GB2318290A

GB2318290A - Water-cooled fire control zone

Info

Publication number: GB2318290A
Application number: GB9622209A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Victor Kernaghan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-10-16
Filing date: 1996-10-16
Publication date: 1998-04-22
Also published as: GB9622209D0

Abstract

A water-cooled fire control zone comprises a sealed metal 1 or glass (13) roof panel through which water may be pumped in the event of a fire and having a lower surface to distribute the water evenly across its surface to maintain a low temperature in the entire zone during a fire. Water flow may be initiated automatically or manually. The panel is preferably preformed for stability and to provide even water distribution. It may also be self-supporting, have flanges 2 for connection to adjacent panels and have torsional reinforcements 4.

Description

WATER COOLED CONTROL ZONE This Invention Relates to a Water Cooled Control Zone Current Building Regulations require that fire resisting compartment walls resist the penetration of flame and conduction of heat for a period of fire resistance up to 6 hours depending upon the nature of the risk and type of building.

There are tested systems available to firestop construction joints (gaps at the head of walls, side elevations and movement joints) and service penetrations (cable trays, ductwork etc).

However, these systems are only effective if the abutting structures (roof and side walls) are constructed to an equal fire rating as the compartment wall, otherwise, 'bum through' will occur.

This problem is particularly evident where fire walls abut 'preformed' roof and wall cladding systems which contain an inner layer of polyurethane type insulation which is combustible and will aliow fire spread through the panels and breach any compartmentation.

Such systems are currently allowed under Building Regulations because the Regulations are only concemed with fire resistance to the extemal, upper surface of the roof deck.

A common solution for this problem is to build a fire resisting control zone, 1.5m out from each side of the wall to protect the under surface of the roof or wall panel.

However, during a fire, such control zones collapse in early stages as they are usually supported by the same steel which supports the roof and in such circumstances the period of realistic fire resistance is limited to the ability of the roof members to resist fire.

The Water Cooled Control Zone, when secured to the head of suitable walls ensures that fire spread cannot occur across the Zone thereby protecting ajoining compartments from the fire zone.

It is self supporting and when the wall upon which it sits is properly firestopped, will ensure a totally firelsmokelair tight compartment.

The Control Zone may be considered as an inherent part of the compartment wall, not subject to collapse when the rest of the roof fails. As it is water cooled, the Control Zone offers iong periods of fire resistance.

As the Control Zone is inherently air tight. A smoke tight compartment can more easily be achieved when firestopped to a suitable standard. This is a sealed water control system which will cause no water damage to stock etc and is ideally suited to buildings containing any water sensitive items.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective the Control Zone in position at the head of a fire wall with suitable firestopping between the top of the wall and underside of the Control Zone.

Figure 2 shows in perspective the Control Zone in relation to the abutting roof panels, the fixing point and any additional insulation if required.

Figure 3 shows a plan of the Control Zone so as to demonstrate water flow.

Figure 4 shows in perspective the Control Zone constructed as a glazed unit.

Referring to the drawings the Control Zone comprises a sealed metal panel 1 or sealed glazed panel 13 through which water may be pumped in the event of a fire, thereby cooling the panel enabling it to resist fire for certain periods of time.

The Control Zone may be linked to a suitable water supply by an inlet breach 10 and outlet breach 12. Water flow may be initiated automatically or manually.

The Control Zone includes connector flanges 2 so as to facilitate joining with other roof sheetslpanels.

The upper surface of the Control Zone is (in the case of metal construction) a preformed metal deck 3 which is reinforced so as to provide tortional stability 4 and render it load bearing. The preformed metal deck 3 also distributes water evenly across the lower panel 1.

In the case of the glazed panel 13, an internal structure 14 is incorporated to distribute water.

The Control Zone is secured internally to the top of walls by a fixing rod 2 which positions the panel and ensures self support.

in the case of the metal version, the entire zone may be over-laid with additional insulation 8 as required and both types may be joined to other roof panels or glazing panels.

In all cases, the junction between the top of walls and underside of the Control Zone must be firestopped with a suitable system 6.

Claims

1) A Water Cooled Control Zone comprises a sealed metal Or glass roof panel, 3m wide by the length of the wall to be protected which is self supporting upon that structure. The lower surface of the Control Zone is designed to allow even distribution of water across its surface in order to maintain a low temperature to the entire Zone during a fire.

2) A Water Cooled Control Zone as claimed in Claim 1 wherein connection flanges are provided each side of the Control Zone to facilitate the connection of various other roof types.

3) A Water Cooled Control Zone as claimed in Claims 1 or 2 wherein (in the case of a metal structure) the upper surface is constructed from a preformed metal panel so as to control the flow of water across the under surface in a regular manner and be load bearing with additional reinforcing fillets to supply tortional support.

4) A Water Cooled Control Zone as claimed in Claims 1, 2 or 3 which has an internal canal system through which water flows connected at both ends of the panel with separation breaches so as to control the flow of water.

5) A Water Cooled Control Zone as claimed in Claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein the Control Zone is secured to the head of a fire wall with an internal fixing rod.

6) A Water Cooled Control Zone substantially as herein with reference to figures 1 - 4 of the accompanying drawings.