GB2317825A

GB2317825A - Fire insulation system e.g. for aircraft

Info

Publication number: GB2317825A
Application number: GB9710584A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Heinrich Schneider; Peter Bechtel; Winfried Schneeberger
Original assignee: Daimler Benz Aerospace AG; G&H Montage GmbH; Gruenzweig und Hartmann AG
Current assignee: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH; Saint Gobain Isover G+H AG; G&H Montage GmbH
Priority date: 1996-09-27
Filing date: 1997-05-22
Publication date: 1998-04-08
Anticipated expiration: 2017-05-22
Also published as: IT236101Y1; GB2317825B; DE19639915A1; ITRM970015U1; ITTO970774A1; IT1293997B1; GB9710584D0

Abstract

A fire-insulation system e.g. for protecting aircraft components against the action of fire, comprises a fireproof metal bulkhead element 13, e.g. of titanium, an insulation element 3 for forming a shield in front of the fireproof bulkhead, and a sheet metal cover 2, e.g. of titanium, integrated into an insulation/ bulkhead member with the insulation element enclosed between the bulkhead element and the cover. As shown, the insulation material 3 contains a silica-based microporous powder enclosed between glass-fibre fabric layers, sewn together to form inclusion sections 5, for the powder.

Description

HIGH-TEMPERATURE INSULATION SYSTEM The present invention relates to an insulation system, in particular for protecting aircraft components against the action of fire, the system comprising bulkhead elements for forming a fireproof bulkhead of metal, insulation elements comprising insulating material for forming an insulation shield arranged in front of the fireproof bulkhead in the direction of fire impact, and respective covers for the insulation elements made of sheet metal or sheet material.

Lightweight materials, such as aluminum or composite carbonfiber materials, are increasingly used in modern aircraft constructions, also for supporting subassemblies, such as fuselage frames. Components which consist of such materials do not sufficiently withstand the action of flames and heat caused, for instance, by engine fires, and measures have to be taken for protecting the corresponding components against the action of fire.

In an insulation system which has so far been used for this purpose, a fireproof bulkhead composed of bulkhead elements is first of all erected in front of the component to be protected, with steel or titanium sheet metal plates being preferably used as bulkhead elements. After the fireproof bulkhead has been erected, an insulation shield which is composed of individual insulation elements comprising layers of insulating material is provided on the fireproof bulkhead. The insulation elements are lagged on both sides with a sheet of stainless steel, titanium or metal-coated plastics, the insulating material layer being enclosed in the sheet material.

Hence, the fireproof bulkhead and the insulation shield must be mounted successively for assembling such a known insulation/ bulkhead shield; as regards precautions taken for fastening the bulkhead and insulation elements, for instance, to carrier members connected to the component to be shielded, specific manufacturing tolerances have to be observed with respect to the carrier members, the bulkhead elements and the insulation elements. Moreover, the flexible insulation elements must be secured to a relative great number of places to ensure an adequate strength of the fire preventing cover, also under vibratory action.

In comparison with the prior art the present invention provides for an improved insulation system which is characterized in that a bulkhead element, an insulation element and a sheet metal/sheet cover are respectively integrated into an insulation/bulkhead element as the structural element for a fireproof cover, with the insulation element being enclosed between the bulkhead element and the sheet metal/sheet cover.

The mounting efforts required for the erection of the abovedescribed fireproof covers are considerably reduced thanks to this inventive solution in that it is only the integrated insulation/bulkhead elements that have to be composed to form a protective wall. As far as fastening precautions are concerned, for instance fastening holes, manufacturing tolerances need no longer be observed separately for bulkhead and insulation elements, whereby the manufacturing costs for the insulation system are reduced. The integrated insulation/bulkhead elements are very stable, with strength problems that arise from the flexibility of the insulation element being particularly solved by the inclusion of the insulation element between the sheet metal/sheet cover and the bulkhead element. Moreover, the insulation system of the invention leads to weight advantages in that one layer of sheet can be dispensed with in comparison with the insulation system according to the prior art, since the insulation elements need no longer be provided at both sides but only at one side with the sheet metal/sheet cover.

Depending on the demand made on protection or/and depending on the maximally admissible weight of the fireproof cover, bulkhead elements of titanium or stainless steel are preferably used. Titanium or stainless steel, in particular chromiumnickel steel, can also be used as the material for the sheet metal/sheet cover.

For instance, ceramic fiber materials, in particular based on A1203-SiO2, are suited as the insulating material. Moreover, a flexible, microporous insulation material, in particular based on Sio2, can be used as the insulating material.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the insulation elements are enclosed between opposite layers of glass fabric, the glass fabric layers being sewn together to form inclusion sections for the insulating material. Even under strong vibratory action it is ensured, particularly by the division into inclusion sections, that even powder-like insulating material is kept on the spot and thus remains homogeneously distributed over the insulation shield.

In another preferred embodiment the sheet metal/sheet cover and the bulkhead element are welded together on their outer edges, preferably by a continuously surrounding seam. In the case of material combinations for bulkhead and cover that are not suited for welding, the sheet metal/sheet cover and the bulkhead element can be connected in a joining method, in particular by folding or riveting.

In another preferred embodiment the bulkhead element is designed as a sheet metal plate and the insulation element is withdrawn with respect to the edge of the sheet metal plate, with the sheet metal/sheet cover abutting on the edge of the insulation element and being connected to the sheet metal plate to form a stepped edge of the integrated insulation/bulkhead element which corresponds to the withdrawn or receded portion.

Thanks to this receded portion of the insulation element, there is enough space at the edge of the insulation/bulkhead element for connecting the sheet metal/sheet cover to the bulkhead element so that, for instance, the sheet metal/sheet cover can be bent or folded over an adequate length around the edge of the bulkhead element.

In another advantageous development of the invention, the integrated insulation/bulkhead element may comprise an overlap sheet projecting beyond the edge of the element for covering the joint area relative to a neighboring insulation/bulkhead element. On account of this overlap sheet, which is preferably welded to the sheet metal/sheet cover, an additional shielding effect is achieved in the joint area where joints must be left for reasons of heat expansion. In particular, this overlap sheet extends at least over the width of a groove formed between neighboring insulation/bulkhead elements substantially by the stepped edges thereof.

Moreover, a ceramic fiber seal which is arranged between neighboring insulation/bulkhead elements and which has, in particular, the shape of a rope further enhances the insulating effect. The cross-section of the rope-like seal is preferably in accordance with the groove formed by the stepped edge. An efficient insulation in the joint areas of the integrated insulation/bulkhead elements can be achieved through such a flexible ceramic fiber seal also in the case of joint widths which change due to heat expansion.

To further increase the degree of integration of the insulation system, the ceramic fiber seal may advantageously be connected to the insulation/bulkhead element, with a rope-like seal being connectable to the insulation/bulkhead element, in particular through at least one sheet strip that grips over the rope-like seal. The sheet strip is advantageously welded at one end ot the edge of the insulation/bulkhead element and, at the other end, to the overlap sheet. Alternatively, the rope-like seal may be clamped by the overlap sheet into the stepped edge portion. The assembling efforts required for erecting an insulation can further be reduced by using such structural members already containing the ceramic fiber seal.

The sheet metal/sheet cover is preferably provided with a vent hole through which air pressures can be compensated for when the integrated insulation/bulkhead elements are used in aircrafts. This vent hole may expediently be grated to prevent fibers of the insulating material from being washed out. Apart from the grating, or as a sole measure, there may be provided a cover for that purpose above the vent hole, with only a small opening slot remaining between the cover and the sheet metal/sheet cover.

Further advantageous possibilities of design according to the invention follow from the subclaims.

The present invention will now be explained and described in more detail with reference to embodiments and the enclosed drawings referring to said embodiments, in which: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an integrated insulation/ bulkhead element according to the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a fireproof cover composed of insulation/ bulkhead elements according to the present invention; Fig. 3 is a sectional illustration of an integrated insulation/bulkhead element according to the invention in the edge portion thereof according to line A-A of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 shows a fastening point of an insulation/bulkhead element according to the invention on a carrier member connected to a structural member to be protected, in a sectional view according to line B-B of Fig. 2; Fig. 5 shows the fastening point of Fig. 4 in a sectional view perpendicular to the sectional view of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a sectional view of a joint between insulation/ bulkhead elements of the invention which adjoin one another in the insulation wall of Fig. 2, according to line C-C of Fig. 2, the ceramic fiber seals arranged between the adjoining insulation/bulkhead elements; and Fig. 7 is an illustration similar to the view of Fig. 6 with a ceramic fiber seal which is an alternative to the ceramic fiber seals of Fig. 6.

In Fig. 1, reference numeral 1 designates a bulkhead element made from a titanium sheet-metal plate 13, which in the illustrated embodiment has a rectangular shape. Instead of such a rectangular shape, the sheet metal plate could have any desired shape according to the requirements of the structural member to be shielded. The use of a titanium bulkhead provides for an effective protection against propagating flames at a low weight. Depending on the demands made on an insulation to be produced, the bulkhead could also be made from another material, such as stainless steel.

In Fig. 1, reference numeral 2 designates a titanium sheet which, as will later be explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 3, is connected to the titanium sheet-metal plate 13 by a folded connection surrounding the edge of plate 13.

An insulation element 3 is enclosed between the titanium sheetmetal plate 13 and the titanium sheet 2. The insulation element 3 has such an extension that it is slightly withdrawn or receded relative to the edges of the titanium sheet-metal plate 13, so that a surrounding stepped edge 4 is formed by the titanium sheet 2 abutting on the insulation layer edge and by the folded connection of the titanium sheet 2 to the titanium sheet-metal plate 13. As a result of this receded portion, there is enough folding width at the edge of the titanium sheet-metal plate 13 for establishing a sufficiently stable connection between the titanium sheet-metal plate 13 and the titanium sheet 2 by way of bending or folding.

In the illustrated embodiment the insulation layer 3 contains an insulating material which is formed by a microporous powder based on SiO2 and which is available under the trade name MINILEIT. The powder-like insulating material is enclosed between opposite fabric layers of glass fiber material, with the fabric layers being sewn together to form inclusion sections 5. The powder-like insulating material is kept on the spot thanks to this sectionwise sewing of the fabric layers, and it remains evenly distributed over the area of the illustrated insulation/bulkhead element even under strong vibratory impacts.

A vent hole 6 is provided in the titanium sheet 2 approximately in the center portion of the insulation/bulkhead element. A cover plate 7, which is partly shown in section, is provided above the vent hole 6, which is grated in the illustrated embodiment, the cover plate 7 just leaving a slotted edge opening 8 which ensures a connection between the outer surroundings and the grated vent hole 6. When the illustrated structural member is installed in an aircraft, the vent hole 6 serves pressure compensating purposes. Both the grating, which is formed by a fine-meshed grate arranged on the inside of the structural member behind the titanium sheet 2, and the sheetmetal cover 7 prevent insulating material from being washed out by inflowing and outflowing air currents.

As illustrated at 9, the titanium sheet 2 has an embossed portion formed by depressions, which helps to stabilize the illustrated insulation/bulkhead element in that the titanium sheet 2 is stiffened by this embossed portion on the one hand and in that a reliable mounting of the enclosed insulation layer 3 inside the insulation/structural element is ensured by knobs which have been formed by the depressions and project inwardly towards the insulation layer 3.

Reference is now made to Fig. 2 which shows a fireproof cover composed of integrated insulation/bulkhead elements for a fuselage frame of an aircraft including engines arranged inside the frame. The insulation protects the fuselage frame against the action of fire from the engine room and comprises insulation/bulkhead elements la-le which in compliance with spatial demands have contours differing from that of the reactangular insulation/bulkhead element shown in Fig. 1. The insulation/bulkhead elements lb-le adjoin an air inlet opening 10 through which air can be supplied to an engine located behind the opening in the direction of flow. The + crosses mark fastening points by way of example for the insulation/bulkhead elements lb, lc and ld for fastening said elements, the fastening points constituting places where said insulation/bulkhead elements are connected to carrier members (not visible in Fig. 1) which, in turn, are mounted on the fuselage frame to be protected. The insulation/bulkhead elements lc and ld have penetrations for members 11 and 12 which project from the fuselage frame and need here not be described in more detail.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3 which shows an edge portion of the insulation/bulkhead element ld according to section A-A of Fig. 2 by way of example for all edge portions of the insulation/bulkhead elements la-le.

An insulation layer 3d is enclosed between a titanium sheetmetal plate 13d, which serves as a bulkhead element, and a titanium sheet 2d. The titanium sheet 2d has an embossing including depressions 9d. The insulation layer 3d is provided with opposite glass fabric layers 14 and 15 which are interconnected by seams, of which seams 16 and 17 are visible in Fig. 3. The seams form sections which are filled with insulating material, namely with the insulating material described with reference to Fig. 1.

In Fig. 3 reference numeral 18 designates a folded connection between the titanium sheet-metal plate 13d and the titanium sheet 2d. Since the insulation layer 3d is withdrawn relative to the edge of the titanium sheet-metal plate 18d, there is enough space for the folded connection, so that opposite folding legs 19 and 20 of the titanium sheet 2d can be formed with a sufficient width. Instead of the folded connection, it would also be possible to form a weld joint, for instance, by means of a continuously surrounding seam or by a spot-welded seam, or to establish a connection in another joining method, such as riveting or through a so-called Tog-L-Log method, between the titanium sheet 2d and the titanium sheet-metal plate 13d.

Reference is now made to Figs. 4 and 5, of which Fig. 4 shows a fastening point by way of example for all fastening points according to section B-B for the insulation/bulkhead element ld of Fig. 2.

At the fastening point, the insulation/bulkhead element 1d has a recess 21 which is arranged coaxial to a fastening opening 22 of the insulation/bulkhead element ld. The recess 21 is formed in that the insulation layer 3d is withdrawn relative to opening 22. The titanium sheet 2d is connected around the opening edge of opening 22 to the titanium sheet metal plate 13d in a similar manner by means of a folded connection as has been established according to Fig. 3 between sheet 2d and titanium sheet-metal plate 13d at the edge of the insulation/bulkhead element ld.

In Fig. 4, reference numeral 23 designates a fastening angle including legs 28 and 29, of which leg 28 is connected via rivets 24 and 25 to a web 26 which projects from the fuselage frame (which is not shown). A layer 27 of an insulating material is arranged between leg 28 and web 26. A tongue-andgroove type mounting 31 including a two-legged snap-type tongue 32 is provided on leg 29 at the exit of a bore 30 provided in leg 29. The tongue-and-groove type mounting 31 is secured to leg 29 via rivets 33 and 61. A fastening button 34 having a head member 35 and a pin member 36 is guided through the opening 22 of the insulation/bulkhead element ld and the bore 30 in leg 29. The pin member 36 comprises tangential locking grooves 38 and 39 provided at an end of a conical tip member 37 for the legs of the snap-type tongue 32. The head 35 of the fastening button 34 is provided with a screwdriver engagement slot 40.

The leg 29 of the angle 23 and the insulation/bulkhead element ld have arranged thereinbetween a further insulation layer 41 of insulating material with a passage for the pin member 36 of the fastening button 34. A spring washer 42 is provided between the head 40 and the bottom of the recess 21 of the insulation/bulkhead element ld, the bottom comprising fastening opening 22.

Reference is now made to Fig. 6 which shows a joint area between the adjoining insulation/bulkhead elements 1b and lc according to section C-C of Fig. 2 by way of example for all joint areas.

In Fig. 6, reference numeral 26b designates a web which projects from the fuselage frame and which has mounted thereon, via fastening means (not shown), a T-shaped support member 43 comprising a longitudinal leg 44 and a transverse leg 45. An insulating material layer 27b is arranged between web 26b and longitudinal leg 44.

As can be gathered from Fig. 6, the insulation/bulkhead elements 1b and lc rest each with their edges on the transverse leg 45 of the T-shaped support member 43, thereby forming a joint 46.

Reference numerals 47 and 48 designate rope-like seals of a ceramic fiber material which fill a groove formed substantially by the stepped edges of the adjoining insulation/ bulkhead elements lb and Ic. This groove is covered by overlap sheets 49 and 50 which extend from opposite edges of the insulation/bulkhead elements lb and lc and are connected to the titanium sheet 2b and 2c, respectively, of said insulation/bulkhead elements by spot welding. Between these overlap sheets 49, 50, which are also made from titantium sheet, each of the rope-like seals 47 and 48 can be clamped into the stepped portion on the edge of the structural member and can be supplied in this state together with the insulation/bulkhead element.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 for illustrating a joint area, like members are designated, like in the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, with like reference numerals, which are however provided with a prime mark.

The embodiment differs from the preceding embodiment by the feature that a single rope-like seal 60 is arranged between the adjoining insulation/bulkhead elements lb' and lc'.

Furthermore, there is just provided a single overlap sheet 51 which bridges the groove formed by the stepped edge between the insulation/bulkhead elements lb' and lc'. The rope-like seal 60 is connected to the insulation/bulkhead element lc' via a sheet strip 52 which is welded at one end to the edge of the insulation/bulkhead element lc' and at the other end to the overlap sheet 51. The overlap sheet 51 is connected by spot welding to the insulation/bulkhead element lcF, whereby both the rope-like seal 60 and the overlap sheet 51 become an integral part of the insulation/bulkhead element Ic'.

To produce the fireproof cover shown in Fig. 2, the insulation/bulkhead elements la-le are mounted at correspondingly prepared fastening points with the aid of fastening buttons 34 which need just be pressed through the fastening opening and bore 30 and the above-mentioned passage opening into the insulation layer 41 until tongue 32 snaps into locking grooves 38 and 39. Fastening points, which correspond to Figs. 4 and 5, are provided in a corresponding number and arrangement, taking into account the given fastening requirements. All dimensions of the structural members are adapted to the fastening points in such a manner that the structural members abut on the transverse leg of a T-shaped support element 43 with their edges forming joint 46 at a constant width.

In cases where the rope-like seals are already connected beforehand to the insulation/bulkhead elements to be assembled, no additional sealing work is required in the joint area during assembly.

The insulation wall which is formed by assembling the insulation/bulkhead elements la-le can easily be disassembled by turning the fastening button 34 by 90 , whereby the legs of the snap-type tongue 32 can be brought out of engagement with grooves 38 and 39 and the button can be removed from the bore 30 and the fastening opening 22.

The additional insulation layers 27 and 41 largely reduce a direct heat transfer by heat conduction from the fireproof cover formed by the insulation/bulkhead elements to the fuselage frame to be shielded.

Depending on the selection of the material and the material thicknesses for the bulkhead element, the insulation element and the sheet metal/sheet cover, different fire preventing standards can be complied with, such as standard MIL-I-83294 which is applicable to a fireproof bulkhead and standard MIL-I8776 which is applicable to an insulating shield. For instance, a fireproof cover composed of the inventive insulation/ bulkhead elements can withstand flames having a temperature of 1,100 C for a period of 5 to 15 mintues, with maximum surface temperatures of 100C being observed at the side to be protected.

Claims

Patent Claims

1. An insulation system, in particular for protecting aircraft vehicles against the action of fire, comprising bulkhead elements (13) for forming a fireproof bulkhead of metal, insulation elements (3) comprising insulating material for forming an insulation shield arranged in front of said fireproof bulkhead in the direction of fire impact, and respective covers (2) for said insulation elements (3) made of sheet metal or/and sheet material, characterized in that a bulkhead element (13), an insulation element (3) and a sheet metal/sheet cover (2) are respectively integrated into an insulation/bulkhead element (1) as a structural member for a fireproof cover, with said insulation element (3) being enclosed between said bulkhead element (13) and said sheet metal/sheet cover (2).

2. The insulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that there are provided bulkhead elements of titanium or/and stainless steel.

3. The insulation system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that there are provided covers of titanium or/and stainless steel sheet, in particular a chromium-nickel steel sheet.

4. The insulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said insulation material comprises a ceramic fiber material, in particular based on Al203-SiO2.

5. The insulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the insulating material comprises a flexible microporous insulating material, in particular based on Six2.

6. The insulation system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that said insulation elements (3) comprise opposite layers (14, 15) of glass fabric between which said insulating material is enclosed.

7. The insulation system according to claim 6, characterized in that said glass fabric layers (14, 15) are sewn to one another to form inclusion sections (5) for the insulating material.

8. The insulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said sheet metal/sheet cover and said bulkhead element are welded on their outer edges, preferably by a continuously surrounding seam.

9. The insulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said integrated insulation/bulkhead element (1) has an overlap sheet (49-51) projecting beyond the edge thereof for covering a joint area relative to a neighboring insulation/bulkhead element.

10. The insulation system according to claim 9, characterized in that said overlap sheet (49-51) is connected to said sheet metal/sheet cover (2), in particular, by spot welding.

11. The insulation system according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said overlap sheet (51) extends at least over the width of a groove formed substantially by stepped edges (5) between neighboring insulation/bulkhead elements (1).

12. The insulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a ceramic fiber seal which is particularly formed as a rope-like seal (47, 48, 60) is arranged between neighboring insulation/bulkhead elements of an insulation/bulkhead wall composed of insulation/bulkhead elements.

13. The insulation system according to claim 12, characterized in that said rope-like seal (47, 48, 60) is adapted with respect to its cross-section to the groove.

14. The insulation system according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that said ceramic fiber seal (47, 48, 60) is connected to the integrated insulation/bulkhead element (lb, lc, lc' ) .

15. The insulation system according to any of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that said rope-like seal (60) is connected to said insulation/bulkhead element (lc') via at least one sheet strip (52) which grips over said rope-like seal (60).

16. The insulation system according to claim 15, characterized in that said sheet strip (52) is welded at one end to the edge of said insulation/bulkhead element (it') and at the other end to said overlap sheet (51).

17. The insulation system according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that said rope-like seal (47, 48) is clamped by said overlap sheet (49, 50) in said stepped edge.

18. The insulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that said sheet metal/sheet cover (2) is provided with at least one vent hole (6).

19. The insulation system according to claim 18, characterized in that said vent hole (6) is grated and/or provided with a cover (7) to form a slotted opening (8) between said sheet metal/sheet cover (2) and said cover (7).

20. The insulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that said sheet metal/sheet cover (2) has an embossed profile (9).

21. The insulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that said sheet metal/sheet cover and said bulkhead element are connected in a joining method, in particular by folding or riveting.

22. The insulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterised in that said integrated insulation/bulkhead element (ld) comprises fastening openings (22), said sheet metal/sheet cover being connected around the opening edge to said bulkhead element (ld).

23. The insulation system according to claim 22, characterised in that for fastening the integrated insulation/bulkhead element (1) to a carrier member (23) a fastening button (34) can be pressed through said fastening opening (22) with a pin member (36) including a locking groove (38,39) into locking engagement with a locking element (32) provided on said carrier member (23).

24. The insulation system according to claim 23, characterised in that said locking groove (38,39) is formed as a tangential incision in such a manner that said locking element (32) can be brought out of engagement with said locking groove (38,39) by turning said fastening button (34).

24. The insulation system according to any one of the claims 1 to 24, characterised in that T-shaped support elements (43) are provided in the joint area for supporting the integrated insulation/bulkhead elements (lb,lc).

26. The insulation system according to claim 1, substantially as described with reference to any of Figures 1 to 7.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as tollows 1. An insulation system, formed of assembly units, for forming a fire proof bulkhead, for protecting aircraft components against the action of fire, wherein each of said assembly units comprise a bulkhead element, an insulation element which comprises insulation material, and a cover1 and wherein said insulation element is totally enclosed by said bulkhead element and said cover so as to form an integrated assembly unit.

2. An insulation system according to claim 1, wherein said bulkhead element consists of metal, and said cover is made of sheet metal and/or sheet material.

3. An insulation system according to claim 2, wherein said metal of said bulkhead element is titanium and/or stainless steel.

4. An insulation system according to claim 2, wherein said cover is made of titanium and/or stainless steel sheet.

5. An insulation system according to claim 4, wherein said stainless steel sheet is a chromium-nickel steel sheet.

6. An insulation steel system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said insulation material comprises a ceramic fiber material.

7. An insulation system according to claim 6, wherein said ceramic fiber material is based on AL203-SiO2.

8. An insulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the insulating material comprises a flexible microporous insulating material.

9. An insulation system according to claim 8, wherein said flexible microporous insulating material is based on SiO2.

10. An insulating system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said insulation elements comprise opposite layers of glass fabric between which said insulating material is enclosed.

11. An insulating system according to claim 10, wherein said glass fabric layers are sewn to one another to form inclusion sections for the insulating material.

12. An insulating system according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein said sheet metal cover and said bulkhead element are welded on their outer edges.

13. An insulating system according to claim 12, wherein the weld is a continuously surrounding seam.

14. An insulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said integrated unit has an overlap sheet projecting beyond the edge thereof for covering a joint area relative to a neighbouring unit.

15. An insulation system according to claim 14, wherein said overlap sheet is connected to said sheet metal/sheet cover.

16. An insulation system according to claim 15, wherein said overlap sheet is spot welded to said metal/sheet cover.

17. An insulation system according to one of the claims 14 to 16, wherein said overlap sheet extends at least over the width of a groove formed substantially by stepped edges between neighbouring units.

18. An insulation system according to any one of the claims 1 to 17, wherein a ceramic fiber seal is arranged between neighbouring bulkhead elements of an wall composed of units.

19. An insulation system according to claim 18, wherein said ceramic fiber seal is particularly formed as a ropelike seal.

20. An insulation system according to claim 19, wherein the cross-section of said rope-like seal corresponds to the width of the groove formed substantially by stepped edges between neighbouring units.

21. An insulation system according to any of claims 18 to 20, wherein said ceramic fiber seal is connected to the integrated unit.

22. An insulation system according to any of claims 19 to 21, wherein said rope-like seal is connected to said unit via at least one sheet strip which grips over said ropelike seal.

23. An insulation system according to claim 22, wherein said sheet strip is welded at one end to the edge of said unit and at the other end to said overlap sheet.

24. An insulation system according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein said rope-like seal is clamped by said overlap sheet in said stepped edge.

25. An insulation system according to any one of claims 2 to 24, wherein said sheet metal/sheet cover is provided with at least, one vent hole.

26. An insulation system according to claim 25, wherein said vent hole is grated and/or provided with a cover to form a slotted opening between said sheet metal/sheet cover and said cover.

27. An insulation system according to any one of claims 2 to 26, wherein said sheet metal/sheet cover has an embossed profile.

28. An insulation system according to any one of claims 2 to 26, wherein said sheet metal/sheet cover and said bulkhead element are connected by folding or riveting.

29. An insulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein said integrated unit comprises fastening openings, said sheet metal/sheet cover being connected around the opening edge to said bulkhead element.

30. An insulation system according to claim 29, wherein for fastening the integrated unit to a carrier member a fastening button can be pressed through said fastening opening with a pin member including a locking groove into locking engagement with a locking element provided on said carrier member.

31. An insulation system according to claim 30, wherein said locking groove is formed as a tangential incision in such a manner that said locking element can be brought out of engagement with said locking groove by turning said fastening button.

32. An insulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein T-shaped support elements are provided in the joint area for supporting the integrated units.

33. An insulation system substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.