Means for fire protection of pipe joints and valves in pipelines

Fire protection of pipe joints and valves in a pipeline is provided by two socket halves situated tightly against each other and against the pipe line and surrounding the joint, valve, or such. The socket halves are made from perforated stainless steel plate and have a fire insulation of heat expanding epoxy material on the inside, outside, or on both sides. One of the edges of the socket halves situated against each other comprises an internal cover plate with fire insulation which covers the joint between the two halves and prevents penetration of hot gases into the internal of the socket halves.

This is a 371 filing of International Patent Application No. PCT/NO2005/000381 filed Oct. 13, 2005 and published on Apr. 20, 2006 under publication number WO 2006/041311 A and claims priority benefits from Norwegian Patent Application No. 20044350 filed Oct. 13, 2004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to a means for fire protection of pipe joints and valves in pipelines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In case of a fire on or at valves in pipelines or pipe joints it is important that these joints are secured in the best possible way and additionally maintains their function as long as possible during a fire. The pipe joints may be flash connection which by testing of their fire protections should provide documentation for resistance against fire loads such as jet fires and hydrocarbon fires.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the means for fire protection according to the present invention as defined by the features stated in the claims, the above mentioned objectives are secured.

FIG. 1discloses a flange coupling of two pipes1and2being connected in a steel case5. The connection may comprise a valve, flanges or such. Around the pipes1and2is arranged insulation3and4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The means for fire protection according to the present invention comprises two sleeve halves with a perforated stainless steel plate6covered by fire isolation7and8in the shape of heat expanding epoxy products. The fire isolation7and8may be applied on both sides of the perforated steel plate6, or only on one of the sides of the steel plate6.

The two socket halves comprise end walls being pressed against the isolation3and4of the pipes1and2with a heat swelling gasket11as disclosed inFIG. 1. On the inside of one of the socket halves cover plates9are secured having fire isolation across the joints. In this way it is avoided that hot gasses penetrate into the inside or underside of the two gasket halves. The joints are enforced by a bent-angle (braking edge)10on the steel plates6.

The two socket halves thereafter are clamped, preferably with not disclosed clamping elements of the type over-a-centre-position, of the type suitcase-locks or such.

By using the heat expanding gaskets, perforated steel armouring and heat expanding epoxy coating in addition to the protection being made completely flexible, a safe fire protection is achieved.

The means for fire protection according to the present invention is especially developed for use on installation which are exposed or extreme climatic conditions, especially large temperature differences and high relative humidity. This is the case for installations both on land and installations offshore.