Fire-proof conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire protection ducts made from refractory materials are excessively heavy, leading to high transport and implementation costs due to their weight, which is a significant drawback for achieving the required two-hour fire resistance category.
Innovation Solution
A fire protection duct comprising refractory slab elements made of sand-lime material with a calcium silicate density of 260 kg/m3, coated internally with a refractory adhesive containing sodium silicate, kaolin, and clay, assembled using the same adhesive, resulting in a lighter and more efficient structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If refractory slab elements with high density (e.g., plaster material at 1000 kg/m3) are used to achieve two-hour fire resistance, then fire resistance is improved, but weight increases significantly (50 kg/m2)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the density parameter of the base material from high-density plaster (1000 kg/m3) to low-density sand-lime material (260 kg/m3), and optimizes the thickness parameter of the refractory coating layer to achieve the required fire resistance with significantly reduced weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining a lightweight sand-lime base material with a refractory adhesive coating layer, where each layer performs a specific function: the base material provides structural support while the coating provides fire protection, achieving both lightness and fire resistance
2Reliability
If slab thickness is increased to 50 mm to meet two-hour fire resistance standards, then fire resistance is improved, but weight increases to 27.5 kg/m2 even with lighter materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the refractory coating layer applied to the sand-lime slabs, finding the minimum effective thickness that provides two-hour fire resistance while minimizing weight, thereby reducing the overall duct weight below 27.5 kg/m2
3Reliability
If metal conduits are used with external coating and additional treatment to achieve fire resistance, then fire resistance is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite of sand-lime material and refractory adhesive that inherently provides fire resistance without requiring additional external coatings or treatments, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing production costs compared to metal conduits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive sand-lime material and refractory adhesive that can be easily applied and cured, providing an economical alternative to expensive metal conduits with multiple coating layers and treatments
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 solution achieves a weight reduction of approximately 50% compared to prior art for the same fire resistance category, enhancing transport and implementation efficiency while maintaining fire resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the internal face of the duct is covered with a coating consisting of a refractory adhesive... a good incombustible thermal insulator
Implementation Method 2
the slab elements consist of a sand-lime material... a natural mineral material consisting of exfoliated vermiculite, which is a good incombustible thermal insulator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a fire protection conduit for at least one building, comprising a conduit formed from interassembled refractory tiles (1a, 1b). Said conduit is characterised in that the tile elements consist of a silicocalcareous material and the inner face of the conduit is covered with a coating consisting of a refractory glue.