A compressed air foam performance testing apparatus

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of compressed air foam performance testing technology, and more particularly to a compressed air foam performance testing device, comprising a mobile transport platform, a liquid storage device, a water pipeline assembly, a foam liquid pipeline assembly, a gel pipeline assembly, an air pipeline assembly, a gas-liquid mixing assembly, and a control system assembly. The gas-liquid mixing assembly includes a mixer, a pressure sensor interface, and a compressed air foam outlet. A cover assembly is provided outside the compressed air foam outlet, and the cover assembly has a first channel and a second channel, and includes a first end block and a second end block, with an adjustment unit between the first and second end blocks for switching between the first and second channels. A bidirectional flushing circuit includes a forward branch and a reverse branch, with the reverse branch connected to the first channel. This invention achieves bidirectional flushing, effectively solving the pipeline contamination problem during multi-media switching and ensuring the accuracy of experimental data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of compressed air foam performance testing technology, and in particular to a compressed air foam performance testing device. Background Technology

[0002] The statements herein provide only background information in relation to this invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Compressed air foam fire extinguishing technology, with its advantages of high extinguishing efficiency, no pollution, and wide applicability, is widely used in fire fighting, oil and gas storage, and industrial security, and is currently a key research direction in the field of fire safety. Universities and research institutions are conducting extensive research experiments on the physical properties, foaming performance, extinguishing mechanism, and adaptability to various working conditions of compressed air foam. Dedicated, high-precision experimental equipment is the core foundation for ensuring accurate experimental data and the smooth progress of experimental research.

[0004] Currently, in existing compressed air foam performance testing devices, when conducting multi-media (such as water, foam liquid, and gel liquid) switching experiments, the residue of the previous medium remains in the mixer and its outlet pipeline, which contaminates the subsequent experimental media, seriously affecting the purity and repeatability of the experimental data. In particular, viscous media such as gel solutions are prone to depositing on the inner walls of the pipelines and in the dead corners of the mixer cavity, which are difficult to remove by simple rinsing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned shortcomings by providing a compressed air foam performance testing device.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a compressed air foam performance testing device, comprising a mobile transport platform, a liquid storage device, a water pipeline assembly, a foam liquid pipeline assembly, a gel pipeline assembly, an air pipeline assembly, a gas-liquid mixing assembly, and a control system assembly. The gas-liquid mixing assembly includes a mixer, a pressure sensor interface, and a compressed air foam outlet. The compressed air foam outlet is located on the outlet side of the mixer and is connected through the pressure sensor interface to form a mixing medium output branch for outputting a molded foam mixing medium. A cover assembly is provided outside the compressed air foam outlet. The cover assembly is fixedly installed at the end of the compressed air foam outlet and has a first channel and a second channel. The cover assembly includes a first end block and a second end block, the second end block being rotatably disposed relative to the first end block and an adjustment unit for switching between the first end block and the second end block is provided between the first end block and the second end block; A bidirectional flushing circuit, comprising a forward branch and a reverse branch, wherein the forward branch is connected to the waste liquid branch via the second channel, and the reverse branch is connected to the compressed air foam outlet via the first channel; The reverse branch is connected to the outlet end of the compressed air foam outlet and to the first channel, and is used to reverse flush the foam mixture media remaining in the previous experiment inside the mixed medium output branch. When the second end block rotates relative to the first end block, it selectively turns the second channel on or off.

[0007] Furthermore, the second channel is connected to the forward branch and a waste liquid branch is provided on the outside of the second channel. The waste liquid branch is located on the first end block and is used to centrally discharge the flushing medium from the forward flushing. The first end block is provided with a first flow channel extending radially thereon, and the first flow channel constitutes a first channel. The end face of the first end block away from the compressed air foam outlet is provided with a circular opening. The portion of the second end block corresponding to the circular opening is provided with a second flow channel. The second flow channel is connected to the external waste liquid branch to form a second channel, and the waste liquid branch is distributed perpendicularly to the first flow channel. When the second end block rotates relative to the first end block, it causes the second flow channel to selectively align or misalign with the circular opening, thereby connecting or closing the second channel.

[0008] Furthermore, the adjustment unit includes a block that moves vertically inside the first flow channel, a guide rod and a screw that are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the block and connected accordingly. The block is hollow inside, with its bottom closed and its top open, and a through hole on its circumference. The screw is provided with a power unit, which is used to drive the vertical movement of the block following the relative circumferential movement of the first end block and the second end block, so as to open or block the first channel, and switch between the first channel and the second channel in conjunction with the rotation of the second end block. The power unit includes a gear ring, a gear, a first bevel gear, and a second bevel gear. The gear ring is coaxially mounted on the second end block and moves circumferentially with the second end block. The gear is located on one side of the first end block and engages with the gear ring. A drive shaft passes through the end face of the gear. The first bevel gear is located at the lower end of the screw and is fitted accordingly. The second bevel gear is located on the drive shaft and engages with the first bevel gear. The first bevel gear and the second bevel gear are located in the cavity on the first end block that is not in the first flow channel.

[0009] Furthermore, the water pipeline assembly includes a water pump, flow meter a, and check valve a connected in series; the foam liquid pipeline assembly includes a foam liquid pump, flow meter b, and check valve b connected in series; the gel pipeline assembly includes a gel solution pump, flow meter c, and check valve c connected in series; and the air pipeline assembly includes an air compressor, air inlet quick connector, electric three-way valve a, filter, flow regulating valve, electric valve, check valve d, air path switching valve, and back pressure valve connected in series. The one-way valve a is provided with a guide pipe, and the end of the guide pipe is provided with a manifold that communicates with the inlet side of the mixer. The manifold is provided with a foam liquid manifold branch and a gel liquid manifold branch that communicate with the one-way valve b and the one-way valve c, respectively. The mixer is also provided with a gas conduit that is connected to the back pressure valve. A gas path shut-off valve is provided on the gas path conduit. The gas path shut-off valve is located between the gas path conduit and the gas phase inlet of the mixer and is used to cut off the gas path to the gas phase inlet of the mixer during reverse gas washing.

[0010] Furthermore, the reverse branch includes a reverse liquid phase flushing channel; The reverse liquid phase flushing channel includes a liquid phase flow branch pipe and a loop branch pipe. One end of the liquid phase flow branch pipe is connected to the guide pipe, and the other end is connected to the first channel. The loop branch pipe is located on the side of the manifold and is connected to the waste liquid branch. During reverse liquid phase flushing, the second end block rotates to close the second channel, and the block opens the first channel; the liquid phase flushing medium enters the first flow channel from the guide pipe through the liquid phase flow branch pipe, then enters the compressed air foam outlet from the first flow channel, flows counter-currently through the pressure sensor interface and the mixer to the manifold, and flows into the waste liquid branch through the loop branch pipe for discharge.

[0011] Furthermore, the reverse branch also includes a reverse gas washing channel; The reverse air washing channel includes an airflow branch pipe. One end of the airflow branch pipe is connected to the air path conduit, and the other end is connected to the end of the corresponding compressed air foam outlet on the liquid phase flow branch pipe through an electric three-way valve b. The airflow branch pipe is connected to the loop branch pipe through the compressed air foam outlet, the pressure sensor interface, the mixer, and the manifold, forming a reverse cleaning airflow path from the air source to the mixer cavity. During reverse gas washing, the second end block rotates to close the second channel, and the gas path shut-off valve closes to cut off the gas path to the gas phase inlet of the mixer. Compressed gas enters from the compressed air foam outlet only through the gas path conduit and the airflow branch pipe, flows counter-currently through the pressure sensor interface, the mixer, and the manifold. The high-speed airflow carries residual flushing liquid and debris in the pipeline and is blown out from the loop branch pipe and the waste liquid branch drain port.

[0012] Furthermore, the forward branch consists of the guide pipe, the manifold, the mixer, the pressure sensor interface, the compressed air foam outlet, and the waste liquid branch. During forward flushing, the second end block rotates to open the second channel, and the plug blocks the first channel; The cleaning liquid flows in the normal transport direction of the medium, passing sequentially through the guide pipe, the manifold, the mixer, the pressure sensor interface, and the compressed air foam outlet until it is discharged from the waste liquid branch.

[0013] Furthermore, valve bodies are provided on the liquid flow branch pipe, the loop branch pipe, the gas path conduit, the gas flow branch pipe, and the guide pipe. The valve body of the liquid flow branch pipe is installed on the lower part of the valve body fixed on the guide pipe, and the valve body of the gas flow branch pipe is installed on the upper part of the valve body fixed on the gas path conduit. Each valve body is electrically connected to the control system components.

[0014] Furthermore, two L-shaped limiting blocks are symmetrically arranged at the outer end of the compressed air foam outlet; Two limiting grooves are symmetrically provided on the end face of the first end block near the compressed air foam outlet. One side of the limiting groove is provided with an opening. The opening is used for the L-shaped limiting block to be inserted accordingly, and the closed limiting groove is used to prevent the L-shaped limiting block from detaching, so as to fix the cover assembly to the outer end of the compressed air foam outlet.

[0015] Furthermore, the control system components integrate a main power switch, an air compressor power supply connector, a touch screen, an electrical control cabinet, and a pressure sensor; The touchscreen is used to set the gas-liquid ratio parameter and display experimental operating data in real time. The pressure sensor is used to collect pressure data of the mixer cavity and pipeline and feed it back to the electrical control cabinet to form a closed-loop control circuit for data acquisition for adjustment under different gas-liquid ratio conditions and for testing of fluid dynamic performance.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are reflected in: The bidirectional flushing circuit designed in this invention, along with a cover assembly having a first and a second channel outside the compressed air foam outlet, allows for switching between the first and second channels. Combined with the bidirectional flushing circuit, the flushing medium can both forward flush the residual mixed medium inside the mixed medium output branch and flow backward from the compressed air foam outlet, passing through the pressure sensor interface, mixer, and manifold. This reverse flushing effectively removes residues from dead zones that are difficult to reach with forward flushing, preventing residues from interfering with subsequent foam fluid dynamics test results and ensuring consistent pipeline cleanliness across multiple experiments. This fundamentally guarantees the purity and repeatability of test data during multi-media switching experiments. Furthermore, the relative rotation of the first and second end blocks in the cover assembly, along with the adjusting unit's plug, gear ring, gear, and bevel gear transmission structure, allows for flexible switching between the first and second channels, facilitating convenient transitions between forward and reverse flushing modes. The operation is simple. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a three-dimensional structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram from another perspective of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged view at point A in the middle; Figure 6 This is a partial half-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an embodiment of the present invention from one perspective.

[0018] In the picture: 1. Mixer; 2. Pressure sensor interface; 3. Compressed air foam outlet; 31. L-shaped limit block; 4. Cover assembly; 41. First end block; 411. First flow channel; 412. Limiting groove; 42. Second end block; 421. Second flow channel; 5. Adjustment unit; 51. Block; 52. Guide rod; 53. Screw; 54. Gear ring; 55. Gear; 56. First bevel gear; 57. Second bevel gear; 58. Drive shaft; 6. Waste liquid branch; 7. Guide pipe; 8. Manifold; 9. Gas path conduit; 10. Liquid phase flow branch; 10a. Return branch; 11. Airflow branch. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other. 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.

[0020] Example 1 Please see Figure 1-8 The present invention discloses a compressed air foam performance testing device, including a mobile transport platform, a liquid storage device, a water pipeline assembly, a foam liquid pipeline assembly, a gel pipeline assembly, an air pipeline assembly, a gas-liquid mixing assembly, and a control system assembly.

[0021] The mobile transport platform serves as the foundation for the overall support and movement of the equipment. It includes a trolley-type frame, handles fixedly installed on the rear of the trolley-type frame, a switch and air intake panel embedded in the side wall of the frame, a hinged top door, matching handles, and two sets of omnidirectional wheels and two sets of fixed wheels symmetrically installed at the bottom of the frame. The trolley-type frame provides fixed mounting points for each component, while the omnidirectional wheels and fixed wheels work together to enable flexible movement and fixed positioning of the equipment.

[0022] The liquid storage device is fixedly installed inside the mobile transport platform and includes an independently set water tank, foam liquid tank, and gel liquid tank. The three tanks are independently partitioned and do not cross-contaminate. Each tank is equipped with a stirring port, a liquid injection port, and a vent on the top. Liquid level gauges are installed on the side walls of the tanks, and drain ports are provided at the bottom of each tank.

[0023] The water piping assembly includes a water pump, flow meter a, and check valve a connected in series to achieve quantitative and unidirectional delivery of clean water. The foam liquid piping assembly includes a foam liquid pump, flow meter b, and check valve b connected in series to precisely control the flow rate of the foam liquid. The gel piping assembly includes a gel solution pump, flow meter c, and check valve c connected in series to adapt to the viscous characteristics of the gel solution and achieve stable quantitative delivery. These three independent piping systems can be started, stopped, and controlled independently, supporting foaming experiments with single or multi-media formulations.

[0024] The air piping assembly includes an air compressor, an inlet quick connector, an electric three-way valve a, a filter, a flow regulating valve, an electric valve, a one-way valve d, an air path switching valve, and a back pressure valve connected in series, providing stable and controllable compressed air for the foaming experiment.

[0025] The control system components integrate the main power switch, air compressor power supply connector, touch screen, electrical control cabinet, and pressure sensor to achieve intelligent control of the equipment.

[0026] Specifically, liquid media (one or more of water, foam liquid, and gel solution) flow out from the bottom outlet of their respective media tanks, are pressurized and transported by the water pump / foam liquid pump / gel solution pump of the corresponding pipeline components, and flow through the flow meter for metering and the one-way valve to prevent backflow in sequence before entering the manifold 8 to converge and be sent to the liquid phase inlet of the mixer 1. At the same time, compressed air is generated by the air compressor and flows through the inlet quick connector, electric three-way valve, filter, flow regulating valve, electric valve, one-way valve, air path switching valve, and back pressure valve in sequence before entering the gas phase inlet of the mixer 1 through the air path conduit 9. The gas and liquid phases are fully mixed and foamed in the mixer 1 in a counter-current manner, and the generated compressed air foam is discharged from the compressed air foam outlet.

[0027] The control system components receive the gas-liquid ratio and flow rate parameters set by the operator via a touch screen. After processing by the PLC controller in the electrical control cabinet, the PLC controller outputs control signals to the pumps, flow regulating valves, electric valves and other actuators in each pipeline to dynamically adjust the liquid phase and gas phase flow rates. At the same time, the pressure sensor collects the pressure data in the pipeline and mixing chamber in real time and feeds it back to the PLC controller to form a closed-loop regulation, thereby realizing a wide range and high-precision continuous adjustment of the gas-liquid ratio.

[0028] In one embodiment, the gas-liquid mixing assembly includes a mixer 1, a pressure sensor interface 2, and a compressed air foam outlet 3. The compressed air foam outlet 3 is located on the outlet side of the mixer 1, connected to the pressure sensor interface 2, and forms a mixing medium output branch for outputting the molded foam mixing medium.

[0029] A cover assembly 4 is provided on the outside of the compressed air foam outlet 3. The cover assembly 4 is fixedly installed at the end of the compressed air foam outlet 3 and has a first channel and a second channel. The cover assembly 4 includes a first end block 41 and a second end block 42, the second end block 42 is rotatably disposed relative to the first end block 41, and an adjustment unit 5 for switching between the first end block 41 and the second end block 42 is provided between the first end block 41 and the second end block 42.

[0030] Two L-shaped limiting blocks 31 are symmetrically welded / formed at the outer end of the compressed air foam outlet 3. Two limiting grooves 412 are symmetrically cut on the end face of the first end block 41 near the compressed air foam outlet 3. An opening is provided on one side of each limiting groove 412, allowing the L-shaped limiting blocks 31 to be inserted accordingly. The closed limiting grooves 412 prevent the L-shaped limiting blocks 31 from detaching, thus securing the cover assembly 4 to the outer end of the compressed air foam outlet 3. This installation method is convenient; simply align the first end block 41 with the end of the compressed air foam outlet 3, insert the L-shaped limiting blocks 31 through the opening of the limiting grooves 412, and then rotate it a certain angle to lock it in place.

[0031] A first flow channel 411 extending radially through the first end block 41 forms a first channel. A circular opening is formed on the end face of the first end block 41 away from the compressed air foam outlet 3. A second flow channel 421 is formed on the corresponding portion of the circular opening on the second end block 42. The second flow channel 421 extends radially along the end face of the second end block 42. The second flow channel 421 is connected to the external waste liquid branch 6 to form a second channel. The waste liquid branch 6 is perpendicular to the first flow channel 411.

[0032] When the second end block 42 rotates relative to the first end block 41 until the second flow channel 421 is aligned with the circular opening, the second channel is open; when the second end block 42 rotates relative to the first end block 41 until the second flow channel 421 is misaligned with the circular opening, the solid surface of the second end block 42 blocks the circular opening, and the second channel is closed.

[0033] The bidirectional flushing circuit includes a forward branch and a reverse branch. The reverse branch connects to the outlet end of the compressed air foam outlet 3 and is connected to the first channel. It is used to flow in reverse through the mixed medium output branch and to flush away the residual foam mixed medium from the previous experiment that remains inside the mixed medium output branch. The second channel is connected to the forward branch, and a waste liquid branch 6 is provided on the outside of the second channel. The waste liquid branch 6 is located on the first end block 41 and is used to centrally discharge the flushing medium flushed in the forward direction.

[0034] In one embodiment, the adjusting unit 5 includes a blocking block 51 that corresponds to the interior of the first flow channel 411 and moves vertically, a guide rod 52 and a screw 53 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the blocking block 51 and correspondingly connected. The blocking block 51 is hollow inside, with a closed bottom and an open top, and a through hole on its circumference. A power unit is installed on the screw 53, which is used to drive the vertical movement of the blocking block 51 following the relative circumferential movement of the first end block 41 and the second end block 42, so as to open or block the first channel, and switch between the first channel and the second channel in conjunction with the rotation of the second end block 42.

[0035] When the block 51 moves to the point where its peripheral through hole connects with the bottom of the first flow channel 411, the first channel is opened; when the block 51 moves to the bottom closed section to block the first flow channel 411, the first channel is closed.

[0036] The power unit includes a gear ring 54, a gear 55, a first bevel gear 56, and a second bevel gear 57. The gear ring 54 is coaxially mounted on the second end block 42 and moves in a circular motion following the second end block 42; the gear 55 is located on one side of the first end block 41 and is connected to the gear ring 54; a drive shaft 58 passes through the end face of the gear 55; the first bevel gear 56 is located at the lower end of the screw 53 and is fitted accordingly; the second bevel gear 57 is located on the drive shaft 58 and is connected to the first bevel gear 56. The first bevel gear 56 and the second bevel gear 57 are located in the cavity of the first end block 41 that is not in the first flow channel 411.

[0037] When it is necessary to switch channels, the operator rotates the second end block 42, which drives the gear ring 54 to rotate. The gear ring 54 drives the gear 55 to rotate, and the gear 55 drives the second bevel gear 57 to rotate through the transmission shaft 58. The second bevel gear 57 drives the first bevel gear 56 to rotate, and the first bevel gear 56 drives the screw 53 to rotate. The screw 53 drives the block 51 to move vertically along the guide rod 52, thereby realizing the switching between the first channel and the second channel.

[0038] In one embodiment, a guide pipe 7 is provided on the one-way valve a, and a manifold 8 connected to the inlet side of the mixer 1 is provided at the end of the guide pipe 7. The manifold 8 is provided with a foam liquid manifold branch and a gel liquid manifold branch connected to the one-way valves b and c, respectively. The mixer 1 is also connected to a gas conduit 9 connected to the back pressure valve.

[0039] In one embodiment, valve bodies are provided on the liquid flow branch pipe 10, the loop branch pipe 10a, the gas path conduit 9, the gas flow branch pipe 11, and the guide pipe 7. The valve body of the liquid flow branch pipe 10 is installed on the lower part of the valve body fixed on the guide pipe 7, and the valve body of the gas flow branch pipe 11 is installed on the upper part of the valve body fixed on the gas path conduit 9. Each valve body is electrically connected to the control system components, and its opening and closing are uniformly controlled by the control system.

[0040] In one embodiment, the reverse branch includes a reverse liquid phase flushing channel. The reverse liquid phase flushing channel includes a liquid phase flow branch 10 and a loop branch 10a. One end of the liquid phase flow branch 10 is connected to the guide pipe 7, and the other end is connected to the first flow channel 411; the loop branch 10a is located on the side of the manifold 8 and is connected to the waste liquid branch 6.

[0041] During reverse liquid-phase flushing, the control system shuts off the pumps and check valves of the water pipeline assembly, foam liquid pipeline assembly, and gel pipeline assembly to prevent flushing fluid from flowing back into the media tanks. The cover assembly 4 is adjusted so that the second end block 42 rotates to a misalignment between the second flow channel 421 and the circular opening, closing the second channel; the plug block 51 is adjusted to open the first channel. Then, the valve on the liquid-phase flow branch pipe 10 is opened, and the water pump is started. Clean water flows from the water tank through the water pump, the guide pipe 7, and the liquid-phase flow branch pipe 10 into the first flow channel 411, and then from the first flow channel 411 into the compressed air foam outlet 3. The liquid-phase flushing medium flows counter-currently from the compressed air foam outlet 3 through the pressure sensor interface 2, the mixer 1, and the manifold 8, performing reverse flushing on the mixer 1 cavity and the interior of the pressure sensor interface 2. The waste liquid after reverse flushing flows from the manifold 8 through the return branch pipe 10a into the waste liquid branch 6 and is discharged centrally.

[0042] Reverse liquid phase flushing can effectively remove the previous medium residue deposited in the dead corners of the structure such as the guide plate, the baffle, and the misaligned mixing unit inside the mixer 1. Especially for viscous gel solution residues, the effect of reverse flushing is significantly better than that of forward flushing.

[0043] In one embodiment, the reverse branch further includes a reverse air scrubbing channel. The reverse air scrubbing channel includes an airflow branch pipe 11, one end of which is connected to the gas path conduit 9 and the other end is connected to the end of the corresponding compressed air foam outlet 3 on the liquid phase flow branch pipe 10 via an electric three-way valve b. The airflow branch pipe 11 is connected to the loop branch pipe 10a via the mixing medium output branch, forming a reverse cleaning airflow path from the gas source to the mixer 1 cavity.

[0044] After completing the reverse liquid phase flushing, reverse gas flushing is performed. The second end block 42 is kept closed to shut off the second channel; the gas path shut-off valve is closed, cutting off the branch of the gas path conduit 9 leading to the gas phase inlet of the mixer 1; the control system closes the valve body on the liquid phase flow branch pipe 10 and opens the valve body on the gas flow branch pipe 11 and the electric three-way valve b. Compressed gas enters the compressed air foam outlet 3 from the air compressor via the gas path conduit 9 and the gas flow branch pipe 11. It flows counter-currently through the pressure sensor interface 2, the mixer 1, and the manifold 8. The high-speed airflow carries residual flushing liquid and debris from the pipeline and is purged and discharged from the return branch pipe 10a and the waste liquid branch pipe 6 vent.

[0045] Reverse air washing not only dries the residual flushing fluid in the pipeline, preventing the next experimental medium from being diluted, but also uses the impact force of high-speed airflow to carry away tiny particles and debris adhering to the inner wall of the pipeline, further improving the thoroughness of the cleaning.

[0046] In one embodiment, the forward branch consists of a guide pipe 7, a manifold 8, a mixer 1, a pressure sensor interface 2, a compressed air foam outlet 3, and a waste liquid branch 6.

[0047] During forward flushing, adjust the cover assembly 4 so that the second end block 42 rotates until the second flow channel 421 aligns with the circular opening, thus opening the second channel; adjust the plug block 51 to block the first channel. The control system shuts off the pumps and check valves of the foam liquid pipeline assembly and the gel pipeline assembly, and turns on the water pump of the water pipeline assembly. The cleaning liquid flows in the normal direction of medium transport, sequentially flowing through the guide pipe 7, the manifold 8, the mixer 1, the pressure sensor interface 2, and the compressed air foam outlet 3, until it is discharged from the waste liquid branch 6. Forward flushing is suitable for routine cleaning of pipelines after the experiment, as well as for pre-flushing of pipelines before reverse flushing.

[0048] Example 2 The present invention also discloses a control method for pipeline cleaning using the above-mentioned device, comprising the following steps: Step 1: When the experiment is over or the medium needs to be switched, fix the cover assembly 4 on the outside of the compressed air foam outlet 3. At the same time, the operator selects the cleaning mode (quick wash, deep wash, medium switching wash, etc.) on the touch screen and presses the "start cleaning" button.

[0049] Step 2: The control system then performs a media isolation operation, shutting down the pumps of the water pipeline assembly, foam liquid pipeline assembly, and gel pipeline assembly. At the same time, the one-way valves on each pipeline automatically close when there is no positive pressure to prevent the flushing fluid from flowing back into each media tank.

[0050] Step 3: The control system executes the forward flushing procedure. Adjust the cover assembly 4 so that the second end block 42 rotates until the second flow channel 421 aligns with the circular opening, thus opening the second channel; adjust the plug block 51 to block the first channel. Turn on the water pump of the water pipeline assembly, open the valve on the guide pipe 7, and close the valves on the liquid flow branch pipe 10 and the airflow branch pipe 11. Clean water flows in the normal direction of medium transport, sequentially flowing through the guide pipe 7, the manifold 8, the mixer 1, the pressure sensor interface 2, and the compressed air foam outlet 3, until the waste liquid branch pipe 6 is discharged. The forward flushing lasts for a preset time (e.g., 30 seconds).

[0051] Step 4: The control system executes the reverse liquid phase flushing procedure. Adjust the cover assembly 4 so that the second end block 42 rotates until the second flow channel 421 is misaligned with the round opening, closing the second channel; adjust the plug 51 to open the first channel. Close the valve on the guide pipe 7, open the valve on the liquid phase flow branch pipe 10, and start the water pump. Clean water flows from the water tank through the water pump, guide pipe 7, and liquid phase flow branch pipe 10 into the first flow channel 411, then from the first flow channel 411 into the compressed air foam outlet 3, flowing counter-currently through the pressure sensor interface 2, mixer 1 to the manifold 8, and then through the loop branch pipe 10a into the waste liquid branch 6 for discharge. The reverse liquid phase flushing lasts for a preset time (e.g., 30 seconds).

[0052] Step 5: The control system executes the reverse gas purging procedure. Keep the second end block 42 closed to shut off the second channel; close the gas path shut-off valve, cutting off the branch of the gas path conduit 9 leading to the gas phase inlet of the mixer 1. Close the valves on the water pump and liquid phase flow branch pipe 10, and open the valves on the air flow branch pipe 11 and the electric three-way valve b. Compressed gas enters the compressed air foam outlet 3 from the air compressor via the gas path conduit 9 and the air flow branch pipe 11, flows counter-currently through the pressure sensor interface 2, the mixer 1, and the manifold 8, and is purged and discharged from the loop branch pipe 10a and the waste liquid branch pipe 6 vent. The reverse gas purging lasts for a preset time (e.g., 20 seconds).

[0053] Step 6: The control system closes all valves, and the equipment returns to standby mode.

[0054] During the cleaning process, pressure sensors installed on each pipeline monitor the pipeline pressure in real time. When an abnormal pressure is detected (such as a sudden pressure increase due to blockage or a sudden pressure drop due to pipeline leakage), the control system automatically stops the cleaning program and issues an alarm signal to ensure equipment safety.

[0055] Example 3 When it is necessary to switch from one medium to another (e.g., from foam liquid to gel liquid), the operation procedure is as follows: First, shut down the foam liquid pump in the foam liquid pipeline assembly to stop foam liquid delivery. Then, following the cleaning control method described in Example 8, perform a complete forward flush, reverse liquid phase flush, and reverse gas wash on mixer 1 and the outlet pipeline to ensure no foam liquid residue remains in the pipeline. After cleaning, turn on the gel solution pump in the gel pipeline assembly to begin delivering the gel solution for the foaming experiment. Because the pipeline has been cleaned thoroughly, no foam liquid residue will be mixed into the gel solution, effectively ensuring the purity and repeatability of the experimental data.

[0056] When switching back from gel liquid to foam liquid, follow the same cleaning process as above before switching to ensure that the two media do not contaminate each other.

[0057] Example 4 It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. For example: In other embodiments, the water source for forward rinsing and reverse liquid phase rinsing may not be limited to the water tank built into the device, but may also be an external cleaning water source.

[0058] In other embodiments, the compressed gas for reverse gas washing may not be limited to the air compressor supplied by the device itself, but may also be supplied by an external compressed gas cylinder.

[0059] In other embodiments, the driving method of the adjustment unit 5 is not limited to manually rotating the second end block 42, but can also be driven by a motor to achieve electric switching.

[0060] In other embodiments, each valve body can be a solenoid valve, an electric ball valve, or a pneumatic valve, as long as it can achieve electrical connection and automatic control with the control system components.

[0061] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0062] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0063] Additionally, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0064] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A compressed air foam performance testing device, characterized in that: The system includes a mobile transport platform, a liquid storage device, a water pipeline assembly, a foam liquid pipeline assembly, a gel pipeline assembly, an air pipeline assembly, a gas-liquid mixing assembly, and a control system assembly. The gas-liquid mixing assembly includes a mixer (1), a pressure sensor interface (2), and a compressed air foam outlet (3). The compressed air foam outlet (3) is located on the outlet side of the mixer (1) and is connected through the pressure sensor interface (2) to form a mixing medium output branch for outputting the molded foam mixing medium. A cover assembly (4) is provided on the outside of the compressed air foam outlet (3). The cover assembly (4) is fixedly installed at the end of the compressed air foam outlet (3) and has a first channel and a second channel. The cover assembly (4) includes a first end block (41) and a second end block (42). The second end block (42) is rotatably disposed relative to the first end block (41) and an adjustment unit (5) for switching the first channel and the second channel is provided between the first end block (41) and the second end block (42). A bidirectional flushing circuit, comprising a forward branch and a reverse branch; The forward branch is connected to the waste liquid branch (6) via the second channel, and the reverse branch is connected to the outlet end of the compressed air foam outlet (3) via the first channel; The reverse branch is connected to the outlet end of the compressed air foam outlet (3) and to the first channel, and is used to reverse flush the foam mixed medium remaining in the previous experiment inside the mixed medium output branch. When the second end block (42) rotates relative to the first end block (41), the second channel is selectively turned on or off.

2. The compressed air foam performance testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second channel is connected to the forward branch and a waste liquid branch (6) is provided on the outside of the second channel. The waste liquid branch (6) is located on the first end block (41) and is used to centrally discharge the flushing medium from the forward flushing. The first end block (41) is provided with a first flow channel (411) extending radially thereon, and the first flow channel (411) constitutes a first channel. The end face of the first end block (41) away from the compressed air foam outlet (3) is provided with a round opening. The second end block (42) is provided with a second flow channel (421) corresponding to the round opening. The second flow channel (421) is connected to the external waste liquid branch (6) to form a second channel. The waste liquid branch (6) is distributed perpendicularly to the first flow channel (411). When the second end block (42) rotates relative to the first end block (41), it causes the second flow channel (421) to selectively align or misalign with the circular opening, so as to connect or close the second channel.

3. The compressed air foam performance testing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The adjustment unit (5) includes a block (51) that moves vertically inside the first flow channel (411), a guide rod (52) and a screw (53) that are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the block (51) and correspondingly connected. The block (51) is hollow inside, with its bottom closed and its top open, and a through hole is provided on its circumference. The screw (53) is provided with a power unit, which is used to drive the vertical movement of the block (51) following the relative circumferential movement of the first end block (41) and the second end block (42) to open or block the first channel, and to switch between the first channel and the second channel in coordination with the rotation of the second end block (42). The power unit includes a gear ring (54), a gear (55), a first bevel gear (56), and a second bevel gear (57). The gear ring (54) is coaxially mounted on the second end block (42) and moves in a circular motion with the second end block (42). The gear (55) is mounted on one side of the first end block (41) and is engaged with the gear ring (54). A transmission shaft (58) passes through the end face of the gear (55). The first bevel gear (56) is mounted on the lower end of the screw (53) and is fitted accordingly. The second bevel gear (57) is mounted on the transmission shaft (58) and is engaged with the first bevel gear (56). The first bevel gear (56) and the second bevel gear (57) are located in the cavity of the first end block (41) that is not the first flow channel (411).

4. The compressed air foam performance testing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The water pipeline assembly includes a water pump, flow meter a, and check valve a connected in series; the foam liquid pipeline assembly includes a foam liquid pump, flow meter b, and check valve b connected in series; the gel pipeline assembly includes a gel solution pump, flow meter c, and check valve c connected in series; and the air pipeline assembly includes an air compressor, air inlet quick connector, electric three-way valve a, filter, flow regulating valve, electric valve, check valve d, air path switching valve, and back pressure valve connected in series. A guide pipe (7) is provided on the one-way valve a, and a manifold (8) connected to the inlet side of the mixer (1) is provided at the end of the guide pipe (7). A foam liquid manifold and a gel liquid manifold are respectively provided on the manifold (8) and connected to the one-way valve b and the one-way valve c. The mixer (1) is also provided with a gas conduit (9) that is connected to the back pressure valve. A gas path shut-off valve is provided on the gas path conduit (9). The gas path shut-off valve is located between the gas path conduit (9) and the gas phase inlet of the mixer (1) and is used to cut off the gas path to the gas phase inlet of the mixer (1) during reverse gas washing.

5. The compressed air foam performance testing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The reverse branch includes a reverse liquid phase flushing channel; The reverse liquid phase flushing channel includes a liquid phase flow branch pipe (10) and a loop branch pipe (10a). One end of the liquid phase flow branch pipe (10) is connected to the guide pipe (7), and the other end is connected to the first channel (411). The loop branch pipe (10a) is located on the side of the manifold (8) and is connected to the waste liquid branch (6). During reverse liquid phase flushing, the second end block (42) rotates to close the second channel, and the plug (51) opens the first channel; The liquid flushing medium enters the first flow channel (411) from the guide pipe (7) through the liquid flow branch pipe (10), then enters the compressed air foam outlet (3) from the first flow channel (411), flows back through the pressure sensor interface (2), the mixer (1) to the manifold (8), and flows into the waste liquid branch (6) through the loop branch pipe (10a) for discharge.

6. The compressed air foam performance testing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The reverse branch also includes a reverse air washing channel; The reverse air washing channel includes an airflow branch pipe (11). One end of the airflow branch pipe (11) is connected to the air passage conduit (9), and the other end is connected to the end of the corresponding compressed air foam outlet (3) on the liquid phase flow branch pipe (10) through an electric three-way valve b. The airflow branch pipe (11) is connected to the loop branch pipe (10a) through the compressed air foam outlet (3), the pressure sensor interface (2), the mixer (1), and the manifold (8), forming a reverse cleaning airflow path from the air source to the mixer (1) cavity. During reverse gas washing, the second end block (42) rotates to close the second channel, and the gas path shut-off valve closes to cut off the gas path to the gas phase inlet of the mixer (1). Compressed gas is introduced from the compressed air foam outlet (3) only through the gas path conduit (9) and the air flow branch pipe (11), and flows in the opposite direction through the pressure sensor interface (2), the mixer (1), and the manifold (8). The high-speed airflow carries the residual flushing liquid and debris in the pipeline and is blown out from the loop branch pipe (10a) and the waste liquid branch pipe (6) drain port.

7. The compressed air foam performance testing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The forward branch consists of the guide pipe (7), the manifold (8), the mixer (1), the pressure sensor interface (2), the compressed air foam outlet (3), and the waste liquid branch (6); During forward flushing, the second end block (42) rotates to open the second channel, and the plug (51) blocks the first channel; The cleaning liquid phase flows along the normal transport direction of the medium, passing sequentially through the guide pipe (7), the manifold (8), the mixer (1), the pressure sensor interface (2), and the compressed air foam outlet (3) until it is discharged from the waste liquid branch (6).

8. The compressed air foam performance testing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The liquid flow branch pipe (10), the loop branch pipe (10a), the gas path conduit (9), the gas flow branch pipe (11), and the guide pipe (7) are all equipped with valve bodies. The valve body of the liquid flow branch pipe (10) is installed on the lower part of the valve body fixed on the guide pipe (7), and the valve body of the gas flow branch pipe (11) is installed on the upper part of the valve body fixed on the gas path conduit (9). Each valve body is electrically connected to the control system components.

9. The compressed air foam performance testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two L-shaped limiting blocks (31) are symmetrically arranged at the outer end of the compressed air foam outlet (3); Two limiting grooves (412) are symmetrically provided on the end face of the first end block (41) near the compressed air foam outlet (3). One side of the limiting groove (412) is provided with an opening. The opening is used for the L-shaped limiting block (31) to be inserted accordingly. The closed limiting groove (412) is used to prevent the L-shaped limiting block (31) from detaching, so that the cover assembly (4) is fixedly installed at the outer end of the compressed air foam outlet (3).

10. The compressed air foam performance testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control system components integrate a main power switch, an air compressor power supply connector, a touch screen, an electrical control cabinet, and a pressure sensor; The touchscreen is used to set the gas-liquid ratio parameter and display experimental operating data in real time. The pressure sensor is used to collect pressure data of the mixer cavity and pipeline and feed it back to the electrical control cabinet to form a closed-loop control circuit for data acquisition for adjustment under different gas-liquid ratio conditions and for testing of fluid dynamic performance.

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