FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR FIRE PROTECTION OF LIQUID HAZARDOUS GOODS AND CORRESPONDING PROCEDURES

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire protection system for fire protection of liquid hazardous materials, a corresponding extinguishing agent outlet for such a fire protection system, a fluid guide element for such a fire protection system, a method for providing such a fire protection system, and the use of a non-hazardous material extinguishing agent.

[0002] Concepts for the safe storage of hazardous materials are known. For example, EP 2 859 919 A2 relates to a device for the safe storage of a container of flammable liquid, consisting of the container of flammable liquid in a liquid containment vessel located below it. This vessel rests on a liquid-permeable platform on top of the containment vessel and a flame arrestor between the containment vessel, the container of flammable liquid, and a storage area. This is intended to allow containers of flammable liquid to be stored reliably, cost-effectively, and with minimal environmental risk, and to enable their extinguishing in the event of a fire.

[0003] The present invention relates more specifically to a fire protection system for the fire protection of liquid hazardous materials, comprising a storage arrangement for storing the liquid hazardous material in at least one storage container, at least one containment area, and a first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets for dispensing an extinguishing agent. A fire protection system within the meaning of the invention is understood to be, in particular, a system consisting of a storage arrangement, especially a rack arrangement, at least one containment area, and a first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets, especially sprinklers and / or nozzles. However, the invention is not limited to this specific combination of fire protection system.

[0004] The fire protection system can be located within a fire protection zone. A fire protection zone is defined below as the area that is to be protected by the fire protection system. The fire protection zone therefore corresponds to the area in which a fire protection action can be carried out by the fire protection system.

[0005] The term "fire protection action" is understood to mean any type of action that can serve (preventive) fire protection. Such a fire protection action may, in particular, include a fire-fighting action. A fire-fighting action within the meaning of the invention is understood to mean, in particular, the containment, containment, extinguishing, or similar measures of a fire. In some embodiments, a fire-fighting action may also include cooling the surroundings. The fire-fighting action can be carried out area-wide, i.e., at several locations within the fire protection zone, or locally, i.e., at a specific location within the fire protection zone.

[0006] In the present case, the fire protection area includes, in particular, a storage area in which liquid hazardous materials are stored. Liquid hazardous materials within the meaning of the invention are understood to include, in particular, hazardous substances that comprise liquids that are easily or difficult to ignite and / or easily or difficult to combust and / or easily or difficult to combustible. Furthermore, liquid hazardous materials within the meaning of the invention can also include hazardous materials that do not comprise a liquid but move in a manner similar to a fluid, such as granules. Liquid hazardous materials are also also understood to include liquefied, flammable materials.

[0007] In particular, the present invention can be used for fire protection of any type of hazardous material. Furthermore, although the following description focuses on liquid hazardous materials, it should be understood that non-hazardous materials, especially liquids that are not easily or difficult to ignite and / or easily or difficult to combustible, can also be stored in the storage area.

[0008] Providing fire protection measures in storage areas where liquid hazardous materials are stored presents particular challenges. Especially in the case of highly flammable liquids, firefighting can prove difficult, as fires can spread rapidly over large areas, such as the floor surfaces of the storage areas and / or along the height of the storage structure, thereby generating significant heat and creating further hazards.

[0009] In the past, storage areas used for storing liquid hazardous materials were usually protected by light foam systems, CO2 extinguishing systems, oxygen reduction systems and / or aerosol systems.

[0010] A low-expansion foam system is a foam extinguishing system that operates using low-expansion foam. A low-expansion foam system is typically controlled by a central unit. If a fire characteristic, such as smoke, extreme temperature rise, sparks, flames, or similar, is detected, the central unit initiates a fire protection action, in particular a fire suppression action, which usually results in the activation of the low-expansion foam system.

[0011] A low-expansion foam system is based on the displacement effect of flooding the room: When a low-expansion foam system is activated, foam is released that has a high expansion ratio (according to DIN standard EN 1568-2, typically greater than 200 to 1), thus flooding the room very quickly with foam, i.e., with air-filled foam bubbles. Completely filling the room with these foam bubbles then makes it more difficult for air or oxygen to reach the source of the fire. Furthermore, the foam bubbles can reduce the spread of the fire by dampening heat radiation. The foam bubble shell consists of a water-foam concentrate mixture, which can also cool and wet non-combustible surfaces.

[0012] A disadvantage of such low-expansion foam systems is that, due to their operating principle of completely flooding the fire protection area with foam, there is a risk to the lives of people within that area. Therefore, the installation of low-expansion foam systems necessitates strict structural requirements regarding the presence of emergency exits to ensure that everyone in the fire protection area can leave within a specific activation time between the fire being detected and the system being flooded. This, in turn, means that a low-expansion foam system does not activate immediately after the fire is detected, but rather has a certain delay during which the fire can continue to spread.

[0013] Further structural requirements for the installation of lightweight foam systems include the need for sufficient space for the technology required to generate the foam, and the requirement that a fire protection area where lightweight foam is to be used for firefighting must possess the necessary structural integrity, particularly the necessary airtightness, to enable such fire suppression. All of this significantly increases the operating costs of lightweight foam systems.

[0014] Another safety aspect to consider is that automatic door and gate closing devices with fire resistance must be provided.

[0015] In general, the safety requirements for the lightweight foam system, especially with regard to faulty triggering, are extremely high.

[0016] A further disadvantage is that localized fire suppression cannot be achieved using low-expansion foam systems. Instead, the entire fire protection area must be flooded to extinguish the fire effectively. This means that all elements within the fire protection area, including technical equipment, machinery, and similar items, even those not located near the fire, are flooded. Since low-expansion foam often has corrosive properties, this can lead to very high secondary damage to both the technical equipment and machinery, as well as to stored goods. Therefore, the activation of a low-expansion foam system frequently results in significant financial losses.

[0017] A further disadvantage is the limited application range of low-expansion foam systems. For example, low-expansion foam systems generally do not allow for fire suppression in the case of polar liquids. The size of the storage containers to be protected, or rather the size of the storage containers for which protection can be demonstrably proven, is also limited. Furthermore, fire suppression using low-expansion foam is generally not possible in storage arrangements where the stored goods have no fixed containers and / or assigned locations – i.e., in the case of chaotic storage.

[0018] Another problem is that, as mentioned earlier, low-expansion foam systems flood the entire fire protection zone to ceiling height. Generating the necessary quantities of low-expansion foam requires large volumes of air, which, to improve effectiveness, are usually drawn from the surrounding area of ​​the building containing the fire protection zone. This means that in the event of a fire, as many openings as possible to the fire protection zone must be open. However, since no one should be in the fire protection zone during firefighting with low-expansion foam, these openings remain open during the flooding process. As a result, the low-expansion foam can escape from the fire protection zone during the flooding and contaminate the surrounding area.

[0019] Finally, removing the lightweight foam after the lightweight foam system has been triggered is very time-consuming, expensive, and laborious, so that even in the case of small fires, the entire fire protection area is unusable for a certain period of time.

[0020] The term CO2 fire suppression systems refers to systems that use carbon dioxide as an extinguishing agent. The operating principle of CO2 fire suppression systems is similar to that of low-expansion foam systems: Upon detection of a fire characteristic, a central unit issues a signal that triggers a fire protection action, specifically a fire suppression action.

[0021] Even in the case of CO2 extinguishing systems, initiating a firefighting operation leads, in particular, to a flooding of the entire fire protection area, in this case with CO2. This leads to the displacement of oxygen from the fire protection area and thus to the smothering of the fire.

[0022] The use of CO2 fire suppression systems therefore poses similar risks to people within the fire protection area as a (lightweight) foam system. Consequently, CO2 fire suppression systems also require stringent structural specifications for emergency exits, doors and gates, activation times, etc., to ensure the safety of people within the fire protection area. Furthermore, the costs for maintenance, training of personnel working in the fire protection area, and general upkeep of CO2 fire suppression systems are very high, meaning that CO2 fire suppression systems should only be used in exceptional circumstances.

[0023] Another way to provide a fire protection zone for the storage of (liquid) hazardous materials is through the use of so-called aerosol systems. Aerosol systems utilize an extinguishing agent consisting of a mixture of very fine particles. These systems are also used to completely flood the fire protection zone with the aerosol. Again, a central device is provided that, upon detection of a fire characteristic, triggers a fire protection action, specifically a fire suppression action. This fire suppression action consists of flooding the fire protection zone. To prevent personal injury in this case as well, a certain delay must be observed between the detection of the fire and the initiation of the fire suppression action.Furthermore, the use of aerosol systems also requires the provision of a large number of emergency exits so that all persons in the fire protection area can escape from the fire protection area within the delay time.

[0024] Another disadvantage of aerosol systems is that the released aerosols are highly corrosive to surfaces and can also cause corrosion, meaning that goods stored within a fire protection zone flooded with aerosols can be destroyed by the flooding. This can lead to significant economic damage in the event of a fire.

[0025] Finally, fire protection areas where liquid hazardous materials are stored can also be protected by means of an oxygen reduction system. Unlike the systems described previously, however, an oxygen reduction system is not used to fight a fire, but works preventively on the principle of active fire prevention by reducing the oxygen in the fire protection area. Typically, nitrogen is introduced into the fire protection area to reduce the oxygen content to approximately 14% for liquids and between 5% and 10% for gases.

[0026] A disadvantage of this solution is that fire protection zones, especially those with very low oxygen levels, cannot be easily accessed without appropriate equipment. Furthermore, the use of an oxygen reduction system requires a continuous supply of nitrogen to the fire protection zone, resulting in significant operating costs.

[0027] Finally, providing such a system is also very expensive. The buildings that form these fire protection zones must be sufficiently airtight to effectively reduce oxygen levels. This, in turn, necessitates automatic door and gate closing devices and, moreover, is very complex in cases where the stored goods frequently need to be moved in, out, and / or relocated – as is common in logistics – and therefore not readily compatible with such applications.

[0028] All known state-of-the-art solutions for protecting a fire zone where liquid hazardous materials are stored share the common characteristics of high installation and maintenance costs. Furthermore, they require that the personnel regularly present in the fire zone receive adequate training to ensure appropriate responses in the event of a fire. Additionally, all known state-of-the-art solutions rely on a central control unit that initiates or triggers fire suppression measures upon detection of a fire characteristic. Moreover, active fire suppression systems, such as foam extinguishing systems, CO2 extinguishing systems, and / or aerosol extinguishing systems, are subject to delays, as a certain waiting period is required for the occupants of the fire zone to reach safety.Ultimately, all solutions known from the prior art are based on the principle that the fire protection area must be protected as a whole. Localized firefighting in the case of a localized fire is therefore not possible with these solutions known from the prior art.

[0029] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a solution that does not have the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a solution that enables efficient and immediate fire suppression. It is also an object of the invention to provide a solution that allows for cost-effective and straightforward maintenance and reduces the need for intensive training of persons within the fire protection area.

[0030] This problem is solved according to the invention by a fire protection system of claim 1.

[0031] The term "extinguishing agent" as used below refers to any type of extinguishing agent that can be used for firefighting. Such an extinguishing agent may, in particular, comprise an extinguishing liquid, a foam, a gas, an aerosol, and / or a mixture thereof. In some embodiments, such an extinguishing agent may, in particular, comprise an extinguishing agent that is not normally used alone—that is, only in combination with another extinguishing agent—for extinguishing hazardous materials, especially liquid hazardous materials, and which is not normally used as the sole extinguishing agent for extinguishing liquid hazardous materials. Such an extinguishing agent may also be referred to below as a non-hazardous materials extinguishing agent.

[0032] In some embodiments, the invention relates in particular to an extinguishing agent comprising or consisting of water (H₂O). In some embodiments, the invention relates to an extinguishing agent comprising or consisting of a foam, such as heavy, medium, or light foam, and / or a water / foam agent mixture. In some embodiments, the foam and / or the water / foam agent mixture can be configured, in particular, for an expansion ratio greater than 0, in particular greater than 0.5, in particular greater than 1.0, and even further, in particular greater than 1.5. An expansion ratio is understood here to be the ratio, in particular the quotient, between the volume of a finished foam and the volume of the original fluid-foam agent mixture, in particular the water-foam agent mixture.The expansion ratio can depend in particular on the properties of the foam nozzle used and / or the extinguishing fluid outlet used, such as a sprinkler or nozzle.

[0033] In some embodiments, it is further specified that the extinguishing agent is a heavy foam or that the extinguishing agent comprises a heavy foam. Heavy foam can be understood to be, in particular, a foam with an expansion coefficient in the lower double-digit to single-digit range, especially below 20. Heavy foam is relatively wet and therefore particularly well-suited for achieving precise and long throw distances, thus enabling the localization and combating of the fire at a greater distance. Unlike light foam, the extinguishing effect of heavy foam is not based on smothering by displacement, but rather consists of the heavy foam cooling the burning material and creating a separation effect. Heavy foam is typically used for fighting fires involving solids and / or liquids of fire classes A and B.The fire protection system according to the invention now also enables the use of heavy foam for fighting fires involving liquid hazardous materials.

[0034] However, it should be understood that the fire protection system according to the invention is not limited to heavy foam as a foam for extinguishing fires, but also allows firefighting to be carried out using light or medium foam.

[0035] This is made possible by arranging the storage facility, in which the liquid hazardous material is stored in appropriate storage containers, in such a way that in the event of an accident, i.e., if liquid hazardous material escapes from a storage container, this liquid hazardous material is directed towards a containment area and collected there due to the geometry of the storage facility.

[0036] The fire protection system further comprises a number of extinguishing agent outlets, in particular sprinklers, which are configured to discharge an extinguishing agent in the direction of the containment area. For this purpose, the extinguishing agent outlets have a first predetermined directional characteristic for the extinguishing agent. The extinguishing agent outlets are thus configured to discharge the extinguishing agent along a first predetermined direction. This first predetermined direction along which the extinguishing agent can be discharged is preferably known, so that the direction in which the extinguishing agent is discharged by the extinguishing agent outlet can be determined by the positioning and orientation of the extinguishing agent outlet.

[0037] According to the invention, the storage arrangement, collection area and extinguishing agent outlets are arranged in such a way that the storage arrangement directs the liquid hazardous material that has escaped from the storage container into the collection area, wherein the extinguishing agent outlets are arranged and aligned to also release the extinguishing agent in the direction of the collection area.

[0038] In this context, a storage arrangement is understood to be, in particular, an arrangement in which goods, especially liquid hazardous materials, can be stored in appropriate storage containers. A storage arrangement may, in particular, comprise one or more racking arrangements in which the goods can be stored. The storage arrangement preferably has a plurality of storage surfaces on which the goods can be positioned, and furthermore a plurality of support elements, such as rack uprights, which serve to ensure the stability of the storage arrangement.

[0039] The storage areas are preferably designed so that, should liquid hazardous material leak from a storage container placed on them, the storage areas have appropriate fluid guidance devices, such as fluid guide surfaces or fluid guide grooves, which direct the liquid hazardous material towards the containment area. For this eventuality, the storage containers are preferably oriented with their outlets facing towards the containment area.

[0040] A storage container is understood to be, in particular, a container or receptacle for storing liquid hazardous materials. The storage container has a storage volume that can be completely or partially filled. For example, an Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) with a storage volume of up to 1000 liters is considered a storage container. Such IBCs are preferably stored only in the lower areas of the storage arrangement. Alternatively or additionally, a storage container can also be a canister or a drum, for example, made of plastic or metal. Such a canister or drum preferably has a capacity of up to 220 liters. Canisters and / or drums can be stored in all areas of the storage arrangement.

[0041] A containment area is understood to be, in particular, an area in which liquid hazardous material that has leaked from the storage container can be collected and accumulated. Preferably, the containment area is dimensioned to be able to hold at least the contents of a complete storage container. The containment area is thus dimensioned so that, in the event of a leak from a storage container, it can completely contain the leaked liquid hazardous material. For this purpose, the containment area can be designed as a single containment area. Alternatively or additionally, the containment area can also be formed by one or more partial containment areas, which, in combination, are dimensioned so that they can completely contain the liquid hazardous material in the event of a leak.

[0042] The containment area can preferably be arranged horizontally offset from the storage containers. In some embodiments, the containment area can be located, in particular, in the aisle used for loading and / or unloading the storage arrangement between two adjacent storage arrangements, such as racks. This has the advantage that the containment area can function as a containment area for both storage arrangements on both sides and for all levels of the storage arrangements. Since the aisle is already present, the space required for the containment area is thus kept to a minimum.

[0043] In some embodiments, the collection area can be formed, for example, by a floor area, particularly in the aisle. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be formed by appropriate collection devices, such as drip trays, within a shelf compartment.

[0044] A fire protection system according to the invention typically comprises several storage arrangements that are positioned at a certain distance from one another. In this case, the containment area can be formed in the area between each pair of storage arrangements. Alternatively or additionally, the containment area can also be formed between a storage arrangement and a second separating element, for example, a wall.

[0045] The containment area is preferably designed to be fluid-tight, so that the collected liquid hazardous material cannot escape. For this purpose, the containment area can be limited, in particular, by appropriate fluid barriers, so that the liquid hazardous material can be collected in a localized area.

[0046] The fire protection system according to the invention further comprises a first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets. The first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets may preferably comprise a first plurality of sprinklers and / or consist of this first plurality of sprinklers.

[0047] In this context, a sprinkler refers specifically to a sprinkler head. These sprinkler heads are supplied with an extinguishing agent via a fluid supply, typically a sprinkler system. Normally, sprinklers are sealed with a temperature-sensitive element, such as a glass ampoule filled with liquid. In the event of a fire, the liquid inside the glass ampoule heats up and expands. The ampoule ruptures, causing the sprinkler to open and release the extinguishing agent. The advantage of designing the extinguishing agent outlets as sprinklers is that they react immediately to temperature changes caused by local fires and activate without the need for a central control unit. Furthermore, activation can be limited to sprinklers located within an area immediately surrounding the (localized) fire.

[0048] According to the invention, a fire protection system is provided that does not require a central device and by means of which a fire in a storage area for liquid hazardous materials can be located and immediately extinguished. This is achieved in particular by arranging the at least one storage arrangement, the at least one containment area, and the first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets relative to each other in such a way that the spilled liquid hazardous material and the extinguishing agent can be directed to the same position within the containment area. This enables efficient and rapid fire suppression.

[0049] The invention is therefore based on the finding that the number of usable extinguishing agents for fire protection of liquid hazardous materials can be increased by aligning the storage arrangement in which the liquid hazardous material is stored, the associated containment area and the first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets relative to each other in such a way that, in the event of an accident, the liquid hazardous material is collected in the containment area and then extinguished by the extinguishing agent emerging from the first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets, for example, pure water and / or a heavy or medium foam and / or a mixture thereof.In other words: By aligning the storage arrangement, the collection area and the first multitude of extinguishing agent outlets, a localization of the extinguishing agent is achieved, which makes it possible to use extinguishing agents that were previously unsuitable for fighting fires involving liquid hazardous materials, such as water and / or extinguishing agents that do not need to be used to fill the entire room.

[0050] The fire protection system according to the invention no longer exhibits the disadvantages of previously known solutions: The fire protection system according to the invention operates on the basis of localized fire suppression; flooding of the entire area is not required. As a result, evacuation times for persons located within the fire protection zone no longer need to be factored in, and fire suppression can be initiated immediately. Furthermore, damage to stored goods can be better avoided with the solution according to the invention. In addition, after successful fire suppression, the remaining area within the fire protection zone, where no fire occurred, can be used again immediately.

[0051] A further advantage over known sprinkler systems is that the solution according to the invention also allows sprinkler-based fire protection solutions for liquid hazardous materials and / or larger storage containers. Furthermore, it makes it possible not only to use larger storage containers but also to store them in higher positions, since the orientation of the extinguishing agent outlets allows them to reach these higher positions, and the diversion of the liquid hazardous material to lower areas ensures that firefighting takes place in the lower area, and not high up in the racking. This allows the storage height for liquid hazardous materials to be increased within the storage arrangement.

[0052] Furthermore, by using a sprinkler system that operates with an extinguishing agent such as water and / or heavy and / or medium foam and / or a water / foam mixture, both installation and operating costs can be reduced, as the complexity of the high structural requirements for emergency exits and / or automatic door and gate closing devices is reduced. This may eliminate the need for automatic door and gate closing devices and / or reduce the number of emergency exits. Additionally, the number of necessary maintenance tasks (of the central unit, generators, etc.) can be reduced.

[0053] According to the invention, the first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets is arranged. , to discharge the extinguishing agent with a first predetermined directional characteristic, with a directional characteristic that causes the extinguishing agent to be discharged in the direction of the collection area.

[0054] In some embodiments, extinguishing agent outlets designed to discharge extinguishing agent into the containment area can be arranged, in particular on the storage arrangement, preferably on the positioning elements of the storage arrangement, especially the uprights of a racking arrangement. Alternatively or additionally, the arrangement of the first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets on the storage arrangement can also be achieved via a specially provided bracket. The bracket can be provided separately from the positioning elements of the storage arrangement.

[0055] This arrangement of the storage unit makes it possible to position the extinguishing agent outlets near the containment area, thus enabling even better localization of fire suppression using the extinguishing agent. Furthermore, the arrangement allows for very precise alignment of the extinguishing agent outlets, resulting in a precisely directed discharge of the extinguishing agent.

[0056] It should be understood here that providing a directional characteristic does not mean that all extinguishing agent outlets provide a specific directional characteristic for the extinguishing agent. In some embodiments, only one extinguishing agent outlet may be configured with a specific directional characteristic for the extinguishing agent, whereby the interaction of this extinguishing agent outlet with the other extinguishing agent outlets then ensures that the extinguishing agent is discharged overall with the first specified directional characteristic.

[0057] A first predetermined directional characteristic is understood below to mean that the extinguishing agent outlets are configured to discharge the extinguishing fluid along a specific direction. According to the invention, the extinguishing agent outlets have a directional characteristic for the extinguishing agent, such that the extinguishing agent is not discharged with a 360° characteristic, i.e., the directional characteristic is less than 360°.

[0058] The first predefined directional characteristic is configured such that the extinguishing agent is discharged towards the containment area in order to locally cover the collected liquid hazardous material with extinguishing agent in the event of a fire, thus combating the fire in a localized manner. This directional characteristic can preferably be generated by a suitably aligned spray plate element. The multiple extinguishing fluid outlets can be arranged so that, due to their respective directional characteristics, they can distribute the extinguishing fluid in a directed manner over the entire containment area. Because of this interaction, it is not necessary for a single extinguishing fluid outlet to cover the entire containment area; rather, the multiple extinguishing fluid outlets can be configured to collectively cover the entire containment area.

[0059] In some embodiments, the at least one storage arrangement comprises at least one fluid-tight raised section configured to direct the liquid hazardous material into the at least one collection area if it escapes from the at least one storage container. Preferably, the at least one fluid-tight raised section has at least one inclined surface sloping towards the at least one collection area to direct the liquid hazardous material into the at least one collection area if it escapes from the at least one storage container.

[0060] It is preferred that the liquid hazardous material still contained in the storage containers, i.e., that it has not leaked from a storage container, does not come into contact with the containment area. For this purpose, the storage arrangement may, in some embodiments, include a raised section, such as a base. The raised section may, in particular, be designed to direct the liquid hazardous material towards the containment area, for example, by means of suitable fluid-conducting surfaces or similar means. The raised section is preferably made of a fluid-tight material. In some embodiments, the raised section is specifically designed in the form of a concrete base.

[0061] In some embodiments, the fluid-tight riser can be designed, in particular, to have a sloping surface that descends towards the base. This sloping surface can, in particular, serve as a platform for the storage containers. If the liquid hazardous material escapes from one of the storage containers, it is guided over the sloping surface towards the containment area. The sloping surface can be angled so that it is flush with the containment area, or it can be angled so that it ends slightly above the base and thus above the containment area.

[0062] Alternatively, the fluid-tight riser can also be designed to have a flat surface, i.e., a surface parallel to the base, and an inclined surface that slopes down from the flat surface at the top of the fluid-tight riser towards the base. The flat and inclined surfaces can merge into one another and / or be connected by a fluid-tight joint. In this embodiment, the flat surface can be used, in particular, as a platform for the storage containers, while the inclined surface serves as a fluid-guiding surface that directs the fluid from the platform for the storage containers towards the collection area.

[0063] In some embodiments, the storage arrangement has at least one fluid barrier element which is connected - preferably fluid-tight - to the at least one fluid-tight lift and is configured to prevent the liquid hazardous material from spreading into an area outside the at least one containment area in the event of a leakage of the liquid hazardous material from the at least one storage container.

[0064] In some embodiments, the bearing arrangement may further include one or more fluid barrier elements, which are preferably arranged at the edges of the fluid-tight raised area and are in fluid-tight contact with the surface of the fluid-tight raised area. These fluid barrier elements may preferably be designed as elements extending vertically relative to the surface of the fluid-tight raised area. This prevents liquid hazardous material located on the surface from escaping to the sides of the fluid-tight raised area or to the rear of the fluid-tight raised area. Instead, all of the liquid hazardous material can be directed across the inclined surface towards the containment area.

[0065] This allows the liquid hazardous material to be collected locally within the containment area and held there for firefighting purposes.

[0066] In some embodiments, the at least one storage arrangement comprises at least one fluid guide element configured to direct the liquid hazardous material into the at least one collection area when it escapes from the at least one storage container. In some embodiments, the at least one fluid guide element may have a base surface and at least one associated inclined fluid guide surface, wherein the fluid guide element is arranged such that the at least one inclined fluid guide surface slopes along a fluid guide direction of the at least one collection area in order to direct the liquid hazardous material into the at least one collection area when it escapes from the at least one storage container.

[0067] It is preferred that the storage arrangement comprises several levels. In the case of the lowest level, the storage containers can be placed directly on the fluid-tight platform. In the event of an accident, the liquid hazardous material can then be channeled from the storage container into the containment area via the inclined surface of the fluid-tight platform. In some embodiments, this inclined surface can be provided by arranging a fluid guide element on the fluid-tight platform.

[0068] In the subsequent levels of the storage arrangement, efficient fluid flow can be achieved by incorporating one or more fluid guide elements into the arrangement. These elements are designed to direct any liquid hazardous material that escapes from the storage container. Preferably, these fluid guide elements can be positioned at each level below the storage containers. They can be designed as separate, detachable components within the storage arrangement. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid guide elements can be integrated as part of the storage arrangement itself. For example, a racking system can be configured with rack levels that function as fluid guide elements.

[0069] In some embodiments, the fluid guide elements can be designed to have a sloping surface that descends towards the base. This sloping surface can, in particular, serve as a platform for the storage containers on the upper levels. If the liquid hazardous material escapes from one of the storage containers, it is guided, analogous to the fluid-tight riser, over the sloping surface towards the containment area. In some embodiments, the fluid guide elements can also be designed to have a flat surface running parallel to the base and a sloping surface that descends from the flat surface at the top of the fluid-tight riser towards the base. The flat and sloping surfaces can merge into one another and / or be connected to each other via a fluid-tight joint.In this embodiment, the flat surface can be used in particular as a surface for the storage containers in the higher levels, while the inclined surface serves as a fluid-guiding surface that directs the fluid from the surface of the storage containers towards the collection area.

[0070] In some embodiments, the fluid guide elements can be designed in the form of fluid-tight sheets that can be inserted into the bearing arrangement and are positioned below the storage containers. These sheets can, as described above, be designed entirely as inclined surfaces or have a flat surface connected to an inclined surface.

[0071] In the event of a leak of the liquid hazardous material, it reaches the respective fluid guide element. The fluid guide element can then be designed, for example by means of corresponding grooves or similar fluid channels, to direct the leaked liquid hazardous material away from the storage area towards the containment area. In particular, the fluid guide elements can be designed to prevent leaked liquid hazardous material from reaching the vicinity of another storage container located next to or below the damaged storage container.

[0072] In some embodiments, each storage container has at least one fluid guide element specifically assigned to it. However, in some embodiments, particularly those where storage containers do not exceed a certain size, a single fluid guide element can be assigned to several storage containers. For example, if the fluid guide elements are designed as fluid-tight sheets, a fluid-tight sheet can be positioned beneath a pallet containing several smaller storage containers. This means that in some embodiments, the fluid guide elements can be provided per pallet rather than per storage container.

[0073] The use of such fluid guiding elements can prevent the spread of the liquid hazardous material – and thus the fire – along the storage arrangement.

[0074] In some embodiments, it is preferred that the fluid guide element can be arranged below a storage container in the storage arrangement. For this purpose, it is particularly preferred that the fluid guide element, similar to the fluid-tight raised section, has a flat surface that can serve as a support surface for the storage container—and / or the corresponding pallet—arranged on the fluid guide element. This flat surface can then form the base surface of the fluid guide element. The fluid guide element can also be configured to direct any liquid hazardous material that has leaked from a storage container toward the containment area. In some embodiments, the fluid guide element can, for this purpose, have an inclined fluid guide surface that is fluid-tightly connected to the base surface of the fluid guide element.The inclined fluid guide surface is preferably configured to direct liquid hazardous material located on the base surface away from the base surface and towards the collection area. For this purpose, the inclined fluid guide surface can slope downwards along the fluid flow direction of the at least one collection area. This causes the liquid hazardous material to flow from the base surface onto the fluid guide surface and into the collection area.

[0075] For this purpose, the fluid guiding element comprising the base surface and the fluid guiding surface can preferably be arranged in the bearing arrangement such that the fluid guiding surface is arranged on the side of the bearing arrangement on which the collection area is formed.

[0076] This allows the liquid hazardous material to be reliably directed into the containment area after it escapes from a storage container, even from higher levels of the storage arrangement.

[0077] In some embodiments, the at least one fluid guiding element further comprises at least one side surface, wherein the at least one side surface is configured to prevent the liquid hazardous material from spreading into an area outside the at least one containment area in the event of an escape from the at least one storage container.

[0078] It is preferred that the liquid hazardous material, after escaping from the storage container, does not spread across the storage area. For this purpose, the liquid hazardous material is collected in the containment area. To prevent the liquid hazardous material that has escaped from the storage container from flowing from the storage arrangement into areas other than the containment area, the fluid guide elements preferably have one or more side surfaces that extend vertically upwards from the base of the storage container in the storage arrangement, in particular from the base surface of the fluid guide element, i.e., usually towards the ceiling arrangement, thus preventing the liquid hazardous material from spreading into an area outside the at least one containment area.

[0079] The at least one side surface of the fluid guide element can, in particular, be configured as a first side surface located on the right side of the base surface of the fluid guide element, as viewed from the fluid guide surface. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one side surface can be configured as a second side surface located on the left side of the base surface of the fluid guide element, as viewed from the fluid guide surface. Alternatively or additionally, the side surface can also be configured as a rear surface located on the opposite side of the base surface, as viewed from the fluid guide surface.

[0080] The fluid guide elements thus designed can preferably interact with one another to provide a fluid channel towards the collection area and a fluid barrier to all other areas for an entire series of bearing arrangements. For this purpose, the fluid guide elements can preferably be equipped with corresponding connecting elements configured to provide a fluid-tight connection between a first fluid guide element and a second fluid guide element. The connecting elements are preferably arranged on the sides where, viewed from the fluid guide surface, no side surfaces are formed. The connecting elements can, in particular, be designed as overlapping elements with and / or without soft sealing elements that can overlap each other to create the fluid-tight connection.This system enables the provision of a variable fluid guidance arrangement, reliably directing any liquid hazardous material leaking from the storage containers only into the containment area and preventing its spread to other areas. In particular, the use of interconnected fluid guidance elements allows for the integration of fluid guidance systems into storage arrangements of varying sizes at higher levels within the storage structure.

[0081] This makes it possible to provide adapted fluid guidance arrangements, consisting of either three or two fluid guidance elements, depending on the type of storage – such as three-place storage, in which three storage containers and / or three pallets with storage containers arranged on them are arranged per level between two actuators, or two-place storage, in which two storage containers and / or two pallets with storage containers arranged on them are arranged per level between two actuators.

[0082] In some embodiments, the at least one collection area has a plurality of fluid intakes designed to collect the liquid hazardous material directed into the collection area. In some embodiments, the plurality of fluid intakes is designed to completely collect the liquid hazardous material if it escapes from the at least one storage container.

[0083] It is still preferred that the liquid hazardous material be collected in the containment area in such a way that it does not spread over a large area and, in particular, does not have a particularly large surface area. This is so that, in the event of ignition of the liquid hazardous material, i.e., in the event of a fire, rapid and localized firefighting, especially extinguishing, is possible, particularly when the area affected by the fire is as small as possible.

[0084] To achieve this, the containment area can preferably be equipped with a multitude of fluid intakes designed to collect the liquid hazardous material directed into the containment area. Each fluid intake can preferably be designed as a kind of channel within the containment area. For this purpose, the fluid intakes can be designed as indentations in the floor surface.

[0085] Preferably, the dimensions and number of fluid receptacles can be coordinated so that they can hold at least the contents of one storage container. In particular, the fluid receptacles can be assigned to a specific number of storage containers, for example, all storage containers located within a storage arrangement. In some embodiments, all storage containers of the two storage arrangements that form the containment area can be assigned to the fluid receptacles located within the respective containment area. If, in this case, liquid hazardous material escapes from one of the storage containers, the dimensions and number of the fluid receptacles can be selected so that the entire contents, i.e., all the liquid hazardous material, can be contained by the fluid receptacles.In other embodiments, only a subset of all storage containers in a rack arrangement can be assigned to a specific number of fluid receptacles. In this case, each of the subsets of storage containers thus determined can be associated with a specific number of fluid receptacles. If liquid hazardous material now escapes from a storage container of a specific subset, the fluid receptacles assigned to this subset must be capable, in terms of number and size, of receiving the liquid hazardous material. Conversely, if liquid hazardous material escapes from a storage container of a different subset, the fluid receptacles assigned to this other subset must be capable, in terms of number and size, of receiving the liquid hazardous material. In some embodiments, the fluid receptacles can be configured, in particular, to always receive the contents of the largest storage container assigned to them.

[0086] Preferably, the width of the fluid intakes can correspond approximately to the width of the collection area, while the length and depth of the fluid intakes can preferably be chosen such that the intake volume of the fluid intake meets the requirements resulting from the amount of content to be absorbed and the number of fluid intakes assigned to a specific quantity of storage containers.

[0087] In some embodiments, the length of the fluid receptacle can be between 200 mm and 500 mm, preferably between 200 mm and 400 mm, and even more preferably between 200 mm and 300 mm. To allow access to the collection area encompassing the fluid receptacles in the case of longer lengths, the fluid receptacles can be equipped with fluid-permeable covers, for example, grids. This ensures that the storage arrangement can be accessed from the side of the collection area, and in particular that it can be filled and / or emptied.

[0088] In these cases, the final collection volume can be determined by the depth of the fluid collection channel, i.e., the depth of the channel that forms the fluid collection. The depth can preferably be chosen such that, with a specific number of fluid collection channels, this number is capable of completely containing at least the entire contents of a storage container. This ensures that the liquid hazardous material constitutes only a small surface area within the containment area—and thus the storage area. In the event of a fire, this small surface area can then be selectively extinguished by dispensing extinguishing agent from the extinguishing agent outlets onto the fluid collection channels.

[0089] This arrangement prevents the liquid hazardous material from spreading over large areas and thus the fire from spreading. This reduces secondary damage. Furthermore, this arrangement allows for localized and efficient firefighting at the point of origin, enabling other areas of the storage facility to remain usable.

[0090] In some embodiments, the at least one containment area can have a length corresponding to the extension length of the at least one fluid-tight rise. At a first end and a second end of the length of the containment area, at least one fluid barrier element can be arranged, which is designed to prevent the liquid hazardous material from spreading into an area outside the at least one containment area if it escapes from the at least one storage container.

[0091] For efficient and localized fire suppression, it is necessary to prevent the spread of the liquid hazardous material over large areas of the storage area. For this purpose, a containment area is provided, which may optionally include several fluid intakes. To prevent the liquid hazardous material from flowing over the sides of the containment area into other areas of the storage area after being directed into it—for example, before the liquid hazardous material has been collected by one or more fluid intakes—the containment area can also be equipped at its first and second ends with a fluid barrier designed to prevent the liquid hazardous material from spreading beyond the containment area.

[0092] The fluid barrier elements can be connected to the containment area in a fluid-tight manner and extend vertically upwards from the containment area, typically in the direction of the ceiling assembly. Alternatively, the fluid barrier elements can also extend diagonally upwards, i.e., at an angle relative to the floor surface outside the containment area. This angle can be greater than 30°, greater than 45°, and greater than 60°. In some embodiments, the fluid barrier elements are oriented very shallowly relative to the floor surface and can thus assume any value between 5° and 20°, between 5° and 15°, and between 5° and 10°. This allows the fluid barrier elements to be driven over by a transport device for loading, unloading, and relocation.For this purpose, the fluid barrier elements can also have a height of between 5 mm and 10 cm, in particular 5 mm to a maximum of 5 cm, preferably 20 mm.

[0093] As mentioned above, the extinguishing agent outlets can preferably be arranged on the bearing assembly. In some embodiments where the collection area comprises a plurality of fluid receptacles, the extinguishing agent outlets can be arranged on the bearing assembly such that they are positioned precisely above these fluid receptacles. In this case, a corresponding extinguishing fluid outlet can be arranged above each fluid receptacle on each bearing assembly—that is, typically on the two bearing assemblies whose raised sections form the collection area. Alternatively, however, a corresponding extinguishing agent outlet can also be arranged only above a subset of the fluid receptacles, for example, above every second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, etc., fluid receptacle on each bearing assembly.

[0094] This allows, particularly in cases where the extinguishing agent outlets are sprinklers, for two reasons. Firstly, it enables faster activation of the fire suppression system, meaning a faster release of the extinguishing agent from the outlets. This is because, due to the arrangement above the fluid intakes, the temperature rise occurs directly below the extinguishing agent outlets, especially the sprinklers, causing their ampoules and / or other triggering elements to activate more quickly. Secondly, it allows for even better targeting of the extinguishing agent to the fire.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets can comprise a first subgroup, wherein the first subgroup comprises at least two mutually associated extinguishing agent outlets arranged as a block-shaped unit on the at least one bearing arrangement, wherein the at least two mutually associated extinguishing agent outlets are aligned at a predetermined angle relative to each other. In some embodiments, the predetermined angle is greater than or equal to 30°, in particular greater than or equal to 60°, further, in particular greater than or equal to 90°, in particular greater than or equal to 120°, in particular greater than or equal to 180°.

[0096] In some embodiments, at least some of the first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets can be provided in the form of a block-shaped unit. The extinguishing agent outlets that are part of the block-shaped unit are preferably configured to discharge the extinguishing agent with the first predetermined directional characteristic. For this purpose, the extinguishing agent outlets can further be arranged on the block-shaped unit such that they are at a predetermined angle to one another, i.e., the central axes of the extinguishing agent outlets are at a specific angle to one another. In some embodiments, this angle can be greater than or equal to 30°. In some embodiments, this angle can be greater than or equal to 60°, preferably greater than or equal to 90°. In some embodiments, the angle can be greater than or equal to 120°.

[0097] In some embodiments, the angle can be greater than or equal to 180°. In these embodiments, it is preferred that the extinguishing agent outlets are provided with a deflector designed to deflect the escaping extinguishing agent so that it is discharged in the direction of the collection area.

[0098] This arrangement of the first set of extinguishing agent outlets in a block-shaped unit allows for simpler installation of the outlets, for example, on the storage assembly. The outlets can be aligned relative to each other in such a way that, upon installation, they direct the extinguishing agent precisely to a specific, predetermined point. In some embodiments, the alignment can be such that the extinguishing agent is directed towards the collection area, thus enabling the most complete and uniform coverage of the collection area with extinguishing agent. In some embodiments, the alignment can be such that the extinguishing agent is directed towards the fluid intakes. Other alignment options are conceivable.A particularly advantageous effect is achieved when the first set of extinguishing agent outlets, arranged as a block-like unit, exhibits the first predetermined directional characteristic. In this case, the extinguishing agent discharge direction can be defined even more precisely.

[0099] The chosen arrangement of the extinguishing agent outlets on the block-shaped unit allows the use of commercially available extinguishing agent outlets, such as sprinklers and nozzles. Developing new extinguishing agent outlets to provide the desired directional characteristics is unnecessary.

[0100] Another advantage of using the block-shaped unit is that the extinguishing agent outlets are better protected against external mechanical influences, especially damage during loading and / or reloading and / or unloading, due to their arrangement within the block-shaped unit.

[0101] According to the invention, the fire protection system further comprises a second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets which are configured to discharge the extinguishing agent with a second predetermined directional characteristic.

[0102] According to the invention, the fire protection system further comprises a second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets configured to discharge extinguishing agent with a second, predetermined directional characteristic different from the first. The second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets may also preferably include one or more sprinklers operating in a known manner. The extinguishing agent discharged by the second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets has a different, second directional characteristic than the directional characteristic of the extinguishing fluid discharged by the first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets. In some embodiments, in which the extinguishing agent outlets are configured as sprinklers or include sprinklers, the directional characteristic of the extinguishing agent may preferably be provided by a directional element, such as a sprinkler head.In some embodiments, the second directional characteristic of the extinguishing agent is such that the extinguishing agent is discharged with a 360° characteristic, i.e., uniformly in all directions. However, the second directional characteristic can also be a different characteristic. In some embodiments, the second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets is arranged on a ceiling assembly of a fire protection area and / or on the at least one storage assembly in order to discharge the extinguishing agent in the direction of the storage assembly.

[0103] In some embodiments, the second set of extinguishing agent outlets can be arranged on a ceiling assembly of a fire protection area, particularly the storage area protected by the fire protection system. Since the second set of extinguishing agent outlets can preferably discharge the extinguishing agent over a wide area, additional extinguishing agent can reach both the containment area and the fluid reservoirs, as well as the storage area, via the outlets arranged on the ceiling assembly, thus potentially combating a fire within the storage area and / or within the containment area. In particular, within the containment area, this arrangement supports the extinguishing fluid outlets of the first set of extinguishing fluid outlets.

[0104] It should be noted here that the fire protection system according to the invention is not limited to comprising the first and second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets. The fire protection system according to the invention can therefore also include further extinguishing agent outlets. In some embodiments, the fire protection system according to the invention can be provided in addition to a commercially available fire protection system with corresponding ceiling sprinklers, and can therefore also include these ceiling sprinklers.

[0105] Alternatively or additionally, the second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets can also be arranged on the storage arrangement, in particular on an upper side of each storage level of the storage arrangement. These extinguishing agent outlets allow the storage containers located in the storage arrangement to be additionally supplied with extinguishing agent in order to combat any fires within the storage arrangement, especially around the storage containers. In some embodiments, at least one of the first or the second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets can comprise a second subgroup, wherein the second subgroup comprises extinguishing agent outlets that are individually arranged on the at least one storage arrangement, such that the predetermined directional characteristic causes the extinguishing agent to be discharged in the direction of the at least one storage arrangement, in particular the storage containers.

[0106] Alternatively or additionally to the embodiment described above, extinguishing agent outlets of the first plurality can also be arranged directly on the storage arrangement, in particular on the upper sides of each storage level. These extinguishing agent outlets of the first plurality belong to a further subgroup that is not arranged via a block-shaped unit, but directly on the storage arrangement. Due to the first directional characteristic, which causes the extinguishing fluid to be discharged primarily over a specific area with a certain width in a specific direction, the arrangement of the extinguishing agent outlets of the further subgroup of the first plurality ensures that, in particular, the storage containers located in the storage arrangement are additionally wetted with extinguishing agent, so that any fires within the storage arrangement can be combated.

[0107] The advantage of this embodiment can be, in particular, that the predetermined first directional characteristic ensures that the extinguishing agent is preferentially discharged in a specific direction by aligning the extinguishing agent outlets. This directional specification makes it possible to use fewer extinguishing agent outlets to treat the same number of storage containers as with the extinguishing agent outlets of the second plurality, which have a second, less specific, in particular 360° directional characteristic.

[0108] In some embodiments, the extinguishing agent comprises a foam, in particular a fluorinated and / or fluorine-free foam.

[0109] Preferably, the extinguishing agent used in the fire protection system comprises a foam, in particular a fluorine-free foam such as Moussol and / or Vapurex. In other embodiments, the foam may also be a fluorine-containing foam. The fluorine-free and / or fluorine-containing foam may be particularly suitable for being dispensed with an expansion ratio typical for a heavy foam.

[0110] In some embodiments, the liquid hazardous material comprises a flammable liquid. In some embodiments, the liquid hazardous material comprises a flammable liquid with a flash point greater than -22°C, in particular with a flash point greater than -7°C. In some embodiments, the flammable liquid comprises one or more of the following: an alcohol, an ester, a carboxylic acid, an amine, an aldehyde, or an ether.

[0111] In some embodiments, the liquid hazardous material may, in particular, comprise a flammable liquid. This flammable liquid may, in particular, be a non-water-soluble flammable liquid. In some embodiments, the liquid hazardous material may comprise a liquid with a flash point below 21°C. In some embodiments, the liquid hazardous material may comprise a liquid with a flash point between 21°C and 55°C. In some embodiments, the liquid hazardous material may also comprise a liquid with a flash point between 55°C and 100°C. In some embodiments, the liquid hazardous material may comprise a liquid that is water-soluble at 15°C and has a flash point below 21°C.

[0112] In some embodiments, the liquid hazardous material can also comprise combinations of these hazardous materials. In some embodiments, the liquid hazardous materials can be stored chaotically in storage containers. This means that the liquid hazardous materials can be stored in differently designed storage containers, for example, IBCs and canisters and / or IBCs and canisters and drums and / or canisters and / or drums, without any designated storage locations for the individual liquid hazardous materials. However, the fire protection system according to the invention is not limited to this type of storage. It is also possible to use the fire protection system according to the invention to protect a fire zone in which both liquid hazardous materials and conventional goods are stored, i.e., in the case of mixed storage.

[0113] In a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of a fluid guide element in the fire protection system according to the invention, which is designed to direct the liquid hazardous material into the at least one containment area in the event of a leakage of the liquid hazardous material from the at least one storage container. In some embodiments, the fluid guide element can have at least one base surface and an associated inclined fluid guide surface, wherein the fluid guide element is arranged such that the at least one inclined fluid guide surface slopes down along a fluid guide direction of the at least one containment area, in order to direct the liquid hazardous material into the at least one containment area in the event of a leakage of the liquid hazardous material from the at least one storage container.

[0114] In some embodiments, the inclined fluid guide surface can slope relative to the horizontal, which is parallel to the bottom surface, at an angle of between 1° and 90°, preferably between 10° and 45°, and even more preferably between 20° and 30°.

[0115] In some embodiments, the fluid guide element may further comprise at least one fluid barrier surface extending perpendicularly upwards from the base surface towards the ceiling assembly. In some embodiments, the at least one fluid barrier surface may be configured as a side surface of the fluid guide element. In some embodiments, the fluid guide element may further comprise at least one connecting piece configured to interact with at least one connecting piece of another fluid guide element to connect the fluid guide elements together in a fluid-tight manner.

[0116] In a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of an extinguishing agent outlet in the fire protection system according to the invention, wherein the extinguishing agent outlet is configured to discharge an extinguishing agent with a first predetermined directional characteristic. In some embodiments, the extinguishing agent outlet has a directional element, in particular a spray plate element, which is configured to define the first predetermined directional characteristic. In some embodiments, the extinguishing agent outlet is configured to discharge the extinguishing agent with an expansion coefficient greater than 0.5, preferably greater than 1.0, even more preferably greater than 1.5, and even more preferably greater than 5. In some embodiments, the extinguishing agent outlet is configured to discharge water as the extinguishing agent.

[0117] In a further aspect, the invention relates to the use of a block-shaped unit in the fire protection system according to the invention, which comprises at least two extinguishing agent outlets configured to discharge an extinguishing agent with a first predetermined directional characteristic. In some embodiments, a first extinguishing agent outlet and a second extinguishing agent outlet can preferably be arranged at an angle of 30°, more preferably 60°, even more preferably 90°, even more preferably 120°, even more preferably 180° relative to each other.

[0118] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for providing a fire protection area for fire protection of liquid hazardous goods according to claim 14.

[0119] Another embodiment relates to the use of a non-hazardous material extinguishing agent, in particular a heavy foam, by means of a fire protection system according to the invention for firefighting in the event of a fire involving a liquid hazardous material.

[0120] Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been explained above in connection with the aspect of the fire protection system, it should be understood at this point that the preferred embodiments also correspond to preferred embodiments of the other aspects of the invention, which have not been described in detail again simply to avoid repetition.

[0121] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures and preferred embodiments. These figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic diagram of a side view of a fire protection system according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic diagram of a front view of a fire protection system according to the first embodiment; Fig. 3 a schematic diagram of a top view of a fire protection system according to the first embodiment; Fig. 4 (a) a schematic side view of an extinguishing agent outlet with a predetermined directional characteristic according to a first embodiment; Fig. 4 (b) a schematic top view of an extinguishing agent outlet with a predetermined directional characteristic according to the first embodiment; Fig. 5 a schematic perspective view of a block-shaped unit according to an embodiment; Fig. 6 (a) a schematic perspective view of a fluid guide element according to a first variant; Fig. 6 (b) a schematic perspective view of a fluid guide element according to a second variant; Fig.6 (c) a schematic perspective view of a fluid guiding element according to a third embodiment; and Fig. 7 a schematic assembly of a front view of a fire protection system according to a second embodiment.

[0122] The Figure 1 Figure 1 schematically and exemplarily shows a side view of a fire protection system 1 according to a first embodiment. The fire protection system 1 comprises bearing arrangements 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d, each of which is arranged on fluid-tight risers 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 1 Storage arrangements 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d include, in particular, rack arrangements in which storage containers 60 are arranged. The storage containers 60 can be of various types, such as canisters, drums or IBCs.

[0123] Block-shaped units 30 are arranged at each of the bearing arrangements 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 1 The block-shaped units 30 each comprise two extinguishing agent outlets 31 from a first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets, which in the specific embodiment of the Fig. 1 are designed as sprinklers. Extinguishing agent outlets 31 are configured to discharge the extinguishing agent with a first predetermined directional characteristic. The first predetermined directional characteristic is such that the extinguishing agent is preferably discharged uniformly in a specific direction and thus does not exhibit a 360° characteristic. The operation of an extinguishing agent outlet 31 with the first predetermined directional characteristic is described below in connection with the Fig. 4 will be explained in more detail.

[0124] Furthermore, a series of extinguishing agent outlets 40 are arranged on the storage arrangements 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d, which belong to the second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 1 also configured as sprinklers and feature a second, predetermined directional characteristic for the extinguishing agent. The second predetermined directional characteristic is preferably a 360° directional characteristic, according to which the extinguishing agent is discharged uniformly in all directions. Even if, in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 Extinguishing agent outlets 40 of the second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets are arranged on the storage arrangements 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d, extinguishing agent outlets 31 of the first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets can alternatively or additionally be arranged on one or more of the storage arrangements 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d. Furthermore, even if in the exemplary embodiment the Fig. 1the extinguishing agent outlets 40 of the second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets are arranged above the storage containers 60, these extinguishing agent outlets 40 of the second plurality, alternatively or additionally with the extinguishing agent outlets 31 of the first plurality, may also be arranged at other positions within and / or on the storage arrangements 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d.

[0125] The raised sections 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are configured such that bearing arrangements 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d are mounted on them. For this purpose, raised sections 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d each have a flat surface 22a and 22b (the flat surfaces of raised sections 20c and 20d are not numbered for clarity). Although the raised sections 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d in the specific embodiment of the Fig. 1While the flat surfaces 22a, 22b serve as support surfaces, in other embodiments the function as a support surface can also be provided by the inclined surfaces 21a, 21b, if these are dimensioned sufficiently large for this purpose.

[0126] The raised sections 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are further configured to direct any liquid hazardous material that has leaked from one of the storage containers 60 toward the containment area 200. For this purpose, the raised sections 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d each have an inclined surface 21a and 21b (the inclined surfaces of the raised sections 20c and 20d are also not numbered for clarity). In some embodiments, the inclined surfaces can have a slope of approximately 1.0%, preferably 1.5%. The inclined surfaces 21a and 21b are configured to direct the liquid hazardous material, if it has leaked from one of the storage containers 60 arranged in the lowest level of the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, toward the containment area 200.

[0127] The containment area 200 is formed by the base 300 in the space between each pair of storage arrangements 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d. Thus, the area of ​​the base 300 between storage arrangements 10a and 10b forms a first containment area 200, and the area of ​​the base 300 between storage arrangements 10c and 10d forms a second containment area 200.

[0128] The first and second collection areas 200 each comprise a multitude of fluid intakes 201 (in the Fig. 1(Only one is visible at a time due to the perspective), which are arranged as depressions in the respective collection area 200 – and thus in the base 300. Since the first and second collection areas 200 are formed by the base 300 in the space between the bearing arrangements 10a and 10b and 10c and 10d, respectively, the first and second collection areas 200 have a length corresponding to that of the bearing arrangements 10a and 10b and 10c and 10d, respectively. The first and second collection areas 200 therefore have a first end – at the starting point of the bearing arrangement 10a and 10b and 10c and 10d, respectively – and a second end – at the end point of the bearing arrangement 10a and 10b and 10c and 10d, respectively. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 1 The first and second collection areas 200 each comprise a fluid barrier element 202 at their respective first and second ends (in the Fig. 1(only one is shown due to the perspective), which blocks the fluid flow of the liquid hazardous material in the longitudinal direction of the first and second containment area 200.

[0129] The storage arrangement 10a and 10b as well as 10c and 10d further comprises a plurality of fluid guide elements 70, which are arranged below the storage containers 60 in the higher levels of the storage arrangement 10a and 10b as well as 10c and 10d. The fluid guide elements 70 have at least one base surface and an associated inclined fluid guide surface, as described in connection with the Fig. 5 will be described in more detail.

[0130] The operating principle of the fluid guide elements 70 is essentially the same as that of the fluid-tight lifting elements 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, except that the fluid guide elements 70 perform this function for storage containers 60 that are not located in the lowest level of the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d. Thus, if the liquid hazardous material escapes from a storage container, the fluid guide elements 70 prevent the liquid hazardous material from escaping to the rear of the storage arrangement 10a and 10b as well as 10c and 10d or to the sides of the storage arrangement 10a and 10b as well as 10c and 10d. Instead, the liquid is guided downwards via the inclined fluid guide surface towards the collection area 200.

[0131] The fire protection system 1 of the Fig. 1 further comprises a ceiling arrangement 400 on which a plurality of extinguishing agent outlets 50 are arranged. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 1The extinguishing agent outlets 50 are designed as sprinklers. The extinguishing agent outlets 50 also have a second predefined directional characteristic, in particular a 360° directional characteristic, for the extinguishing agent exiting them. Even if in the specific embodiment of the Fig. 1The statement that the extinguishing agent outlets 40 and the extinguishing agent outlets 50 have the same directional characteristic should be understood here to mean that the extinguishing agent outlets 40 and the extinguishing agent outlets 50 can have different directional characteristics. In some embodiments, the extinguishing agent outlets 40 and the extinguishing agent outlets 50 can also be configured such that different subsets of the extinguishing agent outlets 40 and / or different subsets of the extinguishing agent outlets 50 have different directional characteristics. In some embodiments, each extinguishing agent outlet from the plurality of extinguishing agent outlets 40 and / or the plurality of extinguishing agent outlets 50 can have an individual directional characteristic. Further combinations are conceivable.

[0132] The Fig. 2 shows a front view of the fire protection system of the Fig. 1Identical elements are designated with the same reference symbols, so they will not be discussed in detail below. Thus, the Fig. 2 The storage arrangement 10a, in which storage containers 60 are stored. The storage arrangement 10a is arranged on the fluid-tight lift 20a, which, as in connection with the Fig. 1 as described.

[0133] As in the Fig. 2As shown, the storage arrangement 10a has two lateral fluid barrier elements 23a which interact fluid-tight with the fluid-tight raised section 20a to prevent the liquid hazardous material from flowing out over the sides of the storage arrangement 10a. Furthermore, the storage arrangement 10a has a rear fluid barrier element 24a which interacts fluid-tight with the fluid-tight raised section 20a to prevent the liquid hazardous material from flowing out over the rear of the storage arrangement 10a. Thus, the liquid hazardous material that escapes from the storage containers 60 in the lowest level of the storage arrangement 10a can be directed via the inclined surface 21a (not shown) into the collection area 200.

[0134] As in the Fig. 2As also shown, the containment area 200 comprises a multitude of fluid receptacles 201, which are designed as depressions in the base 300. The fluid receptacles 201 are preferably dimensioned to be able to hold the contents of an entire storage container 60. This prevents the liquid hazardous material from spreading over a large area and thus keeps the fire area small in the event of a fire, allowing for localized firefighting. The liquid hazardous material therefore does not collect in the containment area 200, but primarily in the fluid receptacles 201.

[0135] Furthermore, the containment area 200 comprises at least two fluid barrier elements 202, which are arranged at the first and second ends of the containment area 200 to prevent the spread of the liquid hazardous material in the longitudinal direction of the storage arrangement 10a. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 2These fluid barrier elements 202 are configured as inclined elements. However, the fluid barrier elements 202 can also be configured, analogous to the fluid barrier elements 23a, as elements running vertically to the ground.

[0136] The Fig. 2 The figure also shows a multitude of extinguishing agent outlets 40, which are arranged within the storage arrangement 10a. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 2 These extinguishing agent outlets 40 are designed, in particular, as sprinklers, which are configured to distribute the extinguishing agent, such as water, heavy foam, medium foam and / or a combination thereof, with a 360° directional characteristic over the storage areas of the storage arrangement 10 and the storage containers 60. In this way, a fire can be extinguished as soon as it occurs when the extinguishing agent exits the storage container 60 and before it is discharged into the containment area. This prevents the fire from spreading.

[0137] The Fig. 2 further shows a front view of the block-shaped units, on which in the specific embodiment of the Fig. 2 Depending on their position, one or two extinguishing agent outlets 31 are arranged. The block-shaped units 30 are arranged on actuating elements 11a, 12a, 13a of the storage arrangement 10a, in particular on the uprights of a rack. These extinguishing agent outlets 31 are oriented such that, by means of their first predetermined directional characteristic, they distribute the extinguishing agent along the collection area 200, in particular via the fluid receptacles 201, in order to combat any fires. The discharge direction of the extinguishing agent outlets is specified in the Fig. 2 Illustrated by the dashed arrows A and B.

[0138] The alignment of the extinguishing agent outlets 31 is now being considered in connection with the Fig. 3 explained in more detail. Fig. 3Figure 1 shows a top view of the storage arrangements 10a and 10b and the collection area 200 located between them, with the fluid receptacles 201. A block-shaped unit 30 is arranged on the actuating element 12a of storage arrangement 10a and on the actuating element 12b of storage arrangement 10b. This unit is configured to accommodate two extinguishing agent outlets 31 with the first predefined directional characteristic. As the top view of the block-shaped unit 30 shows, the extinguishing agent outlets 31 are arranged such that their central axes are aligned at a certain angle to each other. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 3This angle is 120°. In other embodiments, however, it can also be less, in particular between 90° and 119°, or more, in particular between 121° and 180°. This orientation and the directional characteristic of the extinguishing agent outlets 31 make it possible to cover the entire collection area 200 by means of the extinguishing agent outlets 31 on the block-shaped units 30. In the Fig. 3 This direction in which the extinguishing agent can be dispensed is shown schematically again by arrows A and B.

[0139] A specific design of an extinguishing agent outlet 31 with a directional characteristic for the extinguishing agent is described below in connection with the Fig. 4 described again. Here, the Fig. 4 (a) a side view of the extinguishing agent outlet 31 and the Fig. 4 (b) shows a top view of the extinguishing agent outlet 31. The extinguishing agent outlet 31 is in the specific embodiment of the Fig. 4The sprinkler is designed with an outlet opening 301 and a spray plate 302. When the sprinkler is triggered, for example due to a change in temperature, extinguishing agent is discharged from the outlet opening 301. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 4 The sprinkler 301 is specifically configured to discharge water or foam, particularly heavy or medium foam, as an extinguishing agent with the specified directional characteristic. To discharge foam, the sprinkler 301 is preferably configured to achieve an expansion ratio of over 0.5, preferably over 1.0, even more preferably over 1.5, and still more preferably between 1.5 and 20.

[0140] When the extinguishing agent exits the outlet opening 301, the spray plate 302, by its specific arrangement, causes the extinguishing agent exiting the outlet opening 301 in the direction of the spray plate 302 to be directed by the spray plate 302 as shown by arrow C, and thus aligned in the corresponding direction together with the extinguishing agent already exiting in that direction. This achieves a directional characteristic of the extinguishing agent which, depending on the arrangement of the spray plate 302 and the sprinkler 31 relative to the fire protection area, enables the extinguishing agent to be directed towards a specific position.

[0141] The arrangement of at least two extinguishing agent outlets 31 from the first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets on the block-shaped unit 30 is described below in connection with the Fig. 5 explained.

[0142] The Fig. 5In particular, a block-shaped unit 30 is shown, which is arranged such that it has two extinguishing agent outlets, in particular two sprinklers as in connection with the Fig. 4 described, can be arranged at a specific angle relative to each other. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 5The angle between the central axes of sprinkler 31 and sprinkler 31' is approximately 30°. For installation on the block-shaped unit 30, the sprinklers 31, 31' are positioned on the installation surfaces 32, 32' in the direction of the arrow such that their extinguishing agent inlet is connected to an extinguishing agent outlet on the respective installation surface 32, 32'. The block-shaped unit 30 also has an extinguishing agent inlet 33 through which the extinguishing agent can be guided through the block-shaped unit 30 to the sprinklers 31, 31', and then via the extinguishing agent outlets of the block-shaped unit 30 into the extinguishing agent inlets of the sprinklers 31, 31'. The block-shaped unit 30 thus allows the extinguishing fluid outlets, in particular the sprinklers 31, 31', to be mounted in a fixed arrangement on the racking system. This simplifies installation.

[0143] The functionality of the fluid guide elements 70 is now described in connection with the Fig. 6explained in more detail. This is shown in the Fig. 6 (a) a schematic perspective view of a fluid guide element 70 according to a variant that is designed for arrangement at a start or end position of a bearing arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and which Fig. 6 (b) Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a fluid guide element 70' according to a variant that is configured for arrangement on the opposite side, i.e., also at the start or end position of a bearing arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. Fig. 6 (c) further shows a schematic perspective view of a fluid guide element 70" according to a variant that is set up for central arrangement in a bearing arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d.

[0144] The fluid guiding element 70 according to the Fig. 6 (a) It has a base surface 74, a first side surface 71, a rear surface 72 and an inclined fluid guide surface 75. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 6The first side surface 71 and the rear surface 72 are configured to extend approximately perpendicular to the plane formed by the base surface 74, in a direction opposite to the fluid direction of the fluid guide surface 75. When the fluid guide element 70 is inserted into the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, this means that the first side surface 71 and the rear surface 72 extend perpendicular to the base surface in the direction of the ceiling arrangement 400. The fluid guide surface 75 extends obliquely, preferably at an angle of 30°, more preferably at 45°, and more preferably at 60°, in the opposite direction. When the fluid guide element 70 is inserted into the rack arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, this means that the fluid guide direction extends obliquely towards the floor 300.

[0145] The fluid guide element 70' of the Fig. 6 (b) is analogous to the fluid guiding element of the Fig. 6 (a)assembled, but in reverse to this, in order to form the counterpart for the opposite end of the bearing arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. The fluid guide element 70' according to the Fig. 6 (b) It therefore has a base surface 74, a second side surface 71', a rear surface 72 and an inclined fluid guide surface 75, wherein the extension directions of the second side surface 71' and the rear surface 72, as well as the fluid guide surface 75, are analogous to the variant of the Fig. 6 (a) have been carried out, which is why, for the sake of clarity, we will refrain from mentioning the following at this point: Fig. 6 (a) is referred.

[0146] The fluid guide element 70" of the Fig. 6 (c) is also similar to the fluid guiding elements of the Figures 6 (a) and 6 (b)The fluid guide element 70" has no side surface, as it is designed for the central arrangement, i.e., the arrangement between the fluid guide elements 70 and 70' in the case of a three-position bearing. The function of the base surface 74, the rear surface 72, and the fluid guide surface 75 corresponds to that of the Figures 6 (a) and 6 (b) , which is why we should refer again at this point to the explanations regarding Fig. 6 (a) is referred.

[0147] The fluid guide elements 70 and 70' each further include a connecting element (in the Figures 6 (a) and 6 (b) (not shown) which is arranged on the side opposite the first or second side element and is designed for connection with another fluid guide element. The 70" fluid guide element has two connecting elements (in the Fig. 6 (c) (not shown) which are arranged on both sides of the fluid guide element 70" and are designed to connect to a fluid guide element each.

[0148] The connecting elements can be configured, in particular, as overlapping segments of the base surface 74 and the fluid guide surface 75, and are specifically designed to connect the fluid guide elements 70, 70' and 70" to each other in a fluid-tight manner. This connection can be fastened by any fastener, such as rivets, screws or the like.

[0149] The following describes the function of the fluid guide elements with reference to the Figures 6 (a) to 6 (c) explained.

[0150] Depending on the storage configuration – either three-position storage, in which three storage containers 60 – or pallets with storage containers on them – are arranged between two positioning elements of the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, or two-position storage, in which two storage containers 60 – or pallets with storage containers on them – are arranged between two positioning elements of the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d – either three fluid guide elements 70, 70" and 70' or two fluid guide elements 70, 70' are connected to each other by connecting and securing the connecting elements of the individual fluid guide elements in a fluid-tight manner. The fluid guide elements 70, 70', 70" connected in this way are then inserted into the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. Then, depending on the type of storage, three or two storage containers 60 are positioned on the base surfaces 74 of the connected fluid guide elements 70, 70', 70".If liquid hazardous material escapes from one of the storage containers 60, it reaches the base surfaces 74 and spreads across them. The rear surfaces 72, the first side surface 71, and the second side surface 71' prevent the liquid hazardous material from spreading, as these act as fluid barriers. This allows the liquid hazardous material to spread only in the direction of the fluid guide surfaces 75, which direct it into the collection area 200 and, from there, preferentially into the fluid reservoirs 201. The liquid hazardous material can thus be collected in the fluid reservoirs 201 and, if necessary, extinguished there. Since the liquid hazardous material has only a small surface area in the fluid reservoirs 201, the spread of a fire is significantly restricted, and firefighting can be carried out in a localized manner. This facilitates fire suppression.

[0151] Furthermore, the functionality of the fire protection system will now be explained in accordance with the Figures 1 to 3 with reference to these figures as well as the Figures 4 and 5 explained.

[0152] It is possible that liquid hazardous material may escape from one of the storage containers 60. If the affected storage container 60 is located on the lowest level of the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, the liquid hazardous material reaches the fluid-tight raised area 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and spreads across the flat surface 22a, 22b of the fluid-tight raised area 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. The fluid-tight lift 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d includes corresponding fluid barrier elements 23a, 24a, which act as a barrier for the spreading liquid hazardous material, so that the liquid hazardous material cannot penetrate over the sides of the fluid-tight lift 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d or the back of the fluid-tight lift 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, but instead is guided only over the inclined surface 21a, 21b in the direction of the collection area 200 to be collected there.

[0153] If the affected storage container 60 is located on a higher level of the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, the liquid hazardous material, after escaping, reaches the fluid guide elements 70, 70', 70", which, as in connection with the Fig. 6within the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, the liquid hazardous material spreads out on the flat base surface 74, which serves as the support surface for the storage container 60. The fluid guide elements 70, 70', 70" are arranged such that they have a rear surface 72, as well as a first and a second side surface 71, 71', which act as fluid barriers for the fluid guide elements, thus preventing the leaked liquid hazardous material from escaping over the sides or the rear of the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. Instead, the liquid hazardous material is guided away from the storage container 60 and towards the collection area 200 via the fluid guide surface 75, which is designed as an inclined surface, to be collected there.

[0154] The liquid hazardous material is typically a flammable liquid with a flash point down to, for example, -7°C. This means that the liquid hazardous material is flammable at room temperature. If it escapes from the storage container 60, there is a risk that the liquid hazardous material will ignite, for example, due to sparks. This fire would cause a temperature increase that could trigger the first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets 31 and the second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets 40, 50, which in the embodiment according to the Figures 1 to 5 These systems are preferably designed as sprinklers. The heat generation is localized, so that only the extinguishing agent outlets near the fire are activated.

[0155] For example, if liquid hazardous material escapes from a storage container on the second-lowest level of the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, the liquid hazardous material spreads, as described above, over the base surface 74 of the fluid guide element 70, 70', 70". In the event of sparking, the liquid hazardous material can ignite there. This leads to a temperature increase in the area of ​​those extinguishing agent outlets 40 that are located within the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d in the immediate vicinity of the affected storage container 60. These extinguishing agent outlets 40 then activate and release an extinguishing agent with a 360° spray pattern. Since these extinguishing agent outlets 40 are located in the area of ​​temperature increase, the extinguishing agent exiting the extinguishing agent outlets 40 affects the area where the fire is located.

[0156] Furthermore, the liquid hazardous material is guided towards the containment area 200 by the arrangement of the fluid guide elements 70, 70', 70". A multitude of fluid intakes 201 are arranged in the containment area 200. The number and size of the fluid intakes 201 are selected such that they can contain the entire contents of a storage container 60. The fluid intakes 201 are designed as narrow grooves recessed deep into the base 300. This deep groove design allows the liquid hazardous material to collect in the fluid intakes 201, thus reducing the surface area available for ignition. This enables localized fire suppression.

[0157] The liquid hazardous material also causes a temperature increase in the containment area 200. This leads to the activation of the extinguishing agent outlets 31, which are arranged on the block-shaped unit 30 at at least one positioning element 11a, 12a, 13a of the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. The extinguishing agent outlets 31, which in the specific embodiment of the Figures 1 to 5 Designed as sprinklers, they create a directional characteristic for the escaping extinguishing agent, as in connection with the Fig. 4 described. This directional characteristic is such that the extinguishing agent exiting the extinguishing agent outlets 31 is directed towards the collection area 200, in particular towards the fluid intakes 201.

[0158] This interaction of the extinguishing agent directed at a target area and the accumulation of the liquid hazardous material in the area toward which the fluid was directed, by means of the fluid intakes 201, results in the rapid and targeted extinguishing of the liquid hazardous material. In particular, this arrangement of extinguishing agent outlets 31 and fluid intakes 201 provides a method that makes it possible to control and, if necessary, extinguish liquid hazardous materials even using an extinguishing agent that is not normally used for hazardous materials of this type. To provide this specific combination, the extinguishing agent outlets are arranged in such a way that they discharge in different directions, as is also shown schematically in the Fig. 2 shown.

[0159] As mentioned above, not only can the liquid hazardous material in the containment area be controlled by means of the extinguishing agent outlets 31, 40, 50, but also the liquid hazardous material within the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. This can be achieved in particular by means of the extinguishing agent outlets 40 located on the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, as well as by means of the extinguishing agent outlets 50 located on the ceiling 400. For this purpose, the fire protection area can be covered almost completely up to the ceiling 400.

[0160] The arrangement of storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, extinguishing agent outlets 31, 40, 50 and collection area 200, in particular with the fluid intakes 201, relative to each other thus allows even liquid hazardous material to be controlled locally with conventional extinguishing agents and any fire incidents to be fought.

[0161] The Fig. 7shows a fire protection system 1' according to the invention in a second embodiment. The embodiment of Fig. 7 largely agrees with the first embodiment of the Figures 1 to 3 agrees and displays a view according to the Fig. 2 Identical components are equipped with the same reference numerals. The functionality of the second embodiment is also described. Fig. 7 largely corresponds to the functionality of the first embodiment of the Fig. 2 agree, which is why this functionality will not be described further below and insofar as reference is made to the Fig. 2 is referred.

[0162] The difference to the embodiment of Fig. 2 consists in the fact that in the embodiment of the Fig. 7 A series of extinguishing agent outlets 31 are arranged not only on the block-shaped units, but also on the storage arrangement. In the embodiment of the Fig. 7Instead of the second multitude of extinguishing agent outlets, extinguishing agent outlets 31 of the first multitude have been individually arranged on the storage arrangement, which are designed to discharge the extinguishing agent with a first predetermined directional characteristic.

[0163] In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 7 The extinguishing agent outlets 31, which are individually arranged on the storage arrangement, are specifically designed to wet the storage containers arranged in the storage arrangement with extinguishing agent. For this purpose, the extinguishing agent outlets 31 are preferably arranged at the edges of the individual storage arrangement sections, in particular the rack sections, especially on the block-shaped units 30, 30', and are oriented so that the escaping extinguishing agent lands on the storage containers. The discharge direction of the extinguishing agent outlets 31 is described in the Fig. 7 schematically represented by arrows D and E.

[0164] The advantage of this design is that fewer extinguishing agent outlets can be provided in the storage arrangement without reducing fire protection efficiency. This is because the first set of extinguishing agent outlets, due to their predefined directional characteristics, directs the extinguishing agent onto a specific target area, such as one or two of the storage containers, whereas the extinguishing agent outlets of the second set (as in connection with the Fig. 2 (described) the extinguishing agent is usually dispensed in 360°, making it impossible to focus on a specific point.

[0165] Although two embodiments have been described above, in which the extinguishing agent outlets arranged on the storage arrangement are either extinguishing agent outlets of the first plurality or extinguishing agent outlets of the second plurality, it should be understood here that a combination of extinguishing agent outlets from the first and second plurality can also be arranged on the storage arrangement and / or the ceiling arrangement to combat the fire. The selection of extinguishing agent outlets should be chosen in particular so that extinguishing of the liquid hazardous material can be carried out both in the containment area and in the storage arrangement. Reference sign

[0166] fire protection system 1, 1' Storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d Actuators 11a, 12a, 13a Raising 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d Sloping surface 21a, 21b flat surface 22a, 22b Fluid barrier element 23a, 24a Collection area 200 Fluid absorption 201 Fluid barrier element 202 Block-shaped unit 30, 30' First multitude of extinguishing agent outlets 31, 31' Installation area 32, 32' extinguishing agent inlet 33 outlet opening 301 Directional element 302 Floor 300 Ceiling arrangement 400 Second set of extinguishing agent outlets 40, 50 Storage container 60 Fluid guide elements 70, 70', 70" Side surfaces 71, 72 Base area 74 Fluid conduction surface 75

Claims

1. A fire protection system (1, 1') for fire protection for liquid hazardous material, comprising: at least one storage arrangement (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) for storing the liquid hazardous material in at least one storage vessel (60), at least one collecting area (200), and a first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets (31) for discharging an extinguishing agent, a second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets (40, 50) for discharging the extinguishing agent, the at least one storage arrangement (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) being configured such that, in the event that the liquid hazardous material escapes from the at least one storage vessel (60), the liquid hazardous material is guided into the at least one collecting area (200) and collected there, and the at least one storage arrangement (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d), the at least one collecting area (200), and the first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets (31) and the second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets (40, 50) being disposed relative to one another such that the first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets (31) and the second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets (40, 50) are configured to discharge the extinguishing agent into the at least one collecting area (200) onto the liquid hazardous material in the event of a fire involving the liquid hazardous material, the first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets (31) being configured to discharge the extinguishing agent with a first specified directional characteristic causing the extinguishing agent to be discharged in the direction of the collecting area (200), and the second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets (40, 50) being configured to discharge the extinguishing agent with a second specified directional characteristic causing the extinguishing agent to be discharged in the direction of the collecting area (200), characterised in that in the first specified directional characteristic the extinguishing agent is not discharged with a 360 degree directional characteristic.

2. The fire protection system (1, 1') according to claim 1, wherein the at least one storage arrangement (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) comprises at least one fluid-tight elevation (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) configured to guide the liquid hazardous material into the at least one collecting area (200) in the event that the liquid hazardous material escapes from the at least one storage vessel (60), in particular wherein the at least one fluid-tight elevation (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) has at least one inclined surface (21a, 21b) sloping in the direction of the at least one collecting area (200) in order to guide the liquid hazardous material into the at least one collecting area (200) in the event that the liquid hazardous material escapes from the at least one storage vessel (60).

3. The fire protection system (1, 1') according to claim 2, wherein the storage arrangement (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) has at least one fluid barrier element (23a, 24a) connected to the at least one fluid-tight elevation (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) and is configured to prevent the liquid hazardous material from spreading into an area outside the at least one collecting area (200) in the event that the liquid hazardous material escapes from the at least one storage vessel (60).

4. The fire protection system (1, 1') according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one storage arrangement (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) comprises at least one fluid guiding element (70, 70', 70") configured to guide the liquid hazardous material into the at least one collecting area (200) in the event that the liquid hazardous material escapes from the at least one storage vessel (60); in particular wherein the at least one fluid guiding element (70, 70', 70") has a base surface (74) and at least one inclined fluid guiding surface (75) connected thereto, wherein the fluid guiding element (70, 70', 70") is disposed such that the at least one inclined fluid guiding surface (75) slopes along a fluid guiding direction of the at least one collecting area (200) in order to guide the liquid hazardous material into the at least one collecting area (200) in the event that the liquid hazardous material escapes from the at least one storage vessel (60).

5. The fire protection system (1, 1') according to claim 4, wherein the at least one fluid guiding element (70, 70', 70") further comprises at least one side surface (71, 72), wherein the at least one side surface (71, 72) is configured to prevent the liquid hazardous material from spreading into an area outside the at least one collecting area (200) in the event that the liquid hazardous material escapes from the at least one storage vessel (60).

6. The fire protection system (1, 1') according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one collecting area (200) comprises a plurality of fluid receptacles (201) configured to receive the liquid hazardous material guided into the collecting area (200).

7. The fire protection system (1, 1') according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of fluid receptacles (201) is configured to fully accommodate the liquid hazardous material in the event that the liquid hazardous material escapes from the at least one storage vessel (60).

8. The fire protection system (1, 1') according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one collecting area (200) has a length corresponding to an extension length of the at least one fluid-tight elevation (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), and wherein at least one fluid barrier element (202) is disposed at a first end and a second end of the length of the collecting area (200) in each case, and is configured to prevent the liquid hazardous material from spreading into an area outside the at least one collecting area (200) in the event that the liquid hazardous material escapes from the at least one storage vessel (60).

9. The fire protection system (1, 1') according to at least one of the previous claims, wherein the first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets (31) comprises a first subgroup, wherein the first subgroup comprises in each case at least two mutually associated extinguishing agent outlets (31), disposed in particular as a block-shaped unit (30) on the at least one storage arrangement (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d), wherein the at least two mutually associated extinguishing agent outlets (31) are aligned relative to one another at a specified angle , in particular wherein the specified angle is greater than or equal to 30°, in particular greater than or equal to 60°, still further in particular greater than or equal to 90°, in particular greater than or equal to 120°, in particular greater than or equal to 180°.

10. The fire protection system (1, 1') according to at least one of the previous claims, wherein the first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets (31) comprises a second subgroup, wherein the second subgroup comprises extinguishing agent outlets (31) disposed individually on the at least one storage arrangement (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d), so that the specified directional characteristic causes the extinguishing agent to be discharged in the direction of the at least one storage arrangement (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d), in particular the storage vessels (60).

11. A use of a fluid guiding element (70, 70', 70") in a fire protection system (1, 1') according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fluid guiding element (70, 70', 70") is configured to guide the liquid hazardous material into the at least one collecting area (200) in the event that the liquid hazardous material escapes from the at least one storage vessel (60).

12. A use of an extinguishing agent outlet (31) in a fire protection system (1, 1') according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the extinguishing agent outlet (31) is configured to discharge an extinguishing agent with a first specified directional characteristic, in particular comprising a directional element (302), in particular a spray disc element, configured to determine the first specified directional characteristic.

13. A use of a block-shaped unit (30) in a fire protection system (1, 1') according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: at least two extinguishing agent outlets (31), configured to discharge an extinguishing agent with a first specified directional characteristic.

14. A method of providing a fire protection system (1, 1') for fire protection for liquid hazardous materials, the method comprising: providing at least one storage arrangement (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) for storing the liquid hazardous material in at least one storage vessel (60), providing at least one collecting area (200), and providing a first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets (31) for dispensing an extinguishing agent, providing a second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets (40, 50) for dispensing the extinguishing agent, configuring the at least one storage arrangement (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) such that, in the event that the liquid hazardous material escapes from the at least one storage vessel (60), the liquid hazardous material is directed into the at least one collecting area (200) and collected there, and aligning the at least one storage arrangement (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d), the at least one collecting area (200), the first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets (31), and the second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets (40, 50) relative to one another such that the first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets (31) and the second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets (40, 50) are configured to discharge the extinguishing agent into the at least one collecting area (200) onto the liquid hazardous material in the event of a fire involving the liquid hazardous material, characterised in that the first plurality of extinguishing agent outlets (31) are configured to discharge the extinguishing agent with a first specified directional characteristic causing the extinguishing agent to be discharged in the direction of the collecting area (200), and the second plurality of extinguishing agent outlets (40, 50) are configured to discharge the extinguishing agent with a second specified directional characteristic causing the extinguishing agent to be discharged in the direction of the collecting area (200), wherein in the first specified directional characteristic the extinguishing agent is not discharged with a 360 degree directional characteristic.