Machinery fire mitigation system and method

Abstract

In accordance with the foregoing principles and objects of the invention, the mitigation of fires in machinery enclosures is achieved by strategic placement of thin narrow strips of intumescent material within the ventilated space between the machinery and a housing enclosing the machinery, whereby, in the event of a fire, the resulting flame contacts the intumescent material causing it to swell and to effectively block air flow through the ventilated space.

I claim:  
     
       1. A method for suppressing fires within a housing enclosing operating machinery and defining a passageway between the machinery and the housing for the passage of coolant air flow therethrough, said method comprising the steps of: 
       (a) providing a quantity of intumescent material;  
       (b) applying a first layer of said intumescent material to at least one of the outer surface of the machinery and the inner surface of the housing, said layer only partially filling the passageway between the machinery and the housing whereby air flow therethrough is substantially unrestricted; and  
       (c) whereby, in the event of a fire within the housing, heat from the fire will contact the intumescent material causing it to swell and to effectively block air flow through the passageway between the machinery and the housing.  
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of applying a layer of said intumescent material is performed using strips of said intumescent material applied at a plurality of locations within the passageway between the machinery and the housing. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of applying a second layer of said intumescent material in confronting relationship to said first layer on the other of the outer surface of the machinery and to the inside surface of the housing. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of applying a layer of said intumescent material is performed by applying a layer of viscous liquid intumescent material that hardens in place after application. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  wherein said layer of said intumescent material substantially completely encircles the machinery enclosed within the housing.