The present invention relates to a firewall structure for a tower/frame structure and a cooling tower and components for building same.
As previously described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,446 to Bardo, et al (1998) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,522 to Seawell, et al. (1999), of which some portions are reproduced hereinafter, cooling towers are used to cool liquid by contact with air. Many cooling towers are of the counter-flow type, in which the warm liquid is allowed to flow downwardly through the tower and a counter current flow of air is drawn by various means upward through the falling liquid to cool the liquid. Other designs utilize a cross-flow of air, and forced air systems. A common application for liquid cooling towers is for cooling water to dissipate waste heat in electrical generating and process plants and industrial and institutional air-conditioning systems.
Most cooling towers include a tower or frame structure. This structural assembly is provided to support dead and live loads, including air moving equipment such as a fan, motor, gearbox, drive shaft or coupling, liquid distribution equipment, such as distribution headers and spray nozzles, and heat transfer surface media such as a fill assembly. The fill assembly material generally has spaces through which the liquid flows downwardly and the air flows upwardly to provide heat and mass transfer between the liquid and the air. Different types of fill materials, e.g., stacked layers of open-celled clay tiles, are commercially available, depending on the desired design and operating characteristics. This fill material is heavy, and can weigh in excess of 50,000 pounds for a conventional size air conditioning cooling tower. As such, the tower frame/structure and other structural parts of a cooling tower must not only support the weight of the fill material and other components, but must also resist wind forces or loads and should be designed to withstand earthquake loads.
Due to the corrosive nature of the great volumes of air and water drawn through such cooling towers, it has been the past practice to either assemble such cooling towers of stainless steel or galvanized and coated metal, or for larger field assembled towers, to construct such cooling towers of wood, which is chemically treated under pressure, or concrete at least for the structural parts of the tower, or combination of these materials.
Metal structures and parts of cooling towers can be corroded by the local atmosphere or the liquid that is being cooled, depending on the actual metal used and the coating material used to protect the metal. Further, such metal towers are usually limited in size and are also somewhat expensive, especially in very large applications such as for cooling water from an electric power generating station condenser. Concrete is very durable, but towers made of concrete are expensive and heavy. Many cooling towers are located on roofs of buildings, and the weight of a concrete cooling tower can present building design problems. Plastic parts are resistant to corrosion, but prior plastic parts ordinarily would not provide enough strength to support the fill material and the weight of the tower itself.
Wood has been used for the structural parts of cooling towers, but wood also has its disadvantages. Wood towers may require expensive fire protection systems. The wood may decay under the constant exposure not only to the environment, but also to the hot water being cooled in the tower. Wood that has been chemically treated to increase the useful life may have environmental disadvantages: the chemical treatment may leach from the wood into the water being cooled. Fiber reinforced plastic has been used as a successful design alternative to wood and metal.
Within the last decade or so, prior art solutions began using fiber reinforced plastic beams and columns including those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,236,625 to Bardo et al. (1993) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,028,357 to Bardo (1991), both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Both patents disclose prior art structures for cooling towers.
Thus, while these aforementioned structures for cooling towers each possesses certain advantages, the parts and components of the cooling towers generally need protection against fire. It will be appreciated that fire can easily damage one section (or cell) of the cooling tower and spread to other sections (or cells) before firefighting equipment and personnel can arrive. Also, a damaged cooling tower may leak or release cooling liquids causing additional damage to a building which supports the cooling tower.
Accordingly, there is a need for a firewall structure which can protect and isolate (for a period of time) one section/cell from other sections/cells in case of fire.
In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a firewall structure including first and second outer walls made of fiber-reinforced material. A plurality of cavities are defined between the walls and at least partially filled with a fire-retardant material. The first and second outer walls include a layer of fire-retardant material.
In accordance with yet another embodiment, there is provided a firewall system including a first firewall and a second firewall spaced apart by a predetermined distance. An elongated column is disposed adjacent the second firewall and spaced from the first and the second firewall. Each firewall includes a double wall panel member having a first outer wall spaced laterally from a second outer wall, with the first and second outer walls comprising fiber reinforced material, a plurality of cavities defined between the first and second outer walls, the cavities filled at least partially with rigid polyurethane insulation, and the first outer wall and the second outer wall are coated with a fire-retardant material.
In accordance with yet another aspect, a method of constructing a firewall structure for use in a tower structure is provided. The method includes constructing a double wall member having a first outer wall spaced laterally from a second outer wall, the first and second outer walls comprising fiber-reinforced material; forming a plurality of cavities between the first and second outer walls, at least partially filling the cavities with rigid polyurethane insulation; applying a layer of fire-retardant material to the first outer wall and the second outer wall.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers designate like objects, and in which:
A prior art cooling tower and frame structure is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,552 to Seawell, et al. (1999), which has been previously incorporated herein by reference.
Now referring to
In the embodiment shown, the columns 112 are spaced a predetermined distance to provide bays. The column spacing distances may be the same or different, thus different embodiments may have different sized bays having footprints that are square or rectangle. In different embodiments, the spacing between columns 112 can be any distance, and usually ranges between eight and twenty feet, and more particularly between twelve and eighteen feet, and in one embodiment is about twelve feet or greater, and preferably between fourteen to sixteen feet. The structure 100 has several tiers or levels, including an air inlet level 120 and upper levels 122. Further, the distance between each level may be different or the same, as desired.
When used in a cooling tower, the upper levels 122 carry fill material, a water distribution system and air intake equipment and/or other components (not shown in
Additional joist members 128 rest on one or more beams 114 and function to support a floor or the other components at desired levels of the structure 100.
Now referring to
One significant advantage of the present invention is found during construction of the tower frame/structure. Once two bent lines (such as bent lines 150 and 160) are erected and a set of cross beams (or members) is in place, using the columns, beams and connections disclosed herein, the structure has substantial load carrying capability at most or all points along the beams and columns. This provides a high standard of fall protection for workers during construction of the remaining structure. For example, workers may utilize retractable safety lines for anchoring at one of many possible attachment points. Workers may then move about the structure without having to re-anchor the safety line before moving to another location. In most designs in accordance with the invention taught herein, it is likely that this structure will meet or exceed United States OSHA standards (5000 lb. attachment or anchor point loads) for fall protection.
Now referring to
As will be appreciated, the fastener may include any type of mechanical fastener known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including bolts, screws and pins, and constructed of any suitable material suitable for the structure 100 application (e.g., non-corrosive such as galvanized or stainless, if used in a cooling tower application). The attachment holes in each of the column 112, beams 114a, 114b and 114c and the members 116 are shown as pre-formed or pre-drilled. These may be formed any time prior to the assembly of the connections 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, and further may formed at the time of assembly of the connections. In one embodiment, a pin is utilized as the fastener, in conjunction with the novel design aspects of the column 112, beams 114, members 116, 118 and the connections and connecting mechanism (as shown in
Now referring to
As illustrated, the column 200 is substantially hollow (though the column 200 may include inner walls for additional strength, if desired). Each sidewall has a thickness t. In one embodiment, the thickness t is substantially the same for each sidewall. In other embodiments, the thickness t may be the same for each sidewall in a pair of respective opposing sidewalls (and different among the two pairs), or different for each sidewall.
The dimensions X and Y may be chosen as desired, and may further be different from each other (rectangular) or substantially the same (square). As will be appreciated, it may be beneficial for the column 200 to be square (dimension X equals dimension Y) to allow the beams and members connected thereto to utilize a standard length flange or extension (of any beam) for the connection. In one specific embodiment, X and Y are approximately 6 inches, and the thickness t is approximately ⅜ inch. In another embodiment, both X and Y are about 4 inches or greater. Other dimensions may be used. Dimensions X and/or Y reflect the outside dimension (OD) of a given cross-section, as the case may be, of the column 200.
The length of the column 200 is generally equal to the desired height of the structure 100 (with some columns shorter or longer than others, as per design). In one embodiment, the column 200 is a single, unitary piece, with lengths ranging from ten to seventy feet. In other embodiments, depending on the desired height of the structure 100 and other deign considerations, the column 200 may be constructed from two or more pieces that are connected or spliced together.
Column 200 may be constructed from wood, steel or other metal, or fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) or other composite materials.
The column 200 includes one or more sets 204, 206 of attachment holes, apertures or openings 208 (hereinafter referred to as “holes”), with each set including one or more pairs of attachment holes 208. A particular set 204, 206 of attachment holes 208 are formed through one of the sidewalls and its respective opposite sidewall, thus a pair of corresponding attachment holes (one located on one sidewall and the other on the opposite sidewall) are operable for receiving a fastener therethrough both aligned holes. When inserted, the fastener extends through the entire cross-section of the column 200. Each set 204, 206 of attachment holes 208 corresponds to another set of attachment holes 208 (not shown) in one of the beams 114, 116, 118 that are to be connected/attached to the column 200 (i.e., column 112).
The location (height) of the attachment holes 208 along the column 200 depends on the location of the desired connection point with a particular beam. The number of attachment holes 208 per connection (column-beam connection) may be chosen as desired, and may include one, two, three, four or more holes (as desired and/or depending on the size and shape of the particular beam). The attachment holes 208 may be formed by a suitable process or fabrication method, such as by any drilling or cutting method (or other material removal means) and the like. As noted above, the holes may be formed during the actual erection of the structure 100, but may be advantageously pre-formed at some point prior to construction (such as during the column fabrication process or shortly thereafter).
Each set 204, 206 of attachment holes 208 (in sidewalls 203a and 203c) for a particular column-beam connection is positioned closer (or nearer) to one of the sidewalls 203b than the other sidewall 203d, as shown. This advantageously allows for another beam placement and column-beam connection (via attachment holes through sidewalls 203a and 203c but nearer the sidewall 202d, not shown) to be made on the opposite side (180 degrees) of the column 200 (e.g., see
Additionally, the positioning of the particular attachment holes 208 to a sidewall (closer to one of the sidewalls than the mid-point of the column 200 where a beam will extend outward from that particular sidewall) helps reduce or eliminate “creep.” In prior art systems, the fasteners are tightened to increase moment resistance of the connection. Since connection points always generally become loose due to wear, there is a desire to tighten the fasteners as tight as possible to ensure moment resistance. However, when fasteners are placed in the midpoint of a hollow FRP column, there is an opportunity to overtighten the fastener and the FRP structure. As such, crush-resistant sleeves are typically utilized. It has been determined by the inventors, that when the position of the fastener is closer to the sidewall than the midpoint, tightness of the connection is not as critical because, a connection in accordance with the present invention, provides sufficient moment resistance without the need for substantial tightening of the fastener about the connection point that might result in crushing the column 200. Thus, tightening needs are significantly reduced, thus eliminating any sleeves or plates. It has been determined that pins may be utilized as the fasteners, however, for safety and cost reasons, standard bolts or screws may be more advantageous.
Now referring to
Now referring to
Now turning specifically to
The connection extensions or flanges 310, 312 provide, in essence, an integrally formed connection or mounting plate, are integrally formed with the rest of the beam 300, and operable to be positioned adjacent to the sidewalls of the column 200 and mounted to the outside of the column 200. Each of the connection extensions or flanges 310, 312 provide an area that is positioned adjacent a sidewall area of the column 200.
The extensions or flanges 310 and 312 are integrally formed, as well as unitary, with the sidewalls 303b and 303d, respectively.
The connection extensions 310 and 312 each include one or more attachment holes, apertures or openings 308 (hereinafter referred to as “holes”). The attachment holes 308 are formed through one connection extension 310 and corresponding attachment holes 308 are formed through the other connection extensions 312, and are operable for receiving a fastener therethrough both aligned holes. When inserted, the fastener extends through the entire cross-section of the beam 300. As will be appreciated, the attachment holes 308 correspond to another set of attachment holes 208 in the column 200 or in another beam (not shown).
As illustrated in
The dimensions X and Y may be chosen as desired, and may further be different from each other (providing a rectangular shape) or substantially the same (square). In one specific embodiment shown in
It will be understood that it is advantageous, and one aspect of the present invention is, to have the inner dimension (ID) (cross-section) between the flanges 310, 312 of the beam 300 to be substantially equal to (or slightly larger, given construction requirements and tolerances) the outer dimension (X or Y) of the column 200. Due to the thickness aspect of the beam 300, this results in the outer dimension (X) (measured between the outside walls of the sidewalls incorporating the flanges) of the beam 300 to be slightly larger than the column (or beam) to which it will attach/couple. As such, the columns and beams of the present invention are specifically designed to provide the necessary column-beam (or beam-beam) connection without any additional sleeves, plates, or spacers.
For example, when the outer dimension (OD) (the X or Y dimension) of the column 200 is equal to X inches, the inner dimension (ID) of the beam 300 should also be approximately X inches. Advantageously, it should be X plus a tolerance distance (small) to allow the C-shaped section of the beam 300 to be set in place around the column 200. Such tolerance distance may be in the range from zero to 0.5 inches, and more particularly is less than about 0.25 inch, and may be even smaller. Accordingly, the ID of the beam 300 is approximately equal to, or slightly larger than, the OD of the column 200 measured at the locations where the beam 300 and the column 200 attach to each other. This may also apply to the connection of two beams (where the ID of one beam is approximately the same, or slightly larger than, the OD of the other beam if two beams are attached).
Now referring to
The length L is of a length to provide an overlap of the flanges 310, 312 with the outer sides and sidewalls 202, 203 of the column 200 to enable adequate connection of the beam to the column. A small gap, identified by reference numeral 332, will usually exist between edges 324, 326 of the beam sidewalls 303a, 303c. The size of the gap 332 and the amount of overlap desired will determine the suitable length L. It will be understood that the location of the attachment holes will also play a factor in determining the overall positioning. In one embodiment, regardless of the size of the gap 332, the length L may be approximately equal to or greater than one-half the outer dimension (X or Y, as shown) of the column 200 (or beam).
In another specific embodiment, if the beam and column are positioned such that the gap 332 is relatively small, the length L may be approximately equal to one-half the outer dimension (X or Y, as the case may be) of the column/beam to which it will attach/couple, and may be less than one-half the outer dimension. In such case, making the length L of the flanges 310, 312 equal to, or slightly less than the outer dimension of the column 200 allows for an additional beam to be attached/coupled to the column 200 at the same vertical location (or horizontal location, if attached to another beam), thus allowing two beams to be attached to the column 200 at the same height (i.e. in the same horizontal plane or point). An example of this is shown in
To assist in providing multiple connection points at the same location on a column 200 (or beam), the attachment holes 208, 308 and the length L of the flanges 310, 312 are configured so that the outer edges of the flanges 310, 312 extend to a point that is about equal to, or less than, about one-half the outer dimension of the column 200 (as shown in
The cross-section dimensions (the X outside diameter and the inner dimension) of the sidewall(s) (that include the flanges 310, 312) along the entire length of the beam 300 are substantially equal to the ID and OD between the two flanges 310 and 312. Moreover, the thickness of the sidewall 303b measured along the length of beam 300 is substantially equal to the thickness of the flange 310, and similarly, the thickness of the sidewall 303d measured along the length of beam 300 is substantially equal to the thickness of the flange 312. Further, the flanges 310 and 312 are integrally formed as part of, and unitary with, the respective sides and sidewalls 302b, 303b and 302d, 303d.
Now referring specifically to
The overall length of the beam 300 is generally equal to the desired beam span of the structure 100 (with some beams shorter or longer than others, as per the design). In one embodiment, the beam 300 is a single, unitary piece, with lengths ranging from ten to twenty feet. In other embodiments, beam length is between twelve and sixteen feet, greater than twelve feet, and/or up to sixteen feet, and perhaps up to even twenty feet.
Now referring to
When the column 200 and the beam 300 described herein are utilized and connected in the manner provided and designed and constructed appropriately, the connection provides an anchor point that meets or exceeds the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) anchor requirement of 5000 lbs. As such, utilizing a pultruded FRP 6×6 (inches) column and a pultruded FRP beam having dimension of at least 6×6 (inches) and a beam length of twelve feet or greater (and preferably up to sixteen feet), the present invention provides column spacing distance d of twelve to sixteen feet (and perhaps higher), with the beams spanning this distance d, and the connections of the column-beam provide anchor points that meet or exceed 5000 lbs.
Now referring to
Now turning specifically to
Similar to the extensions or flanges 310, 312, the connection extensions or flanges 410, 412 provide, in essence, an integrally formed connection or mounting plate (integrally formed, as well as unitary, with the rest of the beam 400) and operable to be positioned adjacent to the sidewalls of the column 200 and mounted to the outsides of the column 200. Each of the connection extensions or flanges 410, 412 similarly provide an area that is positioned adjacent a sidewall area of the column 200.
The connection extensions 410 and 412 each include one or more attachment holes or apertures 408 and are similar to the attachment holes 308.
As illustrated in
The dimensions X and Y may be chosen as desired. In one specific embodiment shown in
As described above with respect to beams 300, one aspect of the present invention is to have the inner dimension (ID) (cross-section) between the flanges 410 and 412 of the beam 400 to be substantially equal to (or slightly larger, given construction requirements and tolerances) the outer dimension (X or Y) of the column 200.
Now referring to
Now referring to
It should be noted that though the FIGURES and description generally describe columns and beams, and illustrate column-beam connections, the present invention contemplates connection of beams (beams 300, 400) to other beams.
Though not shown, the ends of the beams 300, 400 may be cut diagonal to allow for diagonal attachment to a column (or other beam). As such, the beams may also function as diagonal bracing members for bracing between columns. In particular, a beam such as the beam 400 may be particularly useful for such application.
When constructed using fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), each of the columns 200 and beams 300, 400 are unitary and integrally formed. Further, the beams 300, 400 may be utilized as beams to carry joists, or as joists themselves. Further the beams may be utilized to carry loads and may be used for other or additional purposes, such as for attachment means for outer casing materials, etc.
In a specific embodiment, the column 200 and the beam 300, 400 are made of a material containing glass fiber, or other composite or reinforcing material(s). The column 200 is made of pultruded fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) and may include some fire resistant and/or non-fire resistant materials, as will be understood by those in the art. In one embodiment, the columns and beams (and other plastic structures described herein) are constructed using brominated resin for fire retardant characteristics. Pultruded FRP structures or members are generally those produced by pulling glass fibers or mats (or other composite or reinforcing material) through a die with a resin material. Any reinforcing fiber or other materials may be used, and any type of resin material, such as polyurethane, vinylester, polyester, or other polymer materials may be used, as known to those in the art. In one embodiment, the plastic structures include carbon to increase strength, and in another embodiment, the reinforcing fiber may be defined as carbon material or other strength increasing materials.
The columns 200 and beams 300, 400 are manufactured using a typical pultrusion process (resin bath, die injection, etc.) using dies corresponding to the desired cross-sectional shape of the column or beam. As the pultruded component (column, beam, etc.) is pulled through the die and solidifies, the component is cut to length per the desired lengths, as specified herein (the components may also be cut to a standard length, and then re-cut to the needed length at a later time). Each column 200 and beam 300, 400 is integrally formed, and of unitary construction. After the columns or beams are made to the appropriate length, attachment holes are formed (as previously described herein) at the suitable locations and the end(s) of the beams are formed to create the connection extensions or flanges (as described). The system of the present invention allows for the custom design of a tower/structure 10 with components that are specially constructed that allows for quick and efficient erection of the structure at the desired site. Though a pultrusion process is disclosed, it may be possible to utilize another manufacturing process to create the composite plastic structures.
Now referring to
As illustrated in
The dimensions X and Y may be chosen as desired. In one specific embodiment shown in
The joist 500 is similarly constructed and made using a pultrusion process as the beams and columns. The joist 500 is integrally formed, and of unitary construction. The joists may additionally be constructed with polyurethane and stronger reinforcement materials, to increase the strength and load carrying capabilities of the joist 500. Joists of the type typically span more than one bay.
As such, the overall length of the beam 500 is generally equal to the desired joist span, or partial span, of the structure 100 (with some joists shorter or longer than others, as per the design). In one embodiment, the beam 500 is a single, unitary piece, with lengths ranging from ten to fifty feet. In other embodiments, joist length is between fourteen and forty feet, greater than twenty feet, and/or greater than twenty-five feet.
Now referring to
The cooling tower, generally designated by reference numeral 600 is shown with two cells 632. Each cell 632 is shown as a square about forty-two feet on each side, so its overall footprint is about forty-two by eighty-four feet. Each cell 632 is shown with nine (3×3) bays, with each bay about fourteen by fourteen feet. Other configurations are contemplated, including a single cell or multiple cells, with each cell having any number of bays (e.g., 2×2, 3×3, or uneven combinations). Each cell 632 includes a fan 634 held within a fan shroud 636 that may generally be formed of a fiber reinforced plastic structure that is assembled on top of the cooling tower 600. The fan 634 sits atop a geared fan-speed reducer which itself receives a drive shaft extending from a fan motor. The fan, fan speed reducer and motor may be mounted as conventional in the art, as for example, mounting on a beam such as a steel tube or pipe of appropriately chosen structural characteristics such as bending and shear strength and torsion resistance, or the equipment may be mounted on a beam or joist constructed of FRP. The motor and beam may be located on the roof or top of the cooling tower 600 or within it. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan shroud 636 is mounted on top of a flat deck 638 on top of the cooling tower 600 with a guard rail 640 around the perimeter. A ladder 641 or stairway 643 may also be provided for access to the deck, and walkways may also be provided on the deck.
Beneath the deck 638 are the upper levels 642 (122 in
The exterior of the upper levels 642 may be covered with a casing or cladding 648 designed to allow air to pass through into the cooling tower during, for example, windy conditions, and may be designed to be sacrificial, that is, to blow off when design loads are exceeded. The casing 648 may be made of fiber reinforced plastic or some other material and may comprise louvers.
As shown in
As known in the art, the fill level 650 is filled with fill material 654 that provides a heat transfer function and media. Generally, the fill is open-celled material that allows water to pass downwardly and air to pass upwardly, with heat transfer taking place between the water and air as they pass. Open-celled clay tile or polyvinyl chloride materials or other open cell heat transfer media may be used. Various types of fill material may be used, and such fill material is commercially available. The cooling tower 600 of the present invention is not limited to use of any particular type of fill material. The present invention is also applicable to cross-flow designs.
A water distribution system 649 in the water distribution level 652 above the fill level 650 includes a distribution header 656 that receives hot water from a supply pipe (not shown) that may be connected to the inlet 658 on the exterior of the cooling tower. One distribution header 656 extends across the width of each cell, and each is connected to a plurality of lateral distribution pipes 660 extending perpendicularly from the header 656 to the opposite edges of each cell. The lateral distribution pipes 660 are spaced evenly across each bay, with lateral distribution pipes being provided in each of the fourteen by fourteen foot bays of the illustrated embodiment. Larger or smaller bays may be provided with an appropriate number and spacing of water distribution pipes provided.
Each lateral distribution pipe 660 has a plurality of downwardly directed spray nozzles 663 connected to receive hot water and spray it downward in drops onto the fill material 654, where heat exchange occurs as gravity draws the water drops down to the basin and the fan draws cool air up through the cooling tower. Each lateral distribution pipe may have, for example, ten nozzles, so there may exist eighty nozzles in each bay 662. The water distribution system 649 is shown and described for purposes of illustration only and other designs may also be utilized.
The cooling tower of the present invention also has a tower/frame structure 100 (also refer to
The cooling tower 600 further includes the collecting basin 646 that defines a base 691 on which the vertical columns 112 are mounted through footings 686. The types of footings and connections available are generally known to those in the art.
The cooling tower 600 generally includes the structure 100 (and components) generally shown in
As such, the frame/structure 100 includes a plurality of interconnected columns, beams and joists that provides a supporting structure for the other components of the cooling tower 600. Additional components and/or more detailed descriptions of these components in the cooling tower 600 are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,522, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Now referring to
As illustrated, the first wall 702 extends opposite the second L-shaped wall 708, while the second wall 704 extends opposite the first L-shaped wall 706. Each of the walls extends at approximately right angles from an adjacent wall, including the second portions 706b, 708b extending from the respective first portions 706a, 708b. The overall outer dimensions are shown as dimensions X and Y (as shown in
The dimensions X and Y may be chosen as desired. In one specific embodiment shown in
The toe/trim member 700 is similarly constructed (as the columns, beams and joists) and may be made using a pultrusion process. The member 700 is integrally formed, and of unitary construction. The length of the toe-trim member 700 can be any desired length, and is chosen to span between two or more outer columns 112 of the structure 100, or as needed. In one embodiment, the toe/trim member 700 is a single, unitary piece, with lengths ranging from ten to sixty feet, and in one embodiment, is equal to or greater than the column spacing.
Now referring to
As illustrated, the wall 702 and a portion of the second L-shaped wall 708 form attachment or mounting plates for mounting to an outer wall of the column 112 (one or both may be used for attaching). The wall 702 and/or second portion 706b (of wall 706) may also provide attachment locations for the casing panels 648. Any fastening or attachment means (not shown) and methods may be utilized, such as bolts, screws, bonding, etc., and the like. When used as a trim member (
The corrugated nature of standard casing panels 648 allows air leakage at the bottoms and tops of the panels, which is undesirable. As such, the toe/trim member 700 of the present invention provides a single and unitary building component that provides several functions: reduces or eliminates the undesirable air flow, supports and stabilizes the casing panels, and provides a source of attachment for the casing panels.
It will be understood that a portion of the wall 704 will be removed (cut-away) at the locations where the toe/board member abuts the column 112 (or other beam or column or structure, as needed) for mounting/attachment. As will be appreciated, the wall 704 of the toe-trim member 700 may be optional, however, it increases the strength of the overall toe/board member 700.
Now referring to
The dimension X and Y may be chosen as desired, however, in the embodiment shown, X is between two and five feet, and Y is equal to or greater than about 1 inch. In another embodiment, Y is between about ¾ and 2 inches. Each of the walls 802, 804, 806 has a thickness, t1, t2, and t3, respectively (not shown). In one embodiment, the thickness t is substantially the same for all members. In other embodiments, each respective thickness may vary.
The double wall panel 800 (or member) is similarly constructed (as the columns, beams, joist) and may be made using a pultrusion process. In another embodiment, the panel 800 includes a fire retardant material, such as brominated resin. The panel 800 is integrally formed, and of unitary construction. The length of the panel 800 can be any desired length, and is chosen to span between two or more columns 112 of the structure 100, or as needed. In one embodiment, the double wall panel 800 is a single, unitary piece, with lengths ranging from ten to sixty feet, and in one embodiment, is equal to or greater than the column spacing.
Multiple double panel walls 800 are utilized to form a firewall (as described below) between individual adjacent cells 632. In the event of a fire in one cell, the firewall advantageously prevents (or reduces the potential of) the fire from spreading to an adjacent cell. In some applications, it is desirable that each cooling cell (within a cooling tower structure having multiple cells) operate independently of each other. Thus, to reduce the risk that a fire in one cell will spread to another cell, prior art cooling towers incorporated an expensive fire sprinkler system into the structure. However, when a firewall structure is utilized that meets certain insurance industry (or other industry) guidelines or tests, the need for such a sprinkler system may be eliminated. Accordingly, the present invention provides a firewall structure, when constructed between cells, that increases fire resistance between cells and may reduce or eliminate the need for a fire sprinkler system.
Now referring to
A first wall 910 is positioned adjacent to a first side of the column 902, while a second wall 912 is positioned adjacent to a second side of the column 902. The first wall 910 and the second wall 912 are spaced apart by a distance A, as shown in
In the embodiment shown in
Now referring to
A first wall 910a is positioned adjacent to a first side of the column 902, while a second wall 912a is positioned adjacent the first wall 910a. The first wall 910a and the second wall 912a are spaced apart by a distance A, as shown in
As will be appreciated, utilizing double wall panels 800 for each of the two coplanar firewalls 910, 912, and spacing the walls 910, 912 a predetermined distance A from each other increases the fire resistance characteristics of the firewalls 900a, 900b, as opposed to using only a single wall.
Now referring to
The firewall structure 1000 includes the double panel walls 1002, 1004 having multiple cavities 1008 disposed between the walls 1002, 1004. The walls 1002, 1004 may be constructed of plastic material, such as a fiber-reinforced composite material, or some other suitable fire-retardant material(s).
According to one embodiment, the cavities 1008 are at least partially filled with fire-retardant material 1010 which, in one embodiment, includes a polyurethane insulating material, such as a foam material, and in one embodiment is a rigid closed-cell foam material. The material 1010 may be in an initial liquid form, which is sprayed or injected into the cavities 1008. The liquid then cures to a low density rigid polyurethane insulation. One example of such a suitable liquid material is marketed under the name AMERIFOAM CC (1.7) from USA Foam, LLC.
In other embodiments, the cavities 1008 may be completely filled, substantially filled, or partially filled with the material 1010.
According to one embodiment, the exterior surfaces of the first and second outer walls 1002, 1004 include a layer 1020 of fire-retardant material. In one embodiment, the layer 120 includes a coating of intumescent latex which functions as a fire barrier. This layer 1020 creates a relatively thick char layer when exposed to high temperature or flames, thus creating a fire-resistant layer or barrier against fire. Intumescent latex is a water-based, thin film containing approximately 56% solids by weight, has a nominal viscosity of 125 KU and a pH between about 8.0-8.5. The intumescent latex can be applied to the surfaces of the first and second outer walls 1002, 1004 of the firewall structure 1000 with a sprayer or by brush, roller or mitt. One suitable intumescent latex material may be obtained from Contego International, Rochester, Ind.
As will be appreciated, though both walls are shown having the layer 1020, it may be possible to only apply layer 1020 to one of the walls.
Now turning to
Next, the cavities 1008 are filled (at least partially with polyurethane insulation (such as described above), which may be a fire-retardant foam (block 112). In one embodiment, the material 1010 may be inserted into the cavities 1008 through the open ends (and then secured therein by any suitable means or method). In another embodiment, the material 1010 may be sprayed or injected inside the cavities in a liquid form, which then cures to a low density rigid polyurethane insulation. Other methods of disposing the material 1010 within the cavities 1008 may be used.
On the exterior surfaces of the first and second outer walls 1002, 1004, the layer of fire-retardant material 1020 is applied (block 1116). In one embodiment, the layer 1020 is formed of intumescent latex.
According to one embodiment, multiple double wall firewall structures 1000 coupled together may form a single firewall (e.g., one thickness of the double wall structure) which may be installed between cells of cooling tower structure.
In various embodiments, the firewall structure 1000, and thus the firewall 1204, has a thickness (width) Y, which may be less than 5 inches, less than about 2 inches, less than about 1½ inches, may between about ¾ and 2 inches, and in one embodiment is about 1¼ inches.
According to disclosed embodiments, the firewall 1204 may be assembled by interlocking a plurality of firewall structures (or panels) 1000. For example, a plurality of firewall panels 1000 may be interlocked vertically or laterally to assemble a firewall having a desired height and/or a desired length. The firewall panels may be configured with an interlocking mechanism(s) that allows panels to be interlocked to each other. Alternatively, the firewall panels may be interlocked using any suitable or conventional fasteners.
According to disclosed embodiments, the cavities may be partially filled, substantially filled or completely filled with insulation material using the aforementioned methods.
It will be understood that the firewall system as described herein is not limited to use in cooling tower structures, but may be used in other structures or installations where it is desirable to contain one portion or area (e.g. cell) from another for fire containment or resistance purposes.
As will be appreciated, one or more firewall structures 1000 may be used and disposed in the firewall configurations, such as within the firewalls 900a and 900b, shown and described in
It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases that may be used within this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. The term “couple” or “connect” refers to any direct or indirect connection between two or more components, unless specifically noted that a direct coupling or direct connection is present.
Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in the foregoing detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) disclosed but is capable of numerous rearrangements, substitutions and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
The present application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent No. 61/780,063, filed Mar. 13, 2013, entitled “FIREWALL STRUCTURE FOR USE IN A TOWER/FRAME STRUCTURE AND COOLING TOWER”. Provisional Patent No. 61/780,063 is assigned to the assignee of the present application and is hereby incorporated by reference into the present application as if fully set forth herein. The present application hereby claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent No. 61/780,063.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61780063 | Mar 2013 | US |