Multilayer Thermal Insulation Composite Fire Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire protection materials are bulky, difficult to install, and prone to detachment or shrinkage during thermal cycling, lacking in durability and ease of maintenance in high-temperature environments.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer thermal insulation composite comprising a superinsulation layer, an inorganic heat absorbing layer, and optionally a scrim layer, formed by stacking and encapsulating layers such as fibrous insulation, inorganic heat absorbing, and superinsulation layers, which can be affixed and encapsulated to provide enhanced thermal insulation and fire protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If insulative materials such as ceramic or bio-soluble blankets are used, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the materials become very thick and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple materials with different functions into a composite structure: intumescent material for fire protection and expansion, superinsulation material for thermal insulation, and scrim for structural reinforcement. This composite approach achieves effective insulation with reduced thickness and weight compared to single-material solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the insulation system have different material properties optimized for specific functions: the intumescent layer provides fire resistance and expansion capability, the superinsulation layer provides thermal insulation, and the scrim provides tensile strength. Each layer is locally optimized for its specific role.
2Reliability
If insulative materials are used, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the materials are bulky and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure integrates multiple functional layers into a single unit that can be installed as one component, eliminating the need to install separate insulation layers and reducing installation complexity while maintaining effective insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation system is divided into distinct functional layers (intumescent layer, superinsulation layer, scrim layer) that can be manufactured separately and then combined, allowing each layer to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall installation process.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If endothermic materials are used, then heat absorption is improved, but the system becomes heavy and difficult to remove for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal response parameters of the insulation system by combining materials with different thermal behaviors: endothermic materials for heat absorption, intumescent materials for expansion-based insulation, and superinsulation materials for low thermal conductivity. This multi-parameter approach achieves effective heat management with reduced weight.
4Reliability
If intumescent material expands during fire, then fire protection is improved, but the material may shrink when maintained at elevated temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates scrim reinforcement within the intumescent material structure before fire exposure occurs. This pre-installed reinforcement framework prevents shrinkage and maintains dimensional stability during and after thermal cycling, cushioning against the harmful effects of temperature-induced deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of intumescent material with scrim reinforcement creates a composite structure where the scrim provides structural stability while the intumescent material provides fire protection through expansion. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between expansion capability and dimensional stability.
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 composite offers improved thermal insulation, reduced thickness, ease of handling and installation, and maintains effectiveness against fire and heat without significant shrinkage, making it suitable for various applications including duct and pipe insulation and hazardous material containment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one superinsulation layer adjacent at least one side of the heat absorbing layer or the fibrous insulation layer
Implementation Method 2
an inorganic heat absorbing layer
Implementation Method 3
Intumescent materials expand to at least about 1.5 times their original volume upon heating to temperatures typically encountered in fire-like conditions
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A multilayer thermal insulation composite for fire protection applications. The composite includes a fibrous insulation layer, at least one inorganic heat absorbing layer disposed on one side of the fibrous insulation layer, and at least one superinsulation layer disposed on at least one side of the composite adjacent the heat absorbing layer or the fibrous insulation layer. The composite may further include a scrim layer comprising a high temperature resistant, flexible, woven or non-woven scrim or scrim and high temperature resistant material disposed around the multilayer thermal insulation composite partially or substantially totally encapsulating the composite. The composite is lightweight and flexible, exhibits reduced heat transfer to the cold-face, with improved thermal insulation capability.