A compressed air foam system

Abstract

The application discloses a compressed air foam spraying system, which is characterized in that: spray pipes are arranged at intervals, spray branch pipes are arranged on the spray pipes, and nozzles are rotatably and fixedly arranged on the spray branch pipes; the system further comprises an angle adjusting mechanism; the angle adjusting mechanism drives the nozzles to rotate, so that the spraying directions of the nozzles are horizontally adjusted; the nozzles are tubular, the end faces of the nozzles are blind, and spray holes are formed in the side faces of the nozzles; under normal circumstances, the spraying directions are horizontal directions; the angle adjusting mechanism comprises a driving piece and a connecting rod assembly; the driving piece drives the nozzles to rotate through the connecting rod assembly; the driving piece is fixed on a fireproof wall; one end of the connecting rod assembly is fixed with the nozzles, and the other end of the connecting rod assembly is fixed with an output end of the driving piece; the system further comprises a wind speed and direction sensor, the wind speed and direction sensor is used for acquiring a current wind speed and a wind direction, and a controller controls the driving piece to start according to the wind speed and the wind direction, so that the spraying angles of the nozzles are adjusted. Through cooperation of the specially designed nozzles and the angle adjusting structure, the angle adjusting mechanism can realize horizontal angle adjustment of the nozzles and can resist the influence of strong wind on the foam.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of compressed air foam fire extinguishing technology, specifically a compressed air foam spray system. Background Technology

[0002] A compressed foam fire suppression system consists of a compressed air foam generator, a compression unit, a piping network, and a control system. The foam generator is responsible for mixing water and foaming agent to produce foam. The foaming agent is typically a chemical with a surfactant that enables water to form a stable foam structure. The compression unit uses compressed air or nitrogen as the propellant for foam injection. These gases are compressed and stored in dedicated pressure vessels or tanks to ensure rapid foam injection in the event of a fire. The piping network connects the foam generator to the area requiring protection. These pipes can be made of metal or plastic and introduce foam into the fire scene through high-pressure foam nozzles. The control system is typically equipped with an automatic control system to automatically trigger the fire suppression process upon the occurrence of a fire. Essentially, a compressed foam fire suppression system is also a type of water-based fire suppression system. It uses a foam proportioning device to thoroughly mix water and foam solution as required, and then generates foam through the foam generator. During the fire suppression process, the foam covers the burning material or submerges the protected object to extinguish the fire. The main difference between compressed foam fire extinguishing systems and water fire extinguishing systems lies in the fact that compressed foam fire extinguishing systems have foam proportioning and foam generating devices. In addition, the extinguishing mechanism and extinguishing range of compressed foam fire extinguishing systems also differ from those of water fire extinguishing systems.

[0003] Compressed foam air fire suppression systems are a common and effective fire extinguishing system with excellent fire suppression performance. They rapidly generate a large amount of foam, quickly cooling the fire source, isolating the oxygen supply, and extinguishing the fire. Foam has good fire extinguishing properties, effectively inhibiting the spread of fire, thus controlling and extinguishing it. Furthermore, compressed air foam fire suppression systems have a wide coverage area during spraying, capable of covering large areas, including building interiors, warehouses, factories, ships, and other locations. By configuring nozzles and piping systems, comprehensive fire suppression coverage can be achieved. It can also be used in high-temperature and high-pressure environments, exhibiting strong adaptability and reliability.

[0004] Substation firewalls are divided into three-sided and two-sided firewalls. Two-sided firewalls are prone to drafts, which can disperse or alter the spray path of the foam, directly affecting the fire extinguishing effect. The high-wind-speed fire-fighting foam cannon jet tracking control system and its control method, disclosed in publication number CN115025433A, demonstrates how the fire cannon resists the influence of strong winds during spraying. However, fire cannons and high-pressure air foam extinguishing systems differ in many ways, such as nozzle structure and quantity, making them incompatible. Currently, compressed air foam systems lack sufficient wind resistance, causing foam liquid to deviate in strong winds, affecting the fire extinguishing effect. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is how to make a compressed air foam spraying system resist strong winds in substations with drafty winds.

[0006] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical means:

[0007] A compressed air foam spraying system includes a spray pipe; spray branch pipes are arranged at intervals on the spray pipe, and a nozzle is rotatably and sealed on the spray branch pipe; it also includes an angle adjustment mechanism; the angle adjustment mechanism drives the nozzle to rotate, thereby horizontally adjusting the spray direction of the nozzle.

[0008] The nozzle is tubular with a blind end and spray holes on its side. Under normal circumstances, the spray direction is horizontal.

[0009] The angle adjustment mechanism includes a drive component and a linkage assembly. The drive component drives the nozzle to rotate through the linkage assembly. The drive component is fixed to the firewall. One end of the linkage assembly is fixed to multiple nozzles, and the other end is fixed to the output end of the drive component.

[0010] It also includes a wind speed and direction sensor, which is used to obtain the current wind speed and direction. The controller controls the start of the drive component according to the wind speed and direction, thereby adjusting the spray angle of the nozzle.

[0011] This invention, through the combination of a uniquely designed nozzle and an angle adjustment structure, enables horizontal angle adjustment of the nozzle, which can resist the impact of strong winds on the foam.

[0012] Furthermore, the nozzle is perpendicular to the ground.

[0013] Furthermore, the linkage assembly includes a tie rod and a remote rod; the tie rod is rotatably connected to multiple nozzles in the horizontal direction, and one end of the remote rod is rotatably connected to the tie rod, while the other end is rotatably connected to the output end of the drive component.

[0014] Furthermore, the remote lever and the tie rod are generally T-shaped.

[0015] Furthermore, the output end of the drive unit is perpendicular to the telescopic rod.

[0016] Furthermore, the drive unit is fixed to the firewall by a bracket; the base of the drive unit is rotatably fixed to the bracket.

[0017] Furthermore, the nozzle is rotatably connected to the spray branch pipe via a sleeve; the assembly end of the nozzle extends outward with an outer flange, one end of the sleeve extends inward with an inner flange, the other end of the sleeve has an internal thread, and the spray branch pipe has an external thread. The diameter of the central hole of the inner flange is exactly the diameter of the nozzle. The nozzle passes through the end of the sleeve with the internal thread, and the nozzle is limited and fixed by the engagement of the outer flange and the inner flange. Then, the sleeve is threadedly fixed to the spray branch pipe.

[0018] Furthermore, the mating surfaces of the outer flange and the inner flange are smooth surfaces.

[0019] Furthermore, the driving component is placed inside the housing, which has an elongated hole through which the output end of the driving component passes.

[0020] Furthermore, the drive component is fixed inside the housing, and the output section of the drive component extends out of the housing; a vertical rotating shaft is fixed at the bottom of the housing, and the rotating shaft is rotatably engaged with a rotating shaft hole extending from the firewall.

[0021] The advantages of this invention are:

[0022] This invention utilizes a uniquely designed nozzle and angle adjustment structure to achieve horizontal angle adjustment of the nozzle, resisting the impact of strong winds on the foam. In particular, the use of a tie rod and remote control design allows for simultaneous adjustment of multiple nozzle directions with only one motor, reducing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the spray system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the nozzle and sleeve in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a front structural diagram of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, 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.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment describes a compressed air foam sprinkler system suitable for fire suppression in substations with drafty conditions. It includes a sprinkler pipe 1; the sprinkler pipe 1 is arranged along the firewall 2, and its height is set according to requirements. The fixing method of the sprinkler pipe 1 is existing technology and will not be detailed here. The key improvement in this embodiment lies in the nozzle 3 and its rotation, making it suitable for substations with only two firewalls 2. Adjusting the angle of the nozzle 3 can prevent drafty air from dispersing the foam. The specific structure is as follows:

[0029] Spray pipe 1 is spaced apart by spray branch pipes 21, the diameter of which is smaller than that of spray pipe 1 to ensure the spray pressure of the air foam. A nozzle 3 is rotatably and sealed to the spray branch pipe 21. In this embodiment, the nozzle 3 has a tubular structure, and its diameter can be the same as or slightly smaller than that of the spray branch pipe 21. After assembly with the spray branch pipe 21, the nozzle 3 is perpendicular to the ground. The end of the nozzle 3 is a blind end, with spray holes on its side to ensure a horizontal spray direction, covering the transformer from top to bottom. In this embodiment, the nozzle 3 and the spray branch pipe 21 are rotatably fixed by a sleeve 4, specifically:

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the nozzle 3 has an outer flange 31 extending outward from its assembly end, and an inner flange 41 extending inward from one end of the sleeve 4. The other end of the sleeve 4 has an internal thread, and the branch pipe 21 has an external thread. The diameter of the central hole of the inner flange 41 is exactly the diameter of the nozzle 3. The nozzle 3 passes through the threaded end of the sleeve 4, and the outer flange 31 and the inner flange 41 engage to limit and fix the nozzle 3, but it can rotate circumferentially. Then, the sleeve 4 is threadedly fixed to the branch pipe 21. The mating surfaces of the outer flange 31 and the inner flange 41 are smooth, which can increase the sealing performance. Especially when spraying air foam, when the high-pressure foam acts on the blind end of the nozzle 3, the inner flange 41 and the outer flange 31 are tightly pressed together, and the smooth mating surface can ensure that the foam does not leak. In this embodiment, the blind end of the nozzle 3 can be a plane, a bevel, or an arc.

[0031] In this embodiment, the spray head 3 is driven to rotate by the angle adjustment mechanism 5. Since there are only two wind directions in a cross breeze, angle adjustment mechanisms 5 are installed on the spray system on opposite sides of each wind direction for independent control. The specific structure is as follows:

[0032] Multiple nozzles 3 of the single-sided sprinkler system are horizontally connected by a tie rod 51. One end of a remote lever 52 is connected to the tie rod 51, and the other end is connected to the output end of the drive motor 53. The drive unit is fixed to the firewall 2 by a mounting bracket. It should be noted that the connection points between the tie rod 51 and the nozzle 3, the connection point between the tie rod 51 and the remote lever 52, the connection point between the remote lever 52 and the output end of the drive motor 53, and the fixation of the base of the drive motor 53 to the bracket are all rotatable. Multiple rotating nodes need to cooperate to complete the rotation of the nozzle 3. In this embodiment, the tie rod 51 is rotatably connected to the nozzle 3 via a pin 54. The two ends of the remote rod 52 are also connected to the tie rod 51 and the output end of the drive motor 53 via pins 54, respectively. The base of the drive motor 53 is rotatably fixed on the bracket through a rotating shaft and bearing. The rotating shaft of the drive motor 53 is vertical. When the output end of the drive motor 53 extends or retracts, the angle of the remote rod 52 changes. At this time, the distance between the output end of the drive motor 53 and the tie rod 51 changes. The rotating base of the drive motor 53 can change the direction of the output shaft to avoid mutual constraints between the tie rod 51, the remote rod 52, and the motor output shaft.

[0033] In order to detect wind direction, at least one wind speed and direction sensor is installed in the substation. The wind speed and direction sensor is connected to the controller. The controller controls the extension and retraction of the drive motor 53 according to the current wind speed and direction, so as to adjust the angle of the nozzle 3 to a suitable position and prevent the foam from being blown off course and failing to cover the transformer or the fire point.

[0034] In this embodiment, the fire location system can be combined to quickly pinpoint the fire point, allowing for targeted activation of the sprinkler system and adjustment of the nozzle angles, resulting in higher economic efficiency. In the early stages of a fire, different disaster signals may be released, including the release of volatile gases due to chemical reactions, localized temperature increases due to short circuits or exothermic reactions, the formation of open flames, and the release of smoke. Considering the complexity of real-world industrial scenarios, monitoring a fire from a single signal source may lead to false alarms or a failure to provide timely warnings and control of the fire due to mismatch between the fire signal and the monitoring model. To accurately and quickly identify fires, the system intelligently couples multiple sensors, including inhaled gas analysis sensors, temperature sensors, infrared sensors, smoke sensors, and image sensors. When a warning sensor reaches a safety threshold and identifies fire information, it is combined with other fire sensors and a GPS positioning system to comprehensively determine the scale and location of the fire. Subsequently, the controller immediately issues commands to activate the compressed air foam spray system. Simultaneously, based on the acquired fire location information and current wind speed and direction, the system remotely controls the spray direction of the nozzles, ensuring the spray angle directly targets the fire point for concentrated and rapid fire suppression. Firefighting operations will cease once all fire monitoring sensor results are below the safety threshold, and the compressed air foam spray linkage device will be reset.

[0035] In this embodiment, both the nozzle 3 and the sleeve 4 are made of thickened, internally and externally galvanized steel pipes. The tie rod 51 and the remote rod 52 are also made of high-temperature resistant metal rods. The drive motor 53 is placed inside a closed, high-temperature resistant housing 6, which is fixed to the firewall 2 with bolts. The housing 6 has an elongated hole 61 for the drive power supply and output to pass through and swing within a certain range.

[0036] During operation, the controller obtains the location of the fire point and the wind speed and direction based on the information from various sensors. If the fire point is located on one side of the transformer, the sprinkler system on that side is activated. Simultaneously, the drive motor 53 on that side starts, adjusting the spray direction of the nozzle 3 to the opposite direction of the wind, thereby counteracting the influence of wind speed on the foam spray direction. The specific adjustment angle can be calculated by the program.

[0037] Example 2

[0038] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the drive motor 53 is fixed inside the housing 6, a rotating shaft is installed at the bottom of the housing 6, and a protruding support frame is installed on the firewall 2. The rotating shaft and the support frame rotate in coordination, causing the housing 6 and drive motor 53 to rotate together. This structure can reduce the opening size of the housing 6 and prevent high temperatures from entering the housing 6 and affecting the performance of the drive motor 53.

[0039] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A compressed air foam spraying system, comprising a spray pipe (1); characterized in that, The spray pipe (1) is arranged with spray branch pipes (21) at intervals, and a nozzle (3) is rotatably and sealed on the spray branch pipe (21); it also includes an angle adjustment mechanism (5); the angle adjustment mechanism (5) drives the nozzle (3) to rotate, thereby horizontally adjusting the spray direction of the nozzle (3); The nozzle (3) is tubular with a blind end and spray holes on its side. Under normal circumstances, the spray direction is horizontal. The angle adjustment mechanism (5) includes a drive component and a linkage assembly. The drive component drives the nozzle (3) to rotate through the linkage assembly. The drive component is fixed on the firewall (2). One end of the linkage assembly is fixed to multiple nozzles (3), and the other end is fixed to the output end of the drive component. The nozzle (3) is perpendicular to the ground. The linkage assembly includes a tie rod (51) and a remote rod (52). The tie rod (51) is rotatably connected to multiple nozzles (3) in the horizontal direction. One end of the remote rod (52) is rotatably connected to the tie rod (51), and the other end is rotatably connected to the output end of the drive component. It also includes a wind speed and direction sensor, which is used to obtain the current wind speed and direction. The controller controls the start of the drive component according to the wind speed and direction, thereby adjusting the spray angle of the nozzle (3).

2. The compressed air foam spraying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The remote lever (52) and the tie rod (51) are generally T-shaped.

3. The compressed air foam spraying system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The output end of the drive unit is perpendicular to the remote lever (52).

4. The compressed air foam spraying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive unit is fixed to the firewall (2) by a bracket; the base of the drive unit is rotatably fixed to the bracket.

5. A compressed air foam spraying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle (3) is rotatably connected to the spray branch pipe (21) through the sleeve (4); the assembly end of the nozzle (3) extends outward with an outer flange (31), one end of the sleeve (4) extends inward with an inner flange (41), the other end of the sleeve (4) has an internal thread, the spray branch pipe (21) has an external thread, the diameter of the center hole of the inner flange (41) is exactly the diameter of the nozzle (3), the nozzle (3) passes through the end of the sleeve (4) with the internal thread, and the nozzle (3) is limited and fixed by the cooperation of the outer flange (31) and the inner flange (41), and then the sleeve (4) is threadedly fixed to the spray branch pipe (21).

6. A compressed air foam spraying system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mating surfaces of the outer flange (31) and the inner flange (41) are smooth surfaces.

7. A compressed air foam spraying system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drive unit is placed inside the housing (6), and the housing (6) has an elongated hole (61) through which the output end of the drive unit passes.

8. A compressed air foam spraying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive component is fixed inside the housing (6), and the output section of the drive component extends out from the housing (6); a vertical rotating shaft is fixed at the bottom of the housing (6), and the rotating shaft is rotatably engaged with the rotating shaft hole extending from the firewall (2).

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