Flexible Firebreak Wrap Using Gel-Impregnated Fiber Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire-resistant protection methods for structural and electrical elements, such as electric cables, are inadequate as they require qualified personnel for installation, are not reusable, pose toxicological risks due to refractory fibers, and fail to adapt to temperature deformations.
Innovation Solution
A flexible part with fire-resistant properties comprising a web of inorganic insulating fibers coated or impregnated with an aqueous gel containing super-absorbent polymers and water, sealed within an impermeable envelope to delay temperature rise through endothermic evaporation and reduce toxic exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If refractory ceramic fibers are used to protect installations, then fire-resistant properties are provided, but toxicological risks increase when fibers are dispersed, inhaled, or ingested
Solution Approach 1:
A gel layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the refractory ceramic fibers and the environment. This gel layer acts as a barrier that prevents fiber dispersion while maintaining the fire-resistant properties of the underlying fiber structure, thereby reducing toxicological risks without compromising fire protection
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible gel layer is applied as a thin film coating over the refractory ceramic fiber insulation. This gel film encapsulates the fibers, preventing their release into the environment during handling or installation, while allowing the structure to remain flexible and maintain its fire-resistant function
2Strength
If refractory adhesives are used to bond fiber layers, then structural integrity is achieved, but the device becomes rigid and cannot adapt to temperature deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive material's physical parameters are changed by formulating it as a gel rather than a traditional rigid adhesive. This gel adhesive maintains bonding strength while possessing viscoelastic properties that allow it to deform with temperature changes, enabling the insulation structure to expand and contract without compromising structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
A composite material system is created combining refractory ceramic fibers, gel adhesive, and an outer gel layer. This composite structure integrates the high-temperature resistance of ceramic fibers with the flexibility and deformability of gel materials, achieving both structural integrity and adaptability to thermal expansion
3Reliability
If multiple fiber layers are installed with adhesive bonding, then fire protection thickness is achieved, but installation complexity increases requiring qualified personnel
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional layers (insulating fiber layers and protective gel layers) are merged into a single pre-assembled insulation unit. This integrated module maintains the required fire protection thickness while eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly operations, allowing installation by non-specialized personnel through simple placement and compression
4Ease of manufacture
If fiber optic cables are handled during installation, then device assembly is completed, but toxicological risks are exposed to workers
Solution Approach 1:
The protective gel layer is applied in advance during manufacturing, forming an encapsulated barrier around the fiber optic cables before installation. This preliminary protective action ensures that during subsequent handling and installation operations, the fibers remain contained and cannot be inhaled or ingested, eliminating toxicological risks while maintaining ease of installation
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 effectively delays temperature rise, reduces toxicological risks, and allows for easy installation and reusability without requiring qualified personnel, enhancing fire protection and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
an aqueous gel disposed in the immediate vicinity of said sheet comprising at least one super-absorbent polymer such as polyacrylamides and polyamides, and comprising at least 80% by weight of water
Implementation Method 2
the evaporation of water molecules is an endothermic reaction that generates energy absorption
Implementation Method 3
the evaporation of water molecules is an endothermic reaction that generates energy absorption
Implementation Method 4
a waterproof envelope which isolates at least the aqueous gel (4) from the environment
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates mainly to a flexible part with firebreak properties to protect any mechanical, structural or electrical element against an excessive temperature increase, which is essentially characterised in that it includes at least: a layer (3, 3a) of inorganic, insulating fibrous elements (2); an aqueous gel (4) arranged immediately next to said layer (3); and a sealed enclosure (6, 7) which insulates at least the aqueous gel (4) from the environment, so that upon exposure to excessive temperatures, the aqueous gel (4) is at least partially impregnated in the fibre layer (3) so as to delay the temperature increase thereof. The flexible part of the invention can be used mainly in the fire protection of electrical raceways.