Metal Bellows Fire Seal for Pipe Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire stop solutions for commercial mechanical and plumbing pipes are inadequate as they often crack under thermal expansion, fail to provide an air-tight seal, and can be consumed by fire, necessitating frequent replacement and posing a risk for fire spread.
Innovation Solution
A metal bellows fire seal system with flexible bellows extending between two ends, one end secured to a substrate with a base plate and inner ring to accommodate pipe expansion, ensuring a tight and fireproof seal by adjusting length to accommodate axial expansion of pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fire resistant caulk seal is used to fill the gap between pipe and wall/floor, then fire spread is prevented initially, but the seal cracks and breaks under thermal expansion pressure requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static fire stop material (caulk seal) to a dynamic flexible bellows structure that can move and expand/contract with pipe thermal growth, maintaining seal integrity throughout the pipe's service life without cracking or breaking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible metal bellows structure with corrugated walls that can deform axially to accommodate pipe thermal expansion while maintaining the fire barrier function, replacing the rigid caulk seal with a flexible yet fire-resistant enclosure
2Adaptability or versatility
If rubber rings or silicone sleeves are used to surround the pipe, then the seal can accommodate some expansion, but air tightness is compromised and fire resistance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining flexible metal bellows (for expansion accommodation) with fire stop material filling the interior space, creating a system that simultaneously achieves flexibility, air tightness, and fire resistance that neither material could achieve alone
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hole diameter is made larger than pipe outer diameter to accommodate thermal growth, then pipe expansion is allowed, but fire spread risk increases through the larger gap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible bellows structure as an intermediary element between the pipe and the wall/floor opening, filling the annular gap created by thermal expansion requirements while maintaining fire barrier integrity, thus mediating between the conflicting needs of expansion accommodation and fire protection
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The metal bellows fire seal system effectively prevents fire spread by maintaining an air-tight and fireproof seal while allowing for thermal expansion of pipes, reducing the need for frequent replacements and enhancing fire safety in multi-story buildings.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible bellows have a first length in a first position and a second length in a second position. Upon axial expansion of the pipe, the flexible bellows move from the first position to the second position.
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing system including a first end and a second end with flexible bellows extending therebetween. The first end includes a base plate with an inner ring having an inner diameter. The inner ring is configured to receive a pipe therethrough. The pipe has an outer diameter, which is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner ring. The bellows of the sealing system has a first length in a first position and second length in a second position. Upon axial expansion of the pipe, the bellows is configured to move from the first position to the second position. The sealing system may also comprise a mechanical protective element, such as a shroud which extends around the bellows. Movement of the bellows can be further limited with rods extending from the shroud to a surrounding substrate or a cable fixing a maximum distance between the pipe and the shroud.