GB2564116A

GB2564116A - Fire resistant glazing assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2564116A
Application number: GB1710665.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Auth Matthias; Siebert Guido; Grunzel Helga; Poersch Andreas
Original assignee: Pilkington Group Ltd
Current assignee: Pilkington Group Ltd
Priority date: 2017-07-03
Filing date: 2017-07-03
Publication date: 2019-01-09
Also published as: GB201710665D0

Abstract

The assembly has hollow-chamber profiles 14a and glazing retaining means 32 forming a window or door frame, the profiles each including at least one sub-chamber 20 and a reinforcement component 26, the sub chambers and reinforcement component extending along the length of each profile. The profile is made of a heat meltable material such as plastic or aluminum. The reinforcement component and the glazing retaining means may be galvanized steel, and be connected by screw, bolts or pins 34. The sub chambers may be filled with a fire resistant or fire cooling material 20a. The assembly forms a fire resistant barrier, which is at least 15% by weight of the profiles total weight. The fire resistant or cooling material may be wood, gypsum, aerated material or intumescent material. Also claimed is a method of manufacture and a kit of parts.

Description

The present invention relates to fire-resistant glazing assemblies particularly, fire-resistant glazing assemblies for buildings such as doors and windows.

Fire resistant glazing assemblies such as windows and doors are typically comprised of metal profiles such as steel, because steel profiles generally require considerably higher temperatures to soften or melt. As a result, such metal fire resistant glazing assemblies have traditionally been used over profiles comprised of less heat resistant material such as plastics material or aluminium, especially in situations were increased fire resistant properties are required of a glazing assembly.

However, there are a number of drawbacks associated with the use of metal profiles for fire resistant glazing assemblies. For example, metal profiles offer poor thermal insulation, are more costly to produce, are often heavier to use and also have limited options when it comes to aesthetic variation.

Whilst the use of heat meltable materials such as plastics material and aluminium in fireresistant glazing assemblies offer a number of advantages, difficulties still arise when using glazing assemblies comprised of such heat meltable material. For example, since fire resistant glazing assemblies such as windows and doors comprised of plastic material generally deform and melt at a lower temperatures compared with metal glazing assemblies, and since the glazing itself is the heaviest structure in a glazing assembly, in the event of a fire, when the plastic material assembly is exposed to heat, the plastic profiles typically melt and deform to such an extent that the glazing often simply falls out of the glazing assembly. Consequently, glazing assemblies comprised of plastic material typically fail fire glazing safety tests after 60 minutes (EI60) or 30 minutes (El 30).

Attempts have been made to overcome the perceived weakness of heat meltable materials such as plastic material in fire-resistant glazing assemblies by reinforcing the plastics material profile used to form the glazing structure.

For example, in EP 2177701 there is described a casement window or framework for a fire-resistant window or a fire resistant door in which the casement window or framework comprises at least four hollow chamber profiles based on PVC-U, as well as a fire resistant insert mounted in the casement window or framework respectively. The hollow chamber profiles based on PVC-U possess a metal central reinforcement chamber as well as further hollow chambers.

Likewise, in EP 2365148 Al there is described a curtain wall comprising a frame of plastic box profiles with steel reinforcements and glazing with a plurality of window panes with rims attached to the front side of each box profile. A bridge element is present between the rims of the window panes, and a first extremity of the bridge element is connected to the box profile and a second extremity of the bridge element is connected to a clamp sill which presses the window panes against the box profile.

GB 2309728 describes a frame member which is formed of a non-combustible rigid filler sheet supported within a surrounding support frame. The support frame comprises lengths of a structural frame member jointed together. The structural frame member also includes an elongate body extruded from a heat meltable material. The frame assembly is able to achieve a fire rating of 30 minutes. In addition, a rigid reinforcing member is provided to support the extruded frame member.

In GB 2442733 there is described a fire resistant door frame assembly which comprises at least two structural frame members of heat meltable material, at least two rigid noncombustible reinforcing members, and a fixing bracket secured to an end of at least one of the reinforcing members by spot-welding to form a comer post member. One of the frame members may be fastened to the fixing bracket by a mechanical fastener. In addition, an intumescent material strip is provided internally along a bottom edge of the door frame. The frame members are comprised of polyvinylchloride-unplastercised (PVC-U) and the reinforcing members may be comprised of galvanised steel.

When producing fire-resistant glazings, it is important that there are no fire-breaks that is, gaps through which a fire can leak', if this occurs the fire-resistant glazings assembly will fail. In addition when the fire-resistant glazing comprises intumescent material, when the intumescent material expands (usually at temperatures of between 100 to 150 °C) it is desirable that the pressure imparted onto the glazing assembly does not cause a structural physical failing of the door or window assembly.

Furthermore, it is desirable that if intumescent material is used, it is not damaged within the frame assembly during normal everyday use. If such damage occurs, then in the event of a fire, the damaged intumescent material may fail, resulting in failure of the whole frame assembly.

The present invention therefore seeks to provide a fire-resistant glazing assembly comprised of heat meltable or combustible material which is able to meet required safety protocols whilst still providing a viable alternative to traditional metal glazing assemblies.

In relation to the present invention, the term ‘heat meltable’ material relates to thermoplastic material, known as thermoplasts. Thermoplastic material is a plastic polymer, which becomes soft when heated and hard when cooled. Thermoplastic materials may be cooled and heated several times without any change in their chemistry or mechanical properties. When thermoplastics are heated, they melt to a liquid.

The term ‘combustible’ material relates to duroplastic material known duraplasts. Duroplastic material is composite thermosetting plastic. Such materials are often resin plastic reinforced with fibers (either cotton or wool), and are therefore known as glass fibre-reinforced plastic material (GFRP), similar to fiberglass. Carbon fibre reinforced polymer CRP materials, only partly combust when heated.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a fire-resistant glazing assembly comprised of heat meltable or combustible material which demonstrates enhanced durability in the event of a fire.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a fire resistant glazing assembly, said assembly comprising:

i) a framework of hollow-chamber profiles based on heat meltable or combustible material; and ii) a glazing retaining means;

wherein each hollow chamber profile comprises:

a) one or more sub-chambers;

b) a reinforcement component; and

c) a first fire-resistant barrier; wherein wherein the reinforcement component, the fire resistant barrier and the one or more subchambers extend along each hollow chamber profile length; and wherein the first fire resistant barrier comprises at least 15% by weight of the total weight of the hollowchamber profiles.

More preferably the first fire resistant barrier comprises at least 30% or 40% by weight of the total weight of the hollow-chamber profiles. Even more preferably, the first fire resistant barrier comprises at least 60% by weight of the total weight of the hollowchamber profiles or even 70% by weight of the total weight of the hollow-chamber profiles . Most preferably, the first fire resistant barrier comprises at least 80% by weight of the total weight of the hollow-chamber profiles.

In relation to the present invention, the amount of the first fire resistant barrier present by weight in the hollow-chamber profiles will depend to some extent on the density of the first fire resistant barrier. For example, for first fire resistant barrier material with a density of less than or equal to 1, the amount of first fire resistant barrier material present by weight may comprise at least 15% by weight of the total weight of the hollow-chamber profiles. Alternatively, when the first fire resistant barrier material comprises a density of greater than 1, the amount of first fire resistant barrier material present by weight may comprise at least 30% by weight of the total weight of the hollow-chamber profiles.

Also in relation to the fire resistant glazing assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, the reinforcement component may be preferably connected to the glazing retaining means.

The heat meltable or combustible material may comprise a material such as aluminium or plastics material. The plastics material may be selected from the group comprising: un-plasticised polyvinylchloride (UPVC), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polystyrene, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamides, polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyoxymethylene (POM); phenyl ether polymers (PPE); polyphenylene sulfide (PPS); polyether ether ketone (PEEK); polysulfone (PSU); polyphenyl sulfone (PPSU), polyethersulfone (PES); SPS; polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polybenzimidazol (PBI), polyaryls; polyesters; aromatic polyamides such as poly methacrylamide (PMI); partly fluorized polymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PFTE), perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA); polymers including acrylates; polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) ; styrene acrylonitrile resin copolymer (SAN), polymethacrylamide (PMI), wood, high density fiber board, medium density fiberboard; celluloses, lignin; composites such as wood-plastic-composites (WPC), fiberglass, aramid-fiber reinforced polymer (AFK); natural-fibre reinforced polymers (NFK); basalt fiber reinforced polymers, boron-fibre reinforced metals and polyamide reinforced polymers.

For the polyaryl compounds which comprise aromatic rings linked via oxygen or sulfur atoms or CO or SO2 groups, these include: polyphenylene sulfides, polyethersulfones and polyether ketones.

Aromatic polyesters (poly aryl ales) and polyamides (poly arami des) include for example, poly-m-phenvlene isophthalamide (PMI)

Heterocyclic polymers include for example polyimides, polybenzimidazoles and polyetherimides.

Fluoropolymers include for example polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or perfluoroalkoxy I al kane (P FA).

It is also preferred that the glazing retaining means extends along the length of each side of the glazing.

The glazing retaining means preferably comprises a material which is resilient in the event of a fire for example, a metal such as steel or galvanized steel.

The glazing retaining means may comprise for example a series of screws or bolts or pins.

Alternatively, the glazing retaining means may comprise one or more brackets which extend at least in part around an edge of each side of the glazing. That is, one or more brackets are used around each edge of a pane of glass to hold the glass in place in the event of a fire, and during which, the integrity of the framework of hollow chamber profiles is compromised.

The one or more brackets may extend continuously along each side of the glazing. Alternatively, there may be intermittent breaks between a number of brackets used in series. It is preferable however, that the reinforcement component is comprised of a material which is resilient in the event of a fire such as a metal. More preferably, the reinforcement component is comprised of for example metal, preferably steel or galvanized steel.

Also in relation to the fire resistant glazing assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention, the reinforcement component preferably forms a second fire resistant barrier.

The inventors of the present invention have found that the extent to which the reinforcement component extends across each hollow profile width has a beneficial effect on the strength and hence fire resistance of the glazing assembly. This is especially the case when the reinforcement component is secured to the glazing retaining means. The extension of the reinforcement component along the length of the extruded hollow chamber profile and also across the width of the hollow chamber profile means that the reinforcement means either alone or when secured to the glazing retaining results in a second fire resistant barrier for the glazing assembly.

The second fire resistant barrier formed by the reinforcement component may preferably extend across each hollow profile width by 15 % or more. More preferably, the second fire resistant barrier formed by the reinforcement component extends across each hollow profile width by 30 % or 40% or more. Even more preferably, the second fire resistant barrier formed by the reinforcement component extends across each hollow profile width by 50 % or more. Yet more preferably, the second fire resistant barrier formed by the reinforcement component extends across each hollow profile width by 70 % or more. Most preferably however, the second fire resistant barrier formed by the reinforcement component extends across each hollow profile width by 80 % or more.

The reinforcement component may be substantially centrally located with the hollowchamber profiles. Alternatively, the reinforcement component may be located towards the outer periphery of the hollow-chamber profiles.

In addition, the reinforcement component is preferably secured to the glazing retaining means. The reinforcement component may preferably be secured to the glazing retaining means by screws, and/or pins and/or bolts and/or plates and/or clips. However, it is again preferred that the screws, and/or pins and/or bolts and/or plates and/or clips are comprised of metal such as steel or galvanized steel and are therefore resilient to damage in the event of a fire.

It is also preferred that the first fire-resistant barrier comprises fire-resistant material. The fire-resistant barrier material may comprise for example: wood, gypsum-based material, lightweight materials comprising hollow bubbles, fire resilient material for example materials based on alkali silicates and/or earth alkaline silicates and/or aluminium silicates, or an intumescent material.

The first fire-resistant barrier material is preferably located within one or more subchambers. In addition, the first fire-resistant barrier material within each of the one or more sub-chambers preferably completely fills the one or more sub-chambers.

Also, the one or more sub-chambers filled with fire-resistant barrier material is/are preferably substantially centrally located within the hollow-chamber profiles.

In relation to the first aspect of the present invention, the resistant glazing assembly preferably comprises a fixed glazing area and/or at least a panel and/or at least a door and/or a window.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for preparing a fire resistant glazing assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention comprising the steps of

i) preparing a framework of hollow-chamber profiles based on heat meltable and/or combustible material;

ii) providing a glazing;

iii) securing the glazing with the framework using a glazing retaining means;

iv) providing along each hollow chamber profile length:

a) one or more sub-chambers;

b) a reinforcement component; and

c) a first fire-resistant barrier to an extent of at least 15% by weight of the total weight of the hollow-chamber profiles; and

v) optionally connecting the reinforcement component to the glazing retaining means.

All features described above in relation to the first aspect of the present invention also apply in relation to the second aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for preparing a fire resistant glazing assembly according to the first aspect of the present invention comprising:

i) a framework of hollow-chamber profiles based on heat meltable or combustible material;

ii) a glazing;

iii) a glazing retaining means;

iv) a reinforcement component; and

v) a fire resilient material to form a first fire-resistant barrier such that when the kit is assembled the reinforcement component, the first fire resistant barrier and the one or more sub-chambers extend along each hollow chamber profile length; and the first fire resistant barrier comprises at least 15% by weight of the total weight of the hollowchamber profiles.

Again, all features described above in relation to the first aspect of the present invention also apply in relation to the second aspect of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described herein, by way of example only with reference also to Figures 1 to 21 in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a fire resistant glazing assembly according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view of the fire resistant glazing assembly of Figure 1 taken along line II-II.

Figures 3 to 18 are alternative schematic representations of embodiments of a fire resistant glazing assembly according to the present invention.

Figure 19 is a top view of a glazing held in place by a glazing retaining means according to the present invention.

Figures 20a and 20b are a schematic side view of a fire resistant glazing assembly according to the present invention prepared for fire testing with the location of heat sensors identified.

Figure 21 is a graphical representation of the fire test results for a fire resistant glazing assembly comprised of heat meltable material.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a fire resistant glazing assembly 10, comprising a glass pane 12 supported in a framework 14. The framework comprises hollow-chamber profiles 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d which extend along each edge of the glass pane. In use, the fire resistant glazing assembly 10 is secured in an opening in a supporting structure 16 such as a building wall.

It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the fire resistant glazing assembly 10 illustrated in Figure 1 and described in relation to the present invention may be for example an internal or external door or window.

In the example of the fire resistant glazing assembly in Figure 1, hollow-chamber profile 14a is jointed to hollow-chamber profiles 14b and 14d respectively by joints 18. In this way, each hollow-chamber profile is joined to two other hollow-chamber profiles.

Referring now to Figure 2, in the fire-resistant glazing assembly 10, there is a hollow chamber profile 14a formed of heat meltable material or combustible material. The hollow chamber profile typically comprises a recess 30 within which is located the glazing 12. The glazing is preferably seated in place within a glazing retaining means 32. The glazing retaining means may extend all of the way or part of the way along the length of each side of the glazing. The glazing retaining means is preferably comprised of fire resistant material such as steel, more preferably galvanised steel.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 2, the fire resistant retaining means is in the form of a bracket. The bracket may extend around the edge of the glazing located within the recess or alternatively, to reduce weight, the bracket may be in sections. The extent to which the bracket extends around the edge of the glazing will depend upon the nature of the glazing and the depth of the recess.

Instead of a bracket, the glazing retaining means may be in the form of a series of heat resistant screws, bolts or pins or mixtures thereof. The heat resistant screws bolts or pins or mixtures thereof may also be comprised of heat resistant material such as metal, preferably steel or galvanised steel. However, whatever the structure of the glazing retaining means it will be appreciated that the function of the glazing retaining means is to support the glazing in place for a period of time in the event that the structure of the framework of hollow-chamber profiles comprised of heat meltable or combustible material is compromised as a result of a fire.

The heat meltable or combustible material may be an extruded material such as a plastics material or aluminium. Common extruded plastics materials suitable for use in the present invention include polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyamide or polyester. The extruded polymer may further comprise plasticisers or colourants to achieve the required appearance of the hollow chamber profile. Other heat meltable or combustible materials include those listed above.

The extruded hollow chamber profiles preferably also comprise one or a series of subchambers 20. Also present within the fire resistant glazing assembly of the present invention is a reinforcement component 26. The reinforcement component is preferably comprised of a heat resilient material such as metal. A suitable metal for the reinforcement component may be steel or galvanized steel.

The reinforcement component 26 is preferably interconnected or fixedly secured to the glazing retaining means by for example one or more screws and/or bolts and/or pins 34. A suitable material for fixedly connecting the reinforcement component to the glazing retaining means include fire resilient materials such as steel or galvanized steel.

The reinforcement component may comprise a variety of shapes for example, the reinforcement component may be circular, rectangular, poly-angular, ovoid or in the form of a figure of eight, or a mixture of shapes. The reinforcement component is preferably however elongate and extends along the length of each hollow-chamber profile.

The function of the reinforcement component is also to add support to the glazing for a period of time in the event that the structure of the framework of hollow-chamber profiles comprised of heat meltable material is compromised as a result of a fire.

Also in relation to the embodiment depicted in Figure 2 it can be seen that the subchambers 20 in the hollow chamber profile 14a comprise a fire resilient or cooling material 20a. The fire resistant material may comprise any suitable cooling material which is able to increase the fire resistance of the glazing assembly. Suitable fire resilient materials include but are not limited to: wood, gypsum, light-weight materials which incorporate for example hollow bubbles and cooling materials as described in WO2015/079265 (the contents of which in relation to the described cooling materials are incorporated herein by reference), or combination of the above. It is also possible to use different fire resilient materials in one frame (for example, separated by hollow chambers)

The inventors have found that incorporation of sufficient resilient or cooling material into the hollow-chamber profiles creates a fire resistant barrier which reduces or prevents the flow of fire into the body of the glazing assembly to ensure that the glazing assembly meets the required fire safety standards.

In Figure 2, the fire resilient or cooling material is located substantially linearly across the width of the hollow chamber. It will be appreciated however that other arrangements of the fire resilient material or cooling within the hollow chamber profiles are also able to provide a suitable fire resistant barrier.

The inventors have found that a suitable fire resistant barrier is formed when the fire resilient or cooling material comprises at least 30 % by weight of the total weight of the hollow chamber profile.

The inventors have found also that a suitable fire resistant barrier is formed when a lightweight material is used which comprises at least 15 % by weight of the total weight of the hollow chamber profile.

Lightweight materials are materials with a density for example below 1 g/cm³, such as for example wood or wood chips, glass hollow bubbles, ceramic hollow bubbles, foam glass, polymer bubbles, vermiculite.

Cooling materials are materials which consume energy, especially heat energy by undergoing a chemical reaction and/or by changing the aggregation state of at least one part of the material.

Preferably a cooling material decomposes by consuming energy and releasing water. This released water evaporates by consuming energy as well.

Typical cooling materials include for example: aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, waterglass, silica, cooling materials as described in

WO2015/079265, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, structures such as zeoliths or related, amporphous silica, gypsum, alkali and/or alkaline earth silicates and/or derivatives thereof either alone or in combination.

The inventors have found that a combination of cooling materials and lightweight materials are beneficial.

In Figures 3 to 18 there are illustrated alternative embodiments of the fire resistant glazing assembly according to the present invention with like features represented by the same reference numerals.

In Figure 3, the glazing 12 is retained by a metal bracket 32 located within recess 30 however, in this embodiment the fire resilient material or cooling material 20a is located within and completely fills the reinforcement component 26. Additional resilient material may also be present within hollow sub chambers 20.

In Figure 4, the glazing 12 is retained in the recess 30 by a series of pins or screws 40 located on either one or both sides of the glazing. In addition, the reinforcement component 26 again comprises fire resilient or cooling material or lightweight material but the fire resilient or cooling or lightweight material is separated by a hollow sub chamber. Hollow sub chambers 20 may each be filled with or replaced by a second fire resilient or cooling material or lightweight material 41. Figure 19 depicts the appearance of a series of pins or screws 40 located on either one or both sides of the glazing 12 and which are visible when viewed from above.

In Figure 5, the glazing 12 is retained again in the recess 30 by a heat resilient bracket 32 however, the reinforcement component 26 is U-shaped and is connected to the heat resilient bracket by a bridge 50. Hollow sub chambers 20 may again each be filled with or replaced by a second fire resilient or cooling material 41. Fire resilient or cooling or lightweight material 20a may be located is regions surrounding the bridge 50 and the Ushaped reinforcement component 26.

In Figure 6, the glazing 12 is retained in the recess 30 by a variation on the heat resilient bracket 32 of Figure 5. In this embodiment, two L-shaped supports 60, located on either side of the glazing 12 hold the glazing in place. The L-shaped supports are each secured by a bridge 62 to two further L-shaped supports 64. Hollow sub chambers 20 may again each be filled with or replaced by a second fire resilient or cooling material or lightweight material 41. Fire resilient or cooling material or lightweight material 20a is again located within a reinforcement component 26.

In Figure 7, the glazing 12 is retained in the recess 30 by a glazing retaining means in the form of a heat resilient bracket 32, similar to that in Figure 3. In this embodiment however, bridge 64 extends between the heat resilient bracket 32 and the reinforcement component 26 which is in the form of four separate chambers 70a, 70b, 70c and 70d, but is not connected to the reinforcement component chambers. The reinforcement component chambers are each filled with fire resilient or cooling material 20a. Hollow sub chambers 20 are also filled with or replaced by a second fire resilient or cooling material 41.

In each of the embodiments in Figures 3 to 7, the reinforcement component 26 is substantially centrally located within the hollow chamber profiles. However, in the embodiment depicted in Figure 8, the reinforcement component 26 is divided into two components 80a, 80b, which are located towards outer edges 82, 84 of the hollow chamber profiles. Glazing 12 is retained in the recess 30 by a glazing retaining means in the form of a heat resilient bracket 32, similar to that in Figure 3. In this embodiment, bridge 64 is secured at one end to the heat resilient bracket 32, and the other end of the bridge 64 splits and extends towards the reinforcement components in the form of two separate chambers 80a, 80b. The reinforcement component chambers are each filled with fire resilient or cooling material 20a. Hollow sub chambers 20 may also be filled with or replaced by a second fire resilient or cooling material 41.

In Figure 9, the glazing 12 is retained in the recess 30 by an alternative form of glazing retaining means. In this particular embodiment, the glazing retaining means is still in the form of a heat resilient bracket 32, however, the bracket further comprises extension chambers 90a, 90b, which may be filled with fire resilient or cooling material 41 as with the other hollow sub chambers 20. In addition, the glazing retaining means extends into the hollow-chamber profile via bridges 65a, 65b. The reinforcement component comprises two separate chambers 92a, 92b, but the reinforcement component is not connected to the glazing retaining means. The two reinforcement component chambers 92a, 92b, are each filled with fire resilient or cooling material 20a.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10 the reinforcement component comprises three portions 110a, 110b, 110c. Two of the portions 110a, 110c, are located towards outer edges 82, 84 respectively of the hollow chamber profiles and one portion 110b is substantially centrally located within the hollow chamber profile. Glazing 12 is retained in the recess 30 by a glazing retaining means in the form of a heat resilient bracket 32, which extends into the body of the hollow chamber profile. The reinforcement component chambers are each filled with fire resilient or cooling material 20a. Hollow sub chambers 20 may also be filled with or replaced by a second fire resilient or cooling material 41.

In the alternative embodiment depicted in Figure 11, the glazing 12 is retained in the recess 30 by an alternative form of glazing retaining means. In this particular embodiment, the glazing retaining means form z-shaped structures 130a, 130b which are located on the outer periphery 120 of the hollow chamber framework and which extend into the inside of the hollow chamber framework. The reinforcement component comprises two separate chambers 92a, 92b, substantially centrally located within the hollow chamber framework. The reinforcement component is not connected to the glazing retaining means. The two reinforcement component chambers 92a, 92b, are each filled with fire resilient or cooling material 20a. Hollow sub chambers 20 may also be filled with or replaced by a second fire resilient or cooling material 41.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 12, the glazing 12 is retained in the recess 30 by a glazing retaining means in the form of two heat resilient L-shaped profiles 140a, 140b. In this embodiment the reinforcement component is in the form of two separate and spaced apart chambers 142a, 142b which extend across the breath of each hollow chamber profile. The reinforcement component chambers 142a, 142b are each filled with fire resilient or cooling material 20a. Hollow sub chambers 20 are also filled with or replaced by a second fire resilient or cooling material 41. The hollow sub chambers 20 and reinforcement component chambers are arranged in an alternating pattern in the hollow chamber profile.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 13, the fire resistant glazing assembly depicted is the same as the embodiment described in Figure 9 with the glazing 12 retained in the recess 30 by a glazing retaining means in the form of a heat resilient bracket 32. The bracket further comprises extension chambers 90a, 90b, which may be filled with fire resilient or cooling material 41 as with the other hollow sub chambers 20. In addition, the glazing retaining means extends into the hollow-chamber profile via bridges 65a, 65b. The reinforcement component comprises two separate chambers 92a, 92b, each filled with fire resilient or cooling material 20a. In this embodiment however, the reinforcement component is connected to the glazing retaining means by bridges 150.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 14, is similar to the embodiment described in Figure 10 in which the reinforcement component comprises three portions 110a, 110c and llOd. Two of the portions 110a, 110c, are located towards outer edges 82, 84 respectively of the hollow chamber profiles and one portion llOd is substantially centrally located within the hollow chamber profile. The reinforcement component chambers are each filled with fire resilient or cooling material 20a. Glazing 12 is retained in the recess 30 by a glazing retaining means in the form of a heat resilient bracket 32. The bracket extends into the body of the hollow chamber profile and surrounds and is connected to the reinforcement component llOd.

The embodiment depicted in Figure 15 is very similar to the embodiment described in Figure 11 in which the glazing 12 is retained in the recess 30 by a glazing retaining means shaped to form Z-shaped structures 130a, 130b which are located on the outer periphery 120 of the hollow chamber framework and which extend into the inside of the hollow chamber framework. The reinforcement component comprises two separate chambers 92a, 92b, substantially centrally located within the hollow chamber framework. However in this embodiment, the reinforcement component is connected to the glazing retaining means. The two reinforcement component chambers 92a, 92b, are each filled with fire resilient or cooling material 20a. Hollow sub chambers 20 may also be filled with or replaced by a second fire resilient or cooling material 41.

The embodiment depicted in Figure 16 is very similar to the embodiment described in Figure 12 in which the glazing 12 is retained in the recess 30 by a glazing retaining means in the form of two heat resilient L-shaped profiles 140a, 140b. In this embodiment however, the reinforcement component 26 is in the form of a single chamber which extend across the width and breadth of each hollow chamber profile. The reinforcement component chamber 26 is filled with fire resilient or cooling material 20a. Hollow sub chambers 20 are also filled with or replaced by a second fire resilient or cooling material 41. In addition, the hollow sub chambers 20 are arranged towards the periphery of the hollow chamber profile.

The embodiment depicted in Figure 17 is very similar to the embodiment described in Figure 12 in which the glazing 12 is retained in the recess 30 by a glazing retaining means in the form of a heat resilient bracket 32. A bridge 160 extends into the body of the hollow chamber profile. In this embodiment the reinforcement component is in the form of two separate and spaced apart chambers 142a, 142b which extend across the breath of each hollow chamber profile. The reinforcement component chambers 142a, 142b are each filled with fire resilient or cooling material 20a. Hollow sub chambers 20 are filled also with or replaced by a second fire resilient or cooling material 41. The hollow sub chambers 20 and reinforcement component chambers are arranged in an alternating pattern in the hollow chamber profile. In addition, flanges 170a, 170b, 170c, 170d comprised of heat resilient material protrude into the body of the hollow chamber profile.

In the embodiment depicted in Figure 18, the glazing 12 is retained in the recess 30 by a glazing retaining means in the form of a heat resilient bracket 32, similar to that in Figure

3. In this embodiment however, bridge 64 extends around and between each of the four separate chambers 70a, 70b, 70c and 70d of the reinforcement component. The reinforcement component chambers are each filled with fire resilient or cooling material

20a. Hollow sub chambers 20 located towards the outer periphery of the hollow chamber profile are filled with or replaced by a second fire resilient or cooling material 41.

Therefore it can be seen in each of the embodiments illustrated in Figure 3 to 18, that the fire resistant glazing assemblies comprise a first and also a second fire resistant barrier to the flow of heat and fire across the width of the hollow chamber in the form of the fire resilient material located within the hollow chamber profiles and sub-chambers and the fire reinforcement component respectively.

Fire Safety Tests

El Classification

El classifications refer to the fire-resistance of articles such as panels, doors and windows in terms of the integrity (E) and the insulation (I) properties of the articles. When using fire resistance classifications the following fire protection classes are used; E denotes integrity, that is, the ability of a glazing assembly to isolate smoke gases, I denotes insulation, that is, the ability of a glazing assembly to prevent heat spread and R denotes the load carrying ability of a glazing assembly.

The letters can be combined with time designations in minutes, for example, 15, 30, 60, 90 or 120.

This means that a building component with classification E30 should be able to withstand smoke gas for 30 minutes. It does not have any insulating function, that is, heat is able to pass the building component in a fire, and thereby spread the fire unless other measures are taken.

A fire separation building component made to EI60 should be able to prevent the spread of both heat and smoke gas for 60 minutes.

Therefore, a door with a rating of EI30, is able to provide 30 minutes of integrity and insulation against fire damage.

Class El fire-resistant glazing also refers to building glass components which allow light to pass through and which, according to their fire resistance rating, not only prevent the spread of fire and smoke, but also the penetration of heat radiation. This means that the surface facing away from the fire must not heat up to more than 140K (mean value) or 180K highest individual reading. El glazing when exposed to fire become opaque. Fire resistant glazing is typically tested in line with DIN EN 1634-1.

Fire-resistant glazing tests were performed using glazing assemblies based on heat meltable and combustible materials.

To perform the fire glazing tests, a series of sensors are located around each side of the glazing assembly as shown in Figures 20 and 20a. The glazing assembly is secured in place in a support such as a wall to simulate the use of the glazing assembly. The glazing assembly is 520mm by 520mm; the glass pane is 410mm by 410nn. The position of sensors 1 to 8 and 11 to 15 are visible in Figure 20b. The value of point A is 110mm, point B 150mm, point C 150mm and point D 110mm.

The test glazing assembly is then subjected to a fire and the temperature recorded by the sensors around the glazing monitored during the test.

In the fire tests of the present invention the sensors indicated as lines 1 to 8 in Figure 21 did not record a value above 125 °C, and as a result the glazings passed the fire tests.

Consequently, the fire resistant glazing assemblies comprised of heat meltable or combustible material described above in relation to the first aspect of the present invention are able to meet the demanding fire performance requirements of model fire safety tests and so provide fire protection for at least 30, preferably 60 and more preferably 90 minutes.

Claims

1. A fire resistant glazing assembly, said assembly comprising:

wherein each hollow chamber profile comprises:

a) one or more sub-chambers;

b) a reinforcement component; and

c) a first fire-resistant barrier; wherein wherein the reinforcement component, the fire resistant barrier and the one or more sub-chambers extend along each hollow chamber profile length; and wherein the first fire resistant barrier comprises at least 15% by weight of the total weight of the hollow-chamber profiles.

2. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 1 wherein the reinforcement component is connected to the glazing retaining means.

3. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the first fire resistant barrier comprises at least 30% by weight of the total weight of the hollowchamber profiles.

4. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the first fire resistant barrier comprises at least 40% by weight of the total weight of the hollowchamber profiles.

5. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the first fire resistant barrier comprises at least 60% by weight of the total weight of the hollow-chamber profiles.

6. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the first fire resistant barrier comprises at least 80% by weight of the total weight of the hollow-chamber profiles.

7. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the heat meltable material comprises aluminium or plastics material.

8. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 7 wherein the plastics material comprises:

un-plasticised polyvinylchloride (UPVC), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polystyrene, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamides, polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyoxymethylene (POM); phenyl ether polymers (PPE); polyphenylene sulfide (PPS); polyether ether ketone (PEEK); polysulfone (PSU); polyphenyl sulfone (PPSU), polyethersulfone (PES); SPS; polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polybenzimidazol (PBI), polyaryls; polyesters; aromatic polyamides such as poly methacrylamide (PMI); partly fluorized polymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PFTE), perfluoroalkoxy alkane (PFA); polymers including acrylates; polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC/ABS) ; styrene acrylonitrile resin copolymer (SAN), polymethacrylamide (PMI), wood, high density fiber board, medium density fiberboard; celluloses, lignin; composites such as wood-plastic-composites (WPC), fiberglass, aramid-fiber reinforced polymer (AFK); natural-fibre reinforced polymers (NFK); basalt fiber reinforced polymers, boron-fibre reinforced metals and polyamide reinforced polymers.

9. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to any of claims 1 to 8 wherein the glazing retaining means extends along the length of each side of the glazing.

10. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 9 wherein the glazing retaining means comprises steel or galvanized steel.

11. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the glazing retaining means comprises a series of screws or bolts.

12. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the glazing retaining means comprises one or more brackets which extend at least in part around an edge of each side of the glazing.

13. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 12 wherein the one or more brackets extend continuously along each side of the glazing.

14. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the reinforcement component is comprised of metal.

15. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 14 wherein the reinforcement component is comprised of steel or galvanized steel.

16. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 15 wherein the reinforcement component forms a second fire resistant barrier.

17. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 16 wherein the second fire resistant barrier formed by the reinforcement component extends across each hollow profile width by 15 % or more.

18. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 16 wherein the second fire resistant barrier formed by the reinforcement component extends across each hollow profile width by 40 % or more.

19. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 16 wherein the second fire resistant barrier formed by the reinforcement component extends across each hollow profile width by 50 % or more.

20. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 16 wherein the second fire resistant barrier formed by the reinforcement component extends across each hollow profile width by 70 % or more.

21. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 16 wherein the second fire resistant barrier formed by the reinforcement component extends across each hollow profile width by 80 % or more.

22. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to any of claims 14 to 21 wherein the reinforcement component is substantially centrally located with the hollow-chamber profiles.

23. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the reinforcement component is secured to the glazing retaining means.

24. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 23 wherein the reinforcement component is secured to the glazing retaining means by screws, and/or pins and/or bolts, and/or plates and/or clips.

25. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 24 wherein the screws, and/or pins and/or bolts and/or plates and/or clips are comprised of steel or galvanized steel.

26. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to any preceding claims wherein the first fire-resistant barrier comprises fire-resistant material.

27. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 24 wherein the fire-resistant barrier material comprises wood, gypsum-based material, lightweight materials comprising hollow bubbles, a fire resilient material or an intumescent material.

28. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 27 wherein the first fireresistant barrier material is located within one or more sub-chambers.

29. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claim 28 wherein the first fireresistant barrier material within each of the one or more sub-chambers completely fills the one or more sub-chambers.

30. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to claims 28 or 29 wherein the one or more sub-chambers filled with fire-resistant barrier material is/are substantially centrally located within the hollow-chamber profiles.

31. A fire resistant glazing assembly according to any of the preceding claims wherein the assembly comprises a fixed glazing area, a panel, a door or a window.

32. A method for preparing a fire resistant glazing assembly according to any of claims 1 to 31 comprising the steps of:

i) preparing a framework of hollow-chamber profiles based on heat meltable material;

ii) providing a glazing;

iii) securing the glazing with the framework using a glazing retaining means;

iv) providing along each hollow chamber profile length:

a) one or more sub-chambers;

b) a reinforcement component; and

c) a first fire-resistant barrier to an extent of at least 50% by weight of the total weight of the hollow-chamber profiles; and

33. A kit for preparing a fire resistant glazing assembly according to any of claims 1 to 31 comprising:

i) a framework of hollow-chamber profiles based on heat meltable material;

ii) a glazing;

iii) a glazing retaining means;

iv) a reinforcement component; and

v) a fire resilient material to form a first fire-resistant barrier such that when the kit is assembled the reinforcement component, the first fire resistant barrier and the one or more sub-chambers extend along each hollow chamber profile length; and the first fire resistant barrier comprises at least 50% by weight of the total weight of the hollow-chamber profiles.

Intellectual Property Office