Foam characteristic comprehensive measurement device in thermal radiation environment

By designing a comprehensive foam characteristic measurement device under thermal radiation environment, the problem that existing devices cannot simulate real fire environment has been solved, and the accurate measurement of multi-dimensional foam performance has been achieved, supporting the research and development and performance evaluation of fire extinguishing agents.

CN121049080APending Publication Date: 2025-12-02CHINA UNIV OF MINING & TECH +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511589188.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-11-03
Publication Date
2025-12-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing foam performance testing devices cannot simulate the radiation environment in a real fire, and it is difficult to simultaneously measure the multi-dimensional performance indicators of foam under radiation conditions, thus failing to meet the needs of small-scale, precise, and automated testing in laboratories.

Method used

A comprehensive foam characteristic measurement device under thermal radiation environment was designed, including a transparent container, an image observation module, a heating module, a foam weighing module, and a liquid precipitation measurement module. It can simulate the flame radiation environment, record the changes in foam morphology, mass, and liquid precipitation in real time, and provide multi-dimensional performance measurement.

Benefits of technology

It enables comprehensive measurement of the morphological changes, liquid exudation behavior, heat insulation and thermal stability of foam under radiation environment, providing a precise performance evaluation tool and supporting the development of fire extinguishing agents.

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Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of foam performance testing, and relates to a comprehensive measurement device for foam characteristics in a thermal radiation environment, comprising: a container for holding a sample, the container being made of a transparent material; the image observation module is arranged on one side of the container, and the shooting end of the image observation module faces the container; the heating module is used for heating the sample in the container, and the heating module is used for acquiring heating data; the foam weighing module is used for weighing the mass of the foam sample in the container and acquiring mass change data of the foam sample; and the foam precipitation liquid in the container flows into the precipitation liquid measuring module through the guide pipe, and the precipitation liquid measuring module is used for acquiring the mass of the precipitation liquid in real time. The device can simulate the flame radiation environment, comprehensively measure and analyze the foam form change, the drainage behavior (liquid content and liquid evaporation capacity), the heat insulation property, the heat stability and other properties of foam, and provide powerful support for research and development and performance evaluation of a fire extinguishing agent.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of foam performance testing technology, and in particular relates to a comprehensive measurement device for foam characteristics under thermal radiation environment. Background Technology

[0002] Foam has wide applications in fire protection. In many industrial applications, such as nuclear energy and chemical industry, foam is widely used for fire extinguishing, heat insulation, and thermal insulation. Its performance evaluation is crucial for the research and application of fire extinguishing agents. However, the stability of foam is affected under radiation environments, and its performance may change. Currently, research on the stable behavior of foam under radiation environments is insufficient. Existing foam performance testing devices have some limitations: they cannot simulate the radiation environment of a real fire; they lack the ability to simultaneously measure multi-dimensional performance indicators of foam; and they cannot meet the needs of small-scale, accurate, and automated laboratory testing. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive foam characteristic measurement device under thermal radiation environments. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a comprehensive measurement device for foam characteristics under radiation conditions to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution:

[0005] A comprehensive measurement device for foam properties under thermal radiation conditions, including:

[0006] A container for holding samples, wherein the container is made of a transparent material;

[0007] An image observation module is disposed on one side of the container, with the imaging end of the image observation module facing the container;

[0008] A heating module is used to heat the sample inside the container, and the heating module is also used to acquire heating data;

[0009] A foam weighing module is used to weigh the mass of the foam sample inside the container, and the weighing module is used to acquire real-time data on the change in sample mass.

[0010] The liquid precipitation measurement module is connected to the container. The foamed liquid precipitated in the container flows into the liquid precipitation measurement module through a conduit. The liquid precipitation measurement module is used to obtain the mass of the precipitated liquid in real time.

[0011] Optionally, it also includes a frame, on which the foam weighing module is mounted, the container is placed on the foam weighing module, the heating module is located above the container and connected to the frame, and the image observation module and the liquid separation measurement module are connected to the frame.

[0012] Optionally, the frame is provided with ventilation openings, and a control module is fixed on one side of the frame. The control module is electrically connected to the image observation module, the heating module, the foam weighing module, and the liquid separation measurement module.

[0013] Optionally, the image observation module includes a micro camera, which is fixedly mounted on one side of the container and is used to photograph and record the morphological changes of the sample inside the container.

[0014] Optionally, the image observation module further includes a prism, which is fixed to one side of the container, and the imaging end of the micro camera is positioned facing the prism.

[0015] Optionally, the heating module includes:

[0016] An infrared heating module is positioned above the container;

[0017] A heat flow meter is fixedly installed on one side of the container, and the heat flow meter is used to calibrate the radiation intensity of the infrared heating module.

[0018] A thermocouple is placed inside the container and is used to measure the temperature of the sample inside the container.

[0019] Optionally, the foam weighing module includes a first mass sensor, with a fixed end of the first mass sensor fixedly disposed and a movable end of the first mass sensor connected to the container. The container is placed directly above the movable end of the first mass sensor to obtain the mass of the container and the sample.

[0020] Optionally, the liquid separation measurement module includes:

[0021] A beaker, connected to the container;

[0022] A second weighing unit is disposed below the beaker, and the second weighing unit is used to acquire data on the mass change of the beaker.

[0023] Optionally, the beaker is connected to one end of a conduit, and the other end of the conduit is connected to the interior of the container.

[0024] Optionally, the second weighing unit includes a second mass sensor, with the fixed end of the second mass sensor fixedly disposed and the movable end of the second mass sensor connected to the bottom of the beaker.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and technical effects:

[0026] In use, the sample is placed inside a container, and a heating module radiates heat to the sample. Simultaneously, an image observation module records the sample's morphological changes, while a foam weighing module measures the mass of the container and the sample within it, recording the mass changes during heating. During foam morphological changes, liquid seeps into a liquid seepage measurement module, which measures and records the mass of the seepage. This device can simulate a flame radiation environment, comprehensively measuring and analyzing foam morphological changes, liquid seepage behavior (liquid content, liquid evaporation), insulation properties, and thermal stability, providing strong support for the development and performance evaluation of fire extinguishing agents. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first angle structure of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second angle structure of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a graph showing the changes in mass and temperature of sample No. 1 in this invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a graph showing the changes in mass and temperature of sample No. 2 in this invention.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a diagram of the bubble morphology of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a diagram of the bubble morphology of the present invention, No. 2.

[0034] The components include: 1. Infrared heating module; 2. Thermocouple; 3. Heat flow meter; 4. Container; 5. Micro camera; 6. First mass sensor; 8. Beaker; 9. Control module; 10. Vent; 11. Second mass sensor; 12. Prism. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0037] Reference Figures 1 to 6 This invention discloses a comprehensive measurement device for foam characteristics under thermal radiation environment, comprising:

[0038] Container 4 is used to hold the sample and is made of transparent material;

[0039] The image observation module is located on one side of container 4, with the imaging end of the image observation module facing container 4;

[0040] The heating module is used to heat the sample inside container 4, and the heating module is also used to acquire heating data;

[0041] The foam weighing module is used to weigh the mass of the foam sample in container 4. The weighing module is used to obtain real-time data on the change in sample mass.

[0042] The liquid precipitation measurement module is connected to the container 4. The foamed liquid precipitated in the container 4 flows into the liquid precipitation measurement module through a conduit. The liquid precipitation measurement module is used to obtain the mass of the precipitated liquid in real time.

[0043] In use, the sample is placed inside container 4, and the sample inside container 4 is radiantly heated by a heating module. Simultaneously, an image observation module records the sample's morphological changes, and a foam weighing module measures the mass of container 4 and the sample within it, recording the mass changes during the heating process. During the foam morphological changes, liquid seeps into the liquid seepage measurement module, which measures and records the mass of the seepage. This device can simulate a flame radiation environment, comprehensively measuring and analyzing the foam's morphological changes, liquid seepage behavior (liquid content, liquid evaporation), insulation properties, and thermal stability, providing strong support for the development and performance evaluation of fire extinguishing agents.

[0044] As an optional implementation, it also includes a frame, a foam weighing module mounted on the frame, a container 4 placed on the foam weighing module, a heating module located above the container 4 and connected to the frame, and an image observation module and a liquid separation measurement module connected to the frame.

[0045] As an optional implementation, the frame is provided with ventilation openings 10, and a control module 9 is fixed on one side of the frame. The control module 9 is electrically connected to the image observation module, heating module, foam weighing module, and liquid separation measurement module.

[0046] The control module 9 includes a housing fixed to the frame and a PLC programmable controller installed inside the housing. The PLC programmable controller is electrically connected to the image observation module, heating module, foam weighing module, and liquid separation measurement module. The controller has a control program to facilitate the operation of the image observation module, heating module, foam weighing module, and liquid separation measurement module, as well as the acquisition of temperature data, image data, etc.

[0047] The ventilation opening 10 can effectively prevent overheating inside the enclosure.

[0048] The control module 9 also includes an emergency stop button, a cooling button, and an alarm to ensure experimental safety.

[0049] The control module 9 is electrically connected to the heating module and is used to control the radiation intensity and time.

[0050] The control module 9 is connected to the computer, and the data acquired by the control module 9 is transmitted to the computer software for unified display. The displayed data includes, but is not limited to, data such as temperature, mass, sample height, and foam morphology.

[0051] As an optional implementation, the image observation module includes a micro camera 5, which is fixedly installed on one side of the container 4. The micro camera 5 is used to photograph and record the morphological changes of the sample inside the container 4.

[0052] The micro camera 5 can be moved left and right on the stand to adjust the shooting position, and then fixed to the stand after the shooting position is determined.

[0053] Furthermore, the micro camera 5 is mounted on the movable end of the slide rail for easy back-and-forth movement, while the fixed end of the slide rail is fixed to the frame.

[0054] The micro camera 5 can be used to monitor changes in the volume and size of foam.

[0055] As an optional implementation, the image observation module also includes a prism 12, which is fixed to one side of the container 4, and the imaging end of the micro camera 5 is set facing the prism 12.

[0056] As an optional implementation, the heating module includes:

[0057] Infrared heating module 1 is positioned above container 4;

[0058] A heat flow meter 3 is fixedly installed on one side of the container 4. The heat flow meter 3 is used to calibrate the radiation intensity of the infrared heating module 1.

[0059] Thermocouple 2 is installed inside container 4 and is used to measure the temperature of the sample inside container 4.

[0060] The infrared heating module 1 includes an adjustable-power infrared heater with a power range of 0-30kW / m².

[0061] Furthermore, container 4 is made of quartz glass, which can withstand high temperatures and radiation. Container 4 is exposed to the field of vision, facilitating real-time observation of the morphological changes of the foam under radiation conditions.

[0062] Furthermore, the infrared heating module 1 is vertically slidably mounted on the frame.

[0063] Furthermore, the thermocouples 2 are arranged from bottom to top inside the container 4, with a spacing of 1 cm.

[0064] Temperature distribution data of the sample inside container 4 can be obtained by distributing thermocouples 2 within container 4.

[0065] One end of the infrared heating module 1 is connected to a rope, which is wound around a pulley system. The pulley system is rotatably mounted on the frame, allowing the rope to be raised and lowered. The height of the infrared heating module 1 is used to control experimental variables.

[0066] Furthermore, by placing the thermocouples 2 at different heights inside container 4, the internal temperature of the foam at different heights can be measured.

[0067] Furthermore, the heat flow meter 3, which is used to calibrate the radiation intensity, is equipped with a cooling system to prevent overheating.

[0068] Furthermore, a water flow indicator is installed outside the control module 9 to facilitate timely detection of whether the cooling system is operating normally, in order to prevent the heat flow meter 3 from being burned out.

[0069] As an optional implementation, the foam weighing module includes a first mass sensor 6, with a fixed end of the first mass sensor 6 fixedly disposed and a movable end of the first mass sensor 6 connected to a container 4. The container 4 is placed directly above the movable end of the first mass sensor 6 to obtain the mass of the container 4 and the sample.

[0070] As an optional implementation, the liquid precipitation measurement module includes:

[0071] Beaker 8 is connected to container 4;

[0072] The second weighing unit is located below beaker 8 and is used to acquire data on the mass change of beaker 8.

[0073] As an optional implementation, beaker 8 is connected to one end of a conduit, and the other end of the conduit is connected to the interior of container 4.

[0074] One end of the conduit is connected to the inside of container 4, and the other end of the conduit is positioned directly above beaker 8 so that the sample can drip into beaker 8.

[0075] As an optional implementation, the second weighing unit includes a second mass sensor 11, with the fixed end of the second mass sensor 11 fixedly disposed and the movable end of the second mass sensor 11 connected to the bottom of the beaker 8.

[0076] Beaker 8 is placed on the movable end of the second mass sensor 11.

[0077] How to use:

[0078] Determine the distance between the infrared heating module 1 and the top of the foam, adjust the distance between the infrared heating module 1 and the top of the heat flow meter 3 to be consistent, remove the top insulation cotton, enter the calibration interface of the "Fire Extinguishing Agent Radiation Heating Test System" software, input the heat flow setting value, click Start Calibration, start heating and automatically turn on the cooling water, the calibration will end automatically, and the cooling water will be turned off after the calibration ends.

[0079] Replace the insulation cotton, adjust the distance between the radiation shield and the sample to the distance between the calibrated sample and the heat flow meter 3, place a wire mesh or seal the bottom of container 4, and place beaker 8 on the bottom balance. Enter the software test interface, select the heat flow value, and click "Start Heating" to preheat. Zero the sample mass and the mass of the precipitate.

[0080] Open the camera app, set the recording time interval, and start recording.

[0081] Click "Start Test", insert the foam of the set thickness, remove the insulation cotton and start the test.

[0082] After the test is completed, click "Stop Test". The temperature and mass data are stored in the computer. Put the insulation cotton back in, and after cooling, connect the hose to the bottom of container 4 and clean container 4.

[0083] The following are the experimental data:

[0084] Using a designed comprehensive foam characteristic measurement device under thermal radiation, the foam performance of different fire extinguishing agent formulations under 18 kW / m² radiation was studied. Two samples with different polymer concentrations were selected for testing, numbered 1 and 2 respectively, with other components being identical, including two hydrocarbon surfactants and one organosilicon surfactant. The following are the height, mass, and temperature change data, foam images, and analysis of the two sets of samples, refer to Figure 6 and Table 1.

[0085] (1) Samples with different polymer concentrations showed certain differences in mass change:

[0086] Sample No. 1: In the early stage of radiation, the sample mass loss rate was relatively faster. At 400s, the mass of the precipitate reached 230g. After about 400s, the sample mass loss tended to stabilize. At 600s, the mass of the precipitate reached 270g. After about 600s, the mass change gradually stopped.

[0087] Sample No. 2: Its mass loss curve is relatively flat. At 650s, the mass of the precipitate reaches 230g. After about 650s, the mass loss of the sample tends to stabilize. At 800s, the mass of the precipitate reaches 260g. After about 800s, the mass change gradually stops.

[0088] Data comparison shows that the 0%NS-2P sample experienced less mass loss and slower mass change over time compared to the 0%NS-1P sample. This formula's foam exhibits better thermal stability under radiation conditions and can more effectively maintain its structure.

[0089] (2) Samples with different polymer concentrations showed certain differences in temperature changes:

[0090] Sample No. 1: The temperature curves at each temperature measurement point showed a consistent low-high-low-high shape over time. The first peak temperature was around 75℃, occurring between 280s and 420s. A temperature trough appeared between 380s and 550s, after which the temperature continued to rise.

[0091] Sample No. 2: The temperature curves at each temperature measurement point showed a consistent low-high-low-high shape over time. The first peak temperature was around 65℃, occurring between 420s and 680s. A temperature trough appeared between 570s and 760s, after which the temperature continued to rise.

[0092] Data comparison shows that, compared with the 0%NS-1P sample, the 0%NS-2P sample has a lower peak temperature and appears later, the temperature curve changes less overall, and the temperature runaway is more delayed. The foam of this formula has better thermal insulation properties in a radiation environment.

[0093] (3) Analysis of the collected foam height and morphology shows that the increase in polymer content thickens the foam liquid film, increases the proportion of small bubbles, and enhances the stability of foam height under the same heat radiation time. (Reference) Figure 5 , Figure 6 Table 1.

[0094] Table 1. Foam height after heating for 400 s

[0095] Sample number Foam height / cm 1 6.5 2 8.0

[0096] Conclusion: Foams with different formulations exhibit differences in thermal insulation performance. The foam performance measurement device under radiation environment of this invention can accurately and comprehensively measure the multi-dimensional performance of foam under radiation environment, providing a powerful tool for the research and development and performance evaluation of fire extinguishing agents.

[0097] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0098] The above embodiments are merely descriptions of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A comprehensive measuring device for foam characteristics under thermal radiation environment, characterized in that, include: Container (4) is used to hold the sample and is made of transparent material; An image observation module is disposed on one side of the container (4), with the imaging end of the image observation module facing the container (4). A heating module is used to heat the sample inside the container (4), and the heating module is used to acquire heating data; A foam weighing module is used to weigh the mass of the foam sample in the container (4). The weighing module is used to obtain real-time data on the change in sample mass. The liquid precipitation measurement module is connected to the container (4). The foam precipitated liquid in the container (4) flows into the liquid precipitation measurement module through a conduit. The liquid precipitation measurement module is used to obtain the mass of the precipitated liquid in real time.

2. The comprehensive measuring device for foam characteristics under thermal radiation environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a frame, the foam weighing module is set on the frame, the container (4) is placed on the foam weighing module, the heating module is located above the container (4) and connected to the frame, and the image observation module and the liquid separation measurement module are connected to the frame.

3. The comprehensive measuring device for foam characteristics under thermal radiation environment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The frame is provided with a ventilation opening (10), and a control module (9) is fixed on one side of the frame. The control module (9) is electrically connected to the image observation module, the heating module, the foam weighing module, and the liquid separation measurement module.

4. The comprehensive measuring device for foam characteristics under thermal radiation environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The image observation module includes a micro camera (5), which is fixedly installed on one side of the container (4). The micro camera (5) is used to photograph and record the morphological changes of the sample inside the container (4).

5. The comprehensive measuring device for foam characteristics under thermal radiation environment according to claim 4, characterized in that, The image observation module also includes a prism (12), which is fixed to one side of the container (4), and the shooting end of the micro camera (5) is set towards the prism (12).

6. The comprehensive measuring device for foam characteristics under thermal radiation environment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating module includes: An infrared heating module (1) is disposed above the container (4); A heat flow meter (3) is fixedly installed on one side of the container (4), and the heat flow meter (3) is used to calibrate the radiation intensity of the infrared heating module (1); A thermocouple (2) is placed inside the container (4) and is used to measure the temperature of the sample inside the container (4).

7. The comprehensive measuring device for foam characteristics under thermal radiation environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The foam weighing module includes a first mass sensor (6), the fixed end of the first mass sensor (6) is fixedly set, the movable end of the first mass sensor (6) is connected to the container (4), and the container (4) is placed directly above the movable end of the first mass sensor (6) to obtain the mass of the container (4) and the sample.

8. The comprehensive measuring device for foam characteristics under thermal radiation environment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid precipitation measurement module includes: The beaker (8) is connected to the container (4); The second weighing unit is located below the beaker (8) and is used to acquire mass change data of the beaker (8).

9. The comprehensive measuring device for foam characteristics under thermal radiation environment according to claim 8, characterized in that: The beaker (8) is connected to one end of a conduit, and the other end of the conduit is connected to the interior of the container (4).

10. The comprehensive measuring device for foam characteristics under thermal radiation environment according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second weighing unit includes a second mass sensor (11), the fixed end of the second mass sensor (11) is fixedly disposed, and the movable end of the second mass sensor (11) is connected to the bottom of the beaker (8).

Citation Information

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