EP2072087A1 - Mattress for fire protection, associated method - Google Patents

Abstract

The mattress (1) has fibrous sub-assemblies (11-13) with mineral fiber woolen fabrics (2-4) placed parallel to a main surface of the mattress and separated by a mineral fiber tissue (5) e.g. verrane. Refractory particles (8) i.e. metasilicates, are placed in the fabrics, and a refractory glue layer (6) is integrated between two of the sub-assemblies. A cover (7) includes a mineral fiber tissue e.g. continuous glass fiber, impregnated by fire retardant silicone and enclosing the sub-assemblies, where handles (10) are placed on a main surface of the cover. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for manufacturing a fire protection mattress (2) a drawing chamber placed in a tunnel, comprising walls.

Description

The present invention relates to a mattress for fire protection, especially for applications as a firewall.

The term "mattress" is understood to mean an easily manipulable flexible device of substantially flat shape, in which the thickness is substantially less than or even less than at least a factor of 5, for example at least a factor of 10 to each of the others. dimensions.

In general, such a mattress is substantially parallelepipedal. The term "main surface", a surface of the mattress or a layer constituting it perpendicular to the direction of thickness. Generally this main surface is rectangular, but it can also be trapezoidal, have one or more curvatures, or have any shape adapted to protect a given device against the propagation of heat, especially in case of fires.

Such a mattress is for example used to protect cables and / or ducts in a cable duct or fluid passage means. The term "fluid passage means" any channel or vector of a fluid in the broad sense, gas or liquid.

The cables or sheaths are generally containers of son or fibers such as for example electrical son of power or signal, coaxial son, optical fibers.

It is indeed very important, even essential to be able to protect cables or sheaths or fluid passage means during fire, for example at least to protect cables containing son connected to sensors, including fire, or means of command, in particular to extinguish a fire or to trigger an alarm or safety device.

A particular case of device where a rigorous fire protection must be provided concerns the draw chambers. Such chambers are cavities allowing access to buried cable trays. They are for example distributed at regular distance over long distances to allow at first the drawing of the cables and subsequently their inspection.

In general, the draw chambers are parallelepipedic, include a removable face and two faces adapted to the creation of openings may pass through cables, ducts or fluid passage means. Such draw chambers are in particular installed buried in tunnels, and are substantially flush with the pavement level. Safety requirements in tunnels are particularly high and there is a need to find enhanced fire protection means, especially for this type of application.

The present invention is a mattress for fire protection that can be handled easily while providing improved fire protection.

• au moins deux sous ensembles fibreux disposés sensiblement parallèles à une surface principale du matelas où chaque sous ensemble fibreux comprend au moins deux nappes de laine de fibres minérales, sensiblement parallèles à ladite surface principale du matelas, séparées par au moins un tissu de fibres minérales et où des particules réfractaires sont disposées à l'intérieur d'au moins une nappe de laine de fibres minérales ;
• au moins une couche de colle réfractaire solidarisant entre eux les sous ensembles fibreux ;
• une enveloppe comprenant un tissu de fibres minérales imprégné par une silicone ignifuge et enfermant l'ensemble des sous ensembles fibreux.

The invention thus proposes a mattress for fire protection comprising:

• at least two fibrous subassemblies disposed substantially parallel to a main surface of the mattress where each fibrous subassembly comprises at least two plies of mineral fiber wool, substantially parallel to said main surface of the mattress, separated by at least one mineral fiber fabric and wherein refractory particles are disposed within at least one ply of mineral fiber wool;
• at least one layer of refractory glue solidarisant between them fibrous subassemblies;
• an envelope comprising a mineral fiber fabric impregnated with a flame retardant silicone and enclosing all the fibrous subassemblies.

Thanks to the configuration of said mattress, it is possible to obtain a remarkably effective mattress in terms of fire protection and which is easily manipulated. Such a mattress can indeed be manufactured on an industrial site and moved to be installed at a desired location. In addition, it can easily be removed, for example to inspect an installation or device it protects, and then be replaced without damage and while again ensuring excellent fire protection.

• le matelas comprend trois sous ensembles fibreux entre chacun desquels est disposée au moins une couche de colle réfractaire ;
• chaque sous ensemble fibreux comprend trois nappes de laine de fibres minérales entre chacune desquelles est disposé au moins un tissu de fibres minérales ;
• les fibres minérales des nappes de laine de fibres minérales sont des fibres réfractaires, par exemple constituées essentiellement de silice (SiO₂), d'oxyde de calcium (CaO) et d'oxyde de magnésium (MgO) ;
• les fibres minérales des tissus de fibres minérales sont des fibres de verre, par exemple de type VERRANE ;
• les fibres minérales de l'enveloppe sont des fibres de verre, par exemple des fibres continues ;
• les constituants de chaque sous ensemble fibreux sont aiguilletés simultanément ;
• la colle réfractaire est constituée de composants silico-alumineux ;
• les particules réfractaires sont des métasilicates ;
• des poignées sont disposées sur une surface de l'enveloppe parallèle à ladite surface principale du matelas.

According to different embodiments, which can be combined:

• the mattress comprises three fibrous subassemblies between each of which is disposed at least one layer of refractory glue;
• each fibrous subset comprises three plies of mineral fiber wool between each of which is disposed at least one mineral fiber fabric;
• the mineral fibers of the mineral fiber wool layers are refractory fibers, for example consisting essentially of silica (SiO ₂ ), calcium oxide (CaO) and magnesium oxide (MgO);
• the mineral fibers of the mineral fiber fabrics are glass fibers, for example of the VERRANE type;
• the mineral fibers of the envelope are glass fibers, for example continuous fibers;
• the constituents of each fibrous subset are needled simultaneously;
• the refractory glue consists of silico-aluminous components;
• the refractory particles are metasilicates;
• handles are disposed on a surface of the casing parallel to said main surface of the mattress.

1. a) fabrication d'au moins deux sous ensemble fibreux comprenant les sous étapes :
   • a1) disposer sensiblement horizontalement une nappe de laine de fibres minérales ;
   • a2) disposer des particules réfractaires sur une surface principale de la nappe de laine de fibres minérales de l'étape a1) ;
   • a3) disposer au moins un tissu de fibres minérales sur une surface principale de la nappe de laine de fibres minérales;
   • a4) disposer une nappe de laine de fibres minérales sur la nappe de laine de fibres minérales recouverte des particules réfractaires de l'étape a2) et du tissu de l'étape a3) ;
   • a5) renouveler facultativement les étapes a2) à a4) pour obtenir le nombre de couches de nappes de laine de fibres minérales désiré ;
   • a6) aiguilleter le produit intermédiaire résultant des étapes a1) à a5) pour constituer un sous ensemble fibreux ;
2. b) superposer et assembler au moins deux sous ensembles fibreux en disposant entre eux une couche de colle réfractaire ;
3. c) disposer autour du produit intermédiaire obtenu après l'étape b) une enveloppe comprenant un tissu de fibres minérales imprégné par une silicone ignifuge.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a mattress for fire protection comprising the following steps:

1. a) manufacturing at least two fibrous subassemblies comprising the sub-steps:
   • a1) arranging substantially horizontally a wool web of mineral fibers;
   • a2) disposing the refractory particles on a main surface of the mineral fiber wool web of step a1);
   • a3) disposing at least one mineral fiber web on a major surface of the mineral fiber wool web;
   • a4) arranging a ply of mineral fiber wool on the mineral fiber wool ply covered with the refractory particles of step a2) and the fabric of step a3);
   • a5) optionally renewing steps a2) to a4) to obtain the number of desired mineral fiber wool ply layers;
   • a6) needling the intermediate product resulting from steps a1) to a5) to form a fibrous subassembly;
2. b) superimposing and assembling at least two fibrous subassemblies by placing between them a layer of refractory glue;
3. c) placing around the intermediate product obtained after step b) an envelope comprising a mineral fiber fabric impregnated with a flame retardant silicone.

Such a succession of steps makes it possible advantageously to obtain a fire-protection mat having excellent fire-resistance properties and which advantageously delays an increase in temperature of a device or an installation that it is intended to protect. .

It should be noted that the above characteristics for the constituents of the mattress according to the invention are transposable to the materials used in the present process.

The present invention also relates to a draft chamber comprising walls, at least one wall is removable, defining a space for receiving cables and / or fluid passage means, generally passing through said draft chamber, which comprises a mattress for fire protection as described above or obtained according to the method above, and wherein said mattress is disposed between the space for receiving cables and / or fluid passage means and the removable wall.

Such a draft chamber is thus advantageously protected against a fire and can be installed satisfactorily in tunnels where it meets the safety requirements specific to such installations.

• la figure 1 représente une coupe schématique d'un matelas selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 représente une chambre de tirage comprenant un tel matelas.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following description of nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 represents a schematic section of a mattress according to the invention;
• the figure 2 represents a drawing chamber comprising such a mattress.

For the sake of clarity, the dimensions of the different elements shown in these figures are not necessarily in proportion to their actual dimensions. In these figures, identical references correspond to identical elements.

The figure 1 illustrates an example of mattress 1 for fire protection according to the invention, seen in schematic section. The mattress 1 comprises three identical fibrous subassemblies 11, 12, 13 superimposed and arranged parallel to a main surface of the mattress 1.

Each fibrous sub-assembly consists of three plies of wool of mineral fibers 2, 3, 4 superimposed and arranged parallel to said main surface of the mattress 1.

In each fibrous subset, 11, 12, 13, the mineral fiber wool plies are separated from each other, 4 and 3, 3 and 2, by at least one mineral fiber web. It is possible to have a single layer of fabric or to superpose several of them between two plies of mineral fiber wool.

Refractory particles 8, in particular metasilicates, are dispersed in a substantially homogeneous manner within each fibrous subassembly 11, 12, 13.

A means for obtaining a substantially homogeneous dispersion of the refractory particles 8 within each fibrous subassembly consists in arranging the refractory particles on the surface between two plies of mineral fiber wool, 4 and 3, 3 and 2, and then spiking. all. The movement of the needles makes it possible to push these refractory particles and to ensure their dispersion within the layers of wool of mineral fibers, 2, 3, 4.

Refractory particles can also be disposed in contact with the fabrics 5 between the mineral fiber wool webs or between the fabric folds 5 if a plurality of mineral fiber fabrics are superimposed between the mineral fiber wool webs.

The fibrous subassemblies 11, 12, 13 are superimposed and joined together by a layer of refractory adhesive 6 disposed over substantially the entire contact surface between two fibrous assemblies, 11 and 12, 12 and 13.

An envelope 7 surrounds the assembly and forms the main surfaces of the mattress, as well as its side surfaces. The casing 7 is made of mineral fibers impregnated with a flame retardant silicone.

Preferably, this envelope is hermetic. This envelope may comprise free ends extending beyond the main surfaces of the fibrous subassemblies, to ensure for example a connection between a wall and the mattress 1.

The mattress shown further comprises handles 10 disposed on a major surface of the casing 7 which allow easy handling of the mattress. It is thus possible to easily put it in place and if necessary to remove it, especially for an inspection after which the mattress is again put in place.

The figure 2 represents a schematic perspective view where a mattress 1 according to the invention is disposed in a draft chamber 20.

The drawing chamber 20 is substantially a rectangular parallelepiped of external dimension L x 1 x h. It comprises two substantially vertical walls 21, a bottom 23, a removable cover wall 24 and two side walls (not shown) comprising openings for passing a plurality of cables, sheaths, or fluid passage means 30.

In general, such a side wall comprises zones of thinned thickness, in particular circular zones, which can easily be disengaged, for example with a hammer and a chisel, in order to provide an opening where it is desired to pass a cable and / or a sheath and / or a fluid passage means.

In the drawing chamber 20, a bearing zone 22 has been formed in the walls 21 in order to receive and embed the lid 24.

By way of example, such a draft chamber may have the following external dimensions: L = 1.63 m, 1 = 0.77 m, h = 0.68 m.

By way of example, the cables pass through the drawing chamber 20 and are electrical power cables, cables making it possible to connect sensors to a control system, installation control cables, coaxial cables, optical fibers. .

The walls 21, side, the bottom are usually concrete. The lid 24 is for example made of reinforced concrete or cast iron.

In a manner known per se, such a draft chamber can be buried, and arranged for example so that the cover 24 is flush on a floor, especially at a roadway or sidewalk.

A mattress 1 for fire protection according to the invention is disposed between the cables, sheaths or fluid passage means 30 and the cover 24.

Said mattress 1 can be arranged directly and placed above the cables, sleeves or other means of fluid passage.

It is also possible to provide a grid 40 on which the mattress 1 is arranged. The grid 40 may be metallic and rest on supports, for example brackets 41 attached to the draft chamber and located between the cables, sleeves and other fluid passage means and the cover 24.

Mattresses for fire protection according to the figure 1 were manufactured and tested under conditions representative of a fire in the configuration of the figure 2 .

The mineral wool used consists essentially of silica (SiO ₂ ), calcium oxide (CaO) and magnesia (MgO).

Each ply 2, 3, 4 of mineral fiber wool has a thickness of 7 to 8 mm.

The thickness of each fibrous subassembly is about 25 mm, so that the total thickness of the mattress is about 75 mm.

The weight per unit area of each of the mineral wool sheets is about 6 to 7 kg / m ² .

Metasilicate particles were arranged between the mineral fiber wool plies of each fibrous subassembly at a weight per unit area of 0.8 kg / m ² . Each fibrous subset was then needled.

A refractory glue made of silico-aluminous component was placed between the fibrous subassemblies.

Mattresses thus produced have been arranged in a drawing chamber according to the representation in figure 2 . Power cables, signal cables and optical fibers were arranged, and were connected on both sides of the draft chamber to measuring instruments.

The draft chamber thus constituted was placed in a furnace suitable for tests representative of a fire. Refractory blocks made it possible to partition the lateral parts of the draft chamber while leaving the lid free. The whole was instrumented, in particular using thermocouples.

Two typical temperature cycles of a representative fire test were performed for each configuration. The first temperature cycle follows the normalized evolution according to the time-temperature curve referenced ISO 834, the second follows the evolution of a time-temperature curve known to those skilled in the art known as the HCM (for higher hydrocarbon) curve.

It has been found that the mattress, allows to obtain a non-degraded operation of power cables, signal and optical fibers arranged in the draw chamber for at least 4 hours for the tests according to the ISO 834 curve and for at least 2 hours for the tests according to the HCM curve.

Such fire resistance is remarkable and allows to consider a protection compatible with the most recent requirements for use in tunnels, including road tunnels.

The invention is not limited to these embodiments and should be interpreted in a non-limiting manner, encompassing any equivalent embodiment.

Claims (12)

Mattress (1) for fire protection comprising: at least two fibrous subassemblies (11, 12, 13) arranged substantially parallel to a main surface of the mat where each fibrous subassembly comprises at least two plies (2, 3, 4) of mineral fiber wool, substantially parallel to said main surface of the mattress, separated by at least one fabric (5) of mineral fibers and wherein refractory particles (8) are disposed within at least one ply (2, 3, 4) of mineral fiber wool; at least one layer of refractory glue (6) joining together the fibrous subassemblies (11, 12, 13); - An envelope (7) comprising a mineral fiber fabric impregnated with a flame-retardant silicone and enclosing all the fibrous subassemblies (11, 12, 13). Mattress (1) for fire protection according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises three fibrous subassemblies (11, 12, 13) between each of which (11 and 12, 12 and 13) is arranged at least one layer of adhesive refractory (6). Mattress (1) for fire protection according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that each fibrous subassembly comprises three plies (2, 3, 4) of mineral fiber wool between each of which is disposed at least one fabric (5). ) of mineral fibers. Mattress (1) for fire protection according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mineral fibers of the plies (2, 3, 4) of mineral wool fibers are refractory fibers, for example consisting essentially of silica (SiO ₂ ), calcium oxide (CaO) and magnesium oxide (MgO). Mattress (1) for fire protection according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mineral fibers of the fabrics (5) of mineral fibers are glass fibers, for example of the VERRANE type. Mattress (1) for fire protection according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mineral fibers of the casing (7) are glass fibers, for example continuous fibers. Mattress (1) for fire protection according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the constituents of each fibrous subassembly (11, 12, 13) are needled simultaneously. Mattress (1) for fire protection according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the refractory adhesive consists of silico-aluminous components. Mattress (1) for fire protection according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the refractory particles (8) are metasilicates. Mattress (1) for fire protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that handles (10) are arranged on a surface of the casing (7) parallel to said main surface of the mattress. A method of manufacturing a mattress (1) for fire protection comprising the steps of: a) manufacturing at least two fibrous subassemblies comprising the sub-steps: a1) arranging substantially horizontally a ply (4, 3) of mineral fiber wool; a2) disposing the refractory particles (8) on a main surface of the mineral fiber wool web (4, 3) of step a1); a3) disposing at least one fabric (5) of mineral fibers on a main surface of the mineral fiber wool web (4, 3); a4) arranging a web (3, 2) of mineral fiber wool on the web (4, 3) of mineral fiber wool covered with the refractory particles of step a2) and the fabric (5) of step a3) ; a5) optionally renewing steps a2) to a4) to obtain the number of ply layers (2, 3, 4) of the desired mineral fiber wool; a6) needling the intermediate product resulting from steps a1) to a5) to form a fibrous subassembly; b) superimposing and assembling at least two fibrous subassemblies (11 and 12, 12 and 13) by placing between them a layer of refractory adhesive (6); c) placing around the intermediate product obtained after step b) an envelope (7) comprising a mineral fiber fabric impregnated with a flame-retardant silicone. A draft chamber (20), in particular arranged in a tunnel, comprising walls (21, 23, 24) including at least one removable wall (24) delimiting a space for receiving cables and / or fluid passage means (30). ), and comprising a mattress (1) for fire protection according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or obtained according to the method of claim 11, wherein said mattress (1) is disposed between the space for receiving cables and / or fluid passage means (30) and the removable wall (24).

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