Expandable Graphite Pipe Filler for Rapid Fire Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fireproof fillers in pipes take too long to expand and block fires due to insufficient thickness and can detach from the pipe surface, failing to quickly prevent the spread of flames and toxic gases.
Innovation Solution
A fireproof filler with an external frame and internal supports coated with expandable graphite, designed to divide the pipe's interior space, allowing for quicker expansion and effective blocking of flames and heat when exposed to fire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thickness of expandable graphite coating is increased to improve fire blocking capability, then the fireproof performance is improved, but the installation space requirement and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fireproof filler is divided into multiple segments including an external frame, internal supports, and coating layers applied to specific surfaces. This segmentation allows the fireproof functionality to be distributed across multiple components rather than requiring a single thick coating, thereby achieving reliable fire blocking with reduced overall thickness requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining the external frame, internal supports, and expandable graphite coating layer. This composite material approach leverages the structural integrity of the frame and supports together with the fire-blocking properties of the thin coating layer, achieving effective fireproof performance without requiring excessive coating thickness
2Length of stationary object
If the expandable graphite coating is made thinner to reduce installation space, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fire blocking capability and adhesion to pipe surface deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The external frame and internal supports are pre-installed within the pipe to create a structural framework before the expandable graphite coating is applied. This preliminary action ensures that the thin coating layer has a stable substrate to adhere to and maintains its fire-blocking effectiveness without requiring excessive thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable graphite coating is applied selectively to specific surfaces of the external frame and internal supports rather than uniformly throughout the entire pipe. This localized application concentrates the fireproof functionality where it is most needed while minimizing the overall coating thickness and material usage
3Speed
If the fireproof filler expands quickly to prevent fire spread, then the response time is reduced, but the structural integrity and stability during expansion may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The filler is segmented into multiple sections with internal supports that divide the expansion space. This segmentation allows each segment to expand in a controlled manner, maintaining structural integrity while achieving rapid overall expansion to block the pipe effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The external frame and internal supports are pre-assembled to create a stable structural framework before fire exposure. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when the expandable graphite coating undergoes rapid thermal expansion, the underlying framework maintains structural integrity and guides the expansion process
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 enables rapid fire prevention with a smaller thickness of expandable graphite coating, ensuring quicker fire spread prevention and improved adhesion to the pipe surface compared to existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a coating layer including expandable graphite is formed on surfaces of the external frame and the support
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fire-resistant filler which is formed inside a pipe to divide the space inside the pipe, and has, on the surface thereof, a coating layer including expandable graphite. As the coating layer expands by flame or heat, the filler blocks the pipe by filling the space inside the pipe. Thus, the filler can prevent the spread of the fire by quickly responding to the fire.