Expandable Firestop Collar for Tight-Space Pipe Penetration Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firestop devices for pipe penetrations in buildings, especially in existing structures, face challenges in easy retrofitting and accessibility due to space constraints, and require complex arrangements around pipes.
Innovation Solution
A foldable firestop device comprising a collar with hingedly connected halves and a fire-resistant foldable cap, actuated by a spring mechanism, which can be easily mounted on a partition surface, expanding to seal the penetration location when the pipe collapses, utilizing intumescent material for enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional firestop sleeve is arranged around the pipe and placed in the wall penetration passage, then fire and smoke sealing is achieved, but installation becomes difficult in existing buildings due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The firestop device is divided into two collar halves that can be separately installed on opposite sides of the partition, allowing installation in constrained spaces where a complete sleeve cannot be fitted. The segmented design enables workers to access each side independently and assemble the device in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a three-dimensional sleeve requiring radial space around the pipe to a two-dimensional planar installation on the partition surface. The collar halves are mounted on the face of the partition rather than enclosing the pipe, eliminating the need for radial clearance.
2Reliability
If a firestop collar with metal outer casing and intumescent layer is used, then fire resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is segmented into two halves that can be independently handled and installed, reducing the complexity of manipulating a single large rigid component. The segmentation allows for simpler fastening to the partition and easier positioning around the pipe location.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar halves are pre-configured with intumescent material and fastening mechanisms before installation, allowing for quick assembly on-site without complex field adjustments. The pre-assembled design reduces installation complexity while maintaining fire resistance.
3Ease of operation
If the collar halves are hingedly connected to allow folding, then ease of installation is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged connection transforms the static rigid collar into a dynamic structure that can fold and unfold during installation and operation. The hinge allows the collar halves to be brought together around the pipe and then locked in position, providing mechanical advantage for installation while maintaining structural integrity during fire conditions.
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 device provides a straightforward retrofit solution for pipe penetrations, ensuring effective sealing against fire and smoke spread, even in constrained spaces, with reduced material requirements and enhanced reliability through a locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
In case of fire the intumescent material will eventually swell due to the heat and the passage around the pipe will be sealed
Implementation Method 2
The collar halves are spring-loaded so that in case of fire the pipe collapses when the spring expands
Implementation Method 3
The collar is a fold-out collar in which corresponding ends of the first and second collar halves are hingedly connected to each other so as to be moveable from a folded state to a folded out state
Data Source
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AI summary
A firestop device comprises a collar to be mounted to a surface at wall penetration of a plastic pipe. The collar includes a first collar half and a second collar half, having corresponding end portions which are connected to each other. A fire resistant foldable cap, preferably made of a fire resistant fabric, is circumferentially connected to the collar for closing off the penetration location when the pipe is collapsed. In case of a fire an actuation assembly moves the fire resistant foldable cap over the penetration location to close it off. The collar is a fold- out collar in which said corresponding ends of the first and second collar halves are hingedly connected to each other so as to be moveable from a folded state, in which the second collar half substantially overlaps the first collar half, to a folded out state, in which the first collar half and the second collar half form a ring shaped collar. The first collar half is adapted to be mounted to the partition surface. The fire resistant foldable cap is attached to the first collar half and the second collar half. The actuation assembly includes the second collar half, which pulls the fire resistant foldable cap over the penetration location when moving from the folded state to the folded out state.