Relief valve for a fire protection system, fire protection system and related actuation method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a discharge valve (100) for a fire-fighting system, comprising a tubular body (1) having a first end and a second end, said tubular body comprising: a coupling device, coupled to a source of fire-extinguishing gas at a first pressure, provided at said first end; an outlet (12), provided at said second end; a pressurization inlet (11), provided at a position between said coupling device and said outlet (12), and connectable to a pressurization device at a second pressure greater than said first pressure; a safety membrane (2), provided at a position between said pressurization inlet (11) and said outlet (12), and configured to open at said second pressure; and a non-return device (3), provided at a position between said coupling device and said pressurization inlet (11). The present invention also relates to a fire-fighting system and a method for actuating said system, said fire-fighting system comprising a source of fire-extinguishing gas connected to a discharge valve (100) for a fire-fighting system of the type described above.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a relief valve for a fire protection system, a fire protection system, and a related actuation method.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a pressure-actuated fire extinguishing gas release valve for releasing fire extinguishing gas in a gas fire suppression system.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a fire protection system including the valve. Background Technology

[0004] As is well known, gaseous systems, also known as "cleaner" systems, are a type of active fire suppression system. These systems use inert gases or gaseous extinguishing chemicals to saturate the environment upon release, thereby extinguishing the fire. Inert gases extinguish fires by reducing the oxygen concentration in the environment, while gaseous extinguishing chemicals extinguish fires through more complex mechanisms, including endothermic reactions. In this specification, inert gases and gaseous extinguishing chemicals are also referred to collectively as extinguishing gases.

[0005] Fire extinguishing gas systems were first used over a century ago when the first carbon tetrachloride fire extinguishing system was invented. However, the greatest developments occurred only in the years following World War II, when "Halon" gases (such as bromochlorodifluoromethane) were introduced, and less environmentally friendly alternatives were introduced in the early 1990s, some of which still exist on the market.

[0006] Currently, the most commonly used inert gases in gaseous fire suppression systems are argon (Ar) and nitrogen (N2), used alone or in mixtures. They are usually present in the atmosphere and have little impact on the environment. On the other hand, the most commonly used gaseous extinguishing chemicals in fire protection systems are HFC-227ea or 1,1,1,2,3,3-heptafluoropropane, HFC-125 or pentafluoroethane, and FK5-1-12 or perfluoro(2-methyl-3-pentanone).

[0007] Unlike systems that use water, foam, or powder, gas systems can be preferably used on different types of objects and / or machinery, including electronic and electrical equipment, without causing irreparable damage, and can also be used in areas where personnel typically operate.

[0008] In addition, the gas system ensures that the environment to which these gases are released can be completely saturated, also known as "total flooding," which allows a uniform concentration of extinguishing agent to be formed in the space of interest within a very short time, typically within 10 seconds of release.

[0009] This feature enables it to quickly extinguish fires in the most hidden and inaccessible areas of the environment.

[0010] The characteristics and advantages of gaseous fire suppression systems facilitate their widespread adoption, particularly in areas where significant capital value is protected and the safety of personnel is paramount, especially in situations where personnel are assigned to monitor the protected environment during a fire.

[0011] Gaseous fire suppression systems must also comply with specific safety regulations, such as the technical standard "Cleaner Fire Suppression System Standard - NFPA 2001" developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the United States, the Italian standard UNI EN 15004 "Fixed Fire Protection Systems - Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems", and other national standards based on ISO 14520 "Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems", which defines reference standards.

[0012] In existing fire protection systems, valves that operate under differential pressure are typically used to release extinguishing agents, which are then connected to the neck of cylinders containing extinguishing gases. These valves are commonly referred to as "gate valves" or "vent valves".

[0013] Actuation of these valves involves the displacement of one of their pistons, and thus the flow of extinguishing agent (in the form of a compressed liquid) through the valve's own discharge outlet. Actuation is typically manual or automatic and can be performed mechanically, pneumatically, or electrically via a solenoid valve. An example of such a system is described in European Patent EP 1302710 B1.

[0014] In valves according to the background art, a small safety diaphragm is typically also present, which functions as a safety device to prevent the fire suppression system from exploding or being damaged due to an increase in the pressure difference between the gas cylinder and the external environment, especially if this occurs within a relatively short period of time. The safety device releases the extinguishing agent into the external environment.

[0015] As is well known, regardless of whether the fluid is in the gas phase, liquid phase, or mixed phase (fluid under two-phase conditions), the efficiency of a valve is directly related to the "head loss" experienced by the fluid as it passes through the valve. Head loss, often mistakenly referred to as "pressure loss," is equivalent to the total energy loss of the fluid as it passes through the equipment.

[0016] The head loss of a given fluid in a given phase depends on the valve characteristics in terms of the tortuosity of the free path (the path the fluid travels) and the shape of the part of the valve itself that contacts the fluid. In other words, the most efficient valves, that is, those that cause less energy loss when the fluid crosses, are those that allow the fluid to have a sufficiently regular path, direction, and limited abrupt changes in narrowness, and have a rounded internal shape.

[0017] In fire protection systems, the low head loss of vent valves translates into a range of advantages that directly or indirectly reflect the overall system efficiency and cost-effectiveness. With equal vent valve diameter, cylinder capacity, operating pressure, and extinguishing agent type, due to the greater energy of the fluid downstream of the valve, a system equipped with vent valves that have reduced or limited head loss can indeed improve fluid transport from the cylinder to the nozzle and thus to the protected environment. This allows for the possibility of covering greater distances and therefore placing cylinders at more remote locations than the protected area, or delivering a larger volume of fluid per unit time. Particularly useful are the possibility of placing cylinders in remote locations associated with the protected risk, in hazardous and / or inaccessible areas and / or in small spaces where cylinders could be positioned near the protected environment, and in any case, it enhances the flexibility of system installation.

[0018] Furthermore, for the same energy considerations, a vent valve with reduced head loss can reduce the amount and pressure of the pressurizing gas (propellant, typically nitrogen) required for proper system operation. In fact, the pressurizing gas consists of the accumulation of potential energy that moves the extinguishing gas during discharge. Reducing the amount of propellant has the dual advantage of freeing up space in the cylinder for the extinguishing agent, which translates into the possibility of using smaller and therefore cheaper cylinders (with a larger extinguishing capacity / propellant mass ratio), i.e., further reducing costs due to the reduced cylinder thickness caused by the lower operating pressure.

[0019] Furthermore, valves based on existing technology typically have more complex constructions, use more mechanical components, and are heavier; this complexity often prevents the installation of devices with sufficient nominal diameters on gas cylinders larger than 350 liters. For example, the largest gas cylinder currently on the market has a capacity of 343 liters and is connected to a valve with a nominal diameter of 3" (88.9 mm). These 3" valves weigh 18.82 kg (excluding actuators), are 241 mm long, and have a diameter of 129 mm. This limitation sometimes necessitates a system configuration consisting of multiple gas cylinders connected in parallel.

[0020] According to existing technology, providing valves with a diameter equal to or greater than 5" would involve insurmountable technical difficulties, and in any case, would involve daunting weight and size.

[0021] Other examples of valves for fire protection systems are described in the prior art in EP 3 460 300 A1, US4 046 156A1, US 7 281 544 B2, and WO8 803824A1.

[0022] In particular, EP 3 460 300 A1 describes a valve for releasing pressurized fluid; the valve is actuated by opening a safety diaphragm, which is in turn operated by a mechanical device that regulates the opening of the safety diaphragm without puncturing it.

[0023] On the other hand, US 4,046,156 A1 describes a valve for releasing extinguishing gas, the valve including a safety membrane that opens after the explosion of an explosive disposed within the system and is adapted to generate a shock wave capable of causing the safety membrane to rupture.

[0024] US 7,281,544 B2 describes a valve for releasing fire extinguishing gases, the valve comprising a safety diaphragm made of ceramic material that is electrically actuated.

[0025] WO 8 803 824 A1 describes a valve for releasing an extinguishing agent connected to a pressurized container in which the extinguishing agent to be released is present, and comprising a diaphragm obtained in a limited area of ​​the wall of the same container, the diaphragm rupturing when a pressure differential generated by a pressure generator occurs. Specifically, the pressure generator includes a gas generator for providing the overpressure required to rupture the diaphragm.

[0026] However, each solution proposed in the prior art has significant operational limitations.

[0027] The valve described in EP 3 460 300 A1 is formed by a reaction-type safety diaphragm, the opening of which is caused by an external device for destabilizing the dome. Specifically, this destabilization is caused by a prop (optionally electric, pneumatic, or detonating) that strikes the top of the dome when necessary, destabilizing it and causing the safety diaphragm to rupture. While the effectiveness of this solution is undeniable, it is quite complex, expensive, and prone to failure. Furthermore, the valve described in EP 3 460 300 A1 does not integrate a check valve, although technical standards in the field require its presence. Therefore, the valve described in patent EP 3 460 300 A1 requires connection to a check valve, which, as an additional component, increases the device cost and adds an additional element to the hydraulic circuit that obstructs the free surface through which fluid can pass, thus affecting the total head loss.

[0028] The valve described in US 4,046,156 A1 presents issues with the reliability, effectiveness, and repeatability of the actuation system due to the explosive charge near the safety membrane. Overpressure caused by the explosive does not occur in a closed environment because the upper part of the device is fully open and at atmospheric pressure, thus the opening of the safety membrane cannot be guaranteed. In fact, it is well known that safety membranes open due to overpressure, and reverse-acting safety membranes open due to the instability of the dome, but never due to shock waves, unless the resulting shock waves are of very high intensity, incompatible with the shock waves that ordinary fire suppression systems can withstand. Furthermore, the device described in US 4,046,156 requires an upper protective grille, placed to prevent fragments of the protective membrane from clogging downstream pipes. This grille obstructs the free flow of extinguishing fluid, resulting in a significant head loss.

[0029] The valve described in US 7,281,544 B2 also suffers from reliability, effectiveness, and repeatability issues with its actuation system, which uses electrical discharge to destroy the ceramic diaphragm. Furthermore, the ceramic diaphragm is incompatible with the operating pressures (up to 70 bar nominal pressure) of modern gas fire suppression systems unless it comprises a very thick diaphragm, which would require a significant electrical pulse to prevent potential rupture. Additionally, fragments of the ceramic diaphragm can clog downstream piping, causing complete system failure. Finally, for direct discharge operation on the diaphragm, it must be isolated from the rest of the valve / cylinder system, employing solutions not mentioned in US 7,281,544 B2 to avoid the risk of electric shock to operators during maintenance operations in the event of accidental system startup.

[0030] The device described in WO 8 803 824 A1 is an opening mechanism integrated with a container therein containing extinguishing agent. In any case, this solution can be used for fire protection on the order of a few cubic meters, but it is not suitable for environments such as those typically requiring protection in practice, which can reach volumes of hundreds of cubic meters. Summary of the Invention

[0031] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0032] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a gas venting valve for fire protection systems that is more efficient than valves according to the prior art and minimizes the head loss of the extinguishing fluid passing through it.

[0033] Another objective of this invention is that the valve is more economical than valves of the prior art.

[0034] Furthermore, the object of this invention is to provide a gas venting valve that is simple, safe, and reliable in both production and operation.

[0035] Similarly, the object of the present invention is that, compared with valves of the same diameter according to the prior art, the valve guarantees the release of a larger amount of fire extinguishing gas within a 10-second discharge time specified by technical standards.

[0036] Finally, the purpose of this invention is that these relief valves can also protect the system from the potential backflow of extinguishing gases.

[0037] Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to provide a relief valve for a fire protection system, comprising a tubular body having a first end and a second end, the tubular body comprising: a coupling device coupled to a fire extinguishing gas source at a first pressure and disposed at the first end; an outlet disposed at the second end; a pressurization inlet disposed between the coupling device and the outlet and capable of being connected to the pressurization device at a second pressure greater than the first pressure; a safety diaphragm disposed between the pressurization inlet and the outlet and configured to open at the second pressure; and a check valve disposed between the coupling device and the pressurization inlet, the check valve being configured to allow fluid to pass in a direction from the coupling device toward the pressurization inlet and to prevent fluid from passing in a direction from the pressurization inlet toward the coupling device.

[0038] Preferably, according to the invention, the tubular body includes a filling inlet located between the coupling device and the check device to allow filling of the gas cylinder, on which a vent valve for a fire suppression system is already connected.

[0039] More preferably, according to the present invention, the tubular body includes a receiving portion disposed between the coupling device and the check device for accommodating a safety disc calibrated at an explosion pressure lower than the second pressure and higher than the first pressure to protect the relief valve for the fire-fighting system in the event of accidental overpressure in the fire-extinguishing gas source.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the tubular body includes a pressure gauge disposed between the coupling device and the check device.

[0041] Preferably, according to the invention, the safety film is of an unbreakable type, and / or pre-etched, and / or forward-acting type.

[0042] One object of the present invention is to provide a fire protection system comprising a fire extinguishing gas source connected to the fire protection system's relief valve according to the above description via the coupling device of the relief valve for the fire protection system, and a pressurizing device connected to the fire protection system's relief valve via a pressurizing inlet of the relief valve for the fire protection system, the pressurizing device being configured to transmit a pressure greater than or equal to the opening pressure of the safety diaphragm to the relief valve for the fire protection system.

[0043] Preferably, according to the invention, the fire protection system includes circuitry for the fire protection system, which is connected to the outlet of the fire protection system vent valve as described above.

[0044] In particular, according to the present invention, if the extinguishing gas source is a gas cylinder, the vent valve for the fire protection system includes a filling inlet located between the coupling device and the check device to achieve filling of the gas cylinder.

[0045] Finally, a third object of the present invention is to provide a method for actuating a fire protection system as described above, wherein the pressurization device is actuated to transmit a pressure greater than or equal to the opening pressure of the safety diaphragm to a vent valve for the fire protection system, causing the safety diaphragm to rupture and allowing extinguishing gas to pass from the extinguishing gas source toward the outlet of the vent valve for the fire protection system. Attached Figure Description

[0046] The invention will now be described by way of example without limiting its scope, with particular reference to the appendix. Figure 1 The diagram shows a relief valve for a fire protection system according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Special Reference Figure 1 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a vent valve 100 for releasing fire extinguishing gas includes: a tubular body 1, the tubular body 1 comprising:

[0048] -- Filling inlet 10 is used to allow extinguishing gas and propellant to enter the vent valve 100 under a first pressure. For example, the filling inlet 10 can be connected to a corresponding outlet of the extinguishing gas filling source, such as a cylinder or system that contains the extinguishing gas under the first pressure.

[0049] -Pressure inlet 11, used to connect a pressure boosting device at a second pressure higher than the first pressure, for pressurizing the start of the relief valve 100;

[0050] -Outlet 12, for the outlet of extinguishing gas from the relief valve 100, wherein the outlet can be connected to a downstream hydraulic system, such as a fire protection system pipeline.

[0051] - A coupling device for connecting the tubular body 1 to the fire extinguishing gas source, such as a cylinder of a gaseous fire extinguishing chemical substance pressurized with nitrogen, in particular a threaded portion 14 that can be screwed onto the cylinder.

[0052] - Safety membrane 2, disposed downstream of the filling inlet 10 and the pressurization inlet 11 and upstream of the outlet 12;

[0053] - A check valve 3 is disposed downstream of the filling inlet 10 and upstream of the pressurization inlet 11 and the outlet 12; and

[0054] - Rupture chamber 13, which is arranged between the safety membrane 2 and the check device 3, and includes the pressurization inlet 11, the function of which will be better shown below.

[0055] also, Figure 1 The relief valve 100 shown includes:

[0056] - Pressure gauge 4, which is arranged on the tubular body 1 and communicates with the interior of the tubular body 1, is located approximately at the height of the filling inlet 10, and is used to measure the first pressure; and

[0057] - Reception section 15, arranged approximately at the height of the filling inlet 10, is used to receive a calibration safety piece (not shown), the function of which will be better illustrated below.

[0058] Specifically, the safety membrane 2 is configured to open under the second pressure, and preferably the safety membrane 2 is of a pre-etched, forward-acting, and unbreakable type, as better illustrated below.

[0059] The check valve 3, which defines the rupture chamber 13 at the bottom, is configured to prevent extinguishing gas from potentially returning to the cylinder, and to prevent the pressurization device from returning towards the lower part of the vent valve 100 and the seat of the filling inlet 10, the receiving portion 15 of the safety disc, and the pressure gauge 4, and from entering the cylinder through the coupling device (e.g., consisting of the threaded portion 14). In particular, the check valve 3, as... Figure 1 The example shown is of the type with a double crystal disk (also known as a "double impact disk"); however, the device may be of the "clapet" type, or another type, in any case of which is adapted to ensure that, when opened, the free passage of its fluid is equal to or greater than the free surface of the same fluid passage of the safety membrane 2.

[0060] The purpose of arranging the housing 15 for calibrating the safety disc (not shown) within the tubular body 1 is to protect the relief valve 100 from accidental actuation due to any undesirable overpressure, and to calibrate it at a rupture pressure lower than the opening pressure of the safety diaphragm 2. In this way, any accidental overpressure occurring in the fire extinguishing gas cylinder (e.g., due to accidental overheating of the same cylinder) will cause the safety disc, rather than the safety diaphragm 2, to rupture, thereby preventing accidental activation of the fire protection system.

[0061] Reference Figure 1In the embodiment shown by way of example, the pressure gauge 4 is arranged on the tubular body 1 and communicates with the interior of the tubular body 1, approximately at the height of the filling inlet 10, to measure the first pressure. However, the pressure gauge 4 may also be positioned in other locations, as long as they communicate with the interior of the tubular body 1 upstream of the check device 3. Furthermore, preferably, the pressure gauge 4 is typically an analog pressure gauge equipped with a pressure transducer (also known as a "pressure gauge pressure switch").

[0062] Finally, the relief valve 100 includes sealing devices 5, 6, 7, and 8 to ensure the sealing of the components arranged within it. In particular, Figure 1 The relief valve 100 shown includes a backstop ring 5 made of steel, brass, or other similar material, with the safety diaphragm 2 mounted immediately upstream therefrom, and an O-ring 6. For a waterproof seal between the sealing disc 5 and the tubular body 1, an abutment element 7 abuts against the check device 3 to ensure a tight seal. This abutment element may alternatively be made of the same material as the tubular body after grinding or of a material that is essentially a polymer. The lower sealing O-ring 8 ensures a seal when the gas cylinder is screwed onto the threaded portion 14.

[0063] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the coupling device may be different. Figure 1 The coupling device shown can alternatively consist of, for example, a bolted flange or an externally threaded portion, which is of the male thread type, connecting to the gas cylinder instead of threaded portion 14. Similarly, the sealing device can differ from the reference design. Figure 1 The sealing devices 5, 6, 7, and 8 are described, but in any case, their shape can achieve the above-described sealing function. In particular, if the coupling device between the vent valve and the gas cylinder according to the invention is made by bolt flange, the O-ring 8 will be replaced by a washer placed between the flanges themselves.

[0064] The operation of the relief valve 100 is described below.

[0065] As previously stated, the safety membrane 2 is configured to open under the second pressure, with a maximum tolerance of 20% of the nominal opening pressure. Specifically, the second pressure is preferably 25 bar (2.5 × 10⁻⁶). 6 Pa) and 300 bar (3 × 10) 7 The range is between Pa, which is selected according to the type of system to which the relief valve 100 is applied.

[0066] The safety membrane 2 must also be of an unbreakable type to prevent rupture fragments from clogging the piping of the system associated with the relief valve 100. In particular, as previously mentioned, the safety membrane 2 is preferably a forward-acting type (i.e., the recess faces upstream) and is pre-cut because, in addition to allowing tolerances in the nominal rupture pressure included in the aforementioned range, it also opens "like a petal," allowing the fluid to have a greater free "channel."

[0067] Alternatively, the safety membrane 2 may also be a reaction-type or even a flat safety membrane, as long as it is of an unbreakable type and performs its assigned function, namely, to restrict the rupture chamber from above and open it immediately under a predetermined nominal pressure.

[0068] Preferably, the diameter of the safety membrane is between 2.5 cm and 20 cm, depending on the dimensions of the tubular body 1 of the relief valve 100. Smaller diameters are used for valves with smaller nominal diameters, and vice versa. Preferably, the volume of the rupture chamber 13 is 10 cm³. 3 and 3500cm 3 The dimensions are specifically defined because they ensure proper actuation of the relief valve for fire protection systems according to the invention, and also ensure that the relief valve for fire protection systems is manufactured with a fairly large nominal diameter.

[0069] During the actuation of the relief valve 100, the rupture chamber 13 is actually struck by the pressurizing device, which enters through the pressurizing inlet 11 and generates the second pressure, thus opening the safety diaphragm 2.

[0070] Examples of pressurizing devices that can be used in the relief valve 100 are gases, or, for valves with a smaller nominal diameter, propellants arranged in the rupture chamber 13. Preferably, the pressurizing device is an inert gas, such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide, which is non-flammable under operating conditions, has a limited cost, and remains gaseous in a temperature range of 0°C to 50°C, and can be contained in high-pressure and low-volume gas cylinders.

[0071] Check device 3, in Figure 1 The configuration shown (dual impact disc) essentially consists of two fins hinged along an axis perpendicular to the tubular body 1, and equipped with dual springs to secure them. Figure 1 The location shown; however, also as Figure 1 As shown, the fins can open according to the dotted line by overcoming the moderate force applied by the spring. The sealing support 7 prevents the fins from opening in the opposite direction.

[0072] Due to its configuration, the check valve 3 allows fluid to flow only from upstream to downstream (therefore, see reference). Figure 1(Flowing from bottom to top). Therefore, once the pressurizing device is introduced through the inlet 11, the same device cannot flow freely upstream of the check device 3 and remains confined in the rupture chamber 13, which is defined laterally by the valve body 1 and from above by the safety membrane 2. Consequently, the pressure in the rupture chamber 13 increases almost instantaneously to the opening pressure of the safety membrane 2. At this point, a sudden head loss occurs in the rupture chamber 13 due to the flow in the space previously blocked by the safety membrane 2 and the fact that its downstream surface is at atmospheric pressure.

[0073] In this situation, due to the pressure gradient generated between the upstream and downstream, the pressurized extinguishing gas flows freely and instantaneously from the gas cylinder to the relief valve 100 through the connecting device, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the extinguishing fluid passes through the threaded portion 14; the check device 3, as described above, allows the fluid to pass only from upstream to downstream, through the pre-opened safety membrane 2 as described above, and then to the outlet 12. In the case of another check device (e.g., the "clapet" type), the indicated operation is almost identical.

[0074] Some exemplary but non-limiting examples of the relief valve 100 according to the present invention will now be described.

[0075] Example 1

[0076] A prototype of a relief valve 100 is provided, wherein the tubular body 1 has 3 at the threaded portion 14. 1 The diameter is 2″ (8.89 cm, internal thread), and at the outlet 12 it has a diameter equal to 2. 1 The thickness is 2″ (6.35 cm, external thread), and the volume of the rupture chamber 13 is approximately 310 cubic centimeters.

[0077] The diameter of the tube inserted into the tubular body 1 is equal to 2 1 / 2″ The (6.35cm) safety membrane 2 is a forward-acting, pre-etched, unbreakable type, made of stainless steel, with a nominal burst pressure of 60 bar (6 x 10⁶ Pa) and a tolerance of ±6 bar. The threaded portion 14 is threaded onto a 150-liter fire extinguishing gas cylinder equipped with a suction hose.

[0078] The assembly consisting of a gas cylinder and a vent valve 100 is loaded with 120 kg of FK5-1-12 extinguishing agent through the filling inlet 10 and pressurized with nitrogen (N2) until the first pressure is reached, which in this example is equal to 35 bar (3.5 x 10⁻⁶) at 21°C. 6 (Pa).

[0079] A pressurization inlet 11, located at the height of the rupture chamber 13, is connected to a high-pressure pipe equipped with a ball check valve, which in turn is connected to a 3-liter nitrogen cylinder pressurized at 100 bar via a valve that can be opened by command.

[0080] Outlet 12 is connected to a wire with an inner diameter of 21. / The 2″ (6.35 cm) long pipe, 10 meters in length, simulates the path of pipes in a fire protection system.

[0081] A safety disc is installed on the housing 15, the burst pressure of which is equal to 47 bar (±3 bar tolerance).

[0082] Finally, a pressure sensor connected to the data acquisition system was installed at the height of the rupture chamber 13, and the pressure sensor was in communication with the interior of the valve body 1.

[0083] Once the valve of the 3-liter nitrogen cylinder is opened, the nitrogen gas is released into the rupture chamber 13 through the pressurization inlet 11, almost immediately causing the pressure inside the rupture chamber 13 to reach 58 bar (5.8 × 10⁻⁶). 6 The second pressure (Pa) is the pressure at which the safety membrane 2 opens, causing the extinguishing agent to immediately flow into the specially prepared drain pipe. Therefore, the nitrogen pressure applied in the rupture chamber 13 is sufficient to open the safety membrane 2, thereby activating the vent valve 100.

[0084] Example 2

[0085] A prototype of a relief valve 100 is provided, wherein the tubular body 1 has 3 at the threaded portion 14. 1 The diameter is 2″ (8.89 cm, internal thread), and at the outlet 12 it has a diameter equal to 2. 1 The thickness is 2″ (6.35 cm, external thread), and the volume of the rupture chamber 13 is approximately 310 cubic centimeters.

[0086] The diameter of the tube inserted into the tubular body 1 is equal to 2 1 The 2″ (6.35cm) safety membrane 2 is a forward-acting, pre-etched, unbreakable type made of stainless steel, with a nominal burst pressure of 60 bar (6 x 10). 6 The tolerance is ±6 bar. The threaded part 14 is threaded to the fire extinguishing gas cylinder, which has a capacity of 150 liters and is equipped with a suction tube.

[0087] The assembly consisting of a gas cylinder and a vent valve 100 is loaded with 120 kg of HFC-227ea extinguishing agent through the filling inlet 10 and pressurized with nitrogen (N2) until the first pressure is reached, which in this example is equal to 35 bar (3.5 x 10⁻⁶) at 21°C. 6 (Pa).

[0088] A pressurization inlet 11, located at the height of the rupture chamber 13, is connected to a high-pressure pipe equipped with a ball check valve, which in turn is connected to a 3-liter carbon dioxide cylinder pressurized at 100 bar via a valve that can be opened by command.

[0089] Outlet 12 is connected to a wire with an inner diameter of 2 1 The pipe, measuring 6.2″ (6.35 cm) and 10 meters in length, simulates the path of pipes in a fire protection system.

[0090] A safety disc is installed on the housing 15, the burst pressure of which is equal to 47 bar (±3 bar tolerance).

[0091] Finally, a pressure sensor connected to the data acquisition system was installed at the height of the rupture chamber 13, and the pressure sensor was in communication with the interior of the valve body 1.

[0092] Once the valve of the 3-liter carbon dioxide cylinder is opened, the carbon dioxide is released into the rupture chamber 13 through the pressurization inlet 11, almost immediately causing the pressure inside the rupture chamber 13 to reach 64 bar (6.4 × 10⁻⁶). 6 The second pressure (Pa) is the pressure at which the safety membrane 2 opens, causing the extinguishing agent to immediately flow into the specially prepared drain pipe. Therefore, the nitrogen pressure applied in the rupture chamber 13 is sufficient to open the safety membrane 2, thereby activating the relief valve 100.

[0093] In summary, the above examples have demonstrated that, compared with valves of the prior art, the relief valve for fire protection systems of the present invention is a device with significantly reduced head loss.

[0094] Furthermore, an objective of this invention is that the diameter of the relief valve for fire protection systems is larger than that of typical valves according to the prior art. In fact, the simplicity of the structure and function of the relief valve for fire protection systems according to this invention is not only directly reflected in its cost, but also allows for the manufacture of valves with considerably large diameters.

[0095] In particular, due to its simple structure and light weight, the relief valve for fire protection systems according to the invention, with a nominal diameter equal to or greater than 5 inches (139.7 mm), has a smaller weight and overall size than valves with smaller diameters according to the prior art, and can be used with gas cylinders of size equal to or greater than 1500 liters. Therefore, the relief valve for fire protection systems according to the invention allows the system to be configured with a single large gas cylinder (e.g., one cylinder with a capacity of 1000 liters) instead of multiple medium-sized gas cylinders (e.g., four cylinders, each with a capacity of 250 liters), thereby significantly reducing the overall cost, weight, and overall size of the project.

[0096] Although the valve described in this invention is particularly suitable for gas systems that use gaseous extinguishing chemicals as extinguishing agents, it can also be used as a release valve for other classes of extinguishing agents, such as inert gases, water sprays, extinguishing powders, and extinguishing foams.

[0097] This specification has described preferred embodiments and suggested variations of the invention; however, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make modifications and alterations without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A relief valve (100) for a fire protection system, comprising a tubular body (1) having a first end and a second end, the tubular body comprising: A coupling device, coupled to a fire extinguishing gas source under a first pressure, is located at the first end; The outlet (12) is located at the second end; A booster inlet (11) is located between the coupling device and the outlet (12) and can be connected to the booster device at a second pressure greater than the first pressure; A safety membrane (2) is disposed between the pressurization inlet (11) and the outlet (12) and is configured to open under the second pressure; a check device (3) is disposed between the coupling device and the pressurization inlet (11), the check device (3) being configured to allow fluid to pass in the direction from the coupling device toward the pressurization inlet (11) and to prevent fluid from passing in the direction from the pressurization inlet (11) toward the coupling device; and The tubular body (1) includes a filling inlet (10) located between the coupling device and the check device (3). The feature is that the safety membrane (2) and the check device (3) define a rupture chamber (13) between them, the pressurization inlet (11) is introduced into the rupture chamber (13), and during the actuation of the relief valve (100), the pressurized fluid introduced through the pressurization inlet (11) is confined in the rupture chamber (13) because the check device (3) prevents the fluid from passing from the pressurization inlet (11) toward the coupling device, thereby increasing the pressure in the rupture chamber (13) until the safety membrane (2) opens.

2. The relief valve (100) for a fire protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tubular body (1) includes a receiving portion (15) located between the coupling device and the check device (3) for accommodating a safety plate.

3. The relief valve (100) for a fire protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tubular body (1) includes a pressure gauge (4) positioned between the coupling device and the check device (3).

4. The relief valve (100) for a fire protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The safety film (2) is of an unbreakable type.

5. The relief valve (100) for a fire protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The safety film (2) is pre-etched.

6. The relief valve (100) for a fire protection system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The safety membrane (2) is of the forward-acting type.

7. A fire protection system comprising a fire extinguishing gas source connected to the fire protection system vent valve (100) according to any one of claims 1-6 via the coupling device of the fire protection system vent valve (100), and a pressurizing device connected to the fire protection system vent valve (100) via a pressurizing inlet (11) of the fire protection system vent valve (100), the pressurizing device being configured to transmit a pressure greater than or equal to the opening pressure of the safety diaphragm (2) to the fire protection system vent valve (100).

8. The fire protection system according to claim 7, characterized in that, Includes circuitry for a fire protection system, connected to the outlet (12) of the fire protection system vent valve (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1-6.

9. The fire protection system according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The fire extinguishing gas source is a gas cylinder and is connected to a vent valve (100) for a fire protection system as described in claim 1.

10. A method for actuating a fire protection system according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, The pressurization device is actuated to transmit a pressure greater than or equal to the opening pressure of the safety membrane (2) to the vent valve (100) for the fire protection system, causing the safety membrane (2) to rupture and allowing the extinguishing gas to pass from the extinguishing gas source toward the outlet (12) of the vent valve (100) for the fire protection system through the vent valve (100).

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