Cement-Hydroxide Fire Insulation for Thin Duct and Drop Rod Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire insulation materials often require multiple layers and thick insulation to meet fire and insulation standards, and recent changes to European standards necessitate improved insulation for drop rods over 1.5 meters in length to prevent elongation due to temperature rise during fires.
Innovation Solution
A fire insulation material composed of cement (10-30% w/w), aluminium or magnesium hydroxide (60-90% w/w), and optionally cracking-resistant agents like mica or fibres, which can be mixed with an aqueous solution to create a mortar for use in panels, ducts, and drop rods, providing enhanced fire resistance and compliance with UK or EU standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple layers and air gaps are used to achieve fire and insulation requirements, then fire resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (fire resistance, thermal insulation, and structural integrity) into a single integrated insulation material layer, eliminating the need for separate multiple layers and air gaps while maintaining compliance with fire safety standards
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite material formulation containing cement, aluminium or magnesium hydroxide, and cracking resistant agents that provides both fire resistance and thermal insulation properties in a single material system, replacing complex multi-layer structures
2Reliability
If thick insulation material is used to meet fire and insulation standards, then fire resistance is improved, but volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the insulation material by incorporating specific ratios of cement (10-30% w/w), aluminium or magnesium hydroxide (60-90% w/w), and cracking resistant agents (2-10% w/w), which enhances fire resistance performance while reducing the required thickness of the insulation layer
Solution Approach 2:
The use of composite materials with fire-retardant properties (aluminium or magnesium hydroxide) combined with cement and cracking resistant agents creates a high-performance insulation material that achieves fire resistance standards with reduced thickness compared to conventional insulation materials
3Ease of manufacture
If standard insulation materials are used for drop rods, then manufacturing is simple, but reliability decreases due to elongation during fire
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies a composite fire insulation material containing cement, aluminium or magnesium hydroxide, and cracking resistant agents to drop rods, providing fire protection that prevents elongation and maintains structural reliability while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a cement-based insulation material that can be easily applied and cured, providing effective fire protection for drop rods without requiring complex or expensive materials, achieving reliable fire resistance through a simple, cost-effective solution
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 material achieves at least one hour of fire resistance, as demonstrated by compliance with BS EN1366 standards, and can be used in various forms such as panels, ducts, and drop rods, offering improved fire protection while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
aluminium or magnesium hydroxide, huntite or hydromagnesite, in an amount of between 60-90% w/w
Implementation Method 2
aluminium or magnesium hydroxide
Implementation Method 3
cement, in an amount of between 10-30% w/w; admixed with water or other aqueous material
Implementation Method 4
a cracking resistant agent such as mica or fibres such as polypropylene, nylon or acrylic fibres
Data Source
AI summary
A fire insulation precursor material formed of cement, in an amount of between 10-30% w/w; and an aluminium or magnesium hydroxide, huntite or hydromagnesite in an amount of between 60-90% w/w/. A fire insulation material is provided including the previously mentioned precursor material. Further described are methods of forming a fire insulation material and applications for such material in sheaths, duct coatings, cable trays and other elongate components.