A selector valve for inert gas fire extinguishing systems

Abstract

The utility model relates to a selection valve for inert gas fire extinguishing system, including valve seat, the side wall of valve seat is equipped with starting device interface, is used for through U type pin and starting device detachable connection, be equipped with starting gas passageway in valve seat, starting gas passageway one end is connected with starting chamber, and the other end is isolated in hollow inner chamber through valve core at the starting device interface of valve seat, the reset and indicating device are installed to starting chamber outside, the utility model has self -lock opening and closing display, manual reset function, conforms to the national standard and integrated function and promotes the reliability, simultaneously adapts flange and valve body integration processing, reduces volume weight, reduces cost, raises intensity (pressure from 10MPa rises to 20MPa), on the connection mode, integrated flange is matched with bolt and is directly connected valve seat, saves nut, makes the valve structure more simple, appearance is more beautiful.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of valves, specifically a selector valve for an inert gas fire extinguishing system. Background Technology

[0002] Inert gas fire suppression systems are primarily used in locations unsuitable for water-based fire suppression systems, such as computer rooms, archives, communication base stations, UPS rooms, battery rooms, and generator rooms. This system uses an inert gas extinguishing agent, a mixture of nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide in a specific ratio. It is non-toxic, colorless, does not deplete the ozone layer, and is non-conductive, rapidly suppressing combustion. The selector valve, a key component distributing the extinguishing gas from the manifold to each protected area, is both the starting point for dividing the gas volume in each zone and the first node in the driving gas path. It can quickly switch the release direction according to the zone's needs, achieving highly efficient fire suppression.

[0003] However, the selector valves in the prior art have the following drawbacks:

[0004] 1. The current national standard GB25972 only requires that the selector valve of the gas extinguishing system has the function of feedback of the opening and closing status of the electrical signal contact. However, from the perspective of system equipment management and operation, on-site mechanical signal indication is also necessary. The operation and management personnel can intuitively confirm the opening and closing status of the selector valve on the equipment site and perform manual reset operation when the system is reset.

[0005] 2. In the existing valve design, after the valve is started, the pressure in the starting chamber is equal to the pressure in the inner chamber. When the system is released to the later stage, and the release pressure drops to less than 5% of the system working pressure of 20MPa, the pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the piston core is insufficient to overcome the spring force of the return spring, and the valve will automatically close.

[0006] 3. Although the valve and pipeline are connected by flanges, one end of the valve's dedicated flange is threaded to the valve body cover and the other end is connected to the valve seat. This structure has the potential for poor local airtightness and strength saturation, and it will limit the overall strength of the valve. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, adapt to practical needs, and provide a selector valve for inert gas fire extinguishing systems. This addresses the current national standard GB25972, which only requires selector valves for gas fire extinguishing systems to have electrical signal contact feedback for open / closed status. However, from the perspective of system equipment management and operation, on-site mechanical signal indication is equally necessary. Operators can visually confirm the open / closed status of the selector valve on-site and perform manual reset operations during system reset. In existing selector valve designs, after valve activation, the pressure in the activation chamber is equal to the pressure in the internal cavity. When the system releases to a later stage, and the release pressure drops below 5% of the system operating pressure of 20MPa, the pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the piston cylinder is insufficient to overcome the spring force of the reset spring, causing the valve to automatically close. Although the selector valve and pipeline are connected by flanges, one end of the valve's dedicated flange is threaded to the valve body's upper cover, and the other end is connected to the valve seat. This structure presents potential problems of poor local airtightness and strength saturation, and also limits the overall strength of the valve.

[0008] To achieve the purpose of this utility model, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: a selector valve for an inert gas fire extinguishing system is designed, including a valve seat. The side wall of the valve seat is provided with an interface for a starting device, which is detachably connected to the starting device through a U-shaped pin. The valve seat is provided with a starting air passage. One end of the starting air passage is connected to the starting device, and the other end is isolated in the hollow inner cavity through a valve core at the starter interface of the valve seat.

[0009] A reset and indicator device is installed on the outside of the starting chamber. When the system is started, the reset (indicator) piston rod is pushed outward by the gas pressure in the starting chamber to indicate the valve opening state. After the system is released, it remains in a self-locking state. The piston rod needs to be pressed manually to release the pressure in the starting chamber, so that the piston core cylinder resets and closes the valve under the action of the reset spring.

[0010] Specifically, it features a self-locking on-site display function for the opening and closing status, and the reset operation is performed in manual mode, fully complying with the requirements of the national standard GB25972-2024, which states that the signal feedback device should have a self-locking function, and the device can only be reset manually after the action is completed. Moreover, this utility model integrates the display and reset functions into one, effectively improving reliability.

[0011] Preferably, the valve seat cavity is provided with a piston core cylinder that slides with it, the upper end of the piston core cylinder is provided with a sealing conical surface that contacts a sealing gasket with an inclined surface fitted on the cylindrical end of the guide cone, the guide cone is fixedly connected to the upper cover, and a reset spring is built into the hollow inner cavity of the piston core cylinder.

[0012] Preferably, a sealing ring is slidably fitted on the upper end of the piston core cylinder to guide the movement of the piston core; both the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the sealing ring are provided with O-rings, which are fixedly connected to the valve seat, so that the sealing of the outer sealing ring is integrated with the valve seat, and the isolation of the inner sealing ring forms an starting cavity with the piston core.

[0013] Preferably, the upper surface of the sealing ring in the inner cavity of the valve seat is provided with a flow-guiding locking bolt for fixing the sealing ring.

[0014] Preferably, the starting device includes a front sleeve, a rear sleeve, a starting rod, a return spring, a handle, a safety lock pin, and a starting pipeline connector.

[0015] Preferably, the striking pin inside the starting device can be extended by either driving gas pressure or pressing the handle to push the valve core, so that the starting chamber is connected to the valve seat cavity through the starting air passage, thereby releasing the pipeline pressure and pushing the piston core cylinder to start the selector valve.

[0016] Preferably, the safety lock pin of the starting device limits the starting lever under automatic start-up to prevent misoperation.

[0017] Preferably, the valve seat and the flange are integrally formed, and the surface of the valve seat has a threaded hole that matches the pipe flange, and the threaded hole is threaded with a high-strength bolt.

[0018] Specifically, the valve body and mounting flange have been innovatively designed and manufactured using an integrated process, resulting in a significant reduction in valve size and weight. This also eliminates three sealing connection points, lowering manufacturing costs and improving overall valve strength. The working pressure has been increased from 10MPa in existing technologies to 20MPa, meeting the configuration and functional requirements of 30MPa inert gas fire extinguishing systems. Furthermore, the improved sealing enhances the reliability of the valve and system. Additionally, a dedicated flange is integrated for pipeline connections, and matching high-strength bolts are provided for direct connection to the threaded holes of the valve seat flange. This eliminates the need for nuts used in traditional flange connections, resulting in a simpler valve structure and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0020] 1. This utility model has a self-locking on-site display function for the opening and closing status, and the reset operation adopts a manual mode, which fully complies with the requirements of the national standard GB25972-2024, that is, the signal feedback device should have a self-locking function, and the reset can only be performed manually after the action. Moreover, this utility model integrates the display and reset functions into one, which effectively improves the reliability.

[0021] 2. This utility model innovates with its dedicated mounting flange and valve body, adopting an integrated processing method that significantly reduces the valve's size and weight. It also eliminates three sealing connection links, which not only lowers manufacturing costs but also improves the overall strength of the valve. Its working pressure is increased from 10MPa in the prior art to 20MPa, which can meet the configuration and functional requirements of a 30MPa inert gas fire extinguishing system. Moreover, the improved sealing further enhances the reliability of the valve and the system.

[0022] 3. This utility model integrates a special flange for pipeline connection and is equipped with matching high-strength bolts, which can be directly connected to the threaded hole of the valve seat flange. Unlike the traditional flange connection method, it does not require the use of nuts for through bolt connection, making the valve structure simpler and the appearance more beautiful. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0024] In the diagram: 1. Valve seat; 2. Top cover; 3. Piston core cylinder; 4. Sealing ring; 5. Guide cone; 6. Sealing gasket; 7. Guide locking bolt; 8. Return spring; 9. Starting device; 10. Starting air passage; 11. Valve core; 12. Starting chamber; 13. Reset and indicating device; 14. Hollow inner cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0026] Example 1: A selector valve for an inert gas fire extinguishing system, see [link to example]. Figure 1 It includes a valve seat 1, and the side wall of the valve seat 1 is provided with an interface for a starting device 9, which is used to detachably connect to the starting device 9 via a U-shaped pin. The valve seat 1 is provided with a starting air passage 10, one end of which is connected to the starting chamber 12, and the other end is isolated in the hollow inner cavity 14 at the starter 9 interface of the valve seat 1 via a valve core 11.

[0027] A reset and indicator device 13 is installed on the outside of the starting chamber 12. The reset (indicator) piston rod is pushed outward by the gas pressure inside the starting chamber 12 during startup to indicate the valve opening state. It remains in a self-locking state after the system is released. The piston rod needs to be manually pressed to release the pressure in the starting chamber 12, so that the piston core cylinder 3 is reset and closes the valve under the action of the reset spring 8. The selector valve has two starting modes. In the pneumatic starting mode, the nitrogen cylinder is released, and the gas pressure in the pipeline acts on the piston inside the starting device, pushing the starting device's striker out and pushing the valve core 11 of the valve seat. In the mechanical emergency starting mode, the safety lock pin of the starting device is removed, the starting device handle is pressed, the starting device striker extends out and pushes the valve core 11 of the valve seat. When the system starts, the valve core of the valve seat is pushed by the starting device's striker pin, connecting the valve seat cavity 14 with the starting air passage 10, and transmitting the release pressure of the valve seat cavity 14 to the annular drive chamber. Under the action of air pressure, the piston core cylinder 3 generates a downward net thrust due to the difference in the upper and lower pressure areas, pushing the piston core cylinder 3 downward and opening the release passage of the valve seat 1, i.e., the valve opens. During this process, the air pressure (i.e., the release pressure) of the starting air passage 10 simultaneously acts on the reset and indicating device 13, causing its indicating rod to extend to the outer surface, realizing mechanical indication of the valve's open and closed state. After the pressure in the starting chamber 12 reaches its peak with the release pressure, the reset and indicating device 13, with the help of the internal small ball reverse blocking structure, prevents the high-pressure gas in the starting chamber 12 from flowing back into the starting air passage 10, maintaining the piston core 3 in the open working condition, thereby realizing the self-locking of the selector valve. After the system has completed the fire extinguishing work, the pressure drops back to normal pressure and the test is completed. Then, the manual press of the reset and indicator device 13 protrudes the indicator rod to open the reset pressure relief channel. The pressure in the drive chamber 12 is released quickly, and the reset spring 8 pushes the piston core cylinder 3 back to the closed position, completing a complete cycle of start-hold-reset.

[0028] For details, see Figure 1 The valve seat 1 has a piston core cylinder 3 that slides with it in the inner cavity. The upper end of the piston core cylinder 3 has a sealing conical surface that contacts the inclined sealing gasket 6 fitted on the cylindrical end of the guide cone 5. The guide cone 5 is fixedly connected to the upper cover 2. The hollow inner cavity 14 of the piston core cylinder 3 has a built-in return spring 8.

[0029] For more details, see Figure 1 The upper end of the piston core cylinder 3 is slidably fitted with a sealing ring 4, which guides the movement of the piston core 3; both the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the sealing ring 4 are provided with O-rings, which are fixedly connected to the valve seat 1. The sealing of the outer sealing ring forms an integral part with the valve seat 1, while the isolation of the inner sealing ring forms an starting cavity 12 with the piston core 3.

[0030] Further, see Figure 1 The upper surface of the sealing ring 4 inside the valve seat 1 is provided with a flow guiding locking bolt 7 for fixing the sealing ring 4.

[0031] Further, see Figure 1 The starting device 9 includes a front sleeve, a rear sleeve, a starting rod, a return spring, a handle, a safety lock pin, and a starting pipeline connector.

[0032] It is worth noting that, see Figure 1 The striker inside the starting device 9 can be extended by either driving gas pressure or pressing the handle to push the valve core 11, so that the starting chamber 12 is connected to the inner cavity of the valve seat 1 through the starting air passage 10, thereby releasing pressure to push the piston core cylinder 3 to start the selector valve.

[0033] It is worth noting that, see Figure 1 The safety lock pin of the starting device 9 limits the starting lever under automatic start-up to prevent misoperation.

[0034] It is worth mentioning that, see Figure 1 The valve seat 1 is integrally formed with the flange, and its surface has a threaded hole that matches the pipe flange. The threaded hole is connected to a high-strength bolt.

[0035] In a selector valve used in an inert gas fire extinguishing system, during normal system startup, the piston pin in the starting device 9 extends under the pressure of the driving gas, pushing the valve core 11 of the valve seat 1, opening the driving gas passage. This allows the release pressure gas in the inner cavity 14 of the valve seat 1 to enter the annular driving chamber through the driving pipeline. Due to the difference in pressure areas on the upper and lower parts, the piston core 3 slides downward with a net downward thrust, opening the release passage of the valve seat 1, i.e., the valve opens. During this process, the gas pressure in the starting gas passage 10 simultaneously acts on the reset and indicating device 13, causing its indicating rod to extend to the outer surface, thus providing a mechanical indication of the valve's open / closed state. After the pressure in the starting chamber 12 reaches its peak, the small ball in the reset and indicating device 13 self-locks using a reverse blocking structure, maintaining the gas pressure in the starting chamber 12, thereby achieving self-locking of the selector valve's opening. If the drive pipeline malfunctions or an emergency start is required, remove the safety lock pin and manually press the starter device 9 handle. This will push the striker pin directly against the valve core 11 of the valve seat 1, opening the valve chamber. The subsequent pressure release is the same as a normal start. After the system has completed its fire extinguishing work, the pressure drops back to normal pressure and is verified. Then, manually press the reset and indicator device 13 to release the indicator rod, opening the reset pressure relief channel. The pressure in the drive chamber will be released quickly, and the reset spring 8 will push the piston core 3 back to the closed position, completing one complete cycle of start-hold-reset.

[0036] In addition, all components designed in this utility model are general standard parts or components known to those skilled in the art. Their structure and principle can be learned by those skilled in the art through technical manuals or conventional experimental methods. Those skilled in the art can fully implement them, so there is no need to elaborate. The content protected by this utility model does not involve improvements to the internal structure and method.

Claims

1. A selector valve for inert gas fire extinguishing systems, comprising a valve seat (1), characterized in that, The valve seat (1) has a starting device (9) interface on its side wall, which is used to detachably connect to the starting device (9) via a U-shaped pin. The valve seat (1) has a starting air passage (10) inside. One end of the starting air passage (10) is connected to the starting chamber (12), and the other end is isolated in the hollow inner cavity (14) at the starter (9) interface of the valve seat (1) via a valve core (11). A reset and indicator device (13) is installed on the outside of the starting chamber (12). The reset indicator piston rod is pushed outward by the gas pressure in the starting chamber (12) when the valve is started to indicate the valve opening state.

2. The selector valve of claim 1, wherein: The valve seat (1) has a piston core cylinder (3) that slides with it. The upper end of the piston core cylinder (3) has a sealing conical surface that contacts the inclined sealing gasket (6) fitted on the cylindrical end of the guide cone (5). The guide cone (5) is fixedly connected to the upper cover (2). The hollow inner cavity (14) of the piston core cylinder (3) has a built-in return spring (8).

3. The selector valve of claim 2, wherein: The piston core (3) is slidably fitted with a sealing ring (4) at its upper end, which guides the movement of the piston core (3). The inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the sealing ring (4) are provided with O-rings, which are fixedly connected to the valve seat (1). The sealing of the outer sealing ring is integrated with the valve seat (1), and the isolation of the inner sealing ring forms a starting cavity (12) with the piston core (3).

4. The selector valve of claim 3, wherein: The upper surface of the sealing ring (4) inside the valve seat (1) is provided with a flow-guiding locking bolt (7) for fixing the sealing ring (4).

5. The selector valve of claim 1, wherein: The starting device (9) includes a front sleeve, a rear sleeve, a starting rod, a return spring, a handle, a safety lock pin, and a starting pipeline connector.

6. The selector valve of claim 5, wherein: The striker inside the starting device (9) can be protruded by either driving gas pressure or pressing the handle to push the valve core (11), so that the starting chamber (12) is connected to the inner cavity of the valve seat (1) through the starting air passage (10) to release the pipeline pressure and push the piston core cylinder (3) to start the selector valve.

7. The selector valve of claim 5, wherein: The safety lock pin of the starting device (9) limits the starting rod under automatic start.

8. The selector valve of claim 1, wherein: The valve seat (1) is integrally formed with the flange, and its surface has a threaded hole that matches the pipe flange. The threaded hole is threaded with a high-strength bolt.

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