Monitoring and extinguishing device

Abstract

Device for monitoring and controlling the extinguishing of a fire or comparable hazards in a flammable transported material, in particular a bulk material, flowing in a pipeline (1), in which potential hazards are also detected by sensors (4-6) arranged successively in the direction of flow (2) of the transported material and are combated by introducing an extinguishing agent (10) via an extinguishing nozzle (8,9) embedded in the pipe wall (3) following the respective sensor (4-6), which opens when pressurized, characterized - by a central main control (7) for the successive detection and extinguishing of a hazard source by means of an extinguishing nozzle (8,9) following a sensor (4-6) in the transport direction (2), - by a plurality of decentralized monitoring devices (30) for monitoring the function of a valve unit (16) and at least one extinguishing nozzle (8,9) connected downstream to the valve (22) of the valve unit (16) and supplied with the extinguishing agent (10) and - by a feedback (37) from the monitoring device (30) to the central main control (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for monitoring and controlling the extinguishing of a fire or comparable sources of danger in a flammable transported material flowing in a pipeline, in particular a bulk material, in which potential sources of danger are also detected by means of sensors and combated by introducing an extinguishing agent via extinguishing nozzles embedded in the pipeline.

[0002] Fire suppression methods are known in a wide variety of designs. For example, DE 197 35 067 A1 discloses a fire protection device for a central processing unit of an electronic data processing system, in which an airflow exiting a housing is monitored for smoke development. If the smoke detector used for this purpose is triggered, the housing of the central processing unit is flooded with an extinguishing gas.

[0003] From DE 10 2014 226 639 A1, a valve with a housing in which a pressure sensor is integrated is further known. This valve serves to supply a large number of sprinkler nozzles with an extinguishing agent.

[0004] Such extinguishing methods are unsuitable for monitoring and extinguishing flammable transported goods within a pipeline. Nevertheless, the necessary devices for this purpose are known and proven. These devices involve sensors embedded successively in the pipe wall in the direction of the transported goods' flow, capable of detecting embers, sparks, sources of fire, or similar hazards. For example, purely optical sensors are disclosed in utility model DE 20 2013 006 142 U1, but thermal or active sensors are also known, the latter, for example, explained in WO 2019 / 024953 A1.

[0005] Like the sensors, extinguishing nozzles are also embedded successively in the pipe wall in the direction of flow of the transported material. These nozzles serve to introduce an extinguishing agent to combat a hazard. A control system uses the sensors to successively detect a hazard, and each subsequent extinguishing nozzle in the transport direction is then supplied with the extinguishing agent to extinguish, for example, a fire.

[0006] A special feature of such extinguishing nozzles, known for example from utility model DE 20 2016 003 551 U1, is that they only open when pressurized with the extinguishing agent. Only then does the extinguishing agent enter the pipeline.

[0007] However, the care and maintenance of such fire extinguishing devices must be carried out manually on site and is therefore time-consuming. Nevertheless, only through these measures can statements about the condition and functionality of the entire system be made.

[0008] This is where the invention comes in, in order to give a user the possibility of the most complete, automated monitoring of the condition and functionality of the fire extinguishing device and, in particular, to quickly identify the possible cause of malfunctions.

[0009] This technical problem is solved in the extinguishing method explained at the beginning by the characterizing features of claim 1.

[0010] The device according to the invention for monitoring and controlling the extinguishing of a fire or the like in a flammable transported material flowing in a pipeline offers a multitude of advantages.

[0011] Although the device also uses a central main control for detecting and extinguishing a fire, this main control, according to the invention, takes into account a large number of further parameters that have not yet been incorporated into the known prior art.

[0012] Thus, a multitude of decentralized monitoring devices are provided for monitoring the function of each valve unit with at least one valve. This applies in particular to monitoring the functionality of the valve. This also includes monitoring the function of the at least one extinguishing nozzle connected downstream of the valve, which is to be supplied with the extinguishing agent.

[0013] The device allows, in particular, feedback of an error during a deletion process from the monitoring device to the central main control unit. This allows the malfunction of one valve unit to be taken into account, for example, by controlling a subsequent valve unit in the direction of transport of the goods.

[0014] As part of the monitoring system, a first pressure sensor is installed upstream and a second pressure sensor downstream of the valve to determine the applied pressure. This measure allows the system to detect when the valve opens during a fire suppression operation, as a pressure drop is detectable at the first pressure sensor when the valve opens. The magnitude of this pressure drop provides some indication of the valve's function, specifically whether it is fully or only partially open.

[0015] However, the flow rate can be determined even more precisely using the differential pressure between the first and second pressure sensors. In particular, this also allows for an assessment of the functionality of at least one extinguishing nozzle, for example, whether it opens and thus introduces extinguishing agent into the pipeline.

[0016] Advantageously, the second pressure sensor is also used to detect a valve leak. However, this is only possible if, as explained earlier, the extinguishing nozzle is normally closed, so that in the event of a leak, only a small pressure of the extinguishing agent builds up in the connection between the valve and the extinguishing nozzle. This pressure is insufficient to open the extinguishing nozzle, but can be detected by the second pressure sensor.

[0017] The two pressure sensors and the valve can form a structurally advantageous unit.

[0018] To optimize the extinguishing process, the central control unit monitors the physical and / or chemical properties of the extinguishing agent. Water with additives is frequently used as the extinguishing agent.

[0019] A consistent concentration of these additives is advantageous for extinguishing a fire, a smoldering ember, or the like, and can be monitored by sensors, for example, by measuring the conductivity of the extinguishing agent. Additional sensors are used to monitor parameters such as hardness or ion content.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention, a solenoid valve of the valve unit is provided which is switched by the main control via an electronic switch and the delay time of the solenoid coil is less than 1 ms.

[0021] The solenoid valve of the valve unit is switched bypassing the monitoring device via an electronic switch. This ensures very fast switching, with a solenoid coil delay of less than 1 ms. Rapid responses at transport speeds of up to 30 m / s with pipe diameters of 500 mm, and with appropriate axial spacing of the sensors and extinguishing nozzles in the transport direction, are essential for effectively extinguishing, for example, a fire. MOSFETs, for instance, can achieve such rapid switching, even under relatively high electrical loads.

[0022] This measure also allows the magnetic coil to be powered, if necessary, from a separately designed voltage source.

[0023] The use of electrically actuated solenoid valves offers further advantages, as current and voltage values ​​can be supplied to the monitoring unit via appropriate electrical circuitry. Such a tap of the electrical parameters can be achieved conventionally using voltage dividers and shunt resistors.

[0024] If these measured values ​​for current and voltage are outside of specified standards, this may indicate a malfunction of the magnet and / or the solenoid valve.

[0025] In particular, this also makes it possible to monitor the functionality of the valve and / or the extinguishing nozzle. This includes both mechanical wear and encrustations that can occur at high temperatures due to limescale deposits, as well as blockages caused by material entering the nozzle when it is open. Monitoring can be performed using a current characteristic curve, which, for example, was generated from experience gained through endurance tests. If the electrical parameters are recorded each time the valve switches, these actual values ​​can be compared by a microprocessor (µC) in the monitoring device with the target values ​​of the corresponding characteristic curve. Deviations between the values ​​indicate a source of error.

[0026] To assess the valve's functionality, the number of its switching cycles is also important, and this number is stored by the monitoring device's microprocessor. This makes it easy to determine whether the valve has reached its predetermined service life.

[0027] Another measure involves using a temperature sensor in the monitoring device to measure the ambient temperature and / or the temperature of the valve. The specific alternative will depend on the available structural conditions. Temperature monitoring is particularly important if the valve uses a diaphragm that only functions fully within a specific temperature range.

[0028] For the care and maintenance of the valve unit and the extinguishing nozzle, it is advantageous to be able to disconnect them from the central supply of extinguishing agent. It is therefore beneficial to arrange a shut-off device upstream of the valve in the direction of extinguishing agent flow, the position of which is monitored by the monitoring device. This ensures that the shut-off device is open again after maintenance for proper operation.

[0029] Even if the main control unit indicates a fault based on feedback from a monitoring device, it is advantageous for such a fault to also be directly displayed or read out by an output device connected to the monitoring device's housing for fault analysis. A simple technical implementation can be achieved by connecting a multi-color display. This eliminates the need for lengthy searches when dealing with numerous monitoring devices along a long pipeline.

[0030] Preferably, such a multi-color display is designed to indicate different errors using different colors and / or flashing lights. For this purpose, a multi-color LED can be used, for example, which shines into a light guide that terminates outside the housing of the monitoring device.

[0031] Alternatively, or possibly additionally, an interface can be provided through which data can be read. In conjunction with a suitable app on a smartphone or tablet, instructions for action can then be suggested immediately.

[0032] Such a housing, as well as its electrical connections of the monitoring device, will be designed to be explosion-proof due to the exposed location.

[0033] The device according to the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing, the only drawing of which depicts the interaction of the individual components according to the invention in the manner of a circuit diagram.

[0034] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a section of a pipeline 1 in which a flammable material, such as bulk material, flows in the direction of arrow 2. Three sensors 4-6 are embedded in the pipe wall 3 as an example. A main control unit 7 uses these sensors 4-6 to detect sparks, embers, fires, or similar hazards in the transported material.

[0035] If such a hazard is detected, the main control unit 7 initiates a fire suppression process. Fire suppression nozzles 8, 9, which are embedded in the pipe wall 3 downstream of sensors 4-6 in the direction of flow as indicated by arrow 2, introduce a fire suppressant 10 into the pipeline 1.

[0036] The extinguishing nozzles 8 and 9 function as valves and are closed during normal operation. Only when pressurized with the extinguishing agent 10 do the extinguishing valves 8 and 9 open, as indicated by the circuit symbols 11 and 12.

[0037] Combating a hazard within pipeline 1 must be carried out quickly. Long pipelines 13 between a reservoir 14 for the extinguishing agent 10 and a pump 15, controlled by the main control unit 7 and generating extinguishing pressure, must therefore be avoided. A valve unit 16 is therefore arranged directly upstream of the extinguishing nozzles 8, 9, in close proximity to them. Fig. The section 1 is shown with a dashed line. The pipes 17, 18 connecting the valve unit 16 with the subsequent extinguishing nozzles 8, 9 can thus be kept correspondingly short.

[0038] Along the entire length of pipeline 1, there are numerous such valve units with subsequent extinguishing nozzles, which are supplied by pump 15, indicated by the double arrow 21.

[0039] Each valve unit 16 has a valve 22, which is closed during normal operation. In the event of a fire, etc., the main control unit 7 opens the valve 22 electromagnetically by means of a solenoid coil 23. This supplies the extinguishing nozzles 8, 9 with the extinguishing agent 10. The main control unit 7 switches on the solenoid coil 23 very quickly via an electronic switch 25, so that the delay time of the solenoid coil 23 is very short, in particular less than 1 ms. As in the Fig. As indicated in 1, the magnetic coil 23 can also be switched to an external voltage source 26 by means of the switch 25.

[0040] The functionality of valve 22 and extinguishing nozzles 8, 9 is of crucial importance for combating a hazard. A monitoring device 30, located in the immediate vicinity of valve unit 16, monitors their functionality.

[0041] For this purpose, a first pressure sensor 31 is provided upstream of the valve 22 in the direction of flow (as indicated by the arrow), and a second pressure sensor 32 is provided downstream of the valve 22 in the direction of flow. If a pressure drop occurs at the first pressure sensor 31, this indicates to the monitoring device 30 that the valve 22 has opened. By comparing the pressure drop measured by the first pressure sensor 31 with a predetermined setpoint, a malfunction of the valve 22 can be inferred, for example, incomplete opening.

[0042] Calculating the difference between the values ​​measured by the first pressure sensor 31 and the second pressure sensor 32 allows the determination of a flow of the extinguishing agent 10 and thus also provides an indication of whether the extinguishing nozzles 8,9 have opened.

[0043] In particular, the pressure measurement with the second pressure sensor 32 also allows the detection of a leak in a closed valve 22. Since the extinguishing nozzles 8, 9 are closed during normal operation, a leak in the valve 22 will cause pressure to build up in the lines 17, 18 leading to the extinguishing nozzles 8, 9, and this pressure build-up signals such a leak in the valve 22 to the monitoring device 30.

[0044] Furthermore, the electrical parameters current and voltage are monitored by a merely indicated circuit 33 when the solenoid coil 23 is energized. Deviations from predefined characteristic curves allow conclusions to be drawn about wear of the valve 22 or a defect in the solenoid coil 23. This monitoring also allows the number of switching cycles of the valve 22 to be determined, so that, for example, when a predetermined number of cycles is reached, a replacement of the valve is indicated.

[0045] A temperature sensor 34 is provided for monitoring the ambient temperature and / or the temperature of valve 22. This ensures that the valve unit 16, and in particular valve 22, operates within the correct temperature range.

[0046] A shut-off device 35 is provided upstream of valve 22. A closed shut-off device 35 allows for easy cleaning and maintenance of valve 22 and extinguishing nozzles 8, 9. After cleaning or maintenance, the shut-off device 35 must be reopened to ensure the overall functionality of the fire extinguishing system. Therefore, the position of the shut-off device 35 is also monitored by the monitoring device 30.

[0047] If the monitoring device 30 detects defects, these are indicated by a multi-color optical display 36 assigned to the housing of the monitoring device 30, so that the identification of a defective valve unit 16 is easily possible among a large number of such units and the fault can be quickly recognized by its assigned color. In addition, as indicated by arrow 37, a fault is displayed to the main control unit 7. Such a fault can then not only be displayed centrally by the main control unit 7, but will also be taken into account during a clearing process, in which subsequent valve units in the transport direction according to arrow 2 are addressed by the main control unit 7.

[0048] To enable the main control unit 7 to optimally perform an extinguishing process, the physical and / or chemical properties of the extinguishing agent 10 are monitored by a sensor 38. This helps the main control unit 7 to further optimize the duration of the extinguishing process as well as the quantity of extinguishing agent 10. Reference symbol list: 1 pipeline 2 Flow direction Transport direction 3 pipe wall 4 Sensor 5 Sensor 6 Sensor 7 Main control 8 extinguishing nozzle 9 extinguishing nozzle 10 extinguishing agents 11 Switch symbol 12 Switch symbol 13 Pipeline 14 Reservoir 15 pump 16 Valve unit 17. Raw riding 18 Pipeline 21 Double Arrow 22 valve 23 Magnetic coil 25 switches 26 Voltage source 30 Monitoring device 31 first pressure sensor 32 second pressure sensor 33 Circuitry 34 Temperature sensor 35 Shut-off device 36 multicolor display 37 Arrow 38 sensor µC. Microcontroller

Claims

[1] Device for monitoring and controlling the extinguishing of a fire or comparable sources of danger of an flammable transport material, in particular a bulk material, flowing in a pipeline (1), in which potential sources of danger are also detected by sensors (4-6) arranged one after the other in the flow direction (2) of the transport material and are combated by introducing an extinguishing agent (10) via an extinguishing nozzle (8, 9) which is inserted into the pipe wall (3) downstream of the respective sensor (4-6) and opens when pressurised, characterized - by a central main control (7) for the successive detection and extinguishing of a source of danger by means of an extinguishing nozzle (8, 9) following a sensor (4-6) in the transport direction (2), - by a plurality of decentralized monitoring devices (30) for monitoring the function of a valve unit (16) and at least one extinguishing nozzle (8, 9) connected downstream to the valve (22) of the valve unit (16) and to be acted upon by the extinguishing agent (10), and - by a feedback signal (37) from the monitoring device (30) to the central main control (7). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by a first pressure sensor (31) before and through a second pressure sensor (32) after the valve (22) for determining the prevailing pressure, for detecting the opening of the valve (22) during an extinguishing process, for detecting the flow rate during an extinguishing process and / or for detecting a leakage of the valve (22). [3] Device according to claim 2, characterized by that the two pressure sensors (31,32) and the valve (22) form a structural unit. [4] Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that the physical and / or chemical properties of the extinguishing agent (10) are monitored by the central main control (7). [5] Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that a solenoid valve (22) of the valve unit (16) is provided which is switched by the main control (7) via an electronic switch (25) and that the delay time of the solenoid coil (23) is less than 1 ms. [6] Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by an electric solenoid valve (22) which supplies current and voltage values ​​to the monitoring unit (30) through its electrical circuitry (33). [7] Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the functionality of the valve (22) and / or the extinguishing nozzle (8,9) is monitored by a microcontroller (µC) of the monitoring device (30) comparing actual values ​​with predetermined characteristics. [8] Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that the number of switching cycles of the valve (22) is saved. [9] Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that the temperature of the environment and / or the valve (22) is measured by a temperature sensor (34) of the monitoring device (30). [10] Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that a shut-off device (35) is arranged in front of the valve (22) in the flow direction of the extinguishing agent (10), the position of which is detected by the monitoring device (30). [11] Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized bythat an output device (36) for error analysis is connected to the housing of the monitoring device (30). [12] Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing and its electrical connections of the monitoring device (30) are designed to be explosion-proof.

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