Compressed air and foam proportional mixing device for metering gas flow and use method of compressed air and foam proportional mixing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a compressed air foam proportional mixing device for metering gas flow and a use method thereof. Comprising a control module, a power module, a water supply module, a foam liquid supply and water mixing module, a compressed air supply and foam mixed liquid mixing module and a compressed air and foam mixed liquid outlet module, a foam pump and a foam liquid pipeline are connected with a foam proportioning mixer, and an outlet pipe of the water supply module is connected with an inlet of the foam proportioning mixer; an outlet of the foam proportioning mixer is connected with a foam mixed liquid outlet pipe; the compressed air pipeline and the foam mixed liquid outlet pipe are connected with a compressed air and foam proportioning mixer, a shunting pipeline is arranged on the compressed air pipeline, and a compressed air regulating valve and a compressed air shunting silencer are mounted on the shunting pipeline. The flow and pressure of water, foam liquid and air are monitored and calculated in real time through the control module, the mixing ratio can be adjusted in real time according to the water flow, and the modular design and the maintenance cost are lower.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of emergency fire fighting technology for ship repair and reconstruction, specifically relating to a compressed air foam proportioning mixing device for metering gas flow and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] The shipbuilding, repair, and recycling industry is a foundational industry for the marine economy and global trade. It serves as a strategic pillar of national security and the economy, a guarantor of smooth global trade, a practitioner of marine environmental protection and the circular economy, and a leader in the innovation and upgrading of high-end manufacturing. Its healthy development is not only related to economic interests but also to global sustainable development goals, national maritime strategic security, and the ecological future of our shared home. This industry faces a complex environment with a high concentration of hazards, posing a significant fire risk with potentially severe consequences. Emergency fire safety is its lifeline for survival and development.

[0003] Fires in the shipbuilding and recycling industry primarily involve flammable liquids such as fuel oil, lubricating oil, paint, and solvents. These liquid fires cannot be extinguished using pure water extinguishing systems. Currently, ships, especially engine rooms and cargo pump rooms, are equipped with ordinary foam fire extinguishing systems or carbon dioxide gas fire extinguishing systems, along with portable fire extinguishers (handheld fire extinguishers, wheeled fire extinguishers, hand pumps, etc.). Docks are equipped with ordinary foam cannons and portable fire extinguishing equipment. However, ordinary foam fire extinguishing systems and foam cannons suffer from uneven and unstable foaming due to their aspirating foaming process, resulting in poor coverage, fluidity, and adhesion, leading to low extinguishing efficiency. Carbon dioxide gas fire extinguishing systems pose a direct and fatal hazard to personnel and are therefore being replaced by newer fire extinguishing systems such as compressed air foam fire extinguishing systems.

[0004] Compressed air foam produces uniform, stable, small bubbles with a high expansion ratio, and has excellent coverage, fluidity, and adhesion. It can quickly form a solid and durable insulating layer on the surface of burning oil or equipment, and its suffocation extinguishing effect is far superior to that of traditional foam.

[0005] Existing compressed air foam proportioning mixing devices have large fluctuations in the gas-liquid mixing ratio, and cannot be adjusted in real time according to changes in foam mixture flow rate and gas temperature. This results in poor foam quality, short liquid separation time, poor fire extinguishing ability, and low reliability. Furthermore, they cannot display the flow rate, pressure, and mixing ratio of water, foam liquid, and air in real time. Operation is complex and requires professional personnel, leading to high maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a mobile compressed air foam proportioning mixing device for measuring gas flow and its usage method. It can adjust the flow rate of foam liquid and air to the set mixing ratio in real time and display it in real time. The modular design reduces maintenance costs.

[0007] Therefore, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a compressed air foam proportioning mixing device for measuring gas flow rate, characterized in that it includes a control module, a power module, a water supply module, a foam liquid supply and water mixing module, a compressed air supply and foam mixture mixing module, and a compressed air foam mixture outlet module. The control module enables real-time monitoring and calculation of the flow rate and pressure of water, foam liquid, and air, and adjusts the flow rate of foam liquid and air to the set mixing ratio in real time according to the water flow rate. The foam liquid supply and water mixing module includes a foam liquid tank containing at least one foam liquid, connected to a foam proportioner via a foam pump and foam liquid pipeline, and the outlet pipe of the water supply module is connected to the inlet of the foam proportioner; the outlet of the foam proportioner is connected to the foam mixture outlet pipe. The compressed air supply and foam mixture mixing module includes an air compressor, a compressed air regulating valve, and a compressed air pipeline. The compressed air pipeline and the foam mixture outlet pipe are connected to a compressed air foam proportioner. A branch pipeline is provided on the compressed air pipeline, and a compressed air regulating valve and a compressed air branch silencer are installed on the branch pipeline. By adjusting the opening of the compressed air regulating valve, excess compressed air is discharged through the branch pipeline and the compressed air branch silencer. The compressed air foam mixture outlet module includes a compressed air foam pipeline connected to a compressed air foam proportioner and multiple compressed air foam outlet control valves.

[0008] Preferably, the power module includes a diesel engine and a battery. The diesel engine provides power to the air compressor and water pump via a synchronous belt and charges the battery. The battery is used to start the diesel engine and to power the control module, various sensors and solenoid valves.

[0009] Preferably, the water supply module includes a water source, a water pump, water pipes, water valves, a water pressure gauge, a water flow meter, and a water check valve. Another water pipe is connected to the foam liquid pump and equipped with a cleaning control valve.

[0010] Preferably, the control module includes a display screen that displays the flow rate, pressure, and mixing ratio of water, foam liquid, and air in real time.

[0011] Preferably, the foam liquid pipeline is equipped with a foam liquid flow meter and a foam liquid pressure gauge to measure the foam liquid flow rate and pressure.

[0012] Preferably, the compressed air pipeline is equipped with a compressed air flow meter, which measures air flow, temperature and pressure.

[0013] The present invention also provides a method for using a mobile compressed air foam proportioning device for metering gas flow, the steps of which are as follows: Step 1: Select the required foaming liquid through the control module and set the required foaming liquid mixing ratio, gas-liquid ratio and device working pressure; Step 2: Connect the compressed air foam outlet to fire hoses, fire nozzles, fire monitors and other spraying equipment as needed, and open the corresponding compressed air foam outlet control valve; Step 3: Press the start button to automatically open the water valve and diesel engine. The water pipeline starts supplying water, and the water flow meter and water pressure gauge start recording and transmitting water data. The PLC control system of the control module automatically adjusts the diesel engine speed according to the water pressure so that the water pressure meets the set working pressure requirements of the device. Step 4: Based on the water data and the selected foam liquid, the PLC control system automatically opens the corresponding foam liquid inlet valve and foam liquid pump. The foam liquid pipeline begins supplying foam liquid, and the foam liquid flow meter and foam liquid pressure gauge begin recording and transmitting foam liquid data. The PLC control system calculates the foam liquid mixing ratio and automatically adjusts the foam pump speed via voltage to ensure the foam liquid mixing ratio meets the set requirements. The foam mixture is then generated through the foam proportioner and flows through the foam mixture pipeline to the compressed air foam proportioner. Step 5: After the foam liquid mixing ratio meets the set requirements, the PLC control system automatically opens the air compressor intake solenoid valve, the air compressor starts working, the compressed air flow meter and compressed air pressure gauge start recording and transmitting air data, the PLC control system corrects the returned air data according to temperature and calculates the gas-liquid ratio, automatically adjusts the opening of the compressed air regulating valve, and discharges excess compressed air through the diversion pipe and compressed air diversion silencer to make the gas-liquid ratio meet the set requirements. Compressed air foam mixture is generated through the compressed air foam proportioner and flows to the compressed air foam outlet control valve through the compressed air foam pipeline. Step 6: After the compressed air foam injection is completed, press the stop button. The diesel engine and foam pump will automatically stop working, and the corresponding water pump and air compressor will also stop working. The water valve, foam liquid inlet valve, and air compressor inlet solenoid valve will automatically close.

[0014] Preferably, pressing the foam pump cleaning button will activate the foam liquid pump, pipeline cleaning valve, and foam liquid pump, automatically cleaning the foam liquid pump and pipeline. After cleaning, the fire hose, fire nozzle, fire monitor, and other spraying equipment will be removed, and the compressed air foam outlet control valve will be closed.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. The control module can monitor and calculate the flow rate and pressure of water, foam liquid, and air in real time. It can adjust the flow rate of foam liquid and air to the recognized mixing ratio in real time according to the water flow rate. The display screen shows the flow rate, pressure, and mixing ratio of water, foam liquid, and air in real time, which solves the problems of complicated operation and high maintenance cost.

[0016] 2. A branch line is installed on the compressed air pipeline, and a compressed air regulating valve is installed on the branch line. By adjusting the opening of the compressed air regulating valve, excess compressed air is discharged through the branch line and the compressed air branch silencer, so that the air-liquid ratio meets the set requirements.

[0017] 3. The entire device system adopts a multi-modal design, which facilitates disassembly and assembly and allows for rapid access to the fire scene via various vehicles.

[0018] 4. A module for daily maintenance of the foam pump and cleaning of the pipeline has been set up.

[0019] 5. At least two foam liquid tanks of type A and type B are set up so that foam liquid can be conveniently selected according to site needs.

[0020] 6. The device is equipped with a safety control device. If the outlet control valve is completely closed during operation, the device can still operate stably. Opening the compressed air foam outlet control valve will allow the compressed air foam to be sprayed normally. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the process of the present invention.

[0023] In the attached diagram: 1. Cleaning water pipeline; 2. Compressed air distribution pipeline; 3. Water valve; 4. Water pressure gauge; 5. Water flow meter; 6. Water check valve; 7. Foam proportioning mixer; 8. Foam liquid tank; 9. Class A foam liquid; 10. Class A foam liquid level sensor; 11. Class A foam liquid inlet valve; 12. Foam pump; 13. Foam liquid pressure gauge; 14. Foam liquid flow meter; 15. Foam liquid check valve; 16. Compressed air inlet solenoid valve; 17. Compressed air regulating valve; 18. Compressed air pressure gauge; 19. Compressed air flow meter; 20. Compressed air check valve; 21. Compressed air foam proportioning mixer; 22. Compressed air distribution silencer; 231. First compressed air... 232. Foam outlet control valve; 233. Second outlet control valve; 234. Third outlet control valve; 235. Fourth outlet control valve; 236. Fifth outlet control valve; 24. Foam liquid pump daily maintenance and cleaning control valve; 25. Air compressor; 26. Diesel engine; 27. Battery; 28. Water pump; 29. ​​PLC control system; 30. Water pipeline; 31. Foam liquid pipeline; 32. Compressed air pipeline; 33. Compressed air foam pipeline; 34. Power cord; 35. Control line; 36. Water source; 37. Display screen and control panel; 38. Class B foam liquid; 39. Class B foam liquid level sensor; 40. Class B foam liquid inlet valve; 41. Safety device; 42. Foam mixture pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0025] like Figure 1 The mobile compressed air foam proportioning device for measuring gas flow rate shown includes a control module, a power module, a water supply module, a foam liquid supply and water mixing module, a compressed air supply and foam mixture mixing module, and a compressed air foam mixture outlet module.

[0026] Specifically, the control module includes a PLC control system 29 (containing a PLC controller, control software, calculation software, communication software, etc.), a display screen and control panel 37, a water pressure gauge 4, a water flow meter 5, a foam liquid pressure gauge 13, a foam liquid flow meter 14, a compressed air pressure gauge 19, a compressed air flow meter 20, a Class A foam liquid level sensor 10, a Class B foam liquid level sensor 39, control cables 35, a power cable 34, and a battery 27. The control module monitors and calculates the flow rate and pressure of water, foam liquid, and air in real time, adjusting the flow rates of foam liquid and air to the set mixing ratio based on the water flow rate. The display screen shows the flow rate, pressure, and mixing ratio of water, foam liquid, and air in real time.

[0027] The second part is the power module, which includes a diesel engine 26 and a battery 27. The diesel engine provides power to the air compressor and water pump via a synchronous belt and charges the battery. The battery is used to start the diesel engine and power the PLC control system, display screen and control panel 37, water flow meter 5, foam liquid flow meter 14, compressed air flow meter 20, compressed air intake solenoid valve 16, compressed air regulating valve 17, water valve 3, foam liquid pump daily maintenance and cleaning control valve 24, Class A foam liquid inlet valve 11, Class B foam liquid inlet valve 40, Class A foam liquid level sensor 10, Class B foam liquid level sensor 39, and foam pump 12.

[0028] The third part is the water supply module, which includes a water source 36, a water pump 28, a water pipe 30, a water valve 3, a water pressure gauge 4, a water flow meter 5, and a water check valve 6.

[0029] The fourth part is the foam liquid supply and water mixing module, which includes a foam liquid tank 8, type A foam liquid 9, type B foam liquid 38, type A foam liquid inlet valve 11, type B foam liquid inlet valve 40, type A foam liquid level sensor 10, type B foam liquid level sensor 39, foam pump 12, foam liquid pressure gauge 13, foam liquid flow meter 14, foam liquid check valve 15, foam liquid pipeline 31, foam proportioner 7, and foam mixture pipeline 42. Water and foam liquid are mixed through the foam proportioner to form a foam mixture. The flow rate of the foam liquid is adjusted by the PLC control system according to the set mixing ratio, which regulates the speed of the foam pump to ensure that the gas-liquid ratio meets the set requirements. The foam mixture flows to the foam mixture pipeline.

[0030] The fifth part is the compressed air supply and foam mixture module, including an air compressor 25, a compressed air regulating valve 17, a compressed air pipeline 32, a compressed air pressure gauge 18, a compressed air flow meter 19, a compressed air check valve 20, a compressed air foam proportioner 21, a compressed air inlet solenoid valve 16, a compressed air distribution pipeline 2, and a compressed air distribution silencer 22. The air flow rate is controlled by the PLC control system, which adjusts the opening of the compressed air regulating valve according to the set air-liquid ratio. Excess compressed air is discharged through the distribution pipeline and the compressed air distribution silencer to ensure the air-liquid ratio meets the set requirements. The compressed air foam mixture generated by the compressed air foam proportioner flows to the compressed air foam pipeline.

[0031] The sixth part is the outlet section, which includes a compressed air foam pipe 33. The foam pipe 33 is connected to the first compressed air foam outlet control valve 231, the second outlet control valve 232, the third outlet control valve 233, the fourth outlet control valve 234, and the fifth outlet control valve 235, respectively.

[0032] The foam pump is routinely maintained and cleaned. The control valve 24 and cleaning water pipeline 1 are cleaned after the device is used. The foam pump 12 and foam pipeline are also cleaned. The foam pump is tested daily.

[0033] Safety device 41 closes the compressed air foam outlet control valve during device operation, putting the device in a pre-operational state. Reopening the compressed air foam outlet control valve allows the device to operate normally.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the device of the present invention is used as follows: Case 1: For spraying compressed air-foam mixture, after the compressed air-foam proportioning device arrives on site, rescue personnel determine the firefighting tactics, methods, extinguishing agents, and equipment based on the situation before commencing firefighting. The first step is to activate the PLC control system on the control panel. The second step involves the foam liquid level gauge checking the level; if an alarm sounds, foam liquid is added to the foam tank. The third step involves opening one or more outlet control valves as needed, connecting fire hoses, nozzles, and other firefighting tools, selecting the foam liquid, and setting the mixing ratio, gas-liquid ratio, and outlet pressure. The fourth step is to spray compressed air-foam. Pressing the one-button start button on the control panel initiates the automatic operation of the device, which automatically opens the water valves and diesel engine. The water pressure gauge monitors the water pressure, and the PLC system adjusts the diesel engine speed based on the water pressure. Once the set outlet pressure is reached, the water flow rate is monitored. The PLC system then opens the foam liquid inlet valve and foam liquid pump, which operates, and the foam liquid is sprayed. The foam flow meter monitors the foam liquid flow rate, and the foam liquid pressure gauge monitors the foam liquid pressure. The PLC control system calculates the mixing ratio and adjusts the foam pump speed to achieve the set mixing ratio. The foam mixture is then produced through a foam proportioner. The PLC system opens the air compressor intake solenoid valve, and the air compressor begins operation. The air flow meter monitors the air flow rate, and the air pressure gauge monitors the air pressure. The PLC control system corrects the returned air data according to temperature, calculates the gas-liquid ratio, and automatically adjusts the compressed air valve opening to meet the set requirements. Compressed air foam mixture is generated through the compressed air foam proportioner and flows through the compressed air foam pipeline to the outlet control valve. The compressed air foam is then sprayed to the fire point using fire hoses, nozzles, and other firefighting tools. In the fifth step, after firefighting is complete, press the one-button stop button for compressed air foam on the control panel. In the sixth step, press the foam pump cleaning button on the control panel. After cleaning, press the foam pump stop button on the control panel again. Put away the fire hoses, nozzles, and other firefighting tools, close the outlet control valve and the PLC system, add foam liquid to the foam liquid tank, and add diesel fuel to the fuel tank. The process is complete.

[0035] Case 2: For compressed air foam injection, an alternative method is used: The first three steps are the same as above. Fourth, operate the control panel to turn on the water circuit control button. Fifth, operate the control panel to turn on the diesel engine control button. Sixth, once the water pressure on the display panel meets the requirements, turn on the foam pump control button and manually adjust the foam pump speed control button to ensure the mixing ratio meets the requirements. Seventh, operate the control panel to turn on the air compressor control button and manually adjust the compressed air regulating valve control button to ensure the air-liquid ratio meets the requirements. Eighth, the fire is extinguished.

[0036] Case 3, for spraying ordinary air foam, follow these steps: Steps one through six are the same as in Case 2. Step seven is the end of extinguishing the fire.

[0037] Case 4: If using water spray, water mist, or fine water mist for fire extinguishing, follow these steps: Steps one through five are the same as spraying ordinary air foam. Step six: After extinguishing the fire, put away the fire hoses, guns, cannons, and other firefighting tools; close the outlet control valve and PLC system; add foam liquid to the foam liquid tank; add diesel fuel to the fuel tank; and the process is complete.

[0038] This invention, through a rational system design, ensures precise mixing ratios of water, foam concentrate, and air, improving foam quality. The foam is more uniform, stable, with smaller bubbles and a higher expansion ratio, exhibiting excellent coverage, flowability, and adhesion, thus enhancing the fire extinguishing capability and efficiency of the device. The flow rate, pressure, and mixing ratio of water, foam concentrate, and air are displayed in real time on the screen, making operation simple, convenient, and easy to learn. The device can also spray ordinary foam, fine water mist, water spray, and water for fire extinguishing. The device is equipped with safety devices, and its modular design reduces maintenance costs.

[0039] It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that after reading the teachings of this invention, those skilled in the art can make various alterations or modifications to the invention, and these equivalent forms also fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A compressed air foam proportioning mixing device for metering gas flow rate, characterized in that... It includes a control module, a power module, a water supply module, a foam liquid supply and water mixing module, a compressed air supply and foam liquid mixing module, and a compressed air-foam liquid outlet module. The control module enables real-time monitoring and calculation of the flow rate and pressure of water, foam liquid, and air, and adjusts the flow rate of foam liquid and air to the set mixing ratio in real time according to the water flow rate. The foam liquid supply and water mixing module includes a foam liquid tank containing at least one foam liquid, which is connected to a foam proportioner (7) via a foam pump (12) and a foam liquid pipeline (31). The outlet pipe of the water supply module is connected to the inlet of the foam proportioner (7). The outlet of the foam proportioner (7) is connected to the foam mixture outlet pipe (42). The compressed air supply and foam mixture mixing module includes an air compressor (25), a compressed air regulating valve (17), and a compressed air pipeline (32). The compressed air pipeline (32) and the foam mixture outlet pipe (42) are connected to a compressed air foam proportioner (21). A branch pipeline (2) is provided on the compressed air pipeline. A compressed air regulating valve (17) and a compressed air branch silencer (22) are installed on the branch pipeline. Excess compressed air is discharged through the branch pipeline and the compressed air branch silencer (22) by adjusting the opening of the compressed air regulating valve. The compressed air foam mixture outlet module includes a compressed air foam pipe (33) connected to a compressed air foam proportioner (21) and multiple compressed air foam outlet control valves.

2. The compressed air foam proportioning mixing device for metering gas flow rate according to claim 1, characterized in that... The power module includes a diesel engine and a battery (27). The diesel engine provides power to the air compressor and water pump and charges the battery through a synchronous belt. The battery is used to start the diesel engine and to power the control module, various sensors and solenoid valves.

3. The compressed air foam proportioning mixing device for metering gas flow rate according to claim 1, characterized in that... The water supply module includes a water source (36), a water pump (28), a water pipe (30), a water valve (3), a water pressure gauge (4), a water flow meter (5), and a water check valve (6). Another water pipe is connected to the foam liquid pump and is equipped with a cleaning control valve.

4. The compressed air foam proportioning mixing device for metering gas flow rate according to claim 1, characterized in that... The control module includes a display screen that shows the flow rate, pressure, and mixing ratio of water, foam liquid, and air in real time.

5. A compressed air foam proportioning mixing device for metering gas flow rate according to claim 1, characterized in that... The foam liquid pipeline (31) is equipped with a foam liquid flow meter (14) and a foam liquid pressure gauge (13) to measure the flow rate and pressure of the foam liquid.

6. The compressed air foam proportioning mixing device for metering gas flow rate according to claim 1, characterized in that... The compressed air pipeline is equipped with a compressed air flow meter (19), which measures air flow, temperature and pressure.

7. A method of using a mobile compressed air foam proportioning device for metering gas flow, characterized in that... The specific steps of using the mixing apparatus according to any one of claims 1-6 are as follows: Step 1: Select the required foaming liquid through the control module and set the required foaming liquid mixing ratio, gas-liquid ratio and device working pressure; Step 2: Connect the compressed air foam outlet to fire hoses, fire nozzles, fire monitors and other spraying equipment as needed, and open the corresponding compressed air foam outlet control valve; Step 3: Press the start button to automatically open the water valve (3) and diesel engine (26), the water pipeline starts to supply water, the water flow meter (5) and water pressure gauge (4) start to record and transmit water data, and the PLC control system of the control module automatically adjusts the speed of the diesel engine (26) according to the water pressure so that the water pressure meets the set device working pressure requirements. Step 4: The PLC control system automatically opens the corresponding foam liquid inlet valve and foam liquid pump according to the water data and the selected foam liquid. The foam liquid pipeline (31) starts supplying foam liquid, and the foam liquid flow meter (14) and foam liquid pressure meter (13) start recording and transmitting foam liquid data. The PLC control system calculates the foam liquid mixing ratio and automatically adjusts the speed of the foam pump (12) through voltage to make the foam liquid mixing ratio meet the set requirements. The foam mixture is generated through the foam proportioner (7) and flows to the compressed air foam proportioner (21) through the foam mixture outlet pipe (42). Step 5: After the foam liquid mixing ratio meets the set requirements, the PLC control system automatically opens the air compressor intake solenoid valve, the air compressor (25) starts to work, the compressed air flow meter and compressed air pressure gauge start to record and transmit air data, the PLC control system corrects the returned air data according to temperature and calculates the gas-liquid ratio, automatically adjusts the opening of the compressed air regulating valve (17), and discharges the excess compressed air through the diversion pipe (2) and the compressed air diversion silencer (22) so that the gas-liquid ratio meets the set requirements. The compressed air foam mixture is generated through the compressed air foam proportioner (21) and flows to the compressed air foam outlet control valve through the compressed air foam pipe (33). Step 6: After the compressed air foam injection is completed, press the stop button. The diesel engine (26) and foam pump will stop working automatically, and the corresponding water pump and air compressor will stop working. The water valve (3), foam liquid inlet valve and air compressor inlet solenoid valve will close automatically.

8. The method of using a mobile compressed air foam proportioning device for metering gas flow rate according to claim 7, characterized in that... Press the foam pump cleaning button to activate the foam liquid pump, pipeline cleaning valve, and foam liquid pump. The foam liquid pump and pipeline will be cleaned automatically. After cleaning, the fire hose, fire nozzle, fire monitor, and other spraying equipment will be removed, and the compressed air foam outlet control valve will be closed.

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