Liquid-over-foam fire extinguishing system for quenching oil tanks
By generating a foam isolation film in the heat treatment quenching oil tank through a liquid-top foam fire extinguishing system, the problems of slow fire response and foam pollution in the quenching oil tank are solved, achieving rapid and effective fire extinguishing and process quality protection.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MCC SFRE HEAVY IND EQUIP
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Heat treatment quenching oil baths are prone to fire during the cooling process of high-temperature workpieces. Existing fire extinguishing systems have a slow response speed in the early stages of a fire and may contaminate the quenching oil, affecting the cooling effect.
A liquid-based foam fire extinguishing system was designed. A foam mixture is generated by a fire pump and a foam proportioning tank. An open foam nozzle forms an isolation film on the oil surface to block the oxygen supply, thereby achieving rapid fire extinguishing and preventing foam from entering the oil and contaminating the quenching oil.
It achieves efficient fire extinguishing, protects the safety of the quenching oil tank, avoids foam contamination of the quenching oil, ensures the quality of subsequent processes, has a compact structure for easy installation and maintenance, and is suitable for quenching oil tanks of different sizes.
Smart Images

Figure CN224370505U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat treatment technology, and in particular to a liquid-based foam fire extinguishing system for heat treatment quenching oil tanks. Background Technology
[0002] A quenching oil bath is a piece of equipment used in metal heat treatment. It primarily controls the temperature and flowability of the quenching medium to achieve rapid cooling and microstructural transformation of the workpiece. The structure of a quenching oil bath typically includes a thickened steel plate tank, a heating or cooling system, a circulating stirring device, and a safety fire extinguishing mechanism. Depending on the application, it can be divided into open and sealed types. Quenching oil baths are mainly used for the quenching treatment of various mechanical parts and workpieces, ensuring that the workpiece completes the quenching operation uniformly at a reasonable cooling rate to meet technical requirements. Its importance lies in its ability to control the temperature and flowability of the quenching medium, achieving rapid cooling and microstructural transformation of the workpiece, thereby improving its performance and durability. Furthermore, quenching oil baths also eliminate fire hazards, improving the safety of the heat treatment process.
[0003] Meanwhile, in the heat treatment field, quenching oil tanks are frequently used to cool workpieces. Generally, when a high-temperature workpiece enters the quenching oil tank, it instantly ignites the oil surface, producing open flames and a large amount of dense smoke. Typically, the flames can only be extinguished by the workpiece gradually decreasing in temperature as it penetrates deeper into the oil layer. However, when the workpiece is too large or the oil temperature in the tank is too high, the open flame cannot be extinguished quickly, causing the flame to gradually increase and potentially ignite the entire tank, posing a significant safety risk. Oil tank fires in heat treatment workshops are a major safety hazard, necessitating effective firefighting measures. Therefore, an automatic foam fire extinguishing system is installed. Considering that foam entering the oil tank can significantly affect the performance of the quenching oil, the system is only manually activated by personnel when a fire occurs on the oil surface. The system then immediately sprays foam across the entire oil surface for comprehensive fire extinguishing, ensuring the timely extinguishment of the open flames and guaranteeing the fire safety of the oil tank. Utility Model Content
[0004] In order to overcome the fire risk that may be caused by heat treatment quenching oil tanks during the cooling process of high-temperature workpieces, this utility model provides a liquid-top foam fire extinguishing system for heat treatment quenching oil tanks.
[0005] The technical solution is as follows: A liquid-based foam fire extinguishing system for heat treatment quenching oil tanks includes a quenching oil tank body; an mounting plate is provided at the upper end of the quenching oil tank body, and a water supply pipe for conveying foam mixture is arranged around the lower surface of the mounting plate. Multiple sets of open foam nozzles for spraying the foam mixture in the form of mist or jet are provided on the lower surface of the water supply pipe. The open foam nozzles are arranged radially along the edge of the water supply pipe. A foam proportioning tank for mixing fire water and foam liquid in a set ratio to generate foam mixture is installed at the rear end of the quenching oil tank body. A fire pump is installed at the rear end of the foam proportioning tank.
[0006] Furthermore, an inlet is provided at the center of the rear end of the mounting plate, and an outlet is provided at the center of the front end of the foam proportioning mixing tank.
[0007] Furthermore, the inlet is equipped with a first connecting pipe that connects to the outlet, and a connecting groove is provided at the center of the rear end of the foam proportioning tank.
[0008] Furthermore, the connecting groove is equipped with a second connecting pipe that connects to the fire pump, and a first solenoid valve corresponding to the fire pump is installed on the outer side of the middle section of the second connecting pipe.
[0009] Furthermore, a second solenoid valve corresponding to the foam proportioning tank is installed on the outer side of the front section of the first connecting pipe, and a deluge valve is installed on the outer side of the middle section of the first connecting pipe.
[0010] Furthermore, four sets of fixing grooves are respectively opened on the lower surface of the mounting plate near the corner, and support rods are vertically installed inside the fixing grooves.
[0011] Furthermore, a support rod near the foam proportioning tank is fixedly connected to a mounting bracket on its outer side, and a control cabinet is fixedly connected to the top outer side of the mounting bracket.
[0012] Furthermore, a water inlet frame is installed at the lower end of the side of the fire pump away from the foam proportioning tank, and four sets of support columns are symmetrically arranged on the lower surface of the foam proportioning tank.
[0013] The beneficial effects are as follows: This utility model achieves efficient fire extinguishing by forming an isolation film on the surface of burning oil with foam, blocking the oxygen supply, inhibiting the combustion reaction, and using a liquid-top spraying method, so that the foam does not directly enter the oil, avoiding contamination or alteration of the chemical properties of the quenching oil, and ensuring the quality of subsequent processes. The layout of each component is clear and the structure is compact, which facilitates on-site installation and maintenance. The capacity of the foam mixing tank, the number of nozzles, and the spacing of their arrangement can all be adjusted according to the size of the oil tank to ensure the best fire extinguishing effect. This device is suitable for quenching oil tanks in conventional heat treatment workshops and can also be extended to fire extinguishing and protection of other flammable liquid storage tanks. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the liquid-on-water foam fire extinguishing system for heat treatment quenching oil tank according to the present invention.
[0015] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the foam proportioning mixing tank of this utility model;
[0016] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the novel first solenoid valve of this utility model;
[0017] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the rain shower valve of this utility model;
[0018] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the open foam nozzle of this utility model.
[0019] In the attached diagram, the following are the reference numerals: 1. Quenching oil tank body; 2. Support rod; 3. Mounting plate; 4. Fixing frame; 5. Control cabinet; 6. First connecting pipe; 7. Foam proportioning tank; 8. Second connecting pipe; 9. Fire pump; 10. First solenoid valve; 11. Water inlet frame; 12. Support column; 13. Discharge port; 14. Connecting groove; 15. Deluge valve; 16. Second solenoid valve; 17. Water supply pipe; 18. Fixing groove; 19. Inlet; 20. Open foam nozzle. Detailed Implementation
[0020] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0021] Among the currently discovered feasible technologies, the following are described:
[0022] The quenching oil bath is an indispensable key piece of equipment in metal heat treatment processes, widely used in the heat treatment of various mechanical parts, tools, and structural components. Its main function is to control the temperature and flowability of the quenching medium (usually a special quenching oil) to ensure rapid and uniform cooling of high-temperature workpieces upon entering the oil bath, thereby achieving an effective transformation of the material structure and improving the workpiece's hardness, strength, and wear resistance. The design and manufacture of quenching oil baths typically employ thickened steel plates as the tank structure to withstand high temperatures, high thermal stress, and the effects of chemical corrosion during long-term use. Simultaneously, to meet the cooling requirements of different materials and workpieces, the oil bath is also equipped with a heating or cooling system for precise temperature control, ensuring it remains within the optimal quenching temperature range. Furthermore, to ensure uniform oil temperature during quenching and prevent workpiece deformation or cracking caused by localized overcooling or overheating, the quenching oil bath usually has a circulating stirring device inside. Through the cooperation of an oil pump and agitator, the oil continuously flows, improving the consistency of the cooling effect. In terms of safety, due to the risk of fire caused by the instantaneous ignition of the oil surface by the high-temperature workpiece during quenching, modern quenching oil tanks are generally equipped with automatic or manual foam fire extinguishing systems. These systems can quickly extinguish flames on the oil surface in the event of a fire, effectively preventing the accident from escalating and ensuring production safety. Depending on different usage requirements and process conditions, quenching oil tanks can be divided into two types: open and sealed. Open oil tanks are easier to observe and operate, and are suitable for conventional heat treatment workshops; while sealed oil tanks have better temperature control capabilities and anti-oxidation performance, and are suitable for processing precision parts with high requirements for the cooling environment. Regardless of the type, their core function is to ensure that the workpiece completes its microstructure transformation at a reasonable cooling rate by precisely controlling the state of the quenching medium, thereby significantly improving the mechanical properties and service life of the material. Overall, quenching oil tanks not only play a key role in improving product quality, but also provide strong guarantees for the safety and stability of heat treatment processes, making them an indispensable piece of equipment in modern industrial manufacturing.
[0023] In heat treatment processes, quenching oil baths are key equipment widely used in the cooling of metal workpieces. Their main function is to rapidly cool high-temperature workpieces using quenching oil as a medium, facilitating microstructural transformation and thereby improving the material's hardness, strength, and wear resistance. However, in actual operation, due to the high temperature of the workpieces, entering the oil bath can easily cause an instantaneous ignition of the oil surface, producing open flames and large amounts of dense smoke. This not only affects the working environment but may also pose a threat to the safety of operators.
[0024] Normally, as the workpiece gradually sinks below the oil layer, the temperature gradually decreases, and the flame on the oil surface will naturally extinguish. However, in certain special circumstances, such as when the workpiece is too large or the oil temperature in the tank is already high, the open flame on the oil surface will be difficult to extinguish in time. Instead, it will continue to burn and spread rapidly, and in severe cases, it may even ignite the entire oil tank, causing a large-scale fire accident. This fire hazard, characterized by its suddenness and rapid spread, has become one of the major safety risks in heat treatment workshops. To effectively address this safety hazard, it is necessary to develop scientific and reasonable fire extinguishing measures tailored to the fire characteristics of quenching oil tanks. Currently, a common and effective solution is to equip the area around the oil tank with a dedicated foam extinguishing system. The core principle of this system is to use foam to cover the burning surface, cutting off the oxygen supply, thereby achieving the purpose of quickly extinguishing the flame. Considering that foam entering the oil tank may have a certain impact on the chemical properties and cooling effect of the quenching oil, the system is usually designed to be manually activated only in case of fire, ensuring that foam is sprayed only when a fire occurs on the oil surface, thus guaranteeing extinguishing efficiency while avoiding interference with normal production processes. This foam fire suppression system mainly consists of a fire pump, a foam proportioning tank, water supply pipelines, open foam nozzles, and a control cabinet. Upon detection of an oil fire, operators can activate the system with a single button on the control cabinet. The fire pump immediately pressurizes and supplies water, which is then mixed with foam concentrate in a set ratio in the foam proportioning tank to form a foam mixture. This mixture is then delivered through the water supply pipelines to the open foam nozzles arranged around the oil tank. These nozzles are radially distributed along the edge of the water supply pipelines, uniformly spraying foam in mist or jet form onto the oil surface. Guided by a flow guiding device, the foam quickly covers the entire fire area, achieving comprehensive and rapid fire suppression. The entire system is rationally structured, responds rapidly, and is easy to operate. It can control the fire in its early stages, preventing the accident from escalating and effectively improving the overall fire safety level of the heat treatment workshop. Furthermore, the system's modular design allows for flexible configuration according to the size and usage requirements of different oil tanks, further enhancing its practicality and adaptability. Therefore, equipping the system with such a highly efficient and reliable foam fire suppression system is of great significance for ensuring the safe operation of quenching oil tanks and improving the company's safe production capabilities.
[0025] like Figures 1-5As shown, a liquid-top foam fire extinguishing system for a heat treatment quenching oil tank includes a quenching oil tank body 1; an mounting plate 3 is provided at the upper end of the quenching oil tank body 1, and a water supply pipe 17 for conveying foam mixture is arranged around the lower surface of the mounting plate 3. Multiple sets of open foam nozzles 20 for spraying foam mixture in the form of mist or jet are provided on the lower surface of the water supply pipe 17. The open foam nozzles 20 are arranged radially along the edge of the water supply pipe 17. A foam proportioning tank 7 for mixing fire water and foam liquid in a set ratio to generate foam mixture is installed at the rear end of the quenching oil tank body 1. A fire pump 9 is installed at the rear end of the foam proportioning tank 7.
[0026] The mounting plate 3 has an inlet 19 at its rear center and a discharge port 13 at its front center, enabling efficient and sealed delivery of the foam mixture from the foam tank to the water pipeline 17, ensuring smooth system connection. The inlet 19 contains a first connecting pipe 6 that connects to the discharge port 13. The foam mixing tank 7 has a connecting groove 14 at its rear center, providing a stable liquid channel to ensure orderly flow of the foam mixture and improve system reliability. The connecting groove 14 contains a second connecting pipe 8 that connects to the fire pump 9. A first solenoid valve 10 corresponding to the fire pump 9 is installed on the outer side of the middle section of the second connecting pipe 8, automating water source control and ensuring timely water supply during system startup, thus improving response speed. A second solenoid valve 16 corresponding to the foam mixing tank 7 is installed on the outer side of the front section of the first connecting pipe 6, and a deluge valve 15 is installed on the outer side of the middle section of the first connecting pipe 6. Multiple valve controls enhance system safety and flexibility, ensuring rapid and controllable foam supply during firefighting.
[0027] When the system starts, the fire pump 9 begins operation, delivering high-pressure water through the second connecting pipe 8 into the foam proportioning tank 7. The first solenoid valve 10 on the second connecting pipe 8 controls the opening and closing of the water flow, ensuring a water supply as needed. After entering the foam tank, the water and the stored foam liquid are automatically mixed according to a set ratio to form a foam mixture. The formed foam mixture is then transported out through the first connecting pipe 6. At this time, the second solenoid valve 16 and the deluge valve 15 on the first connecting pipe 6 open according to control signals, allowing the foam mixture to flow smoothly to the fire extinguishing area. The foam mixture enters the water supply pipe 17 through the inlet 19 and outlet 13 on the mounting plate 3 and is distributed to the surrounding open foam nozzles 20. These nozzles are radially distributed along the edge of the water supply pipe 17, evenly spraying the foam in mist or jet form onto the oil tank. The foam sprayed from the nozzles, under the action of the flow guiding device, covers the entire oil surface, thereby quickly extinguishing the flames and achieving the purpose of fire suppression.
[0028] Please see Figures 3-4Four sets of fixing slots 18 are respectively opened on the lower surface of the mounting plate 3 near the corner. Support rods 2 are vertically installed inside the fixing slots 18 to enhance the structural stability of the entire fire extinguishing device and prevent the equipment from shifting or being damaged due to vibration or impact. A fixing frame 4 is fixedly connected to the outside of one of the support rods 2 near the foam proportioning tank 7. A control cabinet 5 is fixedly connected to the top outside of the fixing frame 4. The position of the control cabinet 5 is reasonably arranged to facilitate the operator to quickly start the system and improve the emergency response efficiency. A water inlet rack 11 is installed at the lower end of the side of the fire pump 9 away from the foam proportioning tank 7. Four sets of support columns 12 are symmetrically arranged on the lower surface of the foam proportioning tank 7 to ensure the stable support and water supply of the entire system, and to improve the safety and service life of the equipment.
[0029] During system operation, the mounting plate 3 installed above the quenching oil tank provides stable support to the entire fire extinguishing device via fixing slots 18 at four corners and vertical support rods 2, preventing structural loosening or damage due to vibration or external forces. A mounting bracket 4 is connected to one of the support rods 2 near the foam tank, and the control cabinet 5 is mounted on the mounting bracket 4 in a strategically placed position for easy system activation in emergencies. The fire pump 9 connects to an external water source via an inlet bracket 11, ensuring a stable and reliable water supply. The bottom of the foam proportioning tank 7 is equipped with four sets of support columns 12, evenly distributing the weight and maintaining equipment balance, making the foam mixing process more stable, extending equipment lifespan, and ensuring the entire fire extinguishing system operates normally in critical moments.
[0030] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A liquid-on-foam fire extinguishing system for heat treating quench oil sumps, characterized in that, It includes a quenching oil tank body (1); the upper end of the quenching oil tank body (1) is provided with an installation plate (3), and the lower surface of the installation plate (3) is surrounded by a water supply pipe (17) for conveying foam mixture. The lower surface of the water supply pipe (17) is provided with multiple sets of open foam nozzles (20) for spraying foam mixture in the form of mist or jet. The open foam nozzles (20) are arranged radially along the edge of the water supply pipe (17). The rear end of the quenching oil tank body (1) is equipped with a foam proportioning tank (7) for mixing fire water and foam liquid in a set ratio to generate foam mixture. The rear end of the foam proportioning tank (7) is equipped with a fire pump (9).
2. The liquid-submerged foam extinguishing system for a quenching oil tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting plate (3) has an inlet (19) at the rear center and the foam proportioning mixing tank (7) has an outlet (13) at the front center.
3. The liquid-submerged foam extinguishing system for a quenching oil tank according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inlet (19) is provided with a first connecting pipe (6) that is connected to the outlet (13), and the foam proportioning mixing tank (7) has a connecting groove (14) at the center of the rear end.
4. The liquid-submerged foam extinguishing system for a quenching oil tank according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting groove (14) is equipped with a second connecting pipe (8) that is connected to the fire pump (9). The outer side of the middle section of the second connecting pipe (8) is equipped with a first solenoid valve (10) corresponding to the fire pump (9).
5. The liquid-submerged foam extinguishing system for quenching oil tanks according to claim 3, characterized in that, A second solenoid valve (16) corresponding to the foam proportioning tank (7) is installed on the outer side of the front section of the first connecting pipe (6), and a deluge valve (15) is installed on the outer side of the middle section of the first connecting pipe (6).
6. The liquid-submerged foam fire extinguishing system for quenching oil tanks as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The mounting plate (3) has four sets of fixing grooves (18) on its lower surface near the corner. A support rod (2) is vertically installed inside the fixing groove (18).
7. The liquid-supported foam fire extinguishing system for heat treatment quenching oil tanks according to claim 1, characterized in that, A support rod (2) near the foam proportioning tank (7) is fixedly connected to a bracket (4) on the outside, and a control cabinet (5) is fixedly connected to the top of the bracket (4).
8. The liquid-supported foam fire extinguishing system for a heat treatment quenching oil tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, A water inlet frame (11) is installed on the lower end of the side of the fire pump (9) away from the foam proportioning tank (7), and four sets of support columns (12) are symmetrically arranged on the lower surface of the foam proportioning tank (7).