EP4643958A2

EP4643958A2 - A protective element preform, a method of manufacturing a protective element preform, and a method of manufacturing a protective element

Info

Publication number: EP4643958A2
Application number: EP25169668.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Oskar Zieta
Original assignee: Zieta Prozessdesign Spolka Z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnoscia
Current assignee: Zieta Prozessdesign Spolka Z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnoscia
Priority date: 2024-04-11
Filing date: 2025-04-10
Publication date: 2025-11-05
Also published as: PL448276A1; EP4643958A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shielding element preform (1) comprising at least two chamber element preforms (2), wherein each chamber element preform (2) comprises a first wall (3) and a second wall (4) made of a sheet of metal and arranged with respect to each other with a gap retained between them, wherein the edges of each of the walls (3, 4) are sealed with an edge seal (6a), wherein a valve (5) is arranged on at least one of the walls (3, 4) of the first chamber element preform (2) or the second chamber element preform, wherein at least one wall (3, 4) of each chamber element preform (2) is provided with at least one communication opening (7), wherein the chamber element preforms (2) are arranged relative to each other with the corresponding walls (3, 4) in such a manner that the chamber element preforms (2) are connected to each other with the circumferential edges of the corresponding communication openings (7), by means of a circumferential seal (6b), for defining a pressure-tight hermetic inner space (8) of the shielding element preform (1) comprising the inner space of at least the first chamber element preform (2) and the second chamber element preform (2). The present invention also relates to a shielding element preform manufacturing method, and a shielding element manufacturing method.

Description

The present invention relates to a shielding element preform, a shielding element preform manufacturing method and a shielding element manufacturing method. The objects of the invention are applied in civil engineering or in defense industry, particularly as a protective means, including as a fire-protection or explosion protection.
Shielding elements, made of metal sheets and provided with cavities which can be filled with a functional material, are broadly applied particularly in fire and explosion protection.
Shielding elements have various applications in fire protection. They are an effective barrier preventing the spread of fire and smoke in buildings. They are frequently used in corridors, open spaces and evacuation routes, having a key role in safe evacuation. Additionally, shielding elements, e.g. in the form of fire-screens, are used to partition fire compartments, and thus reduce potential material damage. Their applications also include shielding staircases and openings in walls and ceilings, forming an effective protection from the results of fire.
Explosion protection shields, also known as blast protection curtains, have an important role in industrial safety. They are an effective barrier preventing potentially dangerous substances from spreading and minimizing explosion results. Being commonly used in locations subjected to the risk of explosion, such as industrial facilities or chemical warehouses, blast protection curtains protect personnel and infrastructure against the results of explosion. They are frequently installed in areas prone to the risk of a sudden release of flammable gases or fluids. In industrial buildings, such curtains can be also used to separate zones, thereby limiting the spread of potentially dangerous substances.
Owing to their effectiveness, fire- and explosion-protection shielding elements are a key element of industrial safety systems, supporting the protection of human life and property against the results of fire and explosion.
One method of manufacturing such shielding elements is by introducing fluid under pressure into a previously formed shielding element preform.
A Chinese utility model CN210422413U describes a fire prevention and fire control device. The device has a fire-prevention curtain, wherein the curtain comprises two opposite fixing frames. A roller is arranged between the two fixing frames, wherein the roller can freely rotate. The outer surface of the roller is provided with the rolling fire prevention curtain. One end of the rolling curtain is fixed on the roller, and its other end is provided with a counterweight rod. The rolling curtain is rolled up and tied with a rope. In the case of a fire, the fire burns off the rope to enable the rolling curtain to automatically expand under the action of the counterweight rod for isolating the fire.
Document US7963075B2 discloses an inflatable barrier system for a doorway or other opening comprising a front side envelope of rectangular front elevation and dog bone shaped horizontal plane cross section, inflatable with gas and fillable with a hardening foam. The envelope is combined with an inflatable back side array of tubular air beams configured with self-sealant. Both the front side fabric envelope and the back side array of tubular air beams are connected to a source of gas for inflating. The front side envelope is configured for frontal resistance to predetermined levels of push, cut, puncture, flame, chemical, and ballistic attack. The system is used as a method for closing a doorway to such attacks by erecting and inflating the system within the opening such that the edges on either side of the opening are gripped between the lobes of the respective ends of the dog bone profile of the front side envelope.
European document EP2110189A1 discloses a chamber element manufacturing method which comprises the forming of two sheet metal components with the desired contour, and the subsequent joining of the corresponding contours by welding for forming a pressure-tight cavity, wherein a valve is provided on one of the sheet metal components for supplying air under pressure. In the next step, air under high pressure is introduced into such a chamber element preform through the valve, resulting in the deformation of the sheet metal components within their plasticity limits and thus in a deformed chamber element.
Document WO2021124093A1 discloses a multichamber structural element manufacturing method which for forming a multichamber structural element with chamber profiles extending radially from the center defined by the connection of the chamber profiles comprises steps in which at least three chamber profile preforms are provided, wherein each chamber profile preform comprises two walls made of a sheet of metal material and arranged with respect to each other in substantially parallel planes with a gap retained between them, wherein the edges of the individual walls converge, and wherein a valve is arranged on at least one wall. In the next step, the unconnected wall edges of each of the chamber profile preforms are sealed with a seal for forming a closed hermetic empty inner space of the chamber profile preform, and subsequently a fluid under pressure is introduced through the valve into the inner space of the chamber profile preform for forming a deformed chamber profile. In the next step of the method, at least three chamber profile preforms or chamber profiles are connected in the area of the corresponding inner edges of the chamber profile preform or the chamber profile, proximal with respect to the connection axis, along at least part of the inner edges.
The technical problem of the present invention is to provide such a shielding element manufacturing method which will allow the manufacturing of a shielding element having desired properties and a defined geometry while maintaining high dimensional accuracy. It is desirable that the shielding element manufacturing method has a limited number of technological steps and is realized without the use of specialist and complicated apparatus, so as to directly provide economic benefits of a simplified, less time-consuming and thus cheaper shielding element manufacturing process. It is also desirable that the shielding element manufacturing method is characterized by low material-consumption and allows the manufacturing of a shielding element having a wide range of geometrical parameters, in particular different heights, spatial forms and both symmetrical and asymmetrical characteristics. It is also important to provide a shielding element manufacturing method which would allow the shape of the shielding element to be easily modified within a wide range of geometrical parameters and without the need to rearrange the apparatus used in the manufacturing process.
The technical problem of the present invention is also to provide a shielding element preform which will be an intermediate element in the manufacturing of a shielding element and which will require a limited number of operations to be performed in order to produce a shielding element. It is also desirable that the shielding element formed from the shielding element preform served a function as a fire and/or explosion protection barrier, protecting structural elements of buildings from damage or providing a shield from a fire-affected area, while having an increased strength and resistance to aggressive external conditions such as high temperature due to the spreading fire or a shock wave due to a nearby explosion.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a shielding element preform comprising at least two chamber element preforms, wherein each chamber element preform comprises a first wall and a second wall made of a sheet of metal and arranged with respect to each other with a gap retained between them, wherein the edges of each of the walls are sealed with an edge seal, wherein a valve is arranged on at least one of the walls of the first chamber element preform or the second chamber element preform, characterized in that at least one wall of each chamber element preform is provided with at least one communication opening, wherein the chamber element preforms are arranged relative to each other with the corresponding walls in such a manner that the chamber element preforms are connected to each other with the circumferential edges of the corresponding communication openings, by means of a circumferential seal, for defining a pressure-tight hermetic inner space of the shielding element preform comprising the inner space of at least the first chamber element preform and the second chamber element preform.
Preferably, the edge seal and/or the circumferential seal is a fusion weld, a pressure weld, a layer of adhesive or a lap joint.
Preferably, the communication opening is arranged in the area at a distance away from the central area of the wall.
Preferably, the valve is a control valve, a safety valve or a check valve.
Preferably, there is an expansion agent in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space.
Preferably, the expansion agent is water, alcohol, a mixture of alcohols or at least two separately stored compounds which, when combined, result in an increase of volume or in the generation of heat and vapors.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a shielding element preform manufacturing method characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

a) the first wall and the second wall of at least two chamber profile preforms are provided, wherein the walls of the corresponding chamber profile preforms are made of a sheet of metal material and are arranged with respect to each other in substantially parallel planes with a gap retained between them, wherein the edges of each of the walls of the corresponding chamber element preforms converge, and wherein a valve is arranged on at least one of the walls,
b) at least one communication opening is made in at least one wall of each chamber element preform,
c) the circumferential edges of the corresponding communication openings of the chamber element preforms are connected by means of a circumferential seal,
d) the unconnected wall edges of the corresponding chamber profile preforms are sealed with an edge seal for forming a pressure-tight hermetic inner space of the shielding element preform.

Preferably, step d) is performed prior to step c) or step b).
Preferably, the method comprises an additional step:
e) an expansion agent is introduced through the valve into the pressure-tight hermetic inner space of the shielding element preform.
Preferably, the expansion agent is water, alcohol, a mixture of alcohols or at least two separately stored compounds which, when combined, result in an increase of volume or in the generation of heat and vapors.
Preferably, the valve is a control valve, a safety valve or a check valve.
Preferably, the edge seal and/or the circumferential seal is made by fusion welding, pressure welding, gluing.
Preferably, the communication opening is made in the area at a distance away from the central area of the wall.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a shielding element manufacturing method characterized in that it comprises steps in which there is provided a shielding element preform as defined in the first aspect of the invention and subsequently a fluid under pressure is introduced through the valve or there is initiated an increase of the volume or the generation of heat and vapors of the expansion agent for deforming the first wall and/or the second wall by means of the inner pressure of the fluid introduced through the valve or generated as a result of increasing the volume of and/or generating vapors of the expansion agent.
Preferably, the increase of the volume or the generation of heat and vapors of the expansion agent is initiated by subjecting the shielding element preform to heating, vibrations or shocks.
Preferably, the deformation degree of the first wall and/or the second wall is controlled with the valve.
The shielding element preform of this invention is an intermediate element in the manufacturing of a shielding element which may be in the form of a building element, particularly of a protective element in the form of a fire or explosion protection barrier.
The shielding element preform is a structurally simple element comprising component members having repeatable characteristics in the form of chamber element preform modules, which is economically advantageous and increases the technological reliability. The connection of the corresponding chamber element preforms through the circumferential edges of their communication openings provides a structure resembling a contracted bellows. Such a structure occupies a limited space and can be inconspicuously arranged in the room in such a manner that when no threat is present, the shielding element preform does not affect the convenience of using the room and ensures the desired esthetics. Owing to the use of circumferential seals and edge seals, a pressure-tight hermetic inner space of the shielding element preform is obtained, providing the possibility to fill the inner space with an expansion agent.
The use of the expansion agent inside the pressure-tight hermetic inner space of the shielding element preform positively influences the shielding element manufacturing method by reducing the number of the performed steps and by limiting the involved machinery park. The manufacturing of the shielding element requires only the step of initiating the generation of vapors and/or an increase of the volume of the expansion agent, which can be due to the heating of the shielding element preform, bringing the shielding element preform into vibration, or violently impacting the shielding element preform, for example as a result of an explosion-induced shockwave. The purpose of the above actions is to initiate a chemical reaction or a physical transformation causing an increase of the inner pressure in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space for deforming the walls of the chamber element preform, which is the component member of the shielding element preform. In the case of a fire or explosion hazard, for example due to increased temperature, the shielding element preform increases its volume so that it transitions from the shape of a contracted bellows to the shape of an expanded bellows. The shielding element preform, arranged for example in the area of the door frame, increases its volume, deforming into the shape of the shielding element and thus ensuring that the room affected by fire is separated from the unaffected room. The communication openings arranged in the area at a distance away from the central area of the walls of the chamber element preforms ensure that it is possible to obtain different geometries of the deformed shielding element, depending on the needs.
The use of the valve in the form of a check valve allows the introduction of the expansion agent into the shielding element preform and prevents the agent from escaping outside the shielding element preform. The use of the valve in the form of a safety valve additionally increases the safety of the operation of manufacturing the shielding element, by providing protection against excessive inner pressure inside the pressure-tight hermetic inner space of the shielding element preform, which could potentially result in the breaking of the seal or of the walls. On the other hand, the use of a control valve allows a change of the threshold pressure above which the valve passes vapor to the outside of the pressure-tight hermetic inner space, allowing control over the deformation degree of the walls of the chamber element preforms and thus enabling the modification of the final desired shape of the shielding element.
The use of water as the expansion agent additionally increases the safety of the shielding element manufacturing process as no harmful vapor is generated. The use of the expansion agent in the form of a container made for example of thin glass allows the vapor generation or the volume increase to be initiated by a violent impact against the shielding element preform, in effect facilitating and improving the shielding element manufacturing process, and also ensuring the self-initiated deformation of the shielding element preform during explosions. Furthermore, the use of the expansion agent in the form of compounds generating foamed plastic (e.g. PUR) additionally causes the thus formed shielding element to have additional functionalities, such as increased compressive strength or increased level of thermal insulation.
The solution according to the present invention has been shown in the embodiments below and illustrated in the drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the shielding element preform according to this invention,
Fig. 2a is a front view of the chamber element preform which is a component member of the shielding element preform according to the first embodiment of this invention,
Fig. 2b is a rear view of the chamber element preform which is a component member of the shielding element preform according to the first embodiment of this invention,
Figs. 3A-F are cross-sectional views of the successive steps of manufacturing the first embodiment of the shielding element according to this invention,
Fig. 4 is an axonometric view of the first embodiment of the shielding element according to this invention,
Fig. 5 is an axonometric view of the second embodiment of the shielding element preform according to this invention,
Fig. 6 is an axonometric view of the second embodiment of the shielding element according to this invention,
Figs. 7A-F are cross-sectional views of the successive steps of manufacturing the second embodiment of the shielding element according to this invention,
Figs. 8A-F are cross-sectional views of the successive steps of manufacturing the third embodiment of the shielding element according to this invention,
Figs. 9A-F are cross-sectional views of the successive steps of manufacturing the fourth embodiment of the shielding element according to this invention,
Fig. 10 is an axonometric view of the fourth embodiment of the shielding element according to this invention,
Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the shielding element preform according to this invention.

Example 1

The first embodiment of the shielding element preform 1 of this invention is schematically shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 1. The shielding element preform 1 comprises two corresponding chamber element preforms 2 connected to each other by means of communication openings 7. Each of the components of the chamber element preforms 2 has in its front view the shape of a square with rounded corners, as shown in Figs. 2a and 2b. After the shielding element preform 1 of this embodiment is deformed, the shielding element 10 is a fire barrier installed in the window frame.
The presented embodiment of the shielding element preform 1 was manufactured with the use of the shielding element preform 1 manufacturing method of this invention, which comprises the step of providing a first wall 3 and a second wall 4 of two chamber element preforms 2. The walls 3, 4 are made of a sheet of metal material and are arranged with respect to each other in substantially parallel planes with a gap retained between them. The edges of the individual walls 3, 4 of each of the chamber element preforms 2 correspond to each other, with a valve 5 being arranged on the first wall 3 of one chamber element preform 2. The location of the valve 5 in the shielding element preform 1 is not a limitation to the scope of the present invention on condition that fluid communication with the inside of the shielding element preform 1 is allowed. The location of the valve 5 is also not a limitation to the scope of the present invention, and thus the valve 5 may be arranged in any location on the metal sheet used to make the first wall 3 and the second wall 4 of any of the component members of the chamber element preforms 2. The valve 5 of the shielding element preform 1 serves substantially two functions, first as an access element for the expansion agent 9 introduced into the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 of the shielding element preform 1, and second as a control element during the manufacturing of the shielding element 10, as will be described in more detail below.
In the next step, a communication opening 7 is made on the first wall 3 of the first chamber element preform 2 and on the second wall 4 of the second chamber element preform. In this embodiment, the communication openings 7 are made with the use of machining technique, such as drilling, in the central area of the walls 3, 4 and are in the shape of a circle whose surface area does not exceed 2% of the surface area of the respective wall 3, 4. The shape and the size of the communication openings 7, as well as their manufacturing method, are not a limitation to the scope of this invention and in alternative embodiments they can have a different shape, e.g. oval, rectangular, longitudinal, their surface area may exceed 2% of the total surface area of each of the walls 3, 4, and they can be made with a different technique, e.g. cut with thermal, laser or water-jet techniques, on condition that pressure-tight communication is provided between the inner spaces of the component members of the chamber element preforms 2.
In the next step, the circumferential edges of the communication opening 7 of the first chamber element preform 2 are connected with the circumferential edges of the communication opening 7 of the second chamber element preform 2 by means of a circumferential seal 6b.
In the next step, the unconnected wall 3, 4 edges of each of the two chamber element preforms 2 are sealed by means of an edge seal 6a for forming a pressure-tight hermetic empty inner space 8 between the first wall 3 and the second wall 4 of the first chamber element preform 2, and between the first wall 3 and the second wall 4 of the second chamber element preform, which are connected to each other through the communication openings 7.
The sealing is performed on the edges of the metal sheet forming the walls 3, 4 of each of the chamber element preforms 2 after they have been matched with each other, and on the circumferential edges of the communication openings 7. In this embodiment, the sealing is thus performed on all the circumferential edges of the matched walls 3, 4 of the chamber element preforms 2, and on the circumferential edges of the corresponding communication openings 7.
In this embodiment, the sealing was performed by means of welding the corresponding edges together, forming circumferential welds. By sealing all of the above-listed edges, a pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 is formed in the shielding element preform 1, as schematically shown in the cross-section of Fig. 1. The type of seal 6a, 6b is in this case not a limitation to the scope of the invention, and it is possible in alternative embodiments to use any type of the seal 6a, 6b, on condition that the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 is formed in the shielding element preform 1, by means for example of pressure welding, soldering, gluing, pressing, and in the case of the edge seal 6a, also bending.
The result is a shielding element preform 1, whose structure is shown in Fig. 1.
The order in which the individual steps of the shielding element preform 1 manufacturing method are performed is not a limitation to the scope of this invention and in alternative embodiments can be different on condition that the inner space of the manufactured shielding element preform 1 is pressure-tight and hermetic so that it can be used to manufacture the shielding element 10. The manufacturing steps of the shielding element preform 1 may be therefore performed in the following alternative order:

the first wall 3 and the second wall 4 of the two chamber element preforms 2 are provided,
a communication opening 7 is made on the first wall 3 of one chamber element preform 2 and on the second wall 4 of the second chamber element preform,
the unconnected wall 3, 4 edges of the corresponding chamber element preforms 2 are sealed by means of an edge seal 6a,
the circumferential edges of the corresponding communication openings 7 of the chamber element preforms 2 are connected to each other by means of the circumferential seal 6b for defining a pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 of the shielding element preform 1.

The manufacturing steps of the shielding element preform 1 may be performed in another, alternative order, as follows:

the first wall 3 and the second wall 4 of the two chamber element preforms 2 are provided,
the unconnected wall 3, 4 edges of the corresponding chamber element preforms 2 are sealed by means of an edge seal 6a,
a communication opening 7 is made on the first wall 3 of one chamber element preform 2 and on the second wall 4 of the second chamber element preform,
the circumferential edges of the corresponding communication openings 7 of the chamber element preforms 2 are connected to each other by means of the circumferential seal 6b for defining a pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 of the shielding element preform 1.

It is also possible that the steps:

the unconnected wall 3, 4 edges of the corresponding chamber element preforms 2 are sealed by means of an edge seal 6a,
the circumferential edges of the corresponding communication openings 7 of the chamber element preforms 2 are connected by means of a circumferential seal 6b, are performed alternately. In such case, the unconnected edges of walls 3, 4 of the first chamber element preform 2 are successively sealed, followed by connecting with each other the circumferential edges of the communication openings 7 of the second wall 4 of the first chamber element preform 2 and of the first wall 3 of the second chamber element preform 2. Subsequently, the unconnected wall 3, 4 edges of the second chamber element preform 2 are connected, and so forth.

The shielding element preform 1 shown in Fig. 1 thus comprises two chamber element preforms 2, wherein each chamber profile preform 2 comprises the first wall 3 and the second wall 4, arranged with respect to each other in substantially parallel planes with a gap retained between them. The edges of the individual walls 3, 4 of each chamber element preform 2 correspond to each other. Identical communication openings 7 are arranged on the first wall 3 of the first chamber element preform 2 and on the second wall 4 of the second chamber element preform 2.
The pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 of the shielding element preform 1 contains the expansion agent 9. In this embodiment, the expansion agent 9 is glycerin, which was introduced through the valve 5 up to the height of approximately 10 cm of the shielding element preform 1 in the amount of several grams and at an ambient temperature of 20°C for maintaining its liquid state of aggregation. The expansion agent 9 is thus introduced into the shielding element preform 1 after the step of sealing the edges of the walls 3, 4 by means of the edge seal 6a and after the connecting of the circumferential edges of the communication openings 7 by means of the circumferential seal 6b, i.e. after the forming of the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 of the shielding element preform 1.
In this embodiment, the valve 5 is a check valve ensuring a one-way fluid communication with the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8. In alternative embodiments, the valve 5 is realized in the form of a control valve or a safety valve, thus ensuring the functionality of providing control of the step of manufacturing the shielding element 10.
As shown in Fig. 2, the expansion agent 9 present in the shielding element preform 1 at a temperature of 20°C is due to gravity accumulated in the lower region of the shielding element preform 1. As can be observed in Fig. 1, the expansion agent 9 is present in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 in free form and remains therein because the shielding element preform 1 is pressure-tight. In alternative embodiments, the expansion agent 9 is water, alcohol, an alcohol mixture or at least two separately stored compounds which, when combined, result in an increase of volume or in the generation of heat and vapors. Importantly, both the type and the volume of the expansion agent 9 introduced into the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 depends on the type of the physical or chemical transition occurring in a particular expansion agent 9, on the thickness of the metal sheet used to make the first wall 3 and the second wall 4 of each of the chamber element preforms 2 of the shielding element preform 1, as well as on the size of the shielding element preform 1. The expansion agent 9 can be thus such a compound or a mixture which, due to the step of externally initiating a particular physical or chemical transition, causes a sufficient pressure increase in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 of the shielding element preform 1 to deform the first wall 3 and/or the second wall 4 of each of the chamber element preforms 2 for forming a deformed shielding element 10.
The thus prepared shielding element preform 1 is used for forming the shielding element 10. In order to form a shielding element 10 from the shielding element preform 1, there is initiated an increase of the volume of or the generation of heat and vapors of the expansion agent 9 for deforming the first wall 3 and/or the second wall 4 of each of the chamber element preforms 2 by means of the inner pressure of the fluid generated as a result of increasing the volume and/or generating vapors of the expansion agent 9. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned initiation step is realized by heating the shielding element preform 1. For simulating fire conditions, the shielding element preform 1 is placed in a furnace and heated to a temperature which ensures that the expansion agent 9 in the form of glycerin is boiled and that vapors are thus generated and the inner pressure is increased in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 of the shielding element preform 1.
For the purpose of the tests and for ensuring a more dynamic transition, in this embodiment, the shielding element preform 1 was placed in a furnace and heated to the temperature of 300 °C for a period of 10 minutes. In alternative embodiments, the initiation temperature and the heating duration time may be different and depend on the expansion agent 9, which is selected depending on the requirements regarding fire and explosion protection. For example, when the expansion agent 9 is a 60% ethyl alcohol, the shielding element preform 1 may be deformed in a lower temperature, for example 100 °C and for a shorter time, for example 5 minutes. As the expansion agent 9 in the form of glycerin changes its state of aggregation to gaseous, the inner pressure in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 increases to a value which causes a gradual plastic deformation of the first wall 3 and the second wall 4 of each of the chamber element preforms 2, as illustrated in successive steps in Figs. 3A-F. As can be observed in the figures, the shielding element 10 assumes its final deformation form in Fig. 3F, with the gaseous expansion agent 9 being in this step present inside the chamber element 10. After the shielding element 10 is cooled to ambient temperature, the expansion agent 9 undergoes a transition back from gaseous state to liquid or solid state, depending on the value of ambient temperature. The thus formed shielding element 10 is shown in an axonometric view in Fig. 4. As can be observed in this figure, the first wall 3 and the second wall 4 of each of the chamber element preforms 2 have been deformed, causing the "inflation" of the shielding element 10. The greatest deformation degree is observed in the central regions of the walls 3, 4, at a distance furthest away from the edge seal 6a. The smallest deformation degree (or none) is observed in regions adjacent to the edge seal 6a, and as a result, the shielding element 10 reflects the original shape defined by the shielding element preform 1.

Example 2

The second embodiment of the shielding element preform according to this invention is schematically shown in an axonometric view in Fig. 5 and in a cross-sectional view in Figs. 7A-F. In this embodiment, the shielding element preform 1 comprises ten substantially identical chamber element preforms 2. In this embodiment, the chamber element preform 1 is a functional element used in the form of a fire barrier blocking the spread of fire along the entire length of the corridor and is mounted to the wall on the entire height of the corridor. Figs. 7A-E are cross-sectional views of the successive steps of manufacturing the second embodiment of the shielding element 10 according to this invention, installed on the corridor wall 11 of a building.
The embodiment of the shielding element preform 1, as well as of the shielding element preform 1 manufacturing method is substantially similar to the method shown in Example 1, and therefore similar technical and structural characteristics of the shielding element preform 1, as well as the steps of the shielding element preform 1 manufacturing method, will not be discussed in detail for the clarity of this disclosure.
As shown in Fig. 7A, the shielding element preform 1 manufactured with the method shown in the first embodiment is secured to the external surface of the corridor wall 11 and is fastened thereto with a part of the surface of the first wall 3 of the first chamber element preform 2, preserving the pressure-tightness of the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8. The thus prepared shielding element preform 1 is a ready-to-use fire barrier.
In alternative embodiments, the shielding element preform 1 can be fastened to the fire-protected structures by means of point fastening or fastening with the entire surface area of one of the walls 3, 4 of the chamber element preform 2.
In the case of a fire spreading in the corridor, in the vicinity of the wall 11 with the shielding element preform 1 arranged thereon, a temperature increase causes the expansion agent 9 present inside the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 to violently boil, resulting in the increase of inner pressure and in the deformation of the shielding element preform 1, as shown in successive views in Figs. 7B-F. In the situation when the first wall 3 of the first chamber element preform 2 is partially fastened to the corridor wall 11, its deformation degree is substantially identical to the deformation degree of the remaining chamber element preforms 2, which are the component elements of the shielding element preform 1. This is how the shielding element 10 is formed, which is a fire barrier protecting the corridor against the spread of flames to further parts of the corridor, as shown in Fig. 7F.
It is worth mentioning that the valve 5 is arranged on the first wall 3 of the first chamber element preform 2 fastened to the corridor wall 11. In order to preserve a stable connection between the shielding element preform 1 and the corridor wall 11, the corridor wall 11 has an opening made therein, whose purpose is to accommodate the valve 5 of the shielding element preform 1. In this embodiment, the valve 5 is a check valve ensuring a one-way fluid communication with the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8.
In this embodiment, the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 of the shielding element preform 1 contains the expansion agent 9, which is ethanol.
However, in an alternative embodiment, the expansion agent can be at least two separately stored compounds which, when combined, result in an increase of their volume or in the generation of heat and vapors. The expansion agent 9 can thus be in the form of a container with two compartments, in which two compounds are stored separately. For example, such a container can be made of thin glass which, when the shielding element preform 1 is subjected to shocks, breaks and spills the two compounds into the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 of the shielding element preform 1, where the compounds are mixed, initiating a chemical reaction resulting in the increased volume of the expansion agent 9 and/or in the generation of vapors. The container can be also made of thin plastic which, under the influence of external factors such as increased temperature or shocks, loses its pressure-tightness and allows the separately stored compounds to combine. Importantly, the geometrical dimensions of the container should allow it to be introduced through the valve 5.
A non-limiting example of the expansion agent 9 comprising at least two separately stored compounds which, when combined, result in an increase of the volume or in the generation of heat and vapors are polyol and isocyanate which, when combined, produce a chemical reaction causing the expansion of polyurethane foam. As a result, the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 is filled with PUR foam, which causes an inner pressure increase and a desired deformation of the first wall 3 and the second wall 4 of each of the chamber element preforms 2, thus forming the shielding element 10. The filling of the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 of the shielding element 10 with polyurethane foam having good thermal insulation properties additionally improves the barrier function of the shielding element 10.
In alternative embodiments it is possible to use any two or more compounds which, when combined, cause a volume increase and/or vapor generation resulting in a pressure increase in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 for deforming the first wall 3 and the second wall 4 of each chamber element preform 2. Such compounds can comprise for example separately stored iron and copper(II) oxide, in which during the reaction iron is reduced and copper is oxidized generating a significant amount of heat which can be used to boil the fluid present in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 for generating vapors and increasing pressure inside the shielding element preform 1.
The shielding element 10 formed from the shielding element preform 1 of this embodiment is shown in an axonometric view in Fig. 6.

Example 3

The third embodiment of the shielding element preform 1 of this invention is schematically shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 8A. In this embodiment, the shielding element preform 1 comprises ten substantially identical chamber element preforms 2. In this embodiment, the shielding element preform 1 is a functional element used in the form of an explosion barrier protecting against the destructive results of an explosion. Figs. 8A-E are cross-sectional views of the successive steps of manufacturing the third embodiment of the shielding element 10 according to this invention, installed on the corridor wall 11.
The embodiment of the shielding element preform 1, as well as of the shielding element preform 1 manufacturing method is substantially similar to the method shown in Example 2, and therefore similar technical and structural characteristics of the shielding element preform 1, as well as the steps of the shielding element preform 1 manufacturing method, will not be discussed in detail for the clarity of this disclosure.
As shown in Fig. 8A, the shielding element preform 1 manufactured with the method shown in the first embodiment is secured to the external surface of the corridor wall 11 and is partially fastened thereto, preserving the pressure-tightness of the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8. The thus prepared shielding element preform 1 is a ready-to-use explosion-protection barrier.
In the case of an explosion in the vicinity of the corridor wall 11 with the shielding element preform 1 arranged thereon, an impact or shocks cause the expansion agent 9 present inside the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 to violently boil, resulting in the increase of inner pressure and in the deformation of the shielding element preform 1, as shown in successive views in Figs. 8B-F. In the situation when the first wall 3 of the first chamber element preform 2 is partially fastened to the corridor wall 11, its deformation degree is substantially identical to the deformation degree of the remaining chamber element preforms 2, which are the component elements of the shielding element preform 1. This is how the shielding element 10 is formed, as shown in Fig. 8F, the shielding element 10 being an explosion barrier protecting the corridor against the spread of potentially dangerous substances and minimizing the results of the explosion.
In this embodiment, the valve 5 (not shown in the figure) is fastened to the second wall 4 of the chamber element preform 2 being furthermost away from the corridor wall 11, to which the shielding element preform 1 is fastened, wherein the valve 5 is a safety valve. The pressure increase in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 is limited to the threshold value (20 bar in this embodiment) of the safety valve. The exceeding of this value causes the valve 5 to open and thus to release the gases from the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8. This release on the one hand allows the deformation degree of the first walls 3 and the second walls 4 of the chamber element preforms 2 to be limited, and on the other hand protects against pressure increase above the critical value, which would result in the breaking of the shielding element 10.
In an alternative embodiment, in which the shielding element preform 1 is provided with the valve 5 in the form of a control valve, pressure increase in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 is regulated to the set value (for example 2 bar) by regulating the control valve. It is thus possible to control the deformation degree of the first wall 3 and the second wall 4 of each of the chamber element preforms 2 and to influence the shape of the final desired shielding element 10. For example, it is possible to limit the set value of the control valve to 1.5 bar and as a result to stop the deformation of the shielding element at the step shown in Fig. 8C. Above the value of 1.5 bar in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8, the control valve will pass the gases and prevent further pressure increase.
Preferably, the valve 5 is secured to the first wall 3 or the second wall 4 of the chamber element preform 2 being furthermost away from the corridor wall 11, by means of a removable connection, for example of a bolted joint. After the shielding element 10 is manufactured, the valve 5 can be unscrewed and a handle can be screwed in its place for easier removal of the shielding element 10 after the threat of fire or explosion has passed.
In this embodiment, the expansion agent 9 is water, but in an alternative embodiment it is possible to use two separately stored compounds, wherein one of the compounds is present in the container and the other compound, which reacts therewith, is stored freely in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8. When the container loses its pressure-tightness due to an impact or shocks, the compound stored in the container escapes and combines with the second compound stored in the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8.

Example 4

The fourth embodiment of the shielding element preform 1 of this invention is schematically shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 9A. In this embodiment, the shielding element preform 1 is a functional element used in the form of a fire barrier protecting vulnerable load-bearing elements of a building, such as load-bearing columns 12. Figs. 9A-C show cross-sectional views of the successive steps of manufacturing the fourth embodiment of the shielding element 10 according to this invention, secured to the load-bearing column 12 of the building structure, and Fig. 10 shows an axonometric view of the shielding element 10 manufactured from the shielding element preform 1 of Fig. 9A.
The embodiment of the shielding element preform 1, as well as of the shielding element preform 1 manufacturing method is substantially similar to the method shown in Example 3, and therefore similar technical and structural characteristics of the shielding element preform 1, as well as the steps of the shielding element preform 1 manufacturing method, will not be discussed in detail for the clarity of this disclosure.
Unlike in the shielding element preforms 1 disclosed in the second embodiment and in the third embodiment, in this embodiment the communication openings 7 are arranged in the area at a distance away from the central area of the walls 3, 4 of the chamber element preforms 2. Owing to such an arrangement of the communication openings 7, the shielding element 10 manufactured from the shielding element preform 1 has a shape matching the shape of the load-bearing column 12 which is intended to be protected. The arrangement of the communication openings 7 is not a limitation to the scope of this invention and in alternative embodiments the communication openings 7 can be arranged at a greater or smaller distance away from the central area of the walls 3, 4 of the chamber element preforms 2, on condition that the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 of the shielding element preform 1 is preserved and that the shape of the obtained shielding element 10 fulfils the required protective function. The communication openings 7 can be thus arranged in any locations of the walls 3, 4 of each of the component chamber element preforms 2. Therefore, the shape of the obtained shielding element 10 can be regulated by appropriately arranging the communication openings 7. As can be seen in Fig. 9A-F and in Fig. 10, the arrangement of the communication openings 7 in the area at a distance away from the central area of the walls 3, 4 of the chamber element preforms 2 results in the shielding element 10 having a substantially annular cross-section, wherein the load-bearing column 12 is arranged in the center of the ring.
Similarly as in the case of their arrangement, the number of the communication openings 7 on the walls 3, 4 is not a limitation to this invention and in alternative embodiments it can be higher and be for example two or more communication openings 7 on one wall 3, 4. The number of communication openings 7 on the individual walls 3, 4 does not have to be identical, on condition that a pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 of the shielding element preform 1 is provided. A greater number of communication openings 7 ensures an improved fluid communication between the individual chamber element preforms 2, and therefore ensures a greater deformation efficiency of the individual chamber element preforms 2 for obtaining a ready shielding element 10. A greater number of communication openings 7 can also influence the final geometry of the obtained shielding element 10.
Additionally, in the alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 11, the first wall 3 of the first chamber element preform 2 has the valves 5 connected thereto, through which the expansion agent 9 is introduced. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, the expansion agent comprises two separately stored compounds which, when combined, result in an increase of the volume or in the generation of heat and vapors. The expansion agent 9 is thus in the form of a container with two compartments, in which two compounds are stored separately. When fire or explosion occurs in the vicinity of the shielding element preform 1, the pressure-tight hermetic inner space 8 of the shielding element preform 1 is filled with pressurized gaseous vapors, resulting in the deformation of the shielding element preform 1 and in the formation of the shielding element 10 being a fire barrier for the load-bearing column 12.
Alternatively, the expansion agent 9 can be introduced through the valve 5 from an external source of the expansion agent as late as when the fire threat occurs, and thus the introduction of the expansion agent 9 from an expansion agent source is initiated outside the system of the shielding element preform 1, by external technical means, for example by means of a temperature sensor, which triggers the source of the expansion agent which is in fluid communication with the valve of the shielding element preform 1.

List of reference numerals:

1 - shielding element preform
2 - chamber element preform
3 - first wall
4 - second wall
5 - valve
6a - edge seal
6b - circumferential seal
7 - communication opening
8 - pressure-tight hermetic inner space
9 - expansion agent
10 - shielding element
11 - corridor wall
12 - load-bearing column

Claims

A shielding element preform (1) comprising at least two chamber element preforms (2), wherein each chamber element preform (2) comprises a first wall (3) and a second wall (4) made of a sheet of metal and arranged with respect to each other with a gap retained between them, wherein the edges of each of the walls (3, 4) are sealed with an edge seal (6a),
wherein a valve (5) is arranged on at least one of the walls (3, 4) of the first chamber element preform (2) or the second chamber element preform (2),

characterized in that at least one wall (3, 4) of each chamber element preform (2) is provided with at least one communication opening (7),

wherein the chamber element preforms (2) are arranged relative to each other with the corresponding walls (3, 4) in such a manner that the chamber element preforms (2) are connected to each other with the circumferential edges of the corresponding communication openings (7), by means of a circumferential seal (6b),

for defining a pressure-tight hermetic inner space (8) of the shielding element preform (1) comprising the inner space of at least the first chamber element preform (2) and of the second chamber element preform (2).
The shielding element preform (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the edge seal (6a) and/or the circumferential seal (6b) is a fusion weld, a pressure weld, a layer of adhesive or a lap joint.
The shielding element preform (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the communication opening (7) is arranged in the area at a distance away from the central area of the wall (3, 4).
The shielding element preform (1) according to any of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that the valve (5) is a control valve, a safety valve or check valve.
The shielding element preform (1) according to any of claims 1 - 4, characterized in that the pressure-tight hermetic inner space (8) contains an expansion agent (9).
The shielding element preform (1) according to any of claims 1 - 5 characterized in that the expansion agent (9) is water, alcohol, a mixture of alcohols or at least two separately stored compounds which, when combined, result in an increase of the volume or in the generation of heat and vapors.
A shielding element preform (1) manufacturing method characterized in that it comprises the following steps:
a) the first wall (3) and the second wall (4) of at least two chamber profile preforms (2) are provided, wherein the walls (3, 4) of the corresponding chamber profile preforms (2) are made of a sheet of metal material and are arranged with respect to each other in substantially parallel planes with a gap retained between them, wherein the edges of each of the walls (3, 4) of the corresponding chamber element preforms (2) converge, and wherein the valve (5) is arranged on at least one of the walls (3, 4),

b) at least one communication opening (7) is made in at least one wall (3, 4) of each chamber element preform (2),

c) the circumferential edges of the corresponding communication openings (7) of the chamber element preforms (2) are connected by means of a circumferential seal (6b),

d) the unconnected wall (3, 4) edges of the corresponding chamber profile preforms (2) are sealed with the edge seal (6a) for forming a pressure-tight hermetic inner space (8) of the shielding element preform (1).
The shielding element preform (1) manufacturing method according to claim 7, characterized in that step d) is performed prior to step c) or step b).
The shielding element preform (1) manufacturing method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it comprises an additional step:
e) the expansion agent (9) is introduced through the valve (5) into the pressure-tight hermetic inner space (8) of the shielding element preform (1).
The shielding element preform (1) manufacturing method according to claim 9, characterized in that the expansion agent (9) is water, alcohol, a mixture of alcohols or at least two separately stored compounds which, when combined, result in an increase of the volume or in the generation of heat and vapors.
The shielding element preform (1) manufacturing method according to any of claims 7 - 10, characterized in that the valve (5) is a control valve, a safety valve or check valve.
The shielding element preform (1) manufacturing method according to any of claims 7 - 11, characterized in that the edge seal (6a) and/or the circumferential seal (6b) is made by fusion welding, pressure welding, gluing.
The shielding element preform (1) manufacturing method according to any of claims 7 - 12, characterized in that the communication opening (7) is made in the area at a distance away from the central area of the wall (3, 4).
A shielding element (10) manufacturing method characterized in that it comprises steps in which there is provided the shielding element preform (1) as defined in any of claims 1- 6 and subsequently a fluid under pressure is introduced through the valve (5) or there is initiated an increase of the volume or the generation of heat and vapors of the expansion agent (9) for deforming the first wall (3) and/or the second wall (4) by means of the inner pressure of the fluid introduced through the valve (5) or generated as a result of increasing the volume of and/or generating vapors of the expansion agent (9).
The shielding element (10) manufacturing method according to claim 14, characterized in that the increase of the volume or the generation of heat and vapors of the expansion agent (9) is initiated by subjecting the shielding element preform (1) to heating, vibrations or shocks.
The shielding element (10) manufacturing method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the deformation degree of the first wall (3) and/or the second wall (4) is controlled with the valve (5).