Firewall structure for use in a tower/frame structure and cooling tower

Abstract

A firewall structure having double panel walls with a first outer wall and a second outer wall is constructed of fiber reinforced material. Multiple cavities are defined between the outer walls and are at least partially filled with a polyurethane insulation. The surfaces of the first and the second outer walls are coated with a layer of material that resists fire and heat. In one embodiment, the layer of material includes intumescent latex which functions to create a thick char layer when exposed to high temperatures or flames.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A firewall structure for use in a frame structure, the firewall structure comprising:
 a double wall panel member having a first outer wall spaced laterally from a second outer wall, 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   a layer of fire-retardant material disposed on at least one of the first outer wall or the second outer wall.   
     
     
         2 . The firewall structure in accordance with  claim 1  wherein the layer of fire-retardant material comprises a film of intumescent latex. 
     
     
         3 . The firewall structure in accordance with  claim 2  wherein the rigid polyurethane insulation is a fire-retardant foam. 
     
     
         4 . The firewall structure in accordance with  claim 2  wherein the layer of intumescent latex creates a char layer when exposed to high temperature or flame. 
     
     
         5 . The firewall structure in accordance with  claim 2  wherein the first and second outer walls are spaced apart between about ¾ and 2 inches. 
     
     
         6 . A firewall system comprising:
 a first firewall and a second firewall spaced apart by a predetermined distance;   an elongated column disposed adjacent the second firewall and spaced from the first and the second firewall; and   wherein the first and the second firewall each comprise:
 a double wall panel member having a first outer wall spaced laterally from a second outer wall, 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 coated with a fire-retardant material. 
   
     
     
         7 . The firewall system in accordance with  claim 6  wherein the fire-retardant material comprises intumescent latex. 
     
     
         8 . The firewall system accordance with  claim 7  wherein the rigid polyurethane insulation is a fire-retardant foam. 
     
     
         9 . The firewall system accordance with  claim 7  wherein the coating of intumescent latex creates a char layer when exposed to high temperature or flame. 
     
     
         10 . The firewall system accordance with  claim 7  wherein the first and second outer walls are spaced apart between about ¾ and 2 inches. 
     
     
         11 . A method of constructing a firewall structure for use in a cooling tower structure, the method comprising:
 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; and   applying a layer of fire-retardant material to the first outer wall and the second outer wall.   
     
     
         12 . The method in accordance with  claim 11  wherein the fire-retardant material comprises intumescent latex. 
     
     
         13 . The method in accordance with  claim 12  wherein the rigid polyurethane insulation is a fire-retardant foam. 
     
     
         14 . The method in accordance with  claim 12  wherein the layer of intumescent latex creates a char layer when exposed to high temperature or flame. 
     
     
         15 . The method in accordance with  claim 12  wherein the first and second outer walls are spaced apart between about ¾ and 2 inches.