Experimental device for measuring compatibility of nonmetal sealing element and gaseous extinguishing agent

Abstract

The utility model discloses an experimental device for measuring the compatibility of a non-metal sealing element and a gaseous extinguishing agent, which comprises a rod body, the upper end of the rod body is a threaded section, and the lower end of the rod body is a smooth section; a supporting piece is fixed to the lower end face of the rod body. The non-metal sealing element is arranged on the smooth section in a sleeving manner; the two extrusion gaskets sleeve the rod body up and down and are clamped on the two sides of the non-metal sealing piece; the lower surface of the lower extrusion gasket abuts against the upper surface of the supporting piece; and the locking nut is in threaded connection with the threaded section so as to apply axial pre-tightening force to enable the two extrusion gaskets to clamp the non-metal sealing element. According to the utility model, the problem that the compression condition of the non-metal sealing element during normal working cannot be copied by the existing method in the compatibility research of the gas extinguishing agent system is solved, and effective experimental data support is provided for the application and safety evaluation of the novel non-metal sealing element of the gas extinguishing agent system; and the safety and the reliability of the novel gas fire extinguishing system in the whole life cycle are obviously improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fire extinguishing agent technology, and more specifically to an experimental device for determining the compatibility of non-metallic seals with gaseous fire extinguishing agents. Background Technology

[0002] Non-metallic seals in novel gaseous fire extinguishing systems are key components ensuring normal system operation and fire extinguishing effectiveness. Their main functions include sealing and pressure maintenance, guaranteeing fire extinguishing effect, and improving system reliability. Fire extinguishing agents in gaseous fire extinguishing systems are typically stored in high-pressure containers. Non-metallic seals ensure that the extinguishing agent inside the container does not leak into the external environment. Simultaneously, they ensure stable pressure within the extinguishing agent storage container and pipelines, preventing pressure fluctuations from affecting the extinguishing agent release rate and coverage area. After the novel gaseous fire extinguishing system is activated, the extinguishing agent in the protected area needs to reach a certain design concentration and be maintained for a certain period to effectively extinguish the fire. Non-metallic seals prevent leakage of the extinguishing agent within the protected area, ensuring that the extinguishing agent concentration reaches and is maintained at the required level, thereby guaranteeing a high success rate of fire extinguishing. Non-metallic seals in low-leakage, high-sealing valves normally allow leaked gas to escape, preventing the accumulation of leaked gas in the pipeline that could cause system malfunctions. The valve only closes when the inlet pressure reaches the set pressure, thus ensuring stable system operation and reducing false alarms and accidental discharges caused by leakage. Using incompatible gaskets can easily lead to leaks and pressure loss in the fire extinguishing system. If the protected area is poorly sealed, the extinguishing agent will leak rapidly, resulting in insufficient concentration and failure to extinguish the fire. The driving gas (such as nitrogen) is used to open the container valve; failure of non-metallic seals may cause insufficient driving gas pressure, preventing the valve from opening in time and delaying the release of the extinguishing agent. Although small, non-metallic seals are crucial to life and property safety, serving as indispensable "safety valves" in gas fire extinguishing systems. Their material selection, installation process, and regular inspection are fundamental to the long-term safe and reliable operation of new gas fire extinguishing devices.

[0003] Currently used methods for assessing the compatibility of non-metallic seals mostly involve non-pressure immersion tests. These tests immerse the non-metallic seal material in the extinguishing agent and evaluate compatibility by measuring changes in its physical properties, such as mass, volume, hardness, and tensile strength, as well as observing changes in its surface microstructure. While this method can replicate key application factors like temperature and humidity under laboratory conditions, it cannot accurately simulate the pressurized state of non-metallic seals during normal operation in a gas extinguishing system.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide an experimental device that can accurately simulate the contact between non-metallic seals and fire extinguishing agents under pressure in a laboratory environment, and that is both operable and allows for the artificial setting of different pressures and replication of different storage conditions, is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides an experimental device for determining the compatibility of non-metallic seals with gaseous fire extinguishing agents, which solves the problem that current methods in fire extinguishing agent system compatibility research cannot replicate the pressure conditions under which non-metallic seals are in normal operation. It provides effective experimental data support for the application and safety assessment of non-metallic seals in new gaseous fire extinguishing agent systems, significantly improves the safety and reliability of new gaseous fire extinguishing systems throughout their entire life cycle, and provides strong theoretical basis and technical support for the material selection of non-metallic seals in fire extinguishing systems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An experimental apparatus for determining the compatibility of non-metallic seals with gaseous fire extinguishing agents includes:

[0008] The rod has a threaded section at the upper end and a smooth section at the lower end; a support member is fixed to the lower end face of the rod.

[0009] A non-metallic seal, wherein the non-metallic seal is fitted onto the smooth section;

[0010] Two compression washers are fitted one above the other on the rod and clamped on both sides of the non-metallic seal; the lower surface of the lower compression washer abuts against the upper surface of the support.

[0011] A lock nut, threaded onto the threaded section, applies an axial preload to clamp the two compression washers onto the non-metallic seal.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this utility model are that the locking nut, the compression washer, and the non-metallic seal are coaxially sleeved on the rod with the support. Adjusting the engagement depth of the locking nut in the threaded section of the rod can simulate the installation state of the non-metallic seal. The structure is simple and the cost is low.

[0013] Preferably, the lower surface of the locking nut is press-fitted with the upper surface of the compression washer located above it. The locking nut provides axial preload, enabling the two compression washers to clamp the non-metallic seal.

[0014] Preferably, it also includes a protective nut, which is screwed onto the threaded section and whose lower surface abuts against the upper surface of the locking nut. The protective nut prevents the locking nut from slipping during the experiment, ensuring that the pressure on the non-metallic seal remains constant during the experiment.

[0015] Preferably, the two opposing surfaces of the two compression washers are respectively pressed into the upper and lower surfaces of the non-metallic seal. By clamping the non-metallic seal with the two compression washers and using the locking nut to provide compressive force, the non-metallic seal is ensured to be subjected to sufficient pressure, simulating the pressure state of the non-metallic seal during normal operation in a gas extinguishing system.

[0016] Preferably, the device further includes a support washer fitted onto the smooth section. The lower surface of the support washer is pressed against the upper surface of the support member, and its upper surface is pressed against the lower surface of the compression washer located below it. The support washer can raise the height of the compression washer and the non-metallic seal, allowing the locking nut to exert a compression effect on the compression washer and to evenly distribute the axial preload provided by the locking nut.

[0017] Preferably, the number of support washers is no less than two. The number of support washers is selected according to the length of the smooth section of the rod.

[0018] Preferably, the compression washer, non-metallic seal, and support washer are all located on the smooth section of the rod body. This facilitates the application of torque to the lock nut.

[0019] Preferably, the device further includes a sealed bottle, with the experimental apparatus located inside the sealed bottle and the lower surface of the support abutting against the inner bottom wall of the sealed bottle; the sealed bottle is filled with a gaseous fire extinguishing agent. The sealed bottle provides a sealed space, and the gaseous fire extinguishing agent within it can simulate the pressure state of a non-metallic seal in a fire extinguishing system.

[0020] Preferably, the gaseous extinguishing agent at least submerges the locking nut.

[0021] As can be seen from the above technical solution, compared with the prior art, this utility model discloses an experimental device for determining the compatibility of non-metallic seals with gaseous fire extinguishing agents. It solves the problem that current methods in the compatibility study of gaseous fire extinguishing agent systems cannot replicate the pressure conditions under which non-metallic seals are working normally. It provides effective experimental data support for the application and safety assessment of non-metallic seals in new gaseous fire extinguishing agent systems, and significantly improves the safety and reliability of new gaseous fire extinguishing systems throughout their entire life cycle.

[0022] This invention can accurately replicate the pressure conditions of non-metallic seals during normal operation in a novel gaseous fire extinguishing agent system. By conducting immersion experiments on different non-metallic seals and novel gaseous fire extinguishing agents under different pressure, storage conditions, and contact durations, the changes in compatibility parameters of non-metallic seals before and after immersion are analyzed. This provides data support for the selection of non-metallic seal materials for fire extinguishing systems and allows for the development of corresponding control implementation plans based on the influence of different key application factors on compatibility. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the experimental apparatus provided by this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the compatibility test structure provided by this utility model.

[0026] in,

[0027] 1- Rod body; 2- Support component; 3- Support washer; 4- Compression washer; 5- Non-metallic seal; 6- Locking nut; 7- Protective nut. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0029] Example 1:

[0030] See appendix Figure 1 This utility model discloses an experimental apparatus for determining the compatibility of non-metallic seals with gaseous fire extinguishing agents, comprising:

[0031] Rod 1 has a threaded section at the upper end and a smooth section at the lower end; a support member 2 is fixed to the lower end face of rod 1.

[0032] Non-metallic seal 5, non-metallic seal 5 is sleeved on the smooth section;

[0033] Two compression washers 4 are fitted onto the rod 1 and clamped on both sides of the non-metallic seal 5. The lower surface of the lower compression washer 4 abuts against the upper surface of the support 2.

[0034] Locking nut 6, threaded onto the threaded section to apply axial preload to clamp the two compression washers 4 onto the non-metallic seal 5.

[0035] The non-metallic seal is clamped between two compression washers as the main experimental component. The axial preload is provided by the locking nut, which enables the two compression washers to compress the non-metallic seal, simulating the compression state of the non-metallic seal under actual conditions.

[0036] To further optimize the above technical solution and ensure that the locking nut provides sufficient preload to clamp the non-metallic seal between the two compression washers, and to ensure that the non-metallic seal withstands sufficient compressive force, the lower surface of the locking nut 6 is pressed against the upper surface of the compression washer 4 located above it. The two opposing surfaces of the two compression washers 4 are pressed against the upper and lower surfaces of the non-metallic seal 5, respectively.

[0037] To further optimize the above technical solution and prevent the locking nut from sliding along the threaded section of the rod during the experiment, a protective nut 7 is also included. The protective nut 7 is screwed onto the threaded section and its lower surface abuts against the upper surface of the locking nut 6.

[0038] In some other specific embodiments, a support washer 3 is also included, which is sleeved on the smooth section. The lower surface of the support washer 3 is pressed against the upper surface of the support member 2, and its upper surface is pressed against the lower surface of the compression washer 4 located below.

[0039] The function of the support washer is twofold: first, to raise the height of the compression washer and the non-metallic seal, so that the lock nut can exert a compression effect on the washer; and second, to evenly distribute the axial preload provided by the lock nut to the non-metallic seal.

[0040] In other specific embodiments, the rod body is a single-threaded bolt, the support member is the head of the single-threaded bolt, and the support member is integrally formed with the rod body.

[0041] To further optimize the above technical solution, the number of support washers 3 shall not be less than two. The number of support washers shall be selected according to the length of the smooth section, and the selection of the number of support washers shall be based on ensuring that the compression washer 4, the non-metallic seal 5, and the support washer 3 are all located on the smooth section of the rod 1.

[0042] In this embodiment, the compression washer, support washer, lock nut, protective nut, and rod are all made of 316 stainless steel.

[0043] Example 2:

[0044] This utility model embodiment provides an experimental method for determining the compatibility of non-metallic seals with gaseous fire extinguishing agents. The experimental apparatus in Embodiment 1 is used, and the apparatus also includes a sealing bottle 8. The experimental apparatus is located inside the sealing bottle 8, and the lower surface of the support 2 abuts against the inner bottom wall of the sealing bottle 8. The sealing bottle 8 is filled with gaseous fire extinguishing agent 9.

[0045] In this embodiment, the gaseous extinguishing agent 9 at least submerges the locking nut 6.

[0046] The experimental steps in this embodiment include:

[0047] S1. Preparation: Before the experiment, the experimental apparatus and non-metallic sealing parts are cleaned with ethanol to remove surface impurities.

[0048] S2. Assembly of the apparatus: After completing the preparatory work before the experiment, place the support of the rod on the table, and put the support washer, compression washer, non-metallic seal, lock nut and protective nut on the rod in sequence.

[0049] S3. Apply torque: Use a torque wrench to apply torque to the lock nut until the set torque value is reached. The thread tightening is complete, and the pressure element required for the experiment is adjusted.

[0050] Tighten the protective nut to the position where it just contacts the locking nut to ensure that the pressure on the non-metallic seal remains constant during the test.

[0051] S4. Immersion in test solution: Place the experimental apparatus in a sealed bottle, pour in the experimental extinguishing agent to at least submerge the locking nut, cover the bottle with the cap, and seal the bottle properly.

[0052] S5. Storage conditions setting: According to the experimental requirements, transfer the experimental apparatus to a temperature test chamber with constant or alternating temperature environment, and adjust the temperature elements required for the experiment.

[0053] S6. Enter the experimental cycle: Set the experimental duration and enter the compatibility experiment phase;

[0054] S7. Sampling and Testing: After the compatibility test is completed, transfer the experimental apparatus to room temperature and let it stand for a period of time. Collect the experimental liquid products, rotate the protective nut and locking nut, remove the non-metallic seal, measure the corresponding compatibility index parameters, and conduct systematic analysis such as morphology observation, mass change, and hardness change.

[0055] Example 3:

[0056] This utility model embodiment conducted a series of comparative experiments based on the compatibility test method in Embodiment 2, including:

[0057] Experiment 1:

[0058] Experimental materials and specifications:

[0059] The non-metallic seal is a nitrile rubber ring with an inner diameter of 20.8 mm, an outer diameter of 27 mm, and a wire diameter of 3.1 mm.

[0060] The gaseous extinguishing agent used is perfluorohexanone, with a water content of <10ppm;

[0061] The rod body is a single-threaded bolt with a specification of M18*70mm (rod length);

[0062] The support washer is an M18 washer;

[0063] The extrusion washer is an M18*75mm (outer diameter) washer;

[0064] Both the lock nut and the protective nut are made of M18 nuts;

[0065] The sealed bottle is brown in color and protected from light.

[0066] Experimental element settings:

[0067] Storage conditions: 25℃;

[0068] Duration of contact: 14 days;

[0069] Pressure rating: 60.35 N·m;

[0070] Experimental steps:

[0071] ① Clean the experimental apparatus and nitrile rubber with anhydrous ethanol and then dry them;

[0072] ② Assembly: Place the head of the single-threaded bolt on the table, and then place the support washer, compression washer and nitrile rubber, lock nut and protective nut on the bolt body in sequence;

[0073] ③ Apply torque: Using a torque wrench, tighten the nut to apply torque up to 60.35 N·m, and add a protective nut to prevent pressure changes during the experiment;

[0074] ④ Soaking in test solution: Place the assembled experimental apparatus in a sealed bottle, pour perfluorohexanone liquid into the bottle until it submerges the locking nut of the apparatus, put on the bottle cap, and seal the bottle.

[0075] ⑤ Storage conditions: Place the sealed bottle in a 25℃ temperature test chamber;

[0076] ⑥ Enter the experimental cycle: Place according to the set contact time.

[0077] ⑦ Sampling and testing: After the experiment is completed, transfer the sealed bottle to room temperature and let it stand for a period of time. Collect the liquid product in the container, tighten the locking nut, take out the nitrile rubber, and calculate the mass change rate and hardness change rate.

[0078] Experiment 2:

[0079] Experimental materials and specifications: Same as Experiment 1;

[0080] Experimental element settings:

[0081] Storage conditions: 25℃;

[0082] Duration of contact: 28 days;

[0083] Pressure rating: 60.35 N·m;

[0084] Experimental procedure: Same as Experiment 1.

[0085] Experiment 3:

[0086] Experimental materials and specifications: The non-metallic sealing component is a silicone ring, the size of which is the same as the nitrile rubber ring in Experiment 1; the rest of the experimental materials are the same as in Experiment 1.

[0087] Experimental setup: Same as Experiment 1;

[0088] Experimental procedure: Same as Experiment 1.

[0089] Experiment 4:

[0090] Experimental materials and specifications: Non-metallic sealing polypropylene gasket, with an inner diameter of 20mm, an outer diameter of 34mm, and a thickness of 2.4mm; the other experimental materials are the same as those in Experiment 1.

[0091] Experimental setup: Same as Experiment 1;

[0092] Experimental procedure: Same as Experiment 1.

[0093] The mass and hardness parameters of the non-metallic seals were measured before and after the four sets of experiments, and the rate of change in mass and hardness were calculated. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0094] Table 1. Change rate of mass and hardness

[0095] Example mass change rate Hardness change rate 1 -0.206％ -1.722％ 2 -5.776％ -4.600 3 0.985％ 1.767％ 4 0.084％ -3.389％

[0096] Regarding the types of non-metallic seals, a comparison of experiments 1, 3, and 4 shows that silicone rubber exhibits the most significant rate of mass change, potentially indicating physical damage. Regarding contact time, a comparison of experiments 1 and 2 shows that with increasing contact time, both the rate of mass change and the rate of hardness change of nitrile rubber show a significant increase, indicating that contact time is one of the key factors affecting the compatibility of non-metallic seals with perfluorohexanone.

[0097] As can be seen from the test results in Table 1 above, the experimental device provided in this real-time example for determining the compatibility of non-metallic seals with novel gaseous fire extinguishing agents can simulate the scenario of non-metallic seals contacting novel gaseous fire extinguishing agents under pressure. Furthermore, based on the controlled variable method, by changing key application factors such as the type of non-metallic seal, the storage conditions of the device, the contact time, and the degree of pressure, the influence of core application factors on the compatibility of "agent-material" can be clarified, thereby achieving the objectives of material selection and system optimization.

[0098] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.

[0099] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An experimental apparatus for determining the compatibility of non-metallic seals with gaseous fire extinguishing agents, characterized in that, include: The rod (1) has a threaded section at the upper end and a smooth section at the lower end; a support member (2) is fixed to the lower end face of the rod (1); A non-metallic seal (5) is fitted onto the smooth section; Two compression washers (4) are provided, one above the other, and the two compression washers (4) are fitted onto the rod body (1) and clamped on both sides of the non-metallic seal (5); the lower surface of the compression washer (4) located below abuts against the upper surface of the support (2). A locking nut (6) is threaded onto the threaded section to apply an axial preload to clamp the two compression washers (4) onto the non-metallic seal (5).

2. The experimental apparatus for determining the compatibility of non-metallic seals with gaseous fire extinguishing agents according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower surface of the locking nut (6) is pressed against the upper surface of the compression washer (4) located above.

3. The experimental apparatus for determining the compatibility of non-metallic seals with gaseous fire extinguishing agents according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a protective nut (7), which is screwed onto the threaded section and whose lower surface abuts against the upper surface of the locking nut (6).

4. The experimental apparatus for determining the compatibility of non-metallic seals with gaseous fire extinguishing agents according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two opposing surfaces of the two compression washers (4) are respectively pressed into the upper and lower surfaces of the non-metallic seal (5).

5. The experimental apparatus for determining the compatibility of non-metallic seals with gaseous fire extinguishing agents according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a support washer (3), which is sleeved on the smooth section. The lower surface of the support washer (3) is pressed against the upper surface of the support member (2), and its upper surface is pressed against the lower surface of the compression washer (4) located below.

6. The experimental apparatus for determining the compatibility of non-metallic seals with gaseous fire extinguishing agents according to claim 5, characterized in that, The number of the support washers (3) shall not be less than two.

7. The experimental apparatus for determining the compatibility of non-metallic seals with gaseous fire extinguishing agents according to claim 5, characterized in that, The compression washer (4), non-metallic seal (5), and support washer (3) are all located on the smooth section of the rod (1).

8. An experimental apparatus for determining the compatibility of non-metallic seals with gaseous fire extinguishing agents according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, It also includes a sealed bottle (8), the experimental apparatus is located inside the sealed bottle (8) and the lower surface of the support (2) abuts against the inner bottom wall of the sealed bottle (8); the sealed bottle (8) is filled with a gaseous fire extinguishing agent (9).

9. The experimental apparatus for determining the compatibility of non-metallic seals with gaseous fire extinguishing agents according to claim 8, characterized in that, The gaseous extinguishing agent (9) shall at least submerge the locking nut (6).

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