Intumescent Strip Firestop with Char Encapsulation Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firestopping methods for pipes in construction openings, such as the 'wrap strip tuck-in' method, have low temperature ratings and unreliable performance due to the char being susceptible to falling out and relying on pipe softening for expansion.
Innovation Solution
A firestopping apparatus comprising first and second intumescent strips connected by a layer of fire-resistant material, which expands to encapsulate the char and fill the gap around a pipe when exposed to high temperatures, ensuring reliable fire prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wrap strip tuck-in method is used, then installation is simple and quick, but char is not encapsulated and temperature rating is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the intumescent strip inside a collar structure that encapsulates the char when it forms. The strip is nested within the collar during installation, and when the strip expands and chars, the collar contains the char material, preventing it from falling out while maintaining the simplicity of the tuck-in installation method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the intumescent strip with a collar structure made of fire-resistant material. This composite system provides both the ease of installation of the strip method and the high temperature rating and char containment of the collar method, resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and temperature rating reliability.
2Reliability
If collar system is used, then char is trapped and temperature rating is high, but installation is more time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the firestop system into two functional components: the intumescent strip for easy installation and the collar for char containment. The strip can be quickly installed using the simple tuck-in method, while the collar provides the additional safety function of trapping char, thus reducing installation time while maintaining high temperature rating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the advantages of both the wrap strip tuck-in method (simple installation) and the collar system (char containment and high temperature rating) into a single integrated solution. The combined system maintains the ease of installation of the strip method while incorporating the collar's ability to trap char, thereby reducing installation time and cost compared to traditional collar systems while maintaining high reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If wrap strip tuck-in method is used, then installation cost is low, but char falls out and fire prevention is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the intumescent strip inside a collar structure that encapsulates the char when it forms. The strip is nested within the collar during installation, and when the strip expands and chars, the collar contains the char material, preventing it from falling out while maintaining the simplicity of the tuck-in installation method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the intumescent strip with a collar structure made of fire-resistant material. This composite system provides both the ease of installation of the strip method and the high temperature rating and char containment of the collar method, resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and temperature rating reliability.
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 apparatus effectively prevents fire propagation by ensuring the char is encapsulated and the gap is fully insulated, providing a reliable and efficient firestopping solution for pipes in construction openings.
Implementation Method 1
The strips thermally react and expand in thickness to the expanded configuration when exposed to elevated temperature caused by a fire
Implementation Method 2
Once the intumescent material expands, the char is susceptible to falling out of the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A firestopping apparatus having an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The apparatus includes first and second intumescent strips connected with a fire-resistant material layer. Each intumescent strip has opposed end surfaces defining the length of the strips and the apparatus, opposed inner and outer edge surfaces defining the width of the strips and the apparatus, and opposed inner and outer core surfaces defining the thickness of the strips and the apparatus. The fire-resistant material layer has first and second opposed portions overlayed and affixed to at least one of the inner edge surfaces, outer core surfaces and outer edge surfaces of each strip, and has a central bridging portion fixed to and extending between the first and second strips to connect the strips in adjustable spaced relation relative to one another. The strips are arranged with the inner core surfaces abutting one another in the unexpanded configuration with the outer core surfaces defining the apparatus thickness extending therebetween. The strips thermally react and expand in thickness to the expanded configuration when exposed to elevated temperature caused by a fire.