Pipe Fire Protection Cladding With Expansion Space and Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passive fire protection methods for tubular objects, such as pipes, are inadequate in effectively managing heat from hydrocarbon fires and jet fires, particularly in preventing heat penetration and water ingress, which can lead to corrosion and damage.
Innovation Solution
A fire protection product featuring an active layer with an endothermic material that expands and undergoes a reaction process, supported by distance pieces and an outer cladding, which creates a draining path for water and provides thermal insulation, while being halogen-free and fiber-free to minimize smoke and dust, ensuring the integrity of the protection system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an active layer with endothermic material is used to delay heat penetration, then fire protection effectiveness is improved, but the structure becomes more complex requiring distance pieces and outer cladding
Solution Approach 1:
The fire protection system is divided into distinct functional segments: an active layer containing endothermic material for heat absorption, distance pieces for structural support and spacing, and an outer cladding for protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a composite structure combining different materials with complementary properties: the active layer uses endothermic materials (such as hydrated salts or polymer-based compounds) for thermal energy absorption, while the outer cladding provides mechanical protection. This composite approach enhances fire protection effectiveness beyond what single materials could achieve.
2Reliability
If the active layer is designed to expand during endothermic reaction, then heat absorption capacity is improved, but space requirements increase requiring volume accommodation
Solution Approach 1:
The distance pieces are pre-installed at specific spacing from the active layer before the fire event occurs. This preliminary positioning creates a predetermined expansion space that accommodates the active material's volume increase during endothermic reaction, ensuring the expansion has room to occur without compromising the protective function or requiring additional space during the emergency.
3Reliability
If water drainage paths are incorporated to prevent water ingress and corrosion, then long-term reliability is improved, but the system requires additional components and potential fire compromise
Solution Approach 1:
The outer cladding serves as an intermediary element that performs dual functions: it provides mechanical protection for the active layer and simultaneously acts as a water barrier with integrated drainage capabilities. By incorporating drainage paths and holes in this protective layer, the system manages water accumulation without requiring separate drainage components, thus maintaining long-term reliability while limiting additional complexity.
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 heat penetration, prevents water ingress and corrosion, and maintains the integrity of the protection system during a fire, ensuring the pipe is safeguarded against damage and allowing for clear visibility and safe exit in case of a fire.
Implementation Method 1
an active layer of a material containing an active substance which, when subjected to heat, expands and undergoes an endothermic reaction process
Implementation Method 2
an active substance which, when subjected to heat, expands and undergoes an endothermic reaction process
Implementation Method 3
the space defines a draining path for draining of water
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A fire protection product for use as fire protection of a pipe (10), comprising an active layer (11) of a material containing an active substance which, when subjected to heat, expands and undergoes one or more endothermic reaction processes, the active layer (11) enclosing the pipe (10) on at least a length of the pipe to be protected; a plurality of distance pieces (12) extending a distance outwardly from the active layer (11); and an outer tubular cladding (13) supported by the distance pieces (12) and enclosing the pipe (10), the active layer (11) and the distance pieces (12). The active layer (11), the distance pieces (12) and the outer tubular cladding (13) define a space (15) with a volume, which can accommodate the active substance (11) after the active substance (11) has expanded. The active substance can be rubber based or polymer based.