AU2021203681B2

AU2021203681B2 - A building fire protection system

Info

Publication number: AU2021203681B2
Application number: AU2021203681A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Sead Smajic; Senad Smajic
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-11-20
Filing date: 2021-06-04
Publication date: 2022-07-14
Anticipated expiration: 2041-06-04
Also published as: AU2021203681A1

Abstract

A building fire protection system has a fireproof curtain deployable around an exterior of the building to protect the building from thermal radiation and/or ember attack. 12 1/13 C LL 1

Description

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C LL

A building fire protection system

Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates generally to building fire protection systems and, more particularly, this invention relates to a building fire protection system comprising a fireproof curtain deployable around an exterior of the building.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Houses often burn down due to ember attack, either preceding or following a fire front.

[0003] Whereas many houses survive the passage of the fire front, many burn down from embers blown into the building. These showers of embers may attack a building for some time before the fire front arrives, during the passage of the fire front and for several hours after the fire front has passed. This long duration of ember attack is a significant cause of building ignition.

[0004] Embers may be blown into a building by wind which may also fan flames within the building. Furthermore, windows may shatter under radiant heat, creating openings for the embers to be blown in.

[0005] The present invention seeks to provide a way to protect buildings, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[0006] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Disclosure

[0007] There is provided herein a building fire protection system comprising a fireproof curtain deployable around an exterior of the building. The deployable curtain can be easily stowed and can be quickly deployed to protect the building.

[0008] The curtain comprises fireproof fabric which shields the building from thermal radiation and covers the building to reduce or prevent ember ingress.

[0009] The curtain may run along a monorail. The curtain may be manually pulled

along the monorail by a lanyard.

[0010] The curtain may comprise sufficient length to cover all sides of the building

and edges of the curtain may connect together to completely enclose the building.

[0011] The monorail may be installed above and in from edges of a roofline of the

building so as to cover peripheral edges of the roof. Baffle plating may prevent or

reduce embers going under the monorail or allowing wind to raise the curtain.

[0012] The curtain may be tied down and pulled taught by tiedown straps, tension

springs or the like which connect to collocating ground anchors.

[0013] The curtain may be shaped to follow rises of pitched roofs.

[0014] Alternatively, the monorail may be installed under the roofline of the building

and may comprise valence panels which cover the monorail and reduce or prevent

gaps between the roofline and the monorail.

[0015] In alternative embodiments, curtain sections unspool from respective spools

whereafter edges thereof are connected together to form the curtain. The spools may

similarly be installed above and in from edges of the roofline and one or more curtain

sections may comprise extra length sides to go around the perimeter of the roofline

and which may be folded in when the curtain section is spooled.

[0016] The curtains may comprise various forms of fire-resistant fabric including silica

textile, fibreglass cloth and ceramic fibre cloth as disclosed herein. The curtain may

comprise layers of different types of material to achieve the desirous fireproof and/or

weather ratings as disclosed herein.

[0017] In embodiments, the curtain may be automatically deployed.

[0018] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present

invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of

example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0020] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a building fire protection system in

accordance with an embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of components of a fireproof curtain of the

system in accordance with an embodiment;

[0022] Figure 2a shows a front view of the fireproof curtain of the system in

accordance with an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 3 shows a top plan view of the system in accordance with an

embodiment;

[0024] Figure 4 shows a side elevation view of the system of Figure 3;

[0025] Figure 5 shows a side elevation view of the system in accordance with a further

embodiment;

[0026] Figure 6 shows an end elevation view of the system of Figure 5;

[0027] Figure 7 shows a side elevation view of the system in accordance with a further

embodiment;

[0028] Figure 8 shows an end elevation view of the system of Figure 7;

[0029] Figure 9 shows a top plan view of the system of Figure 7;

[0030] Figure 10 shows a side elevation view of the system in accordance with a

further embodiment; and

[0031] Figure 11 shows an end elevation view of the system of Figure 10.

Description of Embodiments

[0032] Figure 1 shows a building fire protection system 100 comprising a fireproof

curtain 101 deployable around an exterior of the building 102. The curtain 101 is

configurable between stowed and deployed configurations.

[0033] The curtain 101 may be deployable at certain sides of the building 102 but, in

the preferred embodiment shown, the curtain 101 has sufficient length to cover an

entire perimeter of the building 102 so that all sides of the building 102 are protected

from radiant heat and ember attack.

[0034] Figures 2 - 6, 10 and 11 shows an embodiment wherein the system comprises

a monorail 103 and wherein the curtain 104 comprises a plurality of runners 104

suspending the curtain 101 from the monorail 103. As such, a leading-edge 105 of

the curtain 101 moves sideways between the stowed and the deployed configurations.

[0035] Referencing Figure 3, the monorail 103 may comprise straight sections 106,

rounded corner sections 107 and interconnecting splice pieces 108.

[0036] In the embodiment shown, the sections 106, 107 pieces 108 are C-channels

having edges 109 forming a longitudinal opening therealong and wherein each runner

104 takes the form of a trolley having bearings 110 engaging the edges 109. The

trolley may have four bearings 110.The runner 104 may comprise a plate 111 which

inserts through the longitudinal opening and which may comprise an eyelet 112 for a

curtain hook, fastener or the like from which the curtain 101 is suspended.

[0037] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the monorail 103 is installed above and

in from a roofline 114 (e.g. fascia board, guttering or the like) of the building. As such,

in this way, the curtain 101 covers the sides of the building and also an outer

perimeter of the roof of the building 102.

[0038] The monorail 103 may be supported by brackets 113. Each bracket 113 may

comprise a fixing plate 115 comprising a plurality of apertures 116 therethrough for

roof screws 117. The fixing plate 115 may support an elbow 118, the vertical distal

end of which is connected to the monorail 103.

[0039] In embodiments, the system 100 comprises baffle plating between the monorail

103 and a surface of the roof 119. The baffle plating may comprise a plurality of baffle

plates 120 comprising a portion 121 affixable to a surface of the roof 119 or the

monorail 103 and an angled baffle plate portion 122 extending at an angle therefrom.

The angled baffle plate portion 122 extends between the monorail 103 and a surface

of the roof 119to prevent orreducethe likelihood of embersgoing underthe monorail

103 and or allowing wind to raise the curtain 101.

[0040] The system 100 may comprise a lanyard 123 from a top edge of the curtain

101 which may be used to pull the curtain 101 open or closed in the manner shown

in Figure 1. The lanyard 123 may comprise a lower handle 124 and an upper runner

125 engaging the monorail 103 and the leading-edge 105 of the curtain 101. The

upper runner 125 may similarly take the form of a four-bearing trolley for engaging

the C-channel sections 106, 107 of the one rail 103.

[0041] The curtain 101 may comprise tiedown straps 126. As shown in Figure 4, the

system 100 may further comprise ground anchors 127. The ground anchors 127 may

be spaced to collocate with respective tiedown straps 126 when the curtain 101 is in

the deployed configuration. Each ground anchor 127 may comprise an eyelet 128 and

a fixing plate 129 which may be secured to concrete or the like using fasteners.

[0042] Lower ends of the straps 127 may comprise eyelets 131 and a clip 132 may

connect the tiedown straps eyelet 131 to the ground anchor eyelet 127.

[0043] The straps 127 may comprise fire resistant material. Furthermore, the straps

127 may locate inside of the curtain 101 to be shielded from heat by the curtain 101.

[0044] Edges 105 of the curtain 101 may fasten together. As shown in Figure 3, the

edges 105 of the curtain 101 may fasten together by webbing 140. Velcro fire

retardant fasteners may be used in alternative embodiments.

[0045] Figures 5 and 6 show wherein the monorail 103 has a section 133 following

the rise of a pitched roof 119. For example, the roofline 114 may form gables 134 at

opposite sides of the building 102.

[0046] At these sections 133, the curtain 101 may comprise extra length.

[0047] As is shown in Figure 6, the curtain 101 may comprise an extra length section

135 which may be joined to an upper section 136 at a seam 138.

[0048] Figures 10 and 11 show an embodiment wherein the monorail 103 is installed

under the roofline 114 of the building 102. In accordance with this embodiment, the

curtain 101 may comprise upper valence panels 139 which cover the monorail 103

and prevent gaps between the roofline 114 and the monorail 103. Edges of the

valence panels 139 may comprise hooks which fasten to edges of gutters 115 or

provided fastening points.

[0049]As shown in Figure 11, edges 105 of curtain 101 may collocate with a

respective downpipe 141.

[0050] Figures 7 - 9 show an embodiment wherein curtain sections 145 are each

spooled around a spool 142 within an elongate spool box 143 defining an opening

144 from which each curtain section 145 may unspool to fall down around the building

102. Edges of the curtain section 145 may be connected together at edges 105 to

form the curtain 101 in the manner shown.

[0051] As shown in Figure 9, an elongate spool box 143 may be deployed along each

edge of the roofline 114 and which may be secured in place using the aforedescribed

brackets 113.

[0052] The spool box is 143 may similarly be installed above and in from the roofline

114.

[0053] As shown in Figure 7, one or more curtain sections 145 may comprise extra

length sides 146 to cover around the greater perimeter of the roofline 114. The extra

length sides 146 may be folded in when the curtain section 145 is spooled.

[0054] The curtain 101 may comprise a fire-resistant fabric which may comprise silica

textile, fiberglass cloth, ceramic fibre cloth.

[0055] In one embodiment, the curtain 101 comprises two outer layers of glass fibre

fabric each coated on both sides with a flame retardant grey polyurethane rubber. An

infill (such as glass needlemat) may be sandwiched between the two outer layers.

[0056] In accordance with this embodiment, the curtain 101 comprises a finished

weight of 900 mg/m2 and a thickness of approximately 4.98 millimetres. Furthermore,

the curtain 101 in accordance with this embodiment may achieve a two-hour integrity

rating according to British Standard 476 part 20/22. In other words, the curtain 101

maintains integrity at temperatures region 1000°C over a two-hour period.

[0057] In accordance with a further embodiment, the curtain 101 comprises a 1.2 mm

thick vermiculite coated silica sheet and a silicon coated 0.5mm thickness fibreglass

sheet sewn together to provide both fire and water resistance. The curtain 101 may

comprise a finished weight of 1700 g/m 2 and may achieve certification to ISO 6940,

FM, BS EN 45545 with resistance more than 1000°C.

[0058] In accordance with a further embodiment, the curtain 101 may comprise a

medium weight silica fabric with a silicone rubber coating providing improved

resistance to abrasion and puncture.

[0059] In embodiments, the curtain 101 may be deployed by an actuator as opposed

to being pulled by the lanyard 123.

[0060] The actuator may comprise an electric motor actuator which pulls the curtain

101 along the monorail 103 or rotates the spools 142 to deploy the curtain 101.

[0061] The actuator may be controlled by a switch, including a remote control switch.

[0062] However, in embodiments, the system 100 comprises sensors which detect

increased temperature and/or thermal radiation, the sensors operably coupled to the

actuator to automatically deploy the curtain 101 in the event of a fire.

[0063] In embodiments, the sensors 101 are directional sensors 101 which can detect

which side of the building 102 is experiencing elevated temperature and/or thermal

radiation so as to deploy the curtain 101 at that side of the building 102.

[0064] In further embodiments, the actuator may comprise a tensioned spring and a

fusion latch which degrades and releases under high temperature, thereby allowing

the tension spring to pull the curtain 101 along the monorail 103.

[0065] With reference to Figure 2a, the curtain 101 may comprise A) Fire retardant

mm Velcro fastener stitched along height edges of curtains (to enable the curtains

to be joined together on site), B) chain weighted hem (which keeps the curtain 101

hanging straight, minimises wind movement and allows the curtain to be locked), C)

Nickel coated brass eyelets/grommets (eyelets size may be 30N-inner diameter

16mm nominal), D) Vermiculite coated webbing tape 50mm wide (for reinforcement/

strengthening purposes), E) Curtain fire fabric which may comprise E-glass, silica

textile, fibreglass cloth, ceramic fibre cloth etc. (the weight range of the fabric may

range from 200g/m2 up to 1,250g/m2 in embodiments and the fire resistance may

depend on selected thickness but may typically range from 600 °C to 1200 °C) and F)

Heavy duty cross and box stitching D-ring (which may be connected with a rope,

straps, cord, tightly secure curtain to the floor). In embodiments, the curtain fire fabric

may comprise glass fibre fabric and silica fabric sewn together with aluminium foil,

laminated or aluminized coating to the outer sides which may therefore be rated up

to 1000°C for 120 minutes, with an enhanced resistances to the irradiance of heat.

[0066] In embodiments, the curtain 101 nay comprise a 2ply hem across the top and

sides, stainless steel tension springs (to stabilise curtain against wind) or curtain floor

sweep attachments.

[0067] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific

nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will

be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to

practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of

the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not

intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as

obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above

teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the

principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others

skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various

modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the

following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A building fire protection system comprising a fireproof curtain engaged to a

monorail by runners to deploys around an exterior of the building by running a leading

edge of the curtain hanging to ground along the monorail around a perimeter of the

building.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the curtain can cover an entire

perimeter of the building.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising baffle plating extending

between the monorail and a roof surface of the building.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the monorail is installed above a

roofline of the building.
5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the monorail is installed in from the

roofline so that the curtain covers an outer perimeter of a roof of the building.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the curtain comprises tie-down

straps and wherein the system further comprises a plurality of ground anchors spaced

to collocate with the tie-down straps when the curtain is in a deployed configuration.
7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the straps locate inside of the

curtain.
8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the monorail has a section following

a rise of a roof of the building and wherein the curtain has extra length for the

section.
9. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein edges of the curtain fasten

together.
10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the monorail is installed under a

roofline of the building.
11. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the curtain further comprises

upper valence panels which cover the monorail and reduce or prevent gaps between

the roofline and the monorail.
12. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein edges of the valence panels

comprise fasters which fasten to edges of the roofline.
13. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the curtain comprises two outer

layers of glass fibre fabric and an infill sandwiched therebetween.
14. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein each outer layer is coated with a

flame retardant polyurethane rubber.
15. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the infill comprises glass

needlemat.
16. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the curtain is deployed by an

actuator.
17. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the system further comprises

sensors which detect increased temperature and/or thermal radiation and which are

operably coupled to the actuator to automatically deploy the curtain in the event of a

fire.
18. The system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the sensors are directional

sensors which can detect which side of the building is experiencing elevated

temperature or thermal radiation and wherein the actuator deploys the curtain at that

side of the building.
19. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the actuator comprises a

tensioned spring and a fusion latch which degrades and releases under high

temperature, thereby allowing the tension spring to pull the curtain along the

monorail.
20. A method of shielding a building using the system of claim 1, the method

comprising deploying the curtain around an exterior of the building.