Tuesday, 09 March 2010 14:19
Japan -- Kuraray Plastics Co., Ltd. has developed the industry`s first flameproof duct to not incorporate glass wool. The new duct will add a high degree of fire resistance to existing super flame-resistant ducts used in building air conditioning systems.
When ducts are manufactured using glass wool, until now the most commonly used flame-resistant material, a thick layer of this incombustible material is required, increasing the duct`s external diameter. Among the frequently reported problems due to this fact are difficulties in installing such ducts in attics and other narrow spaces.
The new flameproof duct developed by Kuraray features a unique design that uses absolutely no glass wool; instead, aluminum-coated glass cloth covers the external surface, heat-insulation foam and a special resin compound material comprise the inner layer, and a nonwoven fabric is used for the internal surface to help to dampen sound. This structure makes Kuraray`s new flameproof duct more efficient to install owing to its easy-cut propensity as well as the fact that it greatly reduces the diameter of ducting needed.
This product is the first flameproof duct manufactured without glass wool to pass construction material tests certifying incombustibility under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism`s revised Building Standard Law, which went into effect in June, 2000. As a result, the product acquired a ministry`s certification number (NM-2543) in October 2009.
Furthermore, using a gas burner Kuraray conducted further testing on the new flameproof duct based on assumptions of conditions should an actual building fire occur. Despite being exposed to an open flame produced by a gas burner for twenty minutes, this product did not burn (although small cracks were detected in one section of the external surface`s aluminum foil cover, no significant damage was visible).
Example of use Kuraray aims to develop this product as a duct for use in building air conditioning systems-which will require stringent flame-resistant properties in the future-installed by such businesses as housing construction companies, electric appliance manufacturers and air conditioner manufacturers. " Certification tests for flame-resistant materials stipulated by the Building Standards Law (assessment based on heating materials to approximately 800° for 20 minutes)
Source : http://www.specialchem4polymers.com/resources/latest/displaynews.aspx?id=4378
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