Metal Bellows Pipe Penetration Seal for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire stop solutions for commercial mechanical and plumbing pipes fail to provide an airtight, fireproof seal that accommodates axial expansion of pipes, leading to potential fire spread and frequent material degradation.
Innovation Solution
A metal bellows fire seal system with flexible bellows extending between a base plate and a cap ring, designed to accommodate axial expansion of pipes by changing length, ensuring a secure and fire-resistant seal.
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 when pipe expands thermally
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows component is designed with flexible accordion-like folds that allow dynamic expansion and contraction to accommodate thermal growth of the pipe while maintaining the fire seal. The bellows transitions from a static seal to a dynamic component that moves with the pipe, preserving both fire resistance and adaptability to thermal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows is constructed as a flexible metallic shell with corrugated folds that can expand and contract axially. This flexible structure maintains the fire barrier function while accommodating the dimensional changes of the pipe due to thermal expansion, eliminating the cracking issue of rigid caulk seals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rubber rings or silicone sleeves are used to surround the pipe, then the seal is flexible, but air tightness is compromised and materials are consumed by fire
Solution Approach 1:
The fire seal system combines a flexible metallic bellows structure with fire-resistant properties. The metallic construction provides both the flexibility needed for thermal expansion accommodation and the fire resistance required to maintain air tightness during fire conditions, eliminating the drawbacks of rubber and silicone materials.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inner diameter of the hole is made larger than the pipe outer diameter to accommodate thermal growth, then thermal expansion is allowed, but fire spread hazard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows acts as an intermediary component installed in the annular space between the pipe and the wall/floor opening. It fills the gap created by thermal expansion requirements while maintaining fire containment, serving as a mediator that allows both thermal movement and fire safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bellows structure is installed within the enlarged opening to maintain fire seal integrity while accommodating pipe expansion. The bellows expands and contracts with the pipe, filling the variable annular space and preventing fire spread despite the larger opening size required for thermal growth.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional fire stop materials are used, then installation is simple, but frequent replacement is needed due to material degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The fire seal system uses a metallic bellows construction that combines ease of installation with enhanced durability. The metal bellows resists degradation from heat and fire exposure, significantly extending service life compared to organic materials like caulk, rubber, or silicone, while maintaining simple installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves away from disposable short-living materials like caulk seals that crack and break, replacing them with a durable metallic bellows designed for long-term service. This eliminates the need for frequent replacements while maintaining installation simplicity.
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 and maintains airtightness 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 bellows has a first length in a first position and second length in a second position. Upon axial expansion of the pipe, the bellows moves 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.