardant end plate 700. In yet another embodiment, the fire retardant end plate 700 is a polygon in nature, or any other shape.

[0046] The fire retardant end plate 700, similar to the fire retardant planks discussed above with regard to FIGs. 2A and 2B, may comprise an intumescent material. Accordingly, in at least this one embodiment, the fire retardant end plate 700 is an intumescent fire retardant end plate. Inyet another embodiment, the fire retardant end plate 700 is a molded intumescent fire retardant end plate.

[0047] In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIGs. 7A and 7B, the fire retardant end plate 700 includes a slot 720 (e.g., a machined dado slot) formed in the first face 710 thereof. In at least one embodiment, the slot 720 is a circular slot configured to engage with ends of the plurality of fire retardant planks. In yet another embodiment, the slot 720 is a polygonal slot, or another suitable shape, configured to engage with the plurality of fire retardant planks.

[0048] Turning now to FIGs. 8A through 13, illustrated is one embodiment of a method for forming a fire retardant enclosure 800 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. With initial reference to FIGs. 8A and 8B, illustrated are a perspective view and end view of a substantially circular plank cover 805 (e.g., similar in many respects to the substantially circular plank cover 405 of FIGs. 4A and 4B) coupled to a first fire retardant end plate 810 (e.g., similar in many respects to the fire retardant end plate 700 of FIGs. 7A and 7B). In the illustrated embodiment of FIGs. 8A and 8B, the substantially circular plank cover 805 is engaged with the first fire retardant end plate 810. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, first plank ends of the plurality of fire retardant planks that form the substantially circular plank enclosure 805 engage with a slot 820 formed in the first fire retardant end plate 810. In this embodiment, a fire retardant epoxy, such as an intumescent fire retardant epoxy, fixedly couples the substantially circular plank enclosure 805 with the first fire retardant end plate 810.

[0049] Turning to FIG. 9, illustrated is the fire retardant enclosure of FIGs. 8 A and 8B after a second fire retardant end plate 910 (e.g., similar in many respects to the fire retardant end plate 700 of FIGs. 7A and 7B) approaches the substantially circular plank cover 805. The second fire retardant end plate 910 includes a related slot (not shown), which is configured to engage with the second plank ends of the plurality of fire retardant planks that form the substantially circular plank cover 805. The second fire retardant end plate 910 includes a related slot (not shown), which is configured to engage with the second plank ends of the plurality of fire retardant planks that form the substantially circular plank cover 805.

[0050] Turning to FIG. 10, illustrated is the fire retardant enclosure 800 of FIG. 9 after the second fire retardant end plate 910 has engaged the substantially circular plank cover 805. In this embodiment, a fire retardant epoxy, such as an intumescent fire retardant epoxy, fixedlycouples the substantially circular plank cover 805 with the second fire retardant end plate 910. At this stage of manufacture, the fire retardant enclosure 800 has an enclosure length (Le).

[0051] Turning to FIG. 11, illustrated is the fire retardant enclosure 800 of FIG. 10 after separating the fire retardant enclosure 800 into two or more fire retardant cover portions 1110a, 1110b along the enclosure length (Le). In at least this one embodiment, the two or more fire retardant cover portions 1110a, 1110b, are configured to fully separate from one another to encircle a fire susceptible device (not shown) and then come back together to form the fire retardant cover surrounding the fire susceptible device. In the illustrated embodiment, the fire retardant enclosure 800 of FIG. 10 was separated into only two fire retardant cover portions 1110a, 1110b, (e.g., two clamshell portions) but in yet another embodiment it may be separated into three or more fire retardant cover portions.

[0052] Turning to FIG. 12, illustrated is the fire retardant enclosure 800 of FIG. 11 after coupling a pair of clamps 1210 (e.g., pair of draw clamps) to halves of the first and second fire retardant end plates 810, 910. Additionally, a fire susceptible device 1220 has been positioned in between the two fire retardant cover portions 1110a, 1110b. Thereafter, FIG. 12 illustrates that the two or more fire retardant cover portions 1110a, 1110b may be brought back together.

[0053] Turning to FIG. 13, illustrated is the fire retardant enclosure 800 of FIG. 11 after coupling the two or more fire retardant cover portions 1110a, 1110b back together, for example using the clamps 1210. In one or more embodiments, the two or more fire retardant cover portions 1110a, 1110b are coupled back together without anything therein, and in yet another embodiment the two or more fire retardant cover portions 1110a, 1110b are coupled back together with the fire susceptible device 1220 therein. If the fire susceptible device 1220 is located in the fire retardant enclosure 800 of FIG. 13, as shown, it would ideally meet the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1709 fire testing specification.

[0054] Turning to FIGs. 14A and 14B, illustrated are a perspective view and end view, respectively, of a fire retardant plank 1400 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure. The fire retardant plank 1400 of FIGs. 14A and 14B is similar in many respects to the fire retardant plank 200 of FIGs. 2 A and 2B. Accordingly, like reference numbers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. The fire retardant plank 1400 differs, for the most part, from the fire retardant plank 200, in that the first plank side 1430 of the fire retardant plank 1400 includes a female joining member 1440,and the second plank side 1435 of the fire retardant plank 1 00 also includes a female joining member 1445. The female joining member 1440 and the female joining member 1445 may be similarly or differently shaped female joining members while remaining within the scope of the disclosure. The fire retardant plank 1400 may be used in certain applications, for example in addition to a plurality of the fire retardant planks 200 of FIGs. 2 A and 2B.

[0055] Turning to FIGs. 15A and 15B, illustrated are a perspective view and end view, respectively, of a fire retardant plank 1500 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one or more alternative embodiments of the disclosure. The fire retardant plank 1500 of FIGs. 15A and 15B is similar in many respects to the fire retardant plank 200 of FIGs. 2A and 2B. Accordingly, like reference numbers have been used to indicate similar, if not identical, features. The fire retardant plank 1500 differs, for the most part, from the fire retardant plank 200, in that the first plank side 1530 of the fire retardant plank 1500 includes a male joining member 1540, and the second plank side 1535 of the fire retardant plank 1500 also includes a male joining member 1545. The male joining member 1540 and the male joining member 1545 may be similarly or differently shaped male joining members while remaining within the scope of the disclosure. The fire retardant plank 1500 may be used in certain applications, for example in addition to a plurality of the fire retardant planks 200 of FIGs. 2 A and 2B, as well as one or more of the fire retardant planks 1400 of FIGs. 14A and 14B.

[0056] Turning now to FIG. 16, illustrated is an embodiment of one fire susceptible device 1600 according to the present disclosure, as might benefit from a fire retardant cover designed, manufactured and / or operated according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the fire susceptible device 1600 includes a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder 1610 and a spring-can 1620, of which may be separated by a gearbox 1630.

[0057] Turning now to FIG. 17, illustrated is an embodiment of a fire retardant cover 1700 designed, manufactured and / or operated according to the disclosure, as might have been manufactured to fit around the fire susceptible device 1600 of FIG. 16. The fire retardant cover 1700 includes a first portion 1710 configured to fully surround a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder (e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder 1610), a second portion 1720 configured to fully surround a spring-can (e.g., spring-can 1620), and a third portion 1730 configured to fully surround a gearbox (e.g., gearbox 1630). In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second portions 1710, 1720 are circular in nature, and the third portion is polygon (e.g., square or rectangular) innature. Nevertheless, any combination of shapes may be used and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

[0058] In at least one embodiment, the fire retardant cover 1700 may include fire retardant caps and / or plugs (e.g., cover 1740) for certain features that may need to be accessed. For example, fire retardant caps and / or plugs may be used to cover adjustment screws or lifting eyes, among other features that access is required, such that the resulting fire retardant cover 1700 still meets the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1709 fire testing specification.

[0059] Turning to FIG. 18, illustrated is a completed fire retardant enclosure 1800 according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The completed fire retardant enclosure 1800 includes a completed fire retardant cover 1810 (e.g., similar to the fire retardant cover 1700 of FIG. 17) fully encircling a fire susceptible device 1820 (e.g., similar to the fire susceptible device 1600 of FIG. 16).

[0060] Aspects disclosed herein include:A. A fire retardant enclosure, the fire retardant enclosure including: 1) a fire retardant end plate; and 2) a plurality of fire retardant planks, each of the plurality of fire retardant planks having a first plank end and a second opposing plank end defining a plank length (Lp), a plank top, a plank bottom, a first plank side, a second plank side, a plank width (WP) and a plank thickness (Tp), wherein each of the first plank sides includes a female joining member and each of the second plank sides includes a male joining member, and further wherein; a) ones of the female joining members and associated ones of the male joining members engage with one another along their plank lengths (Lp); and b) the first plank ends of the plurality of fire retardant planks engage with the fire retardant end plate, the fire retardant end plate and the plurality of fire retardant planks collectively forming a fire retardant cover having an enclosure length (Le).

[0061] Aspect A may have one or more of the following additional elements in combination: Element 1: wherein the fire retardant end plate is a first fire retardant end plate, and further wherein the second plank ends of the plurality of fire retardant planks engage with a second fire retardant end plate to form the fire retardant cover. Element 2: wherein the first and second fire retardant end plates each include a first face and a second face, and further including a first slot formed in the first face of the first fire retardant end plate, the first slot engaged with the first plank ends. Element 3: further including a second slot formed in the first face of the second fire retardant end plate, the second slot engaged with the second plank ends. Element 4: wherein thefire retardant cover is separated into two or more fire retardant cover portions along the enclosure length (Le), the two or more fire retardant cover portions configured to fully separate from one another to encircle a fire susceptible device and then come back together to form the fire retardant cover. Element 5: wherein each of the female joining members is a cove member and each of the male joining members is a bead member, the cove members and bead members configured to rotate while engaged with one another to come together to form the fire retardant cover. Element 6: wherein each of the plank bottoms includes a support substrate, the support substrate configured to provide a surface for the plurality of fire retardant planks to be formed upon. Element 7: wherein the plurality of fire retardant planks engage with one another to form a substantially circular plank enclosure. Element 8: wherein the plurality of fire retardant planks engage with one another to form a polygonal plank enclosure. Element 9: further including a fire retardant epoxy fixedly coupling the plurality of fire retardant planks and the fire retardant end plate together. Element 10: wherein the fire retardant epoxy is an intumescent fire retardant epoxy. Element 11: wherein the plurality of fire retardant planks are a plurality of intumescent fire retardant planks and the fire retardant end plate is an intumescent fire retardant end plate. Element 12: wherein the plurality of intumescent fire retardant planks are a plurality of molded intumescent fire retardant planks and the intumescent fire retardant end plate is a molded intumescent fire retardant end plate. Element 13: wherein the plurality of molded intumescent fire retardant planks are a plurality of plurality of molded and machined intumescent fire retardant planks and the molded intumescent fire retardant end plate is a molded and machined intumescent fire retardant end plate. Element 14: wherein the plurality of fire retardant planks is three or more fire retardant planks. Element 15: wherein the plurality of fire retardant planks is ten or more fire retardant planks. Element 16: wherein the plurality of fire retardant planks is sixteen or more fire retardant planks. Element 17: further including a fire susceptible device encircled by the fire retardant cover. Element 18: wherein the fire susceptible device includes a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, and further wherein the fire retardant cover fully surrounds the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. Element 19: wherein the fire susceptible device further includes a spring-can, and further wherein the fire retardant cover fully surrounds the spring-can. Element 20: wherein the fire susceptible device further includes a gearbox, and further wherein the fire retardant cover fully surrounds the gearbox. Element 21: wherein the fire retardant cover complies with an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1709 fire testing specification.

[0062] Those skilled in the art to which this application relates will appreciate that other and further additions, deletions, substitutions and modifications may be made to the described embodiments.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A fire retardant enclosure, comprising: a fire retardant end plate; and a plurality of fire retardant planks, each of the plurality of fire retardant planks having a first plank end and a second opposing plank end defining a plank length (Lp), a plank top, a plank bottom, a first plank side, a second plank side, a plank width (Wp) and a plank thickness (Tp), wherein each of the first plank sides includes a female joining member and each of the second plank sides includes a male joining member, and further wherein; ones of the female joining members and associated ones of the male joining members engage with one another along their plank lengths (Lp); and the first plank ends of the plurality of fire retardant planks engage with the fire retardant end plate, the fire retardant end plate and the plurality of fire retardant planks collectively forming a fire retardant cover having an enclosure length (Le).

2. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 1, wherein the fire retardant end plate is a first fire retardant end plate, and further wherein the second plank ends of the plurality of fire retardant planks engage with a second fire retardant end plate to form the fire retardant cover.

3. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 2, wherein the first and second fire retardant end plates each include a first face and a second face, and further including a first slot formed in the first face of the first fire retardant end plate, the first slot engaged with the first plank ends.

4. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 3, further including a second slot formed in the first face of the second fire retardant end plate, the second slot engaged with the second plank ends.

5. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 4, wherein the fire retardant cover is separated into two or more fire retardant cover portions along the enclosure length (Le), the two or more fire retardant cover portions configured to fully separate from one another to encircle a fire susceptible device and then come back together to form the fire retardant cover.

6. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 1, wherein each of the female joining members is a cove member and each of the male joining members is a bead member, the cove members and bead members configured to rotate while engaged with one another to come together to form the fire retardant cover.

7. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 1, wherein each of the plank bottoms includes a support substrate, the support substrate configured to provide a surface for the plurality of fire retardant planks to be formed upon.

8. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 1, wherein the plurality of fire retardant planks engage with one another to form a substantially circular plank enclosure.

9. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 1, wherein the plurality of fire retardant planks engage with one another to form a polygonal plank enclosure.

10. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 1, further including a fire retardant epoxy fixedly coupling the plurality of fire retardant planks and the fire retardant end plate together.

11. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 10, wherein the fire retardant epoxy is an intumescent fire retardant epoxy.

12. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 1, wherein the plurality of fire retardant planks arc a plurality of intumescent fire retardant planks and the fire retardant end plate is an intumescent fire retardant end plate.

13. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 12, wherein the plurality of intumescent fire retardant planks are a plurality of molded intumescent fire retardant planks and the intumescent fire retardant end plate is a molded intumescent fire retardant end plate.

14. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 13, wherein the plurality of molded intumescent fire retardant planks arc a plurality of plurality of molded and machined intumescent fire retardant planks and the molded intumescent fire retardant end plate is a molded and machined intumescent fire retardant end plate.

15. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 1, wherein the plurality of fire retardant planks is three or more fire retardant planks.

16. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 1, wherein the plurality of fire retardant planks is ten or more fire retardant planks.

17. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 1, wherein the plurality of fire retardant planks is sixteen or more fire retardant planks.

18. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 1, further including a fire susceptible device encircled by the fire retardant cover.

19. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 18, wherein the fire susceptible device includes a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, and further wherein the fire retardant cover fully surrounds the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

20. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 19, wherein the fire susceptible device further includes a spring-can, and further wherein the fire retardant cover fully surrounds the spring-can.

21. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 20, wherein the fire susceptible device further includes a gearbox, and further wherein the fire retardant cover fully surrounds the gearbox.

22. The fire retardant enclosure as recited in Claim 1, wherein the fire retardant cover complies with an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1709 fire testing specification.

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