Split Pipe Fire Stop System with Intumescent Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire stop systems fail to consistently meet code requirements for F-rated, T-rated, and L-rated systems, as they are not effective in preventing the spread of fire and smoke across structural openings, particularly in high-temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fire stop system incorporating a split pipe with intumescent material, a foam wall gasket, and an annulus plate, which seals the opening and prevents air flow, meeting the desired ratings by expanding when exposed to elevated temperatures and contouring around cables and structural elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fire stop systems with shields or boots are used, then fire spread is prevented under normal conditions, but the system fails to consistently meet code requirements for F-rated, T-rated, and L-rated systems under high-temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The intumescent material is pre-installed on the split pipe before fire exposure. When exposed to high temperatures, this material automatically expands to seal the opening, providing preliminary protective action that ensures consistent performance under fire conditions without requiring active intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The intumescent material undergoes a parameter change when exposed to elevated temperatures - it transforms from a compact state to an expanded state, increasing in volume to fill and seal the opening. This thermal-responsive parameter change enables the system to automatically adapt to fire conditions and maintain reliability across different temperature scenarios.
2Reliability
If a rigid seal structure is used to block openings, then fire spread is prevented, but the system cannot contour around cables and structural elements
Solution Approach 1:
The foam wall gasket is designed as a flexible, compressible element that can contour around cables and structural elements while maintaining seal integrity. This flexible gasket adapts to irregular shapes and configurations, providing reliable sealing without requiring rigid structures that would limit adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire stop system incorporates dynamic elements - the foam wall gasket can deform and adjust to different configurations, and the intumescent material expands dynamically in response to temperature changes. This dynamic behavior enables the system to maintain seal integrity while adapting to various cable arrangements and structural elements.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used to achieve F-rated, T-rated, and L-rated performance, then fire stop effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fire stop components into an integrated assembly: the split pipe with pre-installed intumescent material, the foam wall gasket, and the annulus plate work together as a unified system. This merged design achieves F-rated, T-rated, and L-rated performance through coordinated action of components rather than requiring separate systems for each rating.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire stop system is designed as a universal solution that simultaneously provides F-rated (fire resistance), T-rated (temperature control), and L-rated (smoke leakage prevention) performance. The intumescent material, foam gasket, and annulus plate collectively perform multiple functions - fire blocking, thermal insulation, and smoke sealing - within a single integrated assembly.
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 system effectively prevents the spread of flames and smoke, meeting F-rated, T-rated, and L-rated standards by sealing the opening and maintaining integrity under elevated temperatures, ensuring safer evacuation and reduced damage.
Implementation Method 1
The intumescent material seals the split pipe when the split pipe is exposed to elevated temperatures
Implementation Method 2
The foam wall gasket forms a contour to the structural opening blocking air flow between the split pipe and the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A fire stop system with a pass through device is installed in a structural opening. The fire stop system includes a split pipe, a foam wall gasket and an annulus plate. The split pipe includes a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end have an intumescent material installed thereon to seal the split pipe when the split pipe is exposed to elevated temperatures. The foam wall gasket is installed around the split pipe adjacent the structural opening. The foam wall gasket forms a contour to the structural opening blocking air flow between the split pipe and the opening. The annulus plate covers the foam wall gasket and is installed around the split pipe at the structural opening.