The primary utility of the DIFA is it's ability to function maintenance-free at moving penetrations. Also, this device can be economically fit and placed at almost any conceivable penetration configuration. The construction barrier doesn't need to be regular or consistent at the surface. It can be at any angle of incidence to the penetrating items. The penetrating items can be virtually any size, type, or shape, as well as proximate to each other and the barrier as determined by other system parameters such as required movements.
A secondary feature of the DIFA is its capacity to provide a maintenance-free seal at the penetration, which is impervious to nearly all known substances during normal operation and fire. Existing mechanical firestop devices contain sliding seals which certainly fail over time, or overlapping sheetmetal flanges which allow passage of fluids, gases, or vapors. The DIFA can be installed to provide firestopping and environmental seals in most industrial, refinery, medical and food processing environments in which moving penetrations occur.
The DIFA is surprisingly cost effective in both its component cost and ease of installation. Installation is most readily accomplished with all penetration components in place. It is not normally necessary to modify or cut the penetration components because the DIFA is manufactured to fit and be installed around penetrations. Therefore, with required clearances for movement taken into account, existing conditions can be easily fitted; or in the case of new penetrations, the normal trades can finish their work as usual without interference.
Modification of the DIFA is economically accomplished in most cases should addition or deletion of penetrating items through the penetration be desired. It is not typically necessary to remove the entire assembly in order to add or delete a penetrating item. As previously mentioned, maintenance is not required unless damage to the system occurs due to external forces or due to extreme operating conditions.
The DIFA is currently in operation on pipes with surface temperatures as low as -90ºF and as high as 350ºF. While the low temperature is approaching a functional limit, the upper limit for this firestop device remains undetermined.
At this time, Denver Firestop advises that a qualified professional perform all field measurements and installation of the DIFA. In the most simple applications it may be possible for others to provide these services, however this approach has restricted value as to its cost effectiveness.
Please contact us at any time for additional information regarding DIFA's design and installation.
