AU2020277102A1 - Improved fire rated penetration for pipes and ducts - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a penetration construction for a service and a fire rated building element with an aperture through it, through which said service passes or is to pass, said building element in situ, having a first side and a second side related to a fire rating, said fire rated building element including a first metal mesh element encased or adapted to be encased in a fire retardant material, said construction including a second metal mesh element with a first portion to substantially surround said service and sized to be positioned between said aperture between said aperture and said service, and a second portion extending away from said first portion which extends past a perimeter of said aperture, said first portion extending a predetermined distance from said aperture into said first side, whereby a fire retardant material is applied to said first portion and said second portion. Figure to be published: 1 7AU01 1/12 II 011 00

Description

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Improved fire rated penetration for pipes and ducts

Field of the invention

[001] The present invention relates to fire rating through penetrations for services which includes pipes and ducts or trays which pass through walls, floors, ceilings and other building elements, and methods of constructing these.

Background of the invention

[002] Fire rated penetrations are required in building constructions where services are provided via such things as pipes, conduits, ducts, trays and ladders to support data and electricity cables and or pipes or conduits or ducts for liquids or gases or air, so that the services can pass through one side of a building element to another side, yet a fire which may exist on one side of a building element must be retarded in its progress to the other side. Most countries have standards and testing procedures concerning such penetrations, and the length of time that fire needs to be retarded. These tests and standards have been increased, and thus prior art fire rated penetrations may no longer comply. Thus, there has been a need for improved fire rated penetration systems and their methods of construction.

[003] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application.

[004] Throughout the description and claims, the word "service" is used to describe any service, such as data transmission cables, hydraulic conduits, pneumatic conduits, electricity cables, pipes for delivery or movement of liquids or slurries, pipes for delivery or movement of gases such as air or others, whether carried by or on polymeric pipes, metal pipes, plastic ducts, metal ducts, plastic trays, metal trays, cable ladders, cable trays, and whether insulated or not, unless specifically indicated to the contrary.

Summary of the invention

[005] The present invention provides a penetration construction for service which passes or is to pass through a building element having an aperture through it, the building

7AU01 element which includes or will include a fire rated construction, coating or covering applied, or to be applied to it, the building element and or the fire rated construction, coating or covering having a first side and a second side on another or opposite side thereof, the fire rated construction, coating or covering including a first mesh element encased or adapted to be encased in a fire retardant material to form the fire rated construction, coating or covering, the penetration construction including a second mesh element which includes a first portion to substantially surround the service and sized to be positioned between the aperture and the service, the second mesh element also including a second portion extending away from the first portion being sized to extend past a periphery of the aperture, the first portion extending a predetermined distance from the aperture into the first side, whereby a fire retardant material is able to be applied to the first portion and the second portion.

[006] The first portion can be positioned in the aperture and into the first side by being passed through from the second side.

[007] The second portion can be adapted to be secured to or adapted to be connected to the first mesh element.

[008] The first portion can include a spacing means to engage the service so as to be spaced therefrom.

[009] The first portion can include a shoulder portion located on the first side which projects towards the service.

[010] The first portion can include a dam element on the first side.

[011] The shoulder portion and or the dam element can be located at one of the following: between a first side periphery of the aperture and a first side end of the first portion; at a first side end of the first portion.

[012] The dam element can close off a passage or space between the service and the first portion.

[013] The first portion can include a sheath around its exterior along some or all of the first portion located on the first side.

[014] The sheath can extend to the dam element.

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[015] The sheath can be located on the first side and can be laterally spaced a predetermined distance from a first side periphery of the aperture.

[016] The sheath can have one of the following features: is assembled to the first portion so as to be next adjacent the first portion; the sheath is spaced from the first portion; the sheath has an inner periphery which closely matches the outer periphery of the service; the sheath has an inner periphery which is spaced from the outer periphery of the service.

[017] The second mesh element can be manufactured from one or more components and preformed or assembled remotely from where the penetration construction is to be assembled or applied to the building element.

[018] The second mesh element can be manufactured from one or more components which are assembled at the same location where the penetration construction is to be assembled or applied.

[019] The first portion can include a third portion extending away from the first portion which extends past a perimeter of the aperture, and is adapted to engage and be connected to a mesh element in the fire rated construction, coating or covering located on a first side of the building element.

[020] The first and or the second portion can comprise two mesh elements.

[021] The third portion can comprise two mesh elements.

[022] There can be included another second mesh element which also has a first portion and a second portion, another second mesh element being positioned over the service so that the second portion of the respective second mesh elements will be adjacent each other and joined to each other or to the first mesh element.

[023] The mesh elements can be one of the following, or a combination of more than one of the following: metal mesh, electro-welded metal mesh, woven metal mesh; fibreglass mesh; steel mesh; electro-welded steel mesh; woven steel mesh; basalt fibre mesh; non-metal mesh.

[024] The building element can be one of: a wall; a column; a ceiling; a floor; a bulkhead; a beam.

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[025] The service can be one of the following: metal pipe; steel pipe; copper pipe; brass pipe; insulated metal pipe; insulated steel pipe; insulate copper pipe; insulated brass pipe.

[026] The service can include one of the following: electrical duct; communications duct; cable tray; cable ladder, any cable support which extends through building elements to carry and or support cable; air duct; supply air duct; car park exhaust duct; smoke duct.

[027] The present invention also provides a method of constructing a fire rated construction, coating or covering having an aperture, for a building element penetration which is to have a service passing through the building element and the aperture; the method including the following steps, not necessarily in the following order: (a) widening the aperture around the service to enable installation of a second mesh element and a fire rating material; (b) exposing and or preparing a first mesh element which is or may be embedded in a fire rated construction, covering or coating, or preparing a first mesh which is present before fire rated construction, covering or coating is applied; (c) preparing a second mesh element having a first portion to substantially surround the service and sized to be positioned between the aperture and the service, and having a second portion extending away from the first portion which extends past a perimeter of the aperture, the first portion adapted to extend a predetermined distance from the aperture into the first side; (d) applying a sheath of material to the first portion of the second mesh which is located on a first side of the aperture; inserting items from step b. and c. into the aperture, which is, or is adapted to be, around the service so that the sheath material is located in the first side; (e) joining the second portion of the second mesh element to the first mesh.

[028] There can be included a step whereby from the second side, inserting a spraying lance into a passage or space between the second portion and the service.

[029] There can also be included a step of spraying a fire rating material, such as gypsum-vermiculite blend, starting at the first side end of the first portion and working back to the second side.

[030] The method can also include a step of inserting a dam element around the service and pushing same to the first side end of the first portion, before spraying is begun.

[031] There can also be included a step of either or both of: adding spacers to the first portion; or modifying the first portion to make spacers.

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[032] There can be included a step of modifying a first side end of the first portion so that it includes at least one inwardly directed portion.

[033] There can be included a step of forming the first and or the second portion from two mesh elements.

[034] There can be included a step of adding a third mesh element which extends away from the first portion and is located on a first side of the aperture, and is adapted to engage and connect to a mesh element on a first side which is embedded in the fire rated construction, covering or coating, or which is present before the fire rated construction, covering or coating is applied.

[035] There can be included a step of forming the third portion when present from two mesh elements.

[036] There can be included the steps of forming another second mesh element which also has a first portion and a second portion, and positioning the another second mesh element over the service so that the second portion of the respective second mesh elements will be adjacent each other and joined to each other or to the first mesh element.

[037] There can be included a step of spraying a fire rating material, such as gypsum vermiculite blend, starting at the first side end of the another second mesh element and working back to the second side.

[038] The mesh element or elements can be selected from one of the following, or a combination of more than one of the following: metal mesh; steel mesh; fibreglass mesh; basalt fibre mesh; non-metal mesh.

[039] The method can be applied to construct a penetration through a building element which is one of: a wall; a column; a ceiling; a floor; a bulkhead.

[040] Step (a) above can also includes widening the aperture until approximately 35 to 50 mm clearance of the service and or its insulation is provided.

[041] The present invention also provides a penetration construction for a service which passes or is to pass through a building element having a hole through it which includes a fire rated construction or covering which includes an aperture corresponding to the hole, the building element and or the fire rated construction, coating or covering having a first side and a second side on an opposite side thereof, the aperture including therein at least

7AU01 one layer of an intumescent material surrounding the service, wherein a first heat conductive mesh is provided between the aperture and or hole and a surface of the intumescent material, the mesh extending from within the aperture to the first side and extends into the first side so as to conduct heat from the first side into the intumescent material.

[042] There can be more than one layer of intumescent material, and between each layer is located a first heat conductive mesh material.

[043] A layer of the intumescent material and the heat conductive mesh material can be wrapped around the pipe or the duct in a spiral manner.

[044] At least one second heat conductive mesh can be provided which makes no contact with the first heat conductive mesh, and which extends from the at least one intumescent layer and extends into the second side and or extends into the first side.

[045] The mesh can be one of: a metal mesh; steel mesh.

[046] The service can be constructed from a polymeric material.

[047] The present invention also provides a method of constructing a penetration construction for a service which passes through a building element having a hole through it and which further includes a fire rated construction, coating or covering which includes an aperture corresponding to the hole, the penetration construction being as described above, the method including the step of combining heat conductive mesh with the intumescent material.

[048] The present invention also provides a method of treating insulation applied to a metal pipe, the insulation including an insulation material, for example like ROCKWOOL or other insulation which may or may not be bonded by means of an adhesive, the insulation including a metal foil outer skin; the method including the step of forming a circumferential groove or channel in the insulation which has a depth from is an inner circumference to a circumference which is spaced from or at the metal foil, without breaking the metal foil and including the subsequent step of filling the groove or channel with a fire rated intumescent mastic or an intumescent material or intumescent material band.

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[049] The service mentioned in the previous paragraph can include insulation and the insulation is treated by the method described earlier.

[050] The present invention also provides a penetration construction for a metal pipe, the construction being as described above or by the method as described above, wherein the metal pipe includes insulation and the insulation is treated by the method of the preceding paragraph.

Brief description of the drawings

[051] A detailed description of a preferred embodiment will follow, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a cross-section of a penetration construction, for metal pipe, with the pipe and supporting brackets not cross sectioned;

Figure 2 Illustrates a detail portion of Figure 1 marked with letter A where two flanges or second portions are located on one side of a fire rated wall;

Figure 3 illustrates a detail similar to figure 2, where two flanges or second portions are located on one side of a fire rated wall and a third flange or second portion is located on the other side;

Figure 4.1 illustrates a schematic representation of a first portion formed as a semi cylinder with the second portion integral and bent away;

Figure 4.2 illustrates a schematic representation of a first portion formed as a cylinder;

Figure 4.3 illustrates a schematic representation of a second portion upper for joining to a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical first portion;

Figure 4.4 illustrates a schematic representation of a second portion lower for joining to a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical first portion;

Figure 4.5 illustrates a schematic representation of a first portion upper formed as a half or semi-cylinder;

Figure 4.6 illustrates a schematic representation of a first portion lower formed as a half or semi-cylinder;

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Figure 4.7 illustrates a schematic representation of a first portion upper formed as a half or semi-cylinder with shoulder tabs at a first side end;

Figure 4.8 illustrates a schematic representation of a first portion lower formed as a half or semi-cylinder with shoulder tabs at a first side end;

Figure 4.9 illustrates a schematic representation of a first side end of the first portion of figure 4.2 where a shoulder is formed or provided;

Figure 4.10 illustrates a schematic representation of a single piece dam element;

Figure 4.11 illustrates a schematic representation of a sheet of material to form a sheath

Figure 4.12 illustrates a schematic representation of a sheet of material that is arranged longitudinally end to end fashion to form a sheath;

Figure 4.13 illustrates a fire rated wall element receiving a mesh element and a reversed mesh element, and a dam element at one end;

Figure 4.14 illustrates a 180-degree second mesh element formed from the flat mesh of Fig 4.16, with spacers;

Figure 4.15 illustrates the two 180-degree components of a second mesh element;

Figure 4.16 illustrates the forming of a mesh element in a planar fashion before rolling into a 180 degree or 360-degree mesh element or component;

Figure 4.17 illustrates the 360-degree formed mesh element with a continuous flange or second portion, positioned around a pipe;

Figure 4.18 illustrates a semi-cylindrical half second mesh element showing a separate or added spacer;

Figure 4.18A illustrates a more detailed view of Figure 18;

Figure 4.19 illustrates a schematic perspective front view a semi-cylindrical half second mesh element, with mesh strand formed tab spacers of one square wide and two squares deep;

Figure 4.19A illustrates a schematic perspective upper view of the mesh of Figure 4.19;

Figure 4.20 illustrates a schematic perspective view showing how a single strand spacer is formed and bent;

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Figure 4.21 illustrates a schematic perspective view showing how a multi-strand spacer is formed and bent;

Figure 4.22 illustrates a schematic of a penetration construction where access from both sides is possible;

Figure 5 illustrates a schematic cross section through a penetration construction of a second type for polymeric pipe penetrations;

Figure 6 illustrates front view of a modified assembly to that of figure 5, where mesh and intumescent material are spiral wound together onto a plastic pipe;

Figure 7 illustrates a front view of a modified assembly of Figure 5, where mesh and intumescent material is wound and abutted over a plastic pipe;

Figure 8 illustrates a schematic perspective view inside a pipe insulation which has received a treatment.

Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments

[052] In general terms a first aspect is embodied in a penetration construction 10 as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The penetration construction 10 is illustrated with respect to a service, which is specifically a metal pipe 12, such as steel or copper, but it will be readily understood that the penetration construction 10 can be applied to any service including other metal pipes such as brass pipe; insulated metal pipe; insulated steel pipe; insulate copper pipe; insulated brass pipe.

[053] While pipes are ducts for liquids, the penetration construction 10 can also be used with other services such as ducts which carry solid objects like cables such as electrical cable, communications cable, or a cable tray, or other ducts or cable supports; or air or gas or exhaust ducts which extend through building elements to carry and or support cable or other building services.

[054] As illustrated in Figure 1 the metal pipe 12 is supported by pipe supports 14 from a ceiling or some other building element like a beam or a bulkhead. The penetration construction 10 can be applied to a bare pipe 12, or as is illustrated in Figure 1, to a pipe 12 that has a layer of insulation 16 applied to it, which may be comprised of a metal foil outer covering which overlies an insulation material such a ROCKOOL@ or

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ROCKWOOL@. Such insulation 16 is generally used where the temperature of the liquid the pipe 12 is carrying needs its temperature controlled, and or to prevent condensation forming over the pipe 12.

[055] For the sake of conciseness, the following description will only be made with respect to a penetration construction for a pipe 12, which passes or is to pass through a building element 40 having an aperture 41 through it.

[056] It will be understood that the penetration construction 10 can be manufactured and assembled in a factory and transported to a site for application to a building element, such as a wall, floor, bulkhead or beam, which has a pipe penetrating through it, to which a fire rated or retardant wall element 30 and the penetration construction 10 can be applied. Alternatively, the penetration construction 10 can be assembled on site from the components about to be described, to a pipe penetration through a building element such as a wall, floor, bulkhead or beam, where that building element may already have a fire rated or retardant wall element 30 applied to it from a previous construction, or to which such a wall element 30 is about to be applied.

[057] Thus a building element 40 as illustrated in Figure 1 and 4.13, (which may be a wall; a column; a ceiling; a floor; a bulkhead; a beam or any other type of building element or structure) is on the right side of the fire rated or retardant wall element 30, which in the case of a lift or services shaft wall may have a wall element 30 on one side only, or if at another building location may have two such fire rated or retardant wall element 30, on either or opposite sides of the building element 40.

[058] The building element 40 includes a fire rated construction, coating or covering 30 applied to it, with the building element and or the fire rated construction, coating or covering 30 having a first side 70 and a second side 80 on another side thereof, or opposite side thereof, as illustrated in more detail in Figure 2. The fire rated construction, coating or covering 30 includes a first mesh element 32 encased, or adapted to be encased, in a fire-retardant material 34. The expression adapted to be encased is used as the mesh elements 32 of the construction 30 and the penetration construction 10, may all be assembled on site first, then a fire retardant coating 34 such as a gypsum vermiculite blend (such as VERMITEX TH@from LAF GROUP) applied to the exterior of

7AU01 the building element 40, and the mesh 32 and the penetration construction 10, all in a single application.

[059] The penetration construction 10 has a second mesh element 20 which includes a first portion 22 to substantially surround the pipe 12 (or duct). For a round pipe 12, the first portion 22 when to cover a pipe 12, will be generally cylindrical (see Figures 4.2, 4.13, or 4.17) or half cylindrical (see figure 4.1, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.15,4.18 and 4.19), but for a cable tray or other cable ducting of a rectangular nature, the first portion 22 will have a similar shape. The first portion 22 is sized to be positioned between the aperture 41 and the pipe 12, so that there is of the order of 30mm to 45mm of spacing between the inner periphery of the cylindrical first portion 22 and the outer circumference of the pipe 12 or the outer circumference of the assembly of the pipe 12 and its insulation 16.

[060] The penetration construction 10 also includes a second portion 24 which extends away from the first portion 22 in a generally radial fashion, and which will extend past the outer circumference 41.1 (or perimeter depending upon the shape) of the aperture 41. This allows the second portion 24 which is attached to the first portion 22, by tie wire, mesh joiners or other means, to be secured to the mesh 32 of the wall element 30 or the fire rated construction, coating or covering 30 also by tie wire, mesh joiners or other means. Such joins assist to ensure the structural integrity of the penetration construction 10, and the wall element 30 or the fire rated construction, coating or covering 30 so as to perform their respective fire retarding functions. The second portion 24, as best illustrated in Figures 4.1, 4.3 and 4.4 and 4.14 is comprised of bent tabs 24.1 of mesh material which are freed from the circumferentially extending strands of the mesh, but remain connected to the axially extending strands of mesh, thereby allowing the tabs 24.1 to be bent to a radial orientation.

[061] As illustrated in Figure 4.3 and 4.4, the second portion 24 can be made separate from the first portion 22 of Figure 4.2, but is then assembled to or attached to the first portion 22. Thus, depending upon the application of the second mesh element 20, the second portion 24 can be attached to the end of first portion 22 as indicated by the broken line arrow 24.2, or it can be attached to an intermediate location of the first portion 22 by broken line arrow 24.3. While the second portions 24 as illustrated in Figures 4.3 and 4.4 have some 9 or 10 circumferential strands, it will be understood that a lesser number can

7AU01 be utilised. The "half" second portions 24 of figures 4.3 and 4.4 can also be applied to the semi-cylindrical mesh first portions 22 of Fig 4.5 and Fig 4.6.

[062] The first portion 22 is made so as to project a predetermined distance from the aperture 41 into the first side 70, whereby a fire-retardant material 90 (illustrated in Figure 1) is applied to the first portion 22 and the second portion 24. The fire-retardant material 90 can be such as that sold under the brand VERMIDUCT@, and is gypsum-vermiculite blend.

[063] The first portion 22 is positioned in the aperture 41 by pushing it in from the second side 80 and further pushed into, or projected into, the first side 70 by being passed through the aperture 41 from the second side 80. This is particularly useful in situations where the is no access to the first side 70, as in the case of an elevator shaft, or that it is inconvenient to get to the first side 70, due to the presence of plant or equipment or other building formations.

[064] As described above, the cylindrical form of the first portion 22 is to be located between the aperture 41 and the pipe 12 or the insulation 16. This is achieved by the provision of spacing means which engage the pipe 12 or insulation 16 so as to be spaced therefrom. To this end, separate spacers 22.2 as seen in Figures 4.18 and 4.18A can be provided to the first portion 22 to achieve this, which can be tie wired into position, or, as is preferred, the mesh of the first portion 22 is modified, as in Figures 4.19, Figure 4.19A or Figure 4.20 whereby spaced axial mesh strands 22.4, (or groups of strands 22.4 which form a mesh tab spacer 22.2 as in Figure 4.21), are cut at one end in the mesh squares, with the circumferential strand 22.5 being cut so as to release the strand or strands, and then bent at 22.6 so as to project inwardly as best illustrated in Figure 4.20 and Figure 4.21, thereby creating a spacer 22.2, which is integral with the first portion 22. This has the advantage of not having to assemble separate spacers. It also has the advantage that if 20mm or 25mm spaced mesh is used, a strand of 2 meshes will create a 40mm or 50mm spacer, whereas a spacer tab as illustrated in Figure 4.19 or Figure 4.21 can be two mesh squares deep by one or two mesh squares wide respectively.

[065] The first portion 22 includes a shoulder portion 22.1 as best illustrated in Figures 4.7, 4.8 and 4.9 which are located on the first side 70 and which project towards the pipe 12 or insulation 16. The shoulder portion 22.1 is comprised bent tabs 22.1 of mesh

7AU01 material, which are freed from the circumferentially extending strands of the mesh, but remain connected to the axially extending strands of mesh, thereby allowing the tabs 22.1 to be bent to an inwardly directed but radial orientation.

[066] Depending upon the viscosity of the fire-retardant sprayed onto the first portion 22 on the first side 70, it can be beneficial to provide a dam element 25 on the first portion 22 in the first side 70. Such a dam element 25 is provided as a preformed component to match the shape and spacings provided, or it can be provided as multiple parts (as indicated by broken line break locations 25.2 in Figure 4.10) for assembly on site and pushing to the desired position between the first portion 22 at its first side end and the pipe 12 or insulation 16.

[067] By the dam element 25 engaging the shoulder portion 22.1, the spray of fire retardant will not pass the dam element 25.

[068] The shoulder portion 22.1 or the dam element 25 while preferably being located at a first side 70 end of the first portion 22, it will be understood that it could also, depending upon the effect needed, be located between a first side 70 periphery of the aperture 41 and a first side 70 end of the first portion 22.

[069] The dam element 25 is used to close off a passage or space between the pipe 12 and or insulation 16 and the cylindrical inner of the first portion 22. This is particularly helpful, when the first portion 22 includes a sheath 26 around its exterior along some or all of the first portion 22 located on the first side 70. The sheath 26 is preferably a sacrificial component, in that once installed and pushed through to the first side 70, it will remain in place, even though it will serve no further purpose once the fire-retardant material has set. The sheath 26 can be formed of woven polyethylene, or other materials such as hessian or any appropriate material. In the event of a fire this sheath 26 will simply burn off relatively quickly, and will not affect the fire retarding characteristics of the penetration construction 10.

[070] The sheath 26 can extend along the first portion 22 to the dam element 26 or the shoulder 22.1. Whereas the start of the sheath 26 is on the first side 70, but can be located adjacent the first side periphery of the aperture 41. However, the or sheath 26 can be made to start from a location which is laterally spaced a predetermined distance from a first side 70 periphery of the aperture 41. If the start is to be spaced by a spacing of say

7AU01 some 10mm to 15mm, as is illustrated in Figure 2, this can be beneficial. This is because as the spraying of the low slump or viscous fire-retardant 90 is happening, this will cause fire retardant 90.1 seen on side 70 to leave the first portion 22 and to form like a bead 90.1 or over spray, which finishes at a diameter larger than the diameter of the first portion 22, thus assisting to aid in the fire-retardant capability of the penetration construction 10.

[071] The sheath 26 is preferably assembled to the first portion 22 so as to be next adjacent the first portion 22. By this it is mean that it can be located close together, so that when the fire-retardant is sprayed, the outer periphery of the first portion 22 may remain uncovered by the fire-retardant when it sets. Alternatively, the sheath 26 can be radially spaced, or be able to move radially from the first portion 22, which has the effect of allowing the sheath 26 to balloon out when the fire-retardant is being sprayed, so that the mesh of the first portion 22 will be fully embedded within the fire-retardant. By the sheath 26 having an inner periphery which closely matches the outer periphery of the pipe 12 or insulation 16 or by the sheath 26 having an inner periphery which is spaced from the outer periphery of the pipe 12 or insulation 16, a sufficient coating of fire retardant is applied to the pipe or the insulation which covers the pipe to create an effective penetration construction.

[072] The sheath 26, as best illustrated in Figures 4.11 and 4.12, is formed from a sheet of flexible material which will wrap around the first portion 22. The sheath 26 material is described above as formed of woven polyethylene, or other materials such as hessian or any appropriate material. Any appropriate material can include materials which may not burn such as metal foil of sufficient strength to counteract the spray forces. A metal foil to make the sheath 26 from, will also have the advantage of not providing an ignition risk on the first side 70, when the perpetration construction 10 is completed.

[073] The sheath 26 whether of woven polyethylene or of metal foil, can have its ends joined by means of aluminium tape 26.1, with is respective circular ends attached tot eh strands of the wire mesh of the first portion 22 also by aluminium tape. Other joining and attachment means can be used to secure the tube of the sheath 26 to the mesh of the first portion 22.

[074] In constructing the penetration construction 10, generally the fire-retardant wall element 30 is constructed with TRIMESH@ available from LAF GROUP is normally the

7AU01 first component to be installed. Sometimes it will also be pre-sprayed and or precast off site at a factory (with the correct size penetrations) so that a builder won't have to call in the concrete cutting hole-saws etc. to make holes in concrete masonry or other lightweight walls 40.

[075] During the application of the fire retardant, the operator is limited by the combined weight of the spray lance and the fire-retardant. To this end, it is the most preferred option to join a second mesh 20 of figure 4.1 to a like second mesh 20 around a pipe 12 or its insulation 16 with the tabs 24.1 at the second end 80 to for a first sub assembly. The tabs 22.1 can either be preformed or formed on site and the dam element 25 or parts thereof also put into place. The sheath 26 is then attached, and the first sub assembly is pushed through the aperture 41. The first side 70 end has the dam and the tabs 22.1 to act as spacers, and so the operator will just form freed and bent mesh wire spacers near the second portion tabs 24.1. At this point the tabs 24.1 can be connected to the mesh 32 of the wall 30. The operator can then insert the spray lance to the dam element 25, and can readily spray the annular space within the sheath 26 and the pipe 12 or its insulation 16. Then a second pair of second mesh 20 are joined together around the pipe 12 or its insulation 16, but this time, the second portion tabs 24.1 are against the mesh 32 of the wall 30, and the first portion 22 extends away therefrom. Once all wired up so that the second lot of second portion tabs 24.1 are joined to mesh 32, there is no need for a sheath 26 and dam 25 and shoulder portion 22.1 as the operator has access to all parts of the penetration construction on the second side 80 and thus can spray to form the fire retardant layer, and also to fully cover up the mesh 32 of the wall element 30, or to wholly spray the wall element 30 and the penetration construction 10 all in one go.

[076] Depending upon how the pipe work or services are installed, it may be possible to have the second mesh element 20 manufactured from the above described components at a factory remote from the building site, with the sub-assemblies or assembly being transported for assembly and application to the building element 40.

[077] If desired and if the installers have access to the penetration construction 10 on the first side 70, then the first portion 22 can have applied to it a third portion, formed from elements of Fig 4.3 and Fig 4.4, which also include tabs 24.1 extending away from the first portion 22, so as to extend past a perimeter of the aperture 41 on the first side 70.

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These can then engage and be connected to a mesh element in the fire rated construction, coating or covering 30 located on a first side 70 of the building element 40.

[078] While the above description describes the use of meshes, when it comes to metal pipes and service trays or ducts these are assumed to be metal meshes, such as galvanized steel meshes such as that called by the trademark TRIMESH@ (available from LAF GROUP) in the case of mesh 32, whereas the mesh of the first portion 22 and second portion 24 can be that called by the name QUICKMESH@ (available from LAF GROUP), which is also a galvanized steel mesh. The TRIMESH@ mesh 32 is preferably of mesh size of 50mmx50mm with the mesh strands being approx. 2mm, and a spacing between the front and rear of the mesh assembly of approx. 30mm in thickness or depth. Whereas the QUICKMESH@ can be chosen according to the application and circumstances. In some cases, a 25mmx25mm mesh of 1.1mm strands can be used, but if this is too flexible in the circumstances a more robust mesh such as a 1.5mm strand 20mmx 20mm mesh can be used. However, depending upon the requirements of the mesh, the mesh elements can be one of the following, or a combination of more than one of the following: metal mesh; steel mesh; electro-welded metal mesh, woven metal mesh; fibreglass mesh; steel mesh; electro-welded steel mesh; woven steel mesh; basalt fibre mesh; other non-metal mesh.

[079] As is best illustrated in Figure 4.13, the penetration construction 10 includes another second mesh element 20'which also has a first portion 22'and a second portion 24'. The another second mesh element 20'is positioned overthe pipe 12 and its insulation 16, so that the second portion 24 of the first mentioned second mesh element 20 which will be adjacent to the second mentioned second mesh element 20, such that each are joined to together and or to the first mesh element 32.

[080] In order to assemble the penetration construction 10 there is a method of providing a fire rated construction, coating or covering having an aperture 41, for a building element 30 or 40. Penetration construction 10 which has a duct or pipe 12 and its insulation 16 if present, passing through the building element 30 and the aperture 41; the method including the following steps, not necessarily in the following order: widening the aperture 41 around the service to enable installation of a second mesh element 20 and a fire rating material 40, to this end providing a clearance of the order of 35 to 40mm is preferred but

7AU01 more clearance of around 50mm can also be provided, but this will entail more fire retardant material 90 to fill in the gap.

[081] The next step includes exposing and or preparing a first mesh element 32 which is or may be embedded in a fire rated construction, covering or coating 30, or preparing a first mesh 32 which is present before fire rated construction, covering or coating is applied; preparing a second mesh element 20 having a first portion 22 to substantially surround the pipe 12 or its insulation 16 and sized to be positioned between the aperture 41 and the pipe 12 or its insulation 16. There is also a second portion 24 extending away from the first portion 22 which extends past a perimeter 41.1 of the aperture 41, whereby the first portion 22 adapted to extend a predetermined distance from the aperture 41 into the first side 70; applying a sheath 26 of material to the first portion 22 of the second mesh 20 which is located on the first side 70 of the aperture 41; inserting items from these steps into the aperture 41, which is, or is adapted to be, around the pipe 12 or its insulation 16 so that the sheath material 26 is located in the first side 70; joining the second portion 24, 24.1 of the second mesh element 20 to the first mesh 32. Then from the second side 80, inserting a spraying lance (not illustrated) in the direction of arrow 90.80 in Figure 2, into a passage or space between the second portion 24, 24.1 and the pipe 12 or its insulation 16; spraying a fire rating material, such as gypsum-vermiculite blend starting at the first side 70 end of the first portion 22 and working back to the second side 80, which is in the opposite direction to arrow 90.80.

[082] Preferably the method includes a step of inserting a dam element 25 around the pipe 12 or its insulation 16 and pushing it to the first side 70 end of the first portion 22, before spraying is begun.

[083] Spacers can be either formed in the first portion 22 or added to the first portion 22. They can be formed by modifying the first portion 22 to make spacers, whereby a first side 70 of the first portion so that it includes at least one inwardly directed portion to engage the pipe 12 or its insulation 16.

[084] The method can include a step of forming the first portion 22 and or the second portion 24 from two separate mesh elements which are joined together as best illustrated in Figures 4.2,4.3 and 4.4 or Figure 4.15.

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[085] In the situation where access by the installer or trades is able to be had to both the first side 70 and second side 80, then there can be included a step of adding a third mesh element 24 as illustrated in Figure 4.3 and 4.4 which extends away from the first portion 22 and is located on a first side 70 of the aperture 41, as is best illustrated in Figure 3. In this method step the third mesh element 20 is adapted to engage and connect to a mesh element 20 via first portion 22 on a first side 70 which is embedded in the fire rated construction, covering or coating, or which is present before the fire rated construction, covering or coating is applied.

[086] In assembling the penetration construction 10, and as illustrated in Figure 4.13, a second second mesh element 20'which also has a first portion 22' and a second portion 24' can be positioned over the pipe 12 or its insulation 16, so that the second portions 24 and 24' of the respective second mesh elements 20 and 20' will be adjacent each other and joined to each other and or to the first mesh element 30 outside the perimeter 41.1 of the aperture 41.

[087] As the second second mesh element 20' is preferably added after the first portion 22 of the first placed second mesh element 20 has been sprayed by an installer, this ensures that the spray lance used by the installer need only be as long as needed to reach to near the end of the first portion 22 on first side 70, from the second side 80.

[088] The installer can also optionally utilise a sheath 26' which is attached to the first portion 22' in a like manner to that described previously for first portion 22, as the sheath 26' has the advantage of providing to the sprayed fire-retardant 90 which is sprayed to the first portion 22' a relatively smooth finish, and also provides the other advantages of limiting the amount of fire-retardant sprayed to cover the mesh of the first portion 22'. Another advantage of the sheath 26 foil being used on the second side 80, is that it makes a better work environment by encapsulating the spray of the fire-retardant. Once the fire retardant 90 has set, the sheath 25 used on the second side 80 of potion 22' can be removed. Or it can remain without adversely affecting the fire rating of the penetration construction 10. If the installer or trades has access to both sides 70 and 80, the installer may choose not to utilise either or both of the sheaths 26 and 26' as ready access is available.

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[089] The fire-retardant material 90, at the intersection of the first portion 22' and second portion 24' is sprayed in place and then trowelled finished.

[090] Ina penetration construction 10 for a metal pipe 12 having insulation 16 assembled thereto, it is expected that to achieve the appropriate fire rating, the insulation 16 needs to extend away from the first side 70 end of the first portion 22 in accord with the following table 1, which indicates that the distance of extension needed is a function of the pipe 12 diameter, and the fire resistance level or FRL that is required for the penetration construction 10:

[091] TABLE 1:

Pipe Diameter Length of ROCKWOOL@ or ROCKOOL@ in millimetres Goal FRL -/120/120 Goal FRL -/180/180 Goal FRL -/240/240 applications applications applications Up to 610mm and more 1100 1600 2000 than 5-12mm wall thickness Up to 350mm and 5- 1000 1400 1700 10mm wall thickness Up to 250mm and 5- 700 1000 1200 10mm wall thickness

[092] While the above description is of a service provided by a metal pipe, it will be understood if the service is provided by a metal or polymeric cable tray or open metal or polymeric duct instead of a pipe, the above method would be modified in that a second mesh element 20, being of a matching shape is provided. Thus, if the services are provided by means of a metal duct which is rectangular or channel shaped, the first portion 22 will be generally rectangular. However, in this situation due to the open top, and the cables or conduits having plastic insulations, these will be wrapped either collectively or individually with an intumescent material, and the fire-retardant spray 90 applied over the cables or conduits in the metal ladder or metal open tray until the opening between sides 70 and 80 is closed off by the fire-retardant. If the service was provided by means of a polymeric cable duct or tray the same method would be used, but due to the possible melting of the duct and or tray, one or more layers of intumescent material would also be used to envelope the polymeric cable duct or tray and the cables or conduits within it, then fire-retardant material 90 would be sprayed.

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[093] Thus, the second mesh element 20 is able to be constructed in a variety of ways for a variety of circumstances as follows:

(a) Access from one side 80 only: a first second mesh element 20, either halves or whole, is positioned and installed, then sprayed with fire-retardant. Then a second second mesh element 20, either halves or whole, is positioned and installed as in Fig 4.13. In this arrangement there will be two full second portions 24, or four half second portions 24 to engage and connect with the first mesh 32;

(b) Access from one side 80 only: a full length second mesh element 20, either halves or whole, as illustrated in Figure 4.2, or Figure 4.5 or Figure 4.6 or Figure 4.7 or Figure 4.8 is provided where a second portion 24 from Figure 4.3 or Figure 4.4 with tabs 24.1 is added at an intermediate point location on portion 22. This construction can be used when a spray lance of sufficient length can be provided to reach from the side 70 end of first portion 22 from the side 80 end of first portion 22. In this arrangement there will be only one second portion 24 or two half portions 24 to engage and connect with the first mesh 32;

(c) Access from both sides 70 and 80: (a) or (b) above can be used, with another full second portion 24 or two half second portions 24 (see Figures 4.3 and 4.4) being attached and installed on the first side 70, to attach the first side 70 near the aperture 41 to the first mesh 32. In this arrangement there will be three second portions 24, or three pairs of half second portions 24 to engage and connect with the first mesh 32;

(d) Access from both sides 70 and 80: a first second mesh element 20, either halves or whole, is positioned and installed on the first side 70 and then sprayed with fire retardant. Then a second second mesh element is positioned and installed as in Fig 4.13 or 4.22. In this arrangement there will be two full second portions 24, or four half second portions 24 to engage and connect with the first mesh 32, but only one on first side 70 and the other on second side 80 as in Figure 4.13 or 4.22;

[094] As is best illustrated in Figure 5 there is illustrated another a penetration construction 100 for a pipe 120, in particular a plastic or polymeric pipe which passes or is to pass through a building element 30 or 40, which also has a hole 410 through it which includes a fire rated construction, coating or covering 34 or 90 which includes an aperture

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411 corresponding to the hole 410.The plastic or polymeric pipe 120 can be of a PVC or HDPE type. The building element 30 or 40 and or the fire rated construction, coating or covering having a first side 70, and a second side 80, on an opposite side thereof, the aperture 410 or 411 including therein at least one layer of an intumescent material 101 surrounding the pipe 120. The penetration construction 100 includes a first heat conductive mesh 102 which is provided between the aperture 411 and or hole 410 and a surface of the intumescent material. The mesh 102 extends from within the aperture 411 to the first side 70 and extends into the first side 70 so as to conduct heat from the first side 70 into the intumescent material 101.

[095] If it were the case that fire risk was from one side only, the construction of the previous paragraph would suffice. However, in a situation where a fire threat is possible from either side 70 or 80 of the building element 30 or 40, there at least one other second heat conductive mesh 103 provided which makes no contact with the first heat conductive mesh 102, and which extends from the at least one intumescent layer and extends into the second side 80 and or extends into the first side 70.

[096] The mesh 102 and 103 need to be heat conductive and thus metal mesh or steel mesh is the most appropriate.

[097] In operation the penetration construction 100 will cause the intumescent material 101 to start expanding sooner than previous constructions, which will as the heat increases, cause the PVC or polymeric pipe 120 to be closed off by the ring of intumescent material 101.

[098] If desired there can be more than one layer of intumescent material 101, and between each layer can be located a first heat conductive mesh material 102.

[099] Another way to produce the penetration construction 100 is to combine the layer of the intumescent material 101 and the heat conductive mesh material 101 together and to wrap them around the pipe 120 in a spiral manner, as indicated in Figure 6. In this embodiment, the winding can occur on the pipe 120 outside of aperture 410, then slid into position in the aperture 410.

[0100] In respect of the penetration constructions 100 and 100' of Figures 5 and 6, the preferred mesh to use is QUICKMESH of size 20mmx20mm and strand diameter of 1.5mm, or 25mmx25mm and strand diameter of 1.1mm. As can be send in Figure 5, a

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1.25mm tie wire 24.5 is used to tie the two mesh portions 102 and 103 together at the outside of the layer 101, to thereby sandwich the intumescence layer 101, being an INGNISTOP@ intumescent wrap available from LAF GROUP. At another location on the annulus of layer 101, tie wire passes through the middle of the intumescent layer 101. In a similar fashion the multiple layers formed by the spiral of Figure 6 can be likewise tied together by tie wire of 1.25mm. The diameter of the tie wire being at 1.25mm will limit significantly the amount of heat that will be transferred from mesh 102 to 103.

[0101] Illustrated in Figures 1 and 7, is a method of treating insulation 16 applied to a metal pipe 12. The insulation is normally applied in a continuous length, but in two halves, along the pipe 12, and as described above has a layer of an insulation material like ROCKOOL@, or ROCKWOOL@ or other insulation. In making such insulation, the issue of fire retardation is usually not a consideration. However, if Rockwool@ or ROCKool@ is bonded by means of an adhesive to itself and or the metal foil lining 16.1, such insulation can cause a failure point of the penetration construction 10. In order to reduce such an effect, the insulation near to or adjacent the end of the fire-retardant coating 34 and insulation of Figure 1, can have a circumferential groove or channel cut into it, from an internal circumference to depth which end between the metal foil and the internal circumference, so as to remove a band of the insulation rockwool 16.2. Once this is removed it will form a groove or channel 16.3, in which can be placed by a band or ring of intumescent material 17 which fills the groove 16.3. As seen in Figure 8 where the pipe 12 has been removed or if the insulation 16 were slid off the pipe 12, there would be visible the band 17, within the internal segments of the tube of insulation rockwool 16.2, the inner surface 17.2 of the band 17 finishing at the internal circumference of the insulation 16.2. This method can be applied on site, or the insulation 16 can be manufactured at a factory with such a groove 16.3, ready to receive a full band 17 on site or have positioned a half a band 17 in place by the factory before delivery, so that the opposed half bands 17 will contact each other at assembly of the insulation 16 on site.

[0102] As can be seen from Figure 1 a continuous internal intumescent sealant band 17 of approx. 10mm in diameter is located in the internal grooves 16 at either end of the insulation 16. To assist the attachment of the insulation 16 to the pipe 12, as best seen in Figure 1, near to the ends of the insulation 16 is also positioned a tensioned tie band

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19 of metal or plastic, which if plastic can melt during a fire situation, which is where the band 17 is useful as it expands should the pipe 12 increase in heat.

[0103] This method and a penetration construction 10 which utilises it, is expected to allow the Rockwool or Rockool insulation 16.2 to survive or not deleteriously affect the penetration construction 10 described above.

[0104] Where ever it is used, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of'. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.

[0105] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

[0106] While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

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Claims (45)

Claims

1. A penetration construction for service which passes or is to pass through a building element having an aperture through it, said building element which includes or will include a fire rated construction, coating or covering applied, or to be applied to it, said building element and or said fire rated construction, coating or covering having a first side and a second side on another or opposite side thereof, said fire rated construction, coating or covering including a first mesh element encased or adapted to be encased in a fire retardant material to form said fire rated construction, coating or covering, said penetration construction including a second mesh element which includes a first portion to substantially surround said service and sized to be positioned between said aperture and said service, said second mesh element also including a second portion extending away from said first portion being sized to extend past a periphery of said aperture, said first portion extending a predetermined distance from said aperture into said first side, whereby a fire retardant material is able to be applied to said first portion and said second portion.

2. A penetration construction as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first portion is positioned in said aperture and into said first side by being passed through from said second side.

3. A penetration construction as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said second portion is adapted to be secured to or adapted to be connected to said first mesh element.

4. A penetration construction as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said first portion includes spacing means to engage said service so as to be spaced therefrom.

5. A penetration construction as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said first portion includes a shoulder portion located on said first side which projects towards said service.

6. A penetration construction as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said first portion includes a dam element on said first side.

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7. A penetration construction as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein said shoulder portion or said dam element is or are located at one of the following: between a first side periphery of said aperture and a first side end of said first portion; at a first side end of said first portion.

8. A penetration construction as claimed in any one of claims 6 or 7 when appended to claim 6, wherein said dam element closes off a passage or space between said service and said first portion.

9. A penetration construction as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said first portion includes a sheath around its exterior along some or all of said first portion located on said first side.

10. A penetration construction as claimed in any one of claims 6 or 7 to 9 when appended to claim 6, wherein said sheath extends to said dam element.

11. A penetration construction as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein said sheath is located on said first side and is laterally spaced a predetermined distance from a first side periphery of said aperture,

12. A penetration construction as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein said sheath has one of the following features: is assembled to said first portion so as to be next adjacent the first portion; said sheath is spaced from said first portion; said sheath has an inner periphery which closely matches the outer periphery of said service; said sheath has an inner periphery which is spaced from the outer periphery of said service.

13. A penetration construction as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said second mesh element is manufactured from one or more components and preformed or assembled remotely from where the penetration construction is to be assembled or applied to said building element.

14. A penetration construction as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said second mesh element is manufactured from one or more components which are assembled at the same location where the penetration construction is to be assembled or applied.

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15. A penetration construction as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said first portion includes a third portion extending away from said first portion which extends past a perimeter of said aperture, and is adapted to engage and be connected to a mesh element in said fire rated construction, coating or covering located on a first side of said building element.

16. A penetration construction as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said first and or said second portion comprises two mesh elements.

17. A penetration construction as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 when appended to claim 15, wherein said third portion comprises two mesh elements.

18. A penetration construction as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein there is included another second mesh element which also has a first portion and a second portion, said another second mesh element being positioned over said service so that the second portion of the respective second mesh elements will be adjacent each other and joined to each other or to said first mesh element.

19. A penetration construction as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said mesh elements are one of the following, or a combination of more than one of the following: metal mesh, electro-welded metal mesh, woven metal mesh; fibreglass mesh; steel mesh; electro-welded steel mesh; woven steel mesh; basalt fibre mesh; non-metal mesh.

20. A penetration construction as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said building element is one of: a wall; a column; a ceiling; a floor; a bulkhead; a beam.

21. A penetration construction as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said service is one of the following: metal pipe; steel pipe; copper pipe; brass pipe; insulated metal pipe; insulated steel pipe; insulate copper pipe; insulated brass pipe.

22. A penetration construction as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20 wherein said service includes one of the following: electrical duct; communications duct; cable tray; cable ladder, any cable support which extends through building elements to carry and or support cable; air duct; supply air duct; car park exhaust duct; smoke duct.

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23. A method of constructing a fire rated construction, coating or covering having an aperture, for a building element penetration which is to have a service passing through said building element and said aperture; said method including the following steps, not necessarily in the following order:

a. widening the aperture around the service to enable installation of a second mesh element and a fire rating material;

b. exposing and or preparing a first mesh element which is or may be embedded in a fire rated construction, covering or coating, or preparing a first mesh which is present before fire rated construction, covering or coating is applied;

c. preparing a second mesh element having a first portion to substantially surround said service and sized to be positioned between said aperture and said service, and having a second portion extending away from said first portion which extends past a perimeter of said aperture, said first portion adapted to extend a predetermined distance from said aperture into said first side;

d. applying a sheath of material to said first portion of said second mesh which is located on a first side of said aperture;

e. inserting items from step b. and c. into said aperture, which is, or is adapted to be, around said service so that said sheath material is located in said first side;

f. joining said second portion of said second mesh element to said first mesh.

24. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein there is included a step whereby from said second side, inserting a spraying lance into a passage or space between said second portion and said service.

25. A method as claimed in claim 23 or 24, wherein there is included a step of spraying a fire rating material, such as gypsum-vermiculite blend, starting at the first side end of said first portion and working back to the second side.

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26. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein said method can also include a step of inserting a dam element around said service and pushing same to the first side end of said first portion, before spraying is begun.

27. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein there is included a step of either or both of: adding spacers to the first portion; or modifying the first portion to make spacers.

28. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein there is included a step of modifying a first side end of said first portion so that it includes at least one inwardly directed portion.

29. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein there can be included a step of forming said first and or said second portion from two mesh elements.

30. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein there is included a step of adding a third mesh element which extends away from said first portion and is located on a first side of said aperture, and is adapted to engage and connect to a mesh element on a first side which is embedded in said fire rated construction, covering or coating, or which is present before said fire rated construction, covering or coating is applied.

31. A method as claimed in claim 30, wherein there can be included a step of forming said third portion when present from two mesh elements.

32. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 31 wherein there is included the steps of forming another second mesh element which also has a first portion and a second portion, and positioning said another second mesh element over said service so that the second portion of the respective second mesh elements will be adjacent each other and joined to each other or to said first mesh element.

33. A method as claimed in claim 32, wherein there is included a step of spraying a fire rating material, such as gypsum-vermiculite blend, starting at the first side end of said another second mesh element and working back to the second side.

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34. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 33, wherein said mesh element or elements are selected from one of the following, or a combination of more than one of the following: metal mesh; steel mesh; fibreglass mesh; basalt fibre mesh; non-metal mesh.

35. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 34, wherein said method is applied to construct a penetration through a building element which is one of: a wall; a column; a ceiling; a floor; a bulkhead.

36. A method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 35, wherein step (a) includes widening the aperture until approximately 35 to 50 mm clearance of the service and or its insulation is provided.

37. A penetration construction for a service which passes or is to pass through a building element having a hole through it which includes a fire rated construction or covering which includes an aperture corresponding to said hole, said building element and or said fire rated construction, coating or covering having a first side and a second side on an opposite side thereof, said aperture including therein at least one layer of an intumescent material surrounding said service, wherein a first heat conductive mesh is provided between said aperture and or hole and a surface of said intumescent material, said mesh extending from within said aperture to said first side and extends into the first side so as to conduct heat from said first side into said intumescent material.

38. A penetration construction as claimed in claim 37, wherein there is more than one layer of intumescent material, and between each layer is located a first heat conductive mesh material.

39. A penetration construction as claimed in claim 37 or 38, wherein a layer of said intumescent material and said heat conductive mesh material are wrapped around said pipe or said duct in a spiral manner.

40. A penetration construction as claimed in any one of claim 37 to 39, wherein at least one second heat conductive mesh is provided which makes no contact with said first heat conductive mesh, and which extends from said at least one intumescent layer and extends into said second side and or extends into said first side.

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41. A penetration construction as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein said mesh is one of: a metal mesh; steel mesh.

42. A penetration construction as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 41, wherein said service are constructed from a polymeric material.

43. A method of constructing a penetration construction for a service which passes through a building element having a hole through it and which further includes a fire rated construction, coating or covering which includes an aperture corresponding to said hole, said penetration construction being as claimed in any one of claims 33 to 38, said method including the step of combining heat conductive mesh with said intumescent material.

44. A method of treating insulation applied to a metal pipe, said insulation including an insulation material, for example like ROCKWOOL or other insulation which may or may not be bonded by means of an adhesive, said insulation including a metal foil outer skin; said method including the step of forming a circumferential groove or channel in said insulation which has a depth from said service an inner circumference to a circumference which is spaced from or at said metal foil, without breaking said metal foil and including the subsequent step of filling said groove or channel with a fire rated intumescent mastic or an intumescent material or intumescent material band.

45. A penetration construction for a metal pipe, said construction as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22 or by the method of claims 23 to 36, wherein said service includes insulation and said insulation is treated by the method of claim 41.

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