Foam extinguishing agent and stationary foam extinguishing apparatus using the same

Abstract

According to the present invention, a synthetic surface foam extinguishing agent which can match water film forming foam extinguishing agent in fire extinguishing performance for parking lots and a fixed foam extinguishing apparatus using the same can be obtained. The present invention provides a foam extinguishing agent and a fixed foam extinguishing apparatus using the same, characterized in that the foam extinguishing agent contains at least one selected from myristyl alcohol and lauryl alcohol.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to foam extinguishing agents and stationary foam extinguishing equipment using the same, particularly to foam extinguishing agents for parking lots and stationary foam extinguishing equipment using the same. Background Technology

[0002] In Japan, foam extinguishing agents are defined as: agents that add foam stabilizers and other agents to a base, mix with water (including seawater) at a certain concentration, and mechanically incorporate air or inert gases to generate foam for fire extinguishing. Foam extinguishing agents work by foaming to cover the fire surface, extinguishing the fire through cooling and suffocation. Therefore, there are three types of foam extinguishing agents: synthetic surfactant foam extinguishing agents, aqueous film-forming foam extinguishing agents, and protein foam extinguishing agents.

[0003] However, fires occurring in parking lots, caused by leaks of vehicle fuels (flammable liquids) such as gasoline, are considered the most severe scenario. Therefore, foam extinguishing agents used in parking lots need to be capable of extinguishing such flammable liquid leak fires.

[0004] Traditionally, aqueous film-forming foam (AFCF) extinguishing agents are used in parking lot fire suppression systems. While protein foam extinguishing agents typically exhibit excellent heat resistance, their slow expansion rate when applied to the fuel surface in a foamed state makes them unsuitable for flowing fires. Synthetic surfactant foam extinguishing agents, although possessing excellent foaming capabilities, have low heat resistance, and their foamed form is easily affected by the gasoline fire, leading to defoaming and prolonged extinguishing time. Therefore, AFCF extinguishing agents, which can foam rapidly on the fuel surface and provide a balanced and effective heat resistance to fire, are suitable for parking lot applications.

[0005] The most critical factor in enabling aqueous film-forming foam fire extinguishing agents to possess the aforementioned properties lies in the combination with fluorinated surfactants (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0006] However, the organofluorine compounds contained in fluorinated surfactants are difficult to decompose in nature, thus easily accumulating and remaining in the environment or ecosystems for extended periods. Due to concerns about these environmental impacts, there is global pressure to restrict the use of organofluorine compounds.

[0007] In Japan, the manufacture and sale of products containing PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS (a 6-carbon homologue of PFOS) have also been restricted. It is foreseeable that in the near future, substances considered PFOA-related, those that can chemically generate PFOA, PFHxA (a 6-carbon homologue of PFOA), and related substances will all become restricted, ultimately leading to restrictions on all organofluorine compounds (PFAS).

[0008] To reduce surface tension and meet various performance requirements as a fire extinguishing agent, aqueous film-forming foam (AFCF) fire extinguishing agents use surfactants containing fluorinated compounds as one of their components. It is generally believed in the industry that, in fact, surfactants without fluorinated compounds cannot meet the various performance requirements of AFCF fire extinguishing agents. That is, the mainstream view holds that fluorinated surfactants are an essential component of AFCF fire extinguishing agents.

[0009] However, without the use of fluorinated surfactants containing organofluorine compounds, it will be impossible to manufacture aqueous film-forming foam fire extinguishing agents. This means that there will no longer be foam fire extinguishing agents suitable for parking lot use. Therefore, the urgent task is to develop alternatives that do not use fluorinated surfactants but still possess the fire extinguishing properties of foam fire extinguishing agents for parking lot use.

[0010] Existing technical documents

[0011] Patent documents

[0012] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-252731 Summary of the Invention

[0013] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0014] The inventors of this invention focused on synthetic surfactant foam fire extinguishing agents that do not incorporate fluorinated surfactants. Using synthetic surfactant foam fire extinguishing agents as the formulation base, they made various improvements to the fire resistance, heat resistance, and oil resistance of the foam, and successfully developed a synthetic surface foam fire extinguishing agent that can rival aqueous film-forming foam fire extinguishing agents in terms of fire extinguishing performance in parking lots.

[0015] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0016] That is, the foam fire extinguishing agent of the present invention is characterized in that it contains at least one selected from myristicin and lauryl alcohol.

[0017] More specifically, the foam fire extinguishing agent of the present invention preferably contains more than 0.0% by mass and less than 1.3% by mass of myristol.

[0018] In addition, the foam fire extinguishing agent of the present invention preferably contains more than 0.0% by mass and less than 1.7% by mass of lauryl alcohol.

[0019] Furthermore, the foam fire extinguishing agent of the present invention preferably contains more than 0.0% by mass and less than 0.6% by mass of myristol and more than 0.0% by mass and less than 0.5% by mass of lauryl alcohol.

[0020] Furthermore, the fixed foam fire extinguishing device of the present invention is a fire extinguishing device that uses any of the above-mentioned foam fire extinguishing agents.

[0021] Invention Effects

[0022] According to the present invention, it will be possible to obtain a synthetic surface foam extinguishing agent that can rival aqueous film-forming foam extinguishing agents in terms of fire extinguishing performance for use in parking lots, as well as a stationary foam extinguishing device using the foam extinguishing agent. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the foam extinguishing equipment used in the foam extinguishing agent experiment.

[0024] Figure 2 A diagram showing the fire extinguishing nozzles used in a foam extinguishing agent experiment.

[0025] Figure 3 A chart showing the evaluation results related to the state of the diluent in foam fire extinguishing agent experiments. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, representative embodiments of the foam extinguishing agent and stationary foam extinguishing equipment using the same according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these drawings. Furthermore, since the drawings are used to conceptually illustrate the present invention, dimensions, proportions, or figures may be exaggerated or simplified as needed for ease of understanding.

[0027] The foam extinguishing agent involved in this embodiment is based on a synthetic surface foam extinguishing agent. That is, the foam extinguishing agent is mainly composed of synthetic surfactants (such as hydrocarbon surfactants), and contains glycol ethers or higher alcohols as foam stabilizers, glycols as antifreeze agents, rust inhibitors, etc.

[0028] The foam extinguishing agent involved in this embodiment contains at least one of the following higher alcohols: myristicin, lauryl alcohol, and cetyl alcohol. It should be noted that components other than the aforementioned higher alcohols (myristicin and / or lauryl alcohol) include water, solvents, rust inhibitors, activators, pH stabilizers, pH adjusters, etc.

[0029] More specifically, the foam extinguishing agent of this embodiment contains higher alcohols in the proportions described in any one of (1) to (3) below.

[0030] (1) Myristol: more than 0.0% by mass and less than 1.3% by mass.

[0031] (2) Lauryl alcohol: more than 0.0% by mass and less than 1.7% by mass.

[0032] (3) Myristol: more than 0.0% by mass and less than 0.6% by mass, and lauryl alcohol: more than 0.0% by mass and less than 0.5% by mass.

[0033] The applicant confirms that, through the above-described formulation, the foam extinguishing agent described in this embodiment exhibits performance equal to or better than that of aqueous film-forming foam extinguishing agents in fire extinguishing performance tests for use in parking lots. In particular, from the viewpoint of high fire extinguishing performance, a foam extinguishing agent with a formulation ratio of 1.0% by mass of lauryl alcohol (0% by mass of myristol) is suitable.

[0034] In other words, generally speaking, the foam of synthetic surfactant foam extinguishing agents is lacking in fire resistance, heat resistance, and oil resistance. However, through the above-mentioned formula changes, the fire resistance, heat resistance, and oil resistance of the foam can be improved, thereby obtaining the same fire extinguishing performance as aqueous film-forming foam extinguishing agents.

[0035] When the extinguishing agent is used in combination with other substances that exceed the upper limits, the long-term stability of the extinguishing agent may be compromised, and precipitation may occur during long-term storage or turbidity may occur when the extinguishing agent is diluted with water.

[0036] It should be noted that the aforementioned formulation changes (addition of higher alcohols and adjustment of other components) made to obtain parking lot fire extinguishing performance equivalent to that of aqueous film-forming foam fire extinguishing agents will result in a loss of performance and high foaming properties when diluted with seawater as a synthetic surface foam fire extinguishing agent. However, in parking lot applications, the use of seawater to dilute the fire extinguishing agent or the use of high foaming equipment is not intended, so there are no adverse effects in practical applications.

[0037] The aforementioned foam extinguishing agent can be well applied to foam fire extinguishing equipment, especially stationary foam fire extinguishing equipment. Foam fire extinguishing equipment involves spraying an aqueous solution of water and extinguishing agent in a specific ratio from a foam release port as air-infused foam. This foam covers the burning surface, isolating it from the air, and extinguishes the fire through cooling. This type of foam fire extinguishing equipment targets flammable liquids. This embodiment is particularly suitable for installation in areas used for parking.

[0038] Foam fire extinguishing equipment can consist of a water source, a pressurized water supply device (fire pump), a foam extinguishing agent storage tank, a mixer, an automatic alarm device (flow detection device, display device, alarm device, etc.), a foam release port (foam nozzle), a detector (enclosed sprinkler head), various fire extinguishing nozzles, pipes and valves, and an emergency power supply, etc. (see example) Figure 1In stationary foam fire suppression systems, foam nozzles are typically positioned on or around the top of buildings such as indoor parking lots.

[0039] Example

[0040] The invention will be described in more detail using examples and comparative examples.

[0041] For the purposes of the examples and comparative examples, foam extinguishing agents A and B with the formulations shown in Tables 1 and 2 below were prepared respectively.

[0042] [Table 1]

[0043]

[0044] [Table 2]

[0045]

[0046] Dilute the prepared foam extinguishing agents A and B to 2% or 3% respectively, and conduct the following fire extinguishing performance tests.

[0047] (1) Test methods and judgment criteria

[0048] The test was conducted in accordance with the test methods and judgment criteria specified in Section 5, "Effective Spray Range," of the "Technical Standards for the Installation and Maintenance of Foam Fire Extinguishing Equipment for Specific Parking Lots" (Japan Fire Agency Notice No. 5, March 28, 2008). Specifically, the standard stipulates that "after igniting the model and allowing a one-minute pre-combustion time, spraying should begin, and the fire should be extinguished within 1 minute and 30 seconds." Therefore, extinguishing the fire within 1 minute and 30 seconds is the criterion for acceptance.

[0049] (2) Using the machine

[0050] The fire was carried out using the applicant's specific parking lot foam fire suppression system. A description of the foam fire suppression system used is as follows: Figure 1 As shown. Additionally, an overview of the fire-fighting nozzles used is as follows: Figure 2 As shown.

[0051] (3) Results

[0052] The results of the fire extinguishing tests are shown in Table 3. As a reference example, the same test results are attached for nationally certified aqueous film-forming foam extinguishing agents (Alpha Form 310R; models: foams 19-26) and synthetic surfactant foam extinguishing agents (Pro Form 310; models: foams 51-24).

[0053] [Table 3]

[0054]

[0055] As shown in Table 3, it is confirmed that the foam extinguishing agent involved in this embodiment has the same fire extinguishing performance as the qualified foam extinguishing agent that has passed national inspection.

[0056] Confirmation: The foaming ratio and 25% separation time of the foam extinguishing agent involved in this embodiment are more than 6 times and more than 1 minute above the allowable range of the national inspection specifications, respectively.

[0057] Furthermore, it has been confirmed that the foam extinguishing agent of this embodiment meets all the performance requirements of the Ministry Ordinance on Technical Specifications for Foam Extinguishing Agents (Ministry Ordinance No. 26 of December 9, 1965) regarding synthetic surfactant foam extinguishing agents, except for seawater dilution and high foaming-related items.

[0058] In addition, for foam extinguishing agent A in Table 1, the amount of myristol was changed to 0.3% to 3.0% by mass, and the same extinguishing performance test (R=2.6m) was conducted as described above. A downward-facing extinguishing nozzle was used.

[0059] The test results are shown in Table 4.

[0060] [Table 4]

[0061]

[0062] As shown in Table 4, the extinguishing time tends to shorten with increasing myristicin content. Furthermore, when the concentration exceeds 1.3% by mass, slight turbidity occurs upon dilution with water; when it exceeds 2.0% by mass, the extinguishing time becomes longer and the turbidity becomes more pronounced with increasing myristicin content.

[0063] Furthermore, for foam extinguishing agent B in Table 2, the amount of lauryl alcohol was changed to 0.5%–1.7% by mass, and an extinguishing test (R=2.6m) was conducted. A downward-facing extinguishing nozzle was used.

[0064] The test results are shown in Table 5.

[0065] [Table 5]

[0066]

[0067] As shown in Table 5, similar to myristol, the extinguishing time tends to decrease with increasing lauryl alcohol content. Furthermore, when the concentration exceeds 1.1% by mass, slight turbidity occurs after dilution with water; when it exceeds 1.3% by mass, the extinguishing time increases and the turbidity becomes more pronounced with increasing lauryl alcohol content.

[0068] For further embodiments, foam extinguishing agent C with the formulation shown in Table 6 below was prepared.

[0069] [Table 6]

[0070]

[0071] Add myristol and lauryl alcohol to the remaining 10% of the foam extinguishing agent in Table 6 according to the mass percentages recorded in Table 7, and add water to the remaining portion to adjust the foam extinguishing agent formula to a total of 100% by mass.

[0072] Take the prepared foam extinguishing agent and dilute it with 50g of fresh water to a concentration of 3% by mass. Place the diluted solution in a constant temperature bath at 20℃ and observe its state after standing.

[0073] Table 7 shows the results of diluting with fresh water to adjust the content of myristicin and lauryl alcohol.

[0074] Based on the test results in Table 7, it is confirmed that the appropriate amounts of myristol and lauryl alcohol in the diluted fresh water solution to prevent turbidity are: myristol exceeding 0.0% by mass and below 0.6% by mass, and lauryl alcohol exceeding 0.0% by mass and below 0.5% by mass.

[0075] It was also confirmed that when only myristol was used, the concentration was greater than 0.0% by mass and less than 1.0% by mass; when only lauryl alcohol was used, the concentration was greater than 0.0% by mass and less than 1.0% by mass.

[0076] [Table 7]

[0077]

[0078] It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, the evaluation results of the diluent's state are shown below. Figure 3 .

[0079] The above describes a foam fire extinguishing agent as one embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. As long as the technical concept of the present invention is present, various design changes can be made, and all such design changes are included within the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A foam fire extinguishing agent, characterized in that, The foam extinguishing agent contains at least one selected from myristol and lauryl alcohol.

2. The foam extinguishing agent according to claim 1, characterized in that, The foam extinguishing agent contains more than 0.0% by mass and less than 1.3% by mass of myristol.

3. The foam extinguishing agent according to claim 1, characterized in that, The foam extinguishing agent contains more than 0.0% by mass and less than 1.7% by mass of lauryl alcohol.

4. The foam extinguishing agent according to claim 1, characterized in that, The foam extinguishing agent contains more than 0.0% by mass and less than 0.6% by mass of myristol and more than 0.0% by mass and less than 0.5% by mass of lauryl alcohol.

5. A fixed foam fire extinguishing device, characterized in that, The fixed foam fire extinguishing equipment uses the foam fire extinguishing agent as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

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