Oxygen reduction system and method for operating an oxygen reduction system

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an oxygen reduction plant and a method for operating such a plant.

[0002] An oxygen reduction system of the type according to the invention serves, in particular, for the controlled reduction of the oxygen content in the atmosphere of an enclosed area. For this purpose, the oxygen reduction system comprises a gas separation system for providing an oxygen-reduced gas mixture or an inert gas, and a line system that is or can be connected in terms of flow to the gas separation system and the enclosed area in order to supply at least a portion of the gas mixture or gas provided by the gas separation system to the enclosed area as needed.

[0003] The method or the system according to the invention serves, for example, to reduce the risk and to extinguish fires in a protective space to be monitored, wherein the enclosed space is or can be permanently inerted at different reduction levels for fire prevention or fire fighting.

[0004] Document EP 1 913 980 A1 relates to an inerting device for setting and maintaining predeterminable inerting levels in a protected space to be monitored. For this purpose, the inerting device comprises a controllable inert gas system for providing inert gas, a supply pipe system connected to the inert gas system, which can be connected to the protected space to supply the inert gas provided by the inert gas system to the protected space, and an inert gas system control unit designed to control the inert gas system such that an inert gas rate provided by the inert gas system assumes a value suitable for setting and / or maintaining a first predeterminable inerting level in the protected space.

[0005] Document EP 1 913 978 A1 also relates to an inerting device for setting and maintaining predeterminable inerting levels in a protected space to be monitored. The inerting device comprises a controllable inert gas system for providing inert gas, a first supply pipe system connected to the inert gas system, which can be connected to the protected space to supply the inert gas provided by the inert gas system to the protected space, and a control unit designed to control the inert gas system such that a predeterminable inerting level is set and maintained in the protected space.

[0006] The document EP 2 233 175 A1 also relates to an inert gas system for fire prevention.

[0007] The basic principle of inerting technology for fire prevention is based on the realization that in enclosed spaces that are only occasionally entered by humans or animals and whose furnishings are sensitive to water exposure, the fire hazard can be countered by reducing the oxygen concentration in the affected area to, for example, approximately 15 vol. At such a (reduced) oxygen concentration, most combustible materials can no longer ignite. Accordingly, the main areas of application for this inerting technology for fire prevention include IT areas, electrical switch and distribution rooms, enclosed facilities, and storage areas with particularly high-value assets.

[0008] The fire prevention effect resulting from this process is based on the principle of oxygen displacement. Normal ambient air is known to consist of 21 vol.% oxygen, 78 vol.% nitrogen, and 1 vol.% other gases. To prevent fires, the oxygen content in the atmosphere of the enclosed space is reduced by introducing an oxygen-displacing gas, such as nitrogen. It is known that a fire prevention effect already begins when the oxygen content drops below the oxygen content in normal ambient air. Depending on the combustible materials present in the shelter, a further reduction of the oxygen content to, for example, 12 vol.% may be necessary.

[0009] Another example of an application for the oxygen reduction system or method according to the invention is the provision of training conditions for hypoxia training in an enclosed space with reduced oxygen levels. In such a space, training under artificially created altitude conditions is possible, which is also referred to as "normobaric hypoxia training."

[0010] Another application example is the storage of objects, especially foodstuffs, preferably pome fruit, under a so-called "Controlled Atmosphere (CA)", in which, among other things, the percentage of atmospheric oxygen is regulated in order to slow down the aging process of perishable goods.

[0011] An oxygen reduction system of the type mentioned above is known in principle from the prior art. For example, the document DE 198 11 851 A1 describes an inerting system designed to reduce the oxygen content in an enclosed space to a specific basic inerting level and, in the event of a fire, to rapidly further reduce the oxygen content to a specific full inerting level.

[0012] The term "basic inertization level" used herein refers to a reduced oxygen content compared to the oxygen content of normal ambient air. However, this reduced oxygen content does not pose any danger to persons or animals, so that they could still enter the permanently inertized area without any problems, at least for a short time, i.e., without special protective measures such as oxygen masks. The basic inertization level corresponds, for example, to an oxygen content in the enclosed area of ​​15 to 17 vol%.

[0013] In contrast, the term "full inerting level" refers to an oxygen content that is further reduced compared to the oxygen content of the basic inerting level, at which the flammability of most materials is already reduced to such an extent that they can no longer ignite. Depending on the fire load present in the affected area, the full inerting level is typically around 12 to 14 vol% oxygen concentration.

[0014] To equip an enclosed area with an oxygen reduction system, a suitable inert gas source must be provided to supply the oxygen-reduced gas mixture or inert gas to be introduced into the enclosed space. The delivery capacity of the inert gas source, i.e., the amount of inert gas that can be supplied by the inert gas source per unit of time, should be adapted to the properties of the enclosed area, in particular the volume and / or the airtightness of the enclosed area.

[0015] If the oxygen reduction system is used as a (preventive) fire protection measure, it must be ensured in particular that in the event of a fire, a sufficient quantity of inert gas can be introduced into the room atmosphere of the enclosed area within the shortest possible time so that an extinguishing effect occurs as quickly as possible.

[0016] Although the oxygen-reduced gas mixture or inert gas to be introduced into the enclosed area when needed could be stored in a high-pressure cylinder battery or similar compressed gas storage facility, it has become common practice in practice to produce at least part of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture to be provided by the inert gas source "on site", particularly because the storage of inert gas in gas cylinder batteries or similar compressed gas storage facilities requires special structural measures.

[0017] In order to be able to "produce" at least a portion of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture or inert gas to be provided by the inert gas source on site, the inert gas source generally has - in addition to a high-pressure cylinder battery or similar compressed gas storage device - a gas separation system in which at least a portion of the oxygen contained in an initial gas mixture supplied to the gas separation system is separated, so that an oxygen-reduced gas mixture is provided at an outlet of the gas separation system.

[0018] The term "initial gas mixture" used herein generally refers to a gas mixture that, in addition to oxygen, also contains nitrogen and, if appropriate, other gases (e.g., noble gases). A suitable initial gas mixture could be, for example, normal ambient air, i.e., a gas mixture consisting of 21 vol.% oxygen, 78 vol.% nitrogen, and 1 vol.% other gases. However, it is also conceivable that a portion of the ambient air contained in the enclosed area is used as the initial gas mixture, with fresh air preferably being added to this portion of ambient air.

[0019] The gas separation system serves, in particular, to maintain the reduced oxygen content in the atmosphere of an enclosed space at the appropriate level. Accordingly, the delivery capacity of the gas separation system, i.e., the amount of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture that can be made available per unit of time at the outlet of the gas separation system, is particularly adapted to the tightness of the space envelope of the enclosed area, so that appropriate holding flooding can be achieved via the gas separation system.

[0020] However, from a technical perspective, it is advantageous not to use the gas separation system, or not to use it exclusively, for the initial reduction of the oxygen content in the atmosphere of the enclosed area, since a relatively large amount of inert gas or oxygen-reduced gas is required per unit of time for an initial reduction. To achieve this with a gas separation system alone, the gas separation system would have to be designed accordingly, which is generally not feasible due to investment costs.

[0021] Therefore, in addition to the gas separation system, conventional oxygen reduction systems are usually equipped with a compressed gas reservoir in which an oxygen-reduced gas mixture or inert gas is stored in compressed form. The gas mixture or inert gas stored in this compressed gas reservoir serves primarily to quickly reduce the oxygen content in the corresponding enclosed area in order to rapidly lower the oxygen concentration in the event of a fire. However, it is also conceivable to use the gas mixture or inert gas stored in the compressed gas reservoir for an initial reduction of the oxygen content in the corresponding enclosed area, i.e., to initially reduce the oxygen content to a specific inerting level.

[0022] The present invention is based on the problem that after the triggering of a conventional oxygen reduction system, i.e. when the oxygen-reduced gas mixture or inert gas stored in compressed form in the compressed gas storage device has been introduced into the enclosed space for rapid or initial lowering, an exchange of the then emptied or partially emptied compressed gas storage device with a full compressed gas storage device is unavoidable in order to ensure that a rapid lowering according to a predetermined sequence of events can be realized again at a later time with the oxygen reduction system.

[0023] In many cases, however, replacing or changing at least one of the compressed gas cylinders in the compressed gas storage system is only possible with considerable effort, as the compressed gas storage system in an oxygen reduction system is often not freely accessible. This circumstance also leads, among other things, to the fact that the ongoing operating costs of an oxygen reduction system are often relatively high.

[0024] Based on this problem, the present invention is based on the object of developing an oxygen reduction system of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that the ongoing operating costs when operating the oxygen reduction system can be further reduced without impairing the effectiveness or efficiency of the oxygen reduction system.

[0025] This object is achieved by an oxygen reduction system according to independent patent claim 1 and by a method for operating an oxygen reduction system according to patent claim 12, wherein advantageous developments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0026] Accordingly, an oxygen reduction system is proposed, in particular, which comprises at least one gas separation system for providing an oxygen-reduced gas mixture at an outlet of the gas separation system as needed, and a compressed gas reservoir for storing an oxygen-reduced gas mixture or inert gas in compressed form. The compressed gas reservoir is fluidly connected or connectable to at least one enclosed area via a conduit system in order to supply at least a portion of the gas mixture or inert gas stored in the compressed gas reservoir to the at least one enclosed area as needed.On the other hand, the outlet of the gas separation system is optionally fluidly connected or connectable to an inlet of the compressed gas storage device or to the at least one enclosed space in order to supply the gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system to the compressed gas storage device and / or the at least one enclosed area as required.

[0027] Because the outlet of the gas separation system in the oxygen reduction system according to the invention can be fluidically connected optionally to an inlet of the compressed gas storage device and / or to the at least one enclosed space, the gas separation system has a dual function. On the one hand, the gas separation system serves to supply an oxygen-reduced gas mixture to the atmosphere of the enclosed area in order to reduce the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere of the enclosed area (= rapid or initial reduction) or to maintain the oxygen concentration at an already reduced level. On the other hand, the gas separation system serves, if necessary, to refill at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas storage device. This is necessary, for example, if at least part of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture or the oxygen concentration stored in compressed form in the compressed gas storage device has to be used up.An inert gas was previously introduced into the atmosphere of the enclosed space, for example, to quickly reduce the oxygen concentration there to a specific inerting level. Such rapid reduction by "injecting" an oxygen-reduced gas mixture or inert gas into the atmosphere of the enclosed space is particularly necessary when the oxygen concentration in the enclosed space must be reduced as quickly as possible in the event of a fire or for the purpose of initial reduction.

[0028] Because the gas separation system subsequently refills the compressed gas storage unit or at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas storage unit with a reduced-oxygen gas mixture, it is no longer necessary to replace the compressed gas storage unit or at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas storage unit, or even to refill it using an external system. The solution according to the invention is therefore particularly suitable for enclosed areas that are difficult to access, such as in remote locations.

[0029] In principle, the compressed gas storage unit or its pressure vessel(s) can now even be transported and installed empty, which significantly simplifies transport and installation. The compressed gas storage unit or its pressure vessel(s) will then be filled with a reduced-oxygen gas mixture for the first time on-site using the gas separation system prior to commissioning.

[0030] To optimize the capacity of the gas separation system—that is, the amount of oxygen-reduced gas mixture that can be provided per unit of time—and adapt it to the respective application, it is advantageous to install a compressor system upstream of the gas separation system, through which an initial gas mixture to be fed into the gas separation system is compressed accordingly. Depending on the operating mode (VPSA or PSA), the degree of compression of the initial gas mixture is 1 to 2 bar or 8 to 10 bar, respectively. Of course, other compression levels are also conceivable.

[0031] In particular, the gas separation system is designed to separate at least a portion of the oxygen contained in the supplied initial gas mixture.

[0032] Preferably, the gas separation system is designed to be operated either in a VPSA mode or in a PSA mode.

[0033] As already indicated, the term "initial gas mixture" used herein generally refers to a gas mixture that, in addition to oxygen, contains nitrogen and, if appropriate, other gases, such as noble gases. A suitable initial gas mixture could be normal ambient air, i.e., a gas mixture consisting of 21 vol.% oxygen, 78 vol.% nitrogen, and 1 vol.% other gases. However, it is also conceivable that a portion of the ambient air contained in the enclosed area is used as the initial gas mixture, with fresh air preferably also being added to this portion of ambient air.

[0034] A gas separation system operated in a VPSA mode is generally understood to be a system operating according to the vacuum pressure swing absorption (VPSA) principle for providing nitrogen-enriched air. According to the invention, such a VPSA system is preferably used as the gas separation system in the oxygen reduction system, although it can be operated in a PSA mode if necessary. The abbreviation "PSA" stands for "pressure swing absorption," which is commonly referred to as pressure swing absorption technology.

[0035] In order to be able to switch the operating mode of the gas separation system from VPSA to PSA, a further development of the present invention provides for the degree of compression of the initial gas mixture effected by the compressor system upstream of the gas separation system to be increased accordingly. In particular, it is provided that if the amount of an oxygen-reduced gas mixture to be provided per unit of time at the outlet of the gas separation system needs to be increased, the degree of compression is increased, in particular to a value that depends on the amount of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture to be provided per unit of time.

[0036] The increase in the compression of the initial gas mixture performed by the compressor system occurs particularly in the event of a fire, i.e., when, for example, a fire characteristic is detected in the atmosphere of the enclosed area, or when, for another reason, the oxygen content in the atmosphere of the enclosed area needs to be further reduced in the short term compared to a previously set or maintained oxygen content. On the other hand, the increase in the compression performed by the compressor system also occurs, for example, when the compressed gas storage unit or the compressed gas container(s) of the compressed gas storage unit need(s) to be refilled with a reduced-oxygen gas mixture.

[0037] In principle, the gas separation system is designed to have at least one nitrogen generator or several nitrogen generators connected in parallel. The at least one nitrogen generator is, for example, a nitrogen generator operated using PSA or VPSA technology. Specifically, a nitrogen generator based on PSA / VPSA technology has at least one adsorber vessel with adsorber material designed to adsorb oxygen molecules when an oxygen-containing gas is passed through the adsorber vessel.

[0038] Alternatively or in addition to a nitrogen generator operated using PSA or VPSA technology, the gas separation system can also include at least one nitrogen generator based on membrane technology. Such a nitrogen generator typically uses a membrane system that takes advantage of the fact that different gases diffuse through certain materials at different rates. A conceivable solution is to use a hollow-fiber membrane with a separation material applied to the outer surface of the hollow-fiber membrane, through which oxygen can diffuse very well, whereas nitrogen has only a low diffusion rate for this separation material.If air flows through the inside of a hollow fiber membrane prepared in this way, the oxygen contained in the air diffuses quickly through the hollow fiber wall to the outside, while the nitrogen is largely retained in the interior of the fiber, so that a concentration of the nitrogen takes place during its passage through the hollow fiber.

[0039] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, the gas separation system is designed as a mobile system which can be removed from the oxygen reduction system as needed.

[0040] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, it further comprises a compressor system upstream of the gas separation system for compressing an initial gas mixture to be supplied to the gas separation system. It is conceivable to design the compressor system upstream of the gas separation system as a mobile system that can be removed from the oxygen reduction system and / or the gas separation system as needed.

[0041] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, a compressor system is provided between the outlet of the gas separation system and the inlet of the compressed gas reservoir for compressing, as needed, the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system and supplied to the compressed gas reservoir or the compressed gas container or containers of the compressed gas reservoir. In this context, it is also conceivable to design the compressor system provided between the outlet of the gas separation system and the inlet of the compressed gas reservoir as a mobile system that can be removed from the oxygen reduction system and / or the gas separation system as needed.

[0042] According to the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, a line system is provided via which the outlet of the gas separation system is selectively fluidically connected or connectable to an inlet of the compressed gas reservoir and / or to the at least one enclosed area. The line system can, at least in some areas, correspond to the line system via which the compressed gas reservoir is fluidly connected or connectable to the at least one enclosed area. Alternatively or additionally, the line system via which the outlet of the gas separation system is selectively fluidically connected or connectable to an inlet of the compressed gas reservoir and / or to the at least one enclosed area can, at least in some areas, be designed as a mobile system that can be removed from the oxygen reduction system and / or the gas separation system as needed.

[0043] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, it further comprises a valve system with a first valve arrangement, wherein the first valve arrangement is designed to form and / or separate a flow connection between the outlet of the gas separation system and the inlet of the compressed gas storage device.

[0044] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, the system further comprises a valve system with a second valve arrangement, wherein the second valve arrangement is designed to form and / or separate a flow connection between an outlet of the compressed gas storage device and the at least one enclosed region.

[0045] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, it further comprises a valve system with a third valve arrangement, wherein the third valve arrangement is designed to form and / or separate a flow connection between the outlet of the gas separation system and the at least one enclosed region.

[0046] The valve system of the aforementioned various embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention can be designed at least partially as a mobile system which can be removed from the oxygen reduction system and / or the gas separation system as needed.

[0047] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, the compressed gas reservoir has at least one inlet and at least one outlet, wherein the inlet of the compressed gas reservoir and the outlet of the compressed gas reservoir are connected to the interior of the compressed gas reservoir via a connector piece. The connector piece can be designed as a connector piece that is common with regard to the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet. For example, the connector piece can be designed as a T- or Y-piece. Alternatively or additionally, the connector piece can be formed in a container valve of the compressed gas reservoir. For example, in this case, a pilot connection of the container valve could serve as the inlet of the compressed gas reservoir. Pilot connections are normally used to trigger one compressed gas container in series with the next. With parallel triggering, their function is lost.

[0048] According to the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, it further comprises a control device for the preferably coordinated control of controllable components of the oxygen reduction system. The control device is designed to control a valve system of the oxygen reduction system such that the outlet of the gas separation system is fluidly connected to the inlet of the compressed gas reservoir only when there is no fluid connection between the outlet of the compressed gas reservoir and the at least one enclosed area and / or no fluid connection between the outlet of the gas separation system and the at least one enclosed area.

[0049] According to the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, it further comprises a sensor unit for coordinating the provision of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture at the outlet of the gas separation system, for coordinating the supply of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system to the compressed gas storage device, for coordinating the supply of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system to the at least one enclosed area and / or for coordinating the supply of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture or inert gas stored in the compressed gas storage device to the at least one enclosed area.

[0050] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, the oxygen reduction system has at least one pressure sensor assigned to the compressed gas storage device for detecting, on demand or continuously, a preferably static and / or dynamic gas pressure of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture or inert gas stored in the compressed gas storage device.

[0051] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, it has at least one pressure sensor assigned to the at least one enclosed area for the on-demand or continuous detection of a preferably static gas pressure in the room atmosphere of the enclosed area.

[0052] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, it has at least one pressure sensor for detecting a preferably dynamic and / or static gas pressure at the inlet of the compressed gas storage device, in particular when supplying the gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system to the compressed gas storage device.

[0053] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, it has at least one temperature sensor assigned to the compressed gas storage device for detecting, on demand or continuously, a temperature of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture or inert gas stored in the compressed gas storage device.

[0054] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, it has at least one sensor assigned to the gas separation system for detecting, on demand or continuously, a residual oxygen concentration in the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system.

[0055] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, the at least one gas separation system has a first operating mode in which, as required, an oxygen-reduced gas mixture is supplied to the compressed gas storage device or to at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas storage device, and a second operating mode in which, as required, an oxygen-reduced gas mixture is supplied to at least one enclosed area, wherein the first and second operating modes are preferably adjustable by a control device and more preferably automatically, in particular selectively automatically, by a control device.

[0056] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, an upstream compressor system is assigned to the at least one gas separation system, wherein the upstream compressor system has a first operating mode in which, as required, an oxygen-reduced gas mixture is supplied to the compressed gas storage device or to at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas storage device, and a second operating mode in which, as required, an oxygen-reduced gas mixture is supplied to at least one enclosed area, wherein the first and second operating modes are preferably adjustable by a control device and even more preferably automatically, in particular selectively automatically, by a control device.

[0057] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, the outlet of the gas separation system is connected or connectable to a first manifold via a valve. In particular, it is provided that the first manifold and / or the valve are / is designed as a mobile system that can be removed from the oxygen reduction system and / or the gas separation system as needed.

[0058] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, the compressed gas storage device has a plurality of spatially separated compressed gas containers connected in parallel, each having at least one, preferably one, container valve. It is conceivable that a first line section is provided for preferably each of the plurality of compressed gas containers, via which first line section the respective container valve of the compressed gas container is fluidly connected to a first collecting line. The container valve of preferably each of the plurality of compressed gas containers is preferably fluidly connected to a second collecting line via a second line section. In this context, it is particularly conceivable for the second collecting line to be fluidly connected or connectable to the at least one enclosed area via a valve, in particular a section valve.Preferably, the second manifold and / or the valve are / is designed as a mobile system which can be removed from the oxygen reduction system and / or the gas separation system as required.

[0059] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, a control device is provided which is designed to control, preferably automatically and more preferably selectively automatically, corresponding valve arrangements assigned to the oxygen reduction system in a coordinated manner such that the outlet of the at least one gas separation system can be fluidly connected to the inlet of at least one compressed gas container if there is a fluid connection between the outlet of at least one further compressed gas container and the at least one enclosed area.

[0060] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, a control device is provided which is designed to control, preferably automatically and more preferably selectively automatically, corresponding valve arrangements assigned to the oxygen reduction system in a coordinated manner such that upon detection of a previously defined or definable minimum pressure and / or upon falling below a previously defined or definable minimum pressure in at least one of the compressed gas containers, a flow connection is selectively formed between the inlet of the at least one compressed gas container and the outlet of the gas separation system.

[0061] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, a backflow preventer, in particular in the form of a check valve, is assigned to at least one compressed gas container for blocking a gas flow from a line system running between the compressed gas container and the enclosed area to the compressed gas container.

[0062] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, at least one compressed gas container is assigned a backflow preventer, in particular in the form of a check valve, for blocking a gas flow from the compressed gas container to a line system running between the outlet of the at least one gas separation system and the compressed gas container.

[0063] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, at least one of the plurality of compressed gas containers has a container valve with a preferably pneumatically actuated quick-release valve arrangement for establishing, as needed, a flow connection between the corresponding compressed gas container and a line system running between the compressed gas container and the enclosed area. In this context, it is conceivable for the valve function of the quick-release valve arrangement to be deactivated as needed, particularly if the outlet of the gas separation system is connected or is to be connected to the inlet of the compressed gas container.

[0064] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, the gas separation system comprises a first gas separator, for example in the form of a nitrogen generator, and at least one further, second gas separator, for example also in the form of a nitrogen generator. It is conceivable for the first gas separator to be designed as a stationary gas separator, with the at least one second gas separator being designed as a mobile gas separator. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the first and the at least one second gas separator to be each designed as stationary gas separators. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the first and the at least one second gas separator to be each designed as mobile gas separators.

[0065] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, a sensor device is provided for monitoring the residual oxygen content of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system. It is conceivable in this case to provide a control device configured to supply the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system to the compressed gas storage device or at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas storage device only if the residual oxygen content of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system does not exceed a predetermined or definable threshold value.

[0066] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, the nitrogen concentration of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture that can be provided at the outlet of the gas separation system can be switched between at least two predetermined or definable values. It is conceivable here if the gas separation system is designed to provide an oxygen-reduced gas mixture with a first nitrogen concentration at the outlet of the gas separation system when the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system is to be supplied to the at least one enclosed area, and to provide an oxygen-reduced gas mixture with a second nitrogen concentration at the outlet of the gas separation system when the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system is to be supplied to the compressed gas reservoir or at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas reservoir.In particular, the first nitrogen concentration is lower than the second nitrogen concentration. For example, the second nitrogen concentration is at least 99 vol%.

[0067] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a compressor system is provided between the outlet of the gas separation system and the inlet of the compressed gas reservoir to compress, as needed, the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system and to be supplied to the compressed gas reservoir or at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas reservoir. Such compression is necessary, for example, when the pressure of the gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system is insufficient to achieve the desired compression for storing the gas mixture in the compressed gas reservoir.

[0068] The compressor system, which is provided as needed to further compress the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system and to be supplied to the compressed gas storage or at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas storage, is preferably designed as a mobile system which can be completely removed from the oxygen reduction system as needed, and in particular when filling of the compressed gas storage or at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas storage is not required or is not carried out.

[0069] In this context, it would be conceivable, for example, for the compressor system designed as a mobile system to be mounted or mountable on a transport pallet or similar structure that can be moved and / or loaded using an industrial truck, e.g., a pallet truck or forklift, in order to enable the compressor to be removed from the oxygen reduction system as easily as possible. Since in practice, filling of the compressed gas storage unit is often only required occasionally, the design of the compressor system as a mobile system allows this compressor system to be used in different, possibly even remotely located, oxygen reduction systems in order to compress the oxygen-reduced gas mixture to be fed to a compressed gas storage unit to be filled as required.

[0070] It should be emphasized here that, according to one inventive concept for refilling the compressed gas storage device, the oxygen-reduced gas mixture is provided, in particular, by a gas separation system, wherein the compressed gas storage device is, in particular, a compressed gas cylinder or a compressed gas cylinder battery. Furthermore, it is also possible for the compressed gas storage device to have any desired external shape, taking into account the spatial conditions on site, thus ensuring optimal utilization of the available space.

[0071] Of course, in this context it is also conceivable and advantageous if the gas separation system or only the gas separation system is designed as a mobile system, which can be (locally) removed from the oxygen reduction system if necessary.

[0072] As already explained in connection with the compressor system, the term "mobile system" is understood here to mean, in particular, a component that is integrated into the oxygen reduction system in such a way that it can be removed from the system without major effort. In particular, it is advisable to design the component in such a way that it can be moved using a forklift truck or the like.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, it comprises a valve system with a first, a second, and a third valve arrangement. The first valve arrangement is designed to establish or break a flow connection between the outlet of the gas separation system and the inlet of the compressed gas reservoir, as needed. The second valve arrangement of the valve system is designed to establish or break a flow connection between the outlet of the compressed gas reservoir and the at least one enclosed area, as needed, while the third valve arrangement is designed to establish or break a flow connection between the outlet of the gas separation system and the at least one enclosed area, as needed.

[0074] In a particularly easy-to-implement but nevertheless effective manner, it is preferably provided that the inlet of the compressed gas reservoir and the outlet of the compressed gas reservoir are connected to the interior of the compressed gas reservoir via a preferably common connector piece, in particular in the form of a T-piece or Y-piece.

[0075] For the coordinated control of the individual valve arrangements of the valve system, the oxygen reduction system according to the invention preferably has a control device. This control device is particularly designed to control the individual valve arrangements of the valve system such that the outlet of the gas separation system is only fluidly connected to the inlet of the compressed gas reservoir or to the inlet of at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas reservoir when there is no fluid connection between the outlet of the compressed gas reservoir and the at least one enclosed area and / or when there is no fluid connection between the outlet of the gas separation system and the at least one enclosed area. Of course, it is also conceivable to set a different priority in this context.

[0076] In some embodiments, two or even three separate control devices can be provided: one for establishing or disconnecting the connection between the outlet of the gas separation system and the compressed gas reservoir or at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas reservoir (refilling control) and one or two further ones for establishing or disconnecting the connections between the outlet of the compressed gas reservoir and the enclosed space (control of the initial or rapid lowering and full inertization) and between the outlet of the gas separation system and the enclosed space (control of the basic inertization or maintaining an oxygen concentration in the enclosed space).

[0077] According to a further aspect of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, a sensor unit is assigned to the control device. The sensor unit is preferably designed with at least one pressure sensor and / or at least one temperature sensor. In particular, it is provided that the state, in particular the fill level or fill level, of the compressed gas reservoir or at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas reservoir can be measured using the pressure sensor and / or the temperature sensor. During refilling with an oxygen-reduced gas mixture, a temperature increase can occur in the compressed gas reservoir or in at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas reservoir, which results in incomplete filling of the compressed gas reservoir with the oxygen-reduced gas mixture due to a subsequent decrease in temperature after refilling and a concomitant decrease in pressure.

[0078] Advantageously, the at least one pressure sensor and / or the at least one temperature sensor, in particular provided in and / or on the compressed gas reservoir, makes it possible to take temperature-dependent pressure conditions into account, for example, during the preferably automatic refilling of the compressed gas reservoir or at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas reservoir with an oxygen-reduced gas mixture by the control device. In this regard, it is also conceivable that, in the event of a temperature-dependent pressure increase in the compressed gas reservoir or in at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas reservoir, the control device controls the discharge of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture from the compressed gas reservoir, thus preventing damage to the compressed gas reservoir.

[0079] In a preferred form of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, the at least one gas separation system and / or the upstream compressor system has a first operating mode and a second operating mode in order to supply oxygen-reduced gas mixture to the compressed gas reservoir or at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas reservoir and / or to the at least one enclosed area as required. Preferably, it is further conceivable to provide a separate gas separation system for each operating mode. Thus, the first and second operating modes can each be implemented individually, or both operating modes can be implemented simultaneously, using a dedicated gas separation system. The gas separation system or the operating mode of the at least one gas separation system and / or the upstream compressor system is preferably controllable by the control device, in particular automatically.In this regard, it should be noted that the filling of the compressed gas storage unit or at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas storage unit with oxygen-reduced gas mixture is usually carried out with a higher nitrogen concentration of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture than is necessary for the oxygen-reduced gas mixture which is supplied to the enclosed area.

[0080] In this way, the oxygen-reduced gas mixture with a high nitrogen concentration, preferably with a nitrogen concentration of 99.5 vol.%, generated in the first operating mode of the gas separation system can be used to refill the compressed gas storage device. Optionally, this oxygen-reduced gas mixture generated in the first operating mode of the gas separation system can simultaneously be used to supply the enclosed area with an oxygen-reduced gas mixture as needed, which can be diluted to a sufficient nitrogen concentration, in particular a nitrogen concentration of 95 vol.%, for this purpose.Furthermore, the control device offers the possibility of operating the gas separation system in a second operating mode, wherein an oxygen-reduced gas mixture with a sufficient nitrogen concentration, preferably a nitrogen concentration of 95 vol%, is made available for supply to the enclosed area.

[0081] It is conceivable that, when refilling the compressed gas storage device with a high nitrogen concentration, a portion of the generated oxygen-reduced gas mixture is fed to the enclosed area via a bypass. Accordingly, for example, the flow connection between the outlet of the gas separation system and the enclosed area can be used as a bypass in conjunction with the third valve arrangement. The bypass preferably comprises a suitable orifice to reduce the nitrogen concentration of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture introduced into the enclosed area to a sufficient level, for example, by mixing it with the initial gas mixture.Through the advantageous control of the gas separation system, preferably automatically by the control device, the gas separation system can be operated efficiently and the oxygen-reduced gas mixture can be used optimally depending on the concentration provided.

[0082] Furthermore, when using two gas separation systems, it is possible to use one gas separation system in a first operating mode to refill the compressed gas storage tanks and, in particular, to supply an oxygen-reduced gas mixture, which has a suitable, sufficient nitrogen concentration, to an enclosed area in parallel using the other gas separation system in a second operating mode. Within the meaning of the present invention, a common compressor system or an upstream compressor system can be provided for several gas separation systems, if required.

[0083] According to a further aspect of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, the compressed gas storage device comprises a plurality of spatially separated, parallel-connected compressed gas containers, each having at least one, preferably one, container valve. Additionally, a first and a second manifold are provided. The outlet of the gas separation system is connected or connectable to the first manifold via a valve, while a first line section is preferably provided for each of the plurality of compressed gas containers, via which first line section the respective container valve of the one or more compressed gas containers is fluidly connected to the first manifold. The container valve of preferably each of the plurality of compressed gas containers is further fluidly connected to the aforementioned second manifold via a second line section.The second collecting line itself is or can be connected in terms of flow to the at least one enclosed area via a valve, in particular a section valve.

[0084] In this embodiment, the valve via which the outlet of the gas separation system is or can be connected to the first manifold forms the aforementioned first valve arrangement. On the other hand, the valve via which the second manifold is or can be connected in terms of flow to the at least one enclosed area is part of the second valve arrangement if the oxygen reduction system is assigned to multiple enclosed areas. If, however, the oxygen reduction system is assigned to only a single enclosed area, the valve via which the second manifold is or can be connected in terms of flow to the at least one enclosed area forms the second valve arrangement.

[0085] Furthermore, it can be provided that several compressed gas containers in the form of compressed gas cylinders or with any geometric external shape are fluidly connected to one another, for example via flexible hose connections or rigid connections, such as pipe connections. A common container valve is provided for each combination of several compressed gas containers into a single unit. Particularly for compressed gas containers with any external shape adapted to the respective spatial conditions, this provides the opportunity for optimal utilization of the individually available space, whereby the number of container valves to be controlled can be reduced as needed.

[0086] The oxygen reduction system according to the invention is particularly suitable for reducing the oxygen content in the room atmosphere or maintaining it at a reduced level in several spatially separated areas. Therefore, according to a further development of the present invention, the oxygen reduction system is assigned to a plurality of spatially separated areas, wherein the aforementioned second valve arrangement has an assigned valve (in particular a zone valve) for each of the plurality of areas, via which the second manifold is or can be connected in terms of flow to the corresponding area in order to supply an oxygen-reduced gas mixture or inert gas to this area as required.

[0087] For a further preferred form of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, it is provided that the control device controls the individual valve arrangements in a coordinated manner such that the outlet of the at least one gas separation system is fluidly connected to the inlet of at least one compressed gas container when the outlet of at least one further compressed gas container is fluidly connected to the at least one enclosed area. Consequently, the control device, particularly in conjunction with the sensor unit, is designed to selectively fill compressed gas containers with an oxygen-reduced gas mixture, while the at least one enclosed area can be supplied with an oxygen-reduced gas mixture from further compressed gas containers.

[0088] This advantageously ensures resource-efficient and time-optimized refilling of the compressed gas cylinders with oxygen-reduced gas mixture, while simultaneously maintaining a concentration or concentration control range of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture in the enclosed area. Furthermore, the selective filling and control of the compressed gas cylinders by the control device also improves the reliability of the oxygen reduction system.

[0089] In a preferred implementation of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, the control device is designed such that upon detection of a previously determinable minimum pressure and / or undershooting of a previously determinable minimum pressure in at least one of the plurality of compressed gas containers or the compressed gas reservoir, a flow connection is selectively established or can be established between the outlet of the gas separation system and the affected compressed gas container or the compressed gas reservoir. The minimum pressure is freely selectable and serves to indicate the at least partial or complete emptying of a compressed gas container. The control device can thus determine a user-defined status or threshold value for refilling a compressed gas container or the compressed gas reservoir based on the minimum pressure and, if necessary, initiate corresponding refilling. As a result, resource-saving refilling of the compressed gas containers orof the compressed gas reservoir. Furthermore, this makes it possible to detect leaks, e.g., of the compressed gas reservoir, if the control device detects a minimum pressure or a drop below this pressure in at least one of the compressed gas reservoirs using the sensor unit, and the control device starts refilling the compressed gas reservoir with a reduced-oxygen gas mixture, preferably automatically.

[0090] The invention is not only limited to an oxygen reduction system, but also relates to a method for operating an oxygen reduction system, in particular an oxygen reduction system of the type according to the invention described above. The method provides that an oxygen-reduced gas mixture or inert gas is first stored in compressed form in a compressed gas reservoir. In order to quickly reduce the oxygen content in the room atmosphere of an enclosed area, at least a portion of the gas mixture or inert gas stored in compressed form in the compressed gas reservoir or in at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas reservoir is then supplied to the enclosed area by fluidly connecting the compressed gas reservoir or at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas reservoir to the enclosed area.In order to maintain a reduced oxygen content in the room atmosphere of the enclosed area and / or to further reduce the oxygen content in the room atmosphere of the enclosed area, an oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at an outlet of a gas separation system is supplied to the enclosed area in a controlled manner by fluidly connecting the outlet of the gas separation system to the enclosed area.

[0091] In the operating method according to the invention, it is provided in particular that after the initial reduction or a rapid reduction of the oxygen content in the enclosed area, a refilling of the compressed gas storage or at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas storage takes place at least partially by supplying the gas mixture or inert gas compressed in the compressed gas storage, namely by fluidly connecting the outlet of the gas separation system to the compressed gas storage or to the at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas storage.

[0092] In a preferred implementation of the method according to the invention, it is provided that during the initial reduction or rapid reduction of the oxygen content in the enclosed area, at least a portion of the gas mixture or inert gas stored in compressed form in the compressed gas reservoir or in the at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas reservoir is supplied to the enclosed area in such a way that the oxygen concentration in the enclosed area does not fall below a first value that is predetermined or can be predetermined, in particular depending on the fire load of the enclosed area, and does not exceed a second value that is likewise predetermined or can be predetermined, wherein the second value is smaller than the value of the oxygen concentration in the normal atmosphere and greater than the first value. In particular, it is conceivable in this context that during the initial reduction or rapid reduction of the oxygen content in the enclosed area,During the rapid lowering of the holding floods, the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system is supplied to the enclosed area in a controlled manner such that the oxygen concentration in the enclosed area does not fall below the first value predetermined or determinable, in particular depending on the fire load of the enclosed area, and does not exceed the second value predetermined or determinable.

[0093] Preferably, the first and second predetermined or definable values ​​of the oxygen concentration correspond to lower and upper limit values ​​of a basic inerting level of the enclosed area.

[0094] According to a further aspect of the method according to the invention, it is provided that during the holding flooding after the initial lowering or rapid lowering, the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system is only supplied to the enclosed area in a controlled manner if it is verified during or after the initial lowering or rapid lowering, preferably automatically, in particular with the aid of at least one fire detector, and / or manually, in particular by actuating a corresponding switch, that there is no fire in the enclosed area.

[0095] In a preferred implementation of the method according to the invention, it is provided that it is verified automatically, in particular with the aid of at least one fire detector, and / or manually, in particular by actuating a corresponding switch, that a fire that has broken out in the enclosed area has not been or has not been sufficiently suppressed after the initial lowering or rapid lowering. In particular, it is provided that after verification that a fire that has broken out in the enclosed area has not been or has not been sufficiently suppressed, the oxygen content in the room atmosphere of the enclosed area is further reduced, namely by supplying at least a portion of the gas mixture or inert gas stored in compressed form in the compressed gas storage device or in at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas storage device to the enclosed area, namely by supplying the compressed gas storage device orat least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas storage device is fluidly connected to the enclosed area.

[0096] In particular, it is conceivable in this context that, after verification that a fire that broke out in the enclosed area was not or not sufficiently suppressed, the oxygen content in the atmosphere of the enclosed area is further reduced until the oxygen concentration in the enclosed area reaches a predetermined or definable target concentration, which corresponds to a nitrogen concentration that is at least equal to an extinguishing gas concentration dependent on the fire load of the enclosed space. The predetermined or definable oxygen target concentration in the enclosed area preferably corresponds to a full inerting level.

[0097] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable in this context that, after further reducing the oxygen content in the room atmosphere of the enclosed area, the predetermined or definable oxygen target concentration is maintained in the enclosed area (holding flooding). This is done by supplying an oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system to the enclosed area in a controlled manner, specifically by fluidly connecting the outlet of the gas separation system to the enclosed area. Preferably, during this holding flooding, at least a partial refilling of the compressed gas reservoir or at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas reservoir takes place, specifically by fluidly connecting the outlet of the gas separation system to the compressed gas reservoir or to the at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas reservoir.

[0098] According to a further aspect of the method according to the invention, the enclosed area is monitored for the occurrence of at least one fire characteristic, preferably continuously or at predetermined times or events. In this context, it is conceivable that at least the initial or rapid lowering is initiated, preferably automatically, as soon as at least one fire characteristic is detected.

[0099] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a control device is provided which is particularly designed to coordinate or monitor the filling of the compressed gas reservoir or at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas reservoir. The at least partial refilling of the compressed gas reservoir or of the at least one compressed gas container of the compressed gas reservoir can in particular also take place while, in parallel, the reduced oxygen content in the enclosed area is maintained and / or the oxygen content in the enclosed area is further reduced. This aspect of the invention is based on the recognition that when filling the compressed gas reservoir, particularly when it is designed in the form of a compressed gas cylinder battery, various conditions must be met in order to correctly and safely fill the individual compressed gas cylinders of the cylinder battery with the gas provided by the gas separation system.

[0100] Just as an example, there are different cylinder filling pressures for compressed gas cylinders. If a compressed gas cylinder is filled to the wrong pressure, the cylinder won't be completely filled, or overpressure will develop, which could damage the compressed gas cylinder (for example, a pressure relief disc on the cylinder could break).

[0101] Exemplary embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0102] They show: FIG. 1 schematically shows a first exemplary embodiment of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention; FIG. 2 schematically shows a second exemplary embodiment of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention; FIG. 3 schematically shows a container valve arrangement via which, in the exemplary embodiments, the respective compressed gas containers are or can be connected to the first and second collecting line of the oxygen reduction system; FIG. 4 schematically shows a third exemplary embodiment of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention; FIG. 5 schematically shows a block diagram for illustrating various exemplary connections of a control device of an exemplary embodiment of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention to components of the oxygen reduction system; FIG.5 also schematically shows a block diagram illustrating various exemplary connections of a control device of an exemplary embodiment of the inventive oxygen reduction system to grouped components of the oxygen reduction system; and FIG. 6 schematically shows a flow diagram of an exemplary control sequence for controlling or operating an oxygen reduction system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0103] The present invention is based on the problem that after a conventional oxygen reduction system has been triggered, i.e. when the oxygen-reduced gas mixture or inert gas, which is stored in compressed form in a compressed gas storage device, has been fed into an enclosed space for rapid or initial release, the then emptied compressed gas storage devices usually have to be replaced. In many cases, however, replacing the compressed gas storage devices can only be achieved with increased effort, since the compressed gas storage devices in an oxygen reduction system are often not freely accessible. This circumstance also leads, among other things, to the ongoing operating costs of an oxygen reduction system often being relatively high. In addition, fire protection cannot be guaranteed, or can only be guaranteed incompletely, during a replacement of the compressed gas storage device if no reserve compressed gas storage device is kept on hand.

[0104] In view of these problems, the object of the present invention is to provide an oxygen reduction system whose ongoing operating costs can be reduced without impairing the effectiveness of the oxygen reduction system.

[0105] Accordingly, an oxygen reduction system is proposed, which comprises at least one gas separation system for providing an oxygen-reduced gas mixture at an outlet of the gas separation system as needed, and a compressed gas reservoir, in particular in the form of one or more compressed gas containers, for storing an oxygen-reduced gas mixture or inert gas in compressed form. The compressed gas reservoir is fluidly connected or connectable to at least one enclosed area via a line system for supplying at least a portion of the gas mixture or inert gas stored in the compressed gas reservoir to the at least one enclosed area as needed.It is provided that the outlet of the gas separation system is or can be connected in terms of flow selectively and / or as required to an inlet of the compressed gas storage device and / or to the at least one enclosed area in order to supply the gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system to the compressed gas storage device and / or to the at least one enclosed area as required.

[0106] According to implementations of the oxygen reduction system, at least one control device is provided to establish, at least partially automatically and in particular selectively automatically, the flow connection between the outlet of the gas separation system and the inlet of the compressed gas storage device and / or the at least one enclosed area.

[0107] The at least one control device is preferably a combined hardware / software device. Input signals, such as sensor measurements or user configuration inputs, can be processed by the at least one control device and calculated using control software, e.g., WAGNER OxyControl ®. The control device can comprise a programmable logic controller (PLC), such as the S7 from Siemens AG, Munich, or the Type 750 from WAGO Kontakttechnik GmbH, Minden.

[0108] According to embodiments of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, the at least one control device is configured to receive sensor data in order to provide information, e.g. by displaying or outputting status or alarm data, for actuating a compressor system and the gas separation system and for actuating the valve arrangements belonging to the oxygen reduction system.

[0109] In one embodiment, the valve assemblies comprise both electromagnetic control valves and pneumatic zone valves. The control device is configured to generate and output electrical actuation signals for actuating the electromagnetic control valves. The control valves are fluidly connected or connectable to a control gas source, e.g., a pilot gas cylinder or control cylinder. As soon as the control valves are actuated, control gas flows out of the pilot gas cylinder or control cylinder and actuates the pneumatic zone valves as required.

[0110] In a further embodiment, an additional fire alarm control panel is provided as a secondary control device. The fire alarm control panel is configured to receive fire detection data from corresponding fire detectors, process fire alarm data, and signal a fire alarm. An exemplary fire alarm control panel can be obtained from Labor Strauss Sicherungsanlagenbau GmbH, Vienna, Austria. Both the control device and the fire alarm control panel can be configured to respond in the event of potentially dangerous conditions, e.g., smoke, fire, or critical oxygen concentrations.

[0111] According to a further aspect of the oxygen reduction system according to the invention, a sensor unit is assigned to the control device. The sensor unit preferably has at least one pressure sensor and / or at least one temperature sensor. In particular, the pressure sensor and / or the temperature sensor measure the condition, in particular the fill level or fill level, of the compressed gas reservoir. When refilling the compressed gas reservoir with an oxygen-reduced gas mixture, the temperature in the compressed gas reservoir can increase, which leads to incomplete refilling of the compressed gas reservoir and thus also to a subsequent pressure drop.

[0112] Preferably, with the aid of the at least one pressure sensor and / or the at least one temperature sensor, in particular in and / or on the compressed gas reservoir, temperature-dependent pressure conditions in the compressed gas reservoir can be detected and communicated to the control device, so that the refilling of the compressed gas reservoir with oxygen-reduced gas mixture takes place taking into account the temperature-dependent pressure conditions. In this regard, it is also conceivable for the control device to control or regulate the release of oxygen-reduced gas mixture from the compressed gas reservoir in response to a temperature-dependent pressure increase, thus preventing damage to the compressed gas reservoir.

[0113] In one embodiment of the oxygen reduction system, the at least one gas separation system and / or a compressor system upstream of the gas separation system has a first operating mode and a second operating mode for supplying the oxygen-reduced gas mixture to the compressed gas reservoir and / or the at least one enclosed area. Preferably, each operating mode is assigned an independent gas separation system. In this way, the first and second operating modes can be operated individually or simultaneously using independent gas separation systems. For this purpose, the gas separation system or the operating mode of the at least one gas separation system and / or a compressor system upstream of the gas separation system is preferably controlled, in particular automatically, by the control device.In this regard, it should be noted that refilling the compressed gas storage tank with an oxygen-reduced gas mixture is typically effected with a higher nitrogen concentration than is required for supply to the enclosed area.

[0114] In this way, the oxygen-reduced gas mixture produced in a first operating mode of the gas separation system with a high nitrogen concentration, preferably with a nitrogen concentration of 99.5 vol.%, can be used to refill the compressed gas storage device as needed. Optionally, this gas mixture produced in a first operating mode of the gas separation system can be used to simultaneously provide the enclosed area with an oxygen-reduced gas mixture, wherein the oxygen-reduced gas mixture is then diluted to a nitrogen concentration of, for example, 95 vol.%.

[0115] Furthermore, the control device offers the possibility of operating the gas separation system in a second operating mode in which an oxygen-reduced gas mixture with an effective nitrogen concentration, preferably a nitrogen concentration of 95 vol.%, is provided, which can be supplied to the enclosed area.

[0116] For example, it is conceivable that when refilling the compressed gas storage device with a high nitrogen concentration, a portion of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture produced is fed to the enclosed area via a bypass. For example, the flow connection between the outlet of the gas separation system and the enclosed area can be used as a bypass in conjunction with a valve arrangement. For this purpose, the bypass preferably comprises a suitable orifice plate for reducing the nitrogen concentration of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture to be fed to the enclosed area to an effective level, or, for example, a mixing chamber in which the oxygen-reduced gas mixture is mixed with an initial gas mixture.Through the advantageous control of the gas separation system, preferably automatically by the control device, the gas separation system can be operated efficiently and the oxygen-reduced gas mixture can be optimally used according to the intended concentration.

[0117] Furthermore, the use of two gas separation systems makes it possible to operate a first gas separation system in a first operating mode to refill the compressed gas storage device, and preferably to operate the other gas separation system in parallel in a second operating mode to supply the enclosed area with a reduced-oxygen gas mixture at an effective nitrogen concentration. It is conceivable to provide either a common or a separate upstream compressor system for each of the gas separation systems.

[0118] According to a further aspect of the oxygen reduction system, a system is provided in which the compressed gas storage device comprises a plurality of spatially separated compressed gas containers, which are arranged parallel to one another and preferably each connected to at least one container valve. Additionally, a first and a second collecting line are provided.

[0119] The outlet of the gas separation system is connected or connectable to the first manifold via a valve, while a first line section is provided for each of the plurality of compressed gas containers, via which the respective container valve is fluidly connected to the first manifold. The container valve of preferably one of the plurality of compressed gas containers is further connected to the aforementioned second manifold via a second line section. The second manifold itself is fluidly connected or connectable to the at least one enclosed area via a valve, in particular a section valve.

[0120] In this embodiment, the valve to which the outlet of the gas separation system is connected or connectable to the first manifold forms the aforementioned first valve arrangement. On the other hand, the valve through which the second manifold can be connected or fluidly connected to the at least one enclosed area is part of the second valve arrangement if the oxygen reduction system is assigned to multiple enclosed areas. If, however, the oxygen reduction system is assigned to only a single enclosed area, the valve through which the second manifold is fluidly connected or connectable to the at least one enclosed area forms the second valve arrangement.

[0121] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0122] The FIG. 1 The schematically illustrated first exemplary embodiment of the oxygen reduction system 100 according to the invention is characterized in particular by the fact that it comprises a gas separation system 102 and, in addition, a compressed gas storage unit 105. The gas separation system 102 and the compressed gas storage unit 105 together form the "inert gas source" of the oxygen reduction system 100.

[0123] A compressor system 101 is connected upstream of the gas separation system 102 to appropriately compress the initial gas mixture supplied to the gas separation system 102. By appropriately varying the pressure and volume flow of the initial gas mixture supplied to the gas separation system 102, the gas separation system 102 can be adjusted to a required nitrogen concentration and the necessary amount of oxygen-reduced gas.

[0124] At this point, however, it should be emphasized that it is not necessarily necessary to install a corresponding compressor system 101 upstream of the gas separation system 102.

[0125] The outlet of the gas separation system 102, i.e. the output of the gas separation system 102 at which the oxygen-reduced gas mixture or nitrogen-enriched gas mixture is provided, is fluidly connected or connectable to an enclosed space 107 via a first line system and is connected or connectable to the aforementioned compressed gas reservoir 105 via an additional, second line system. For this purpose, a first valve arrangement 104 is provided in the second line system, i.e. in the line system which connects the outlet of the gas separation system 102 to the compressed gas reservoir 105. A further valve arrangement 109 is provided in the line system which fluidly connects the outlet of the gas separation system 102 to the enclosed space 107. Another valve arrangement 106 is arranged in a line system which connects the compressed gas reservoir 105 to the enclosed area 107.In this way, the compressed gas storage 105 can be fluidly connected to the enclosed area 107 if required.

[0126] The oxygen reduction system 100 according to the invention is preferably assigned a control device 10 in order to be able to control the individual valve arrangements 104, 106 and 109 in a coordinated manner. In this case, the control device 10 is preferably further assigned a sensor unit with at least one pressure sensor and / or at least one temperature sensor, which are provided in particular in and / or on the compressed gas storage device. For the sake of clarity, the representation of the sensor unit in the FIG. 1 bis 4 waived.

[0127] In detail, in the exemplary embodiment shown, it is provided that the control device 10 is designed to control the individual valve arrangements 104, 106 and 109 in such a way that the outlet of the gas separation system 102 is or can be connected in terms of flow to the inlet of the compressed gas reservoir 105 preferably only when there is no flow connection between the outlet of the compressed gas reservoir 105 and the at least one enclosed area 107, ie when the third valve arrangement 106 is closed. Furthermore, the control device 10 is designed such that the outlet of the gas separation system 102 is preferably only fluidly connected or connectable to the compressed gas reservoir 105 via the first valve arrangement 104 when there is no fluid connection between the outlet of the gas separation system 102 and the enclosed area 107, that is to say when the second valve arrangement 109 is closed.

[0128] Alternatively, it is also possible to provide the oxygen reduction system 100 according to the invention, in particular the control device 10, in such a way that the outlet of the gas separation system 102 can be connected to the inlet of the compressed gas storage device 105 via the first valve arrangement 104 and to the enclosed area 107 via the second valve arrangement 109, as required, at the same time.

[0129] At the FIG. 1 In the schematically illustrated exemplary embodiment of the oxygen reduction system 100 according to the invention, a further compressor system 103 is provided, which is arranged in the line system that connects the outlet of the gas separation system 102 to the compressed gas container 105. With the help of this further compressor system 103, the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system 102 can be further compressed, if necessary, so that it can then be stored in the desired compressed form in the compressed gas container 105. If a compressed gas cylinder or cylinder battery is used as the compressed gas container, it is advantageous if the further compressor system 103 compresses the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system 102 to up to 300 bar.

[0130] The FIG. 2 The oxygen reduction system 100 shown schematically differs from the one shown in FIG. 1 schematically illustrated embodiment in particular in that the oxygen reduction system 100 according to the FIG. 2 In the embodiment shown, it is not assigned to just a single enclosed area 107, but to a plurality of enclosed areas 107a, 107b. The oxygen reduction system 100 is thus designed as a so-called multi-area system.

[0131] Another difference to the FIG. 1 The embodiment shown is that in the FIG. 2 In the schematically illustrated oxygen reduction system 100, the compressed gas storage device 105 comprises a plurality of spatially separated, parallel-connected compressed gas containers 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d. These compressed gas containers are, for example, commercially available high-pressure cylinders (300 bar cylinders).

[0132] The individual compressed gas containers 105a to 105d are connected in parallel to one another in order to be able to supply the gas mixture stored in compressed form in these compressed gas containers 105a to 105d to the enclosed area(s) 107a, 107b as quickly as possible, if required.

[0133] For the parallel connection of the pressure gas containers 105a to 105d, the FIG. 2 In the schematically illustrated embodiment, a first manifold 110 and a second manifold 111 are used. The first manifold 110 is fluidly connectable to the outlet of the gas separation system 102 via the first valve arrangement 104.

[0134] As with the FIG. 1 schematically illustrated embodiment is used in the FIG. 2 In the oxygen reduction system 100 shown, a further valve arrangement is used to connect the outlet of the gas separation system 102 to the first enclosed area 107a and / or the second enclosed area 107b, if required. In contrast to the FIG. 1 In contrast, in the schematically illustrated embodiment, this valve arrangement has a total of two valves 109a and 109b, each of which is designed as a section valve and is assigned to one of the corresponding enclosed areas 107a, 107b.

[0135] The aforementioned second collecting line 111 can also be fluidly connected to the corresponding enclosed areas 107a, 107b via corresponding section valves 106a, 106b. These valves 106a, 106b are preferably also designed as section valves.

[0136] The parallel connection of the individual pressure gas containers 105a to 105d is described below with reference to the schematic representation in FIG. 3 described in more detail.

[0137] In detail, in the embodiment shown schematically in the drawings, it is provided that each compressed gas container 105a to 105d is provided with a corresponding container valve 108 (cf. FIG. 3 ). Each container valve 108 of the compressed gas containers 105a to 105d is fluidly connected via a first line section to the first collecting line 110 and via a second line section to the second collecting line 111.

[0138] For this purpose, each container valve 108 of the compressed gas containers 105a to 105d is assigned a connector piece 113, in particular in the form of a T- or Y-piece, via which the corresponding first line section on the one hand and the corresponding second line section on the other hand are fluidly connected to the corresponding container valve 108 or the interior of the compressed gas container 105a to 105d.

[0139] Preferably, the container valves 108 of the compressed gas containers 105a to 105d are each designed as a quick-release valve arrangement, in particular as a pneumatically actuated quick-release valve arrangement, in order to establish a fluid connection between the corresponding compressed gas container 105a to 105d and the second manifold as needed. It is advantageous if the valve function of the quick-release valve arrangement can also be deactivated as needed, particularly when the outlet of the gas separation system 102 is or is to be connected to the inlet of the corresponding compressed gas container 105a to 105d for refilling purposes.

[0140] As in FIG. 3 As indicated schematically, it is further conceivable if at least one backflow preventer 112 is provided between the container valve 108 of the corresponding compressed gas containers 105a to 105d and the first and / or second collecting line 111, and in particular the first and / or second line section, in order to block a gas flow from the second collecting line 111 back to the compressed gas containers 105a to 105d and / or from the compressed gas containers 105a to 105d to the first collecting line 110. According to FIG. 3 The two backflow preventers 112 can be provided directly on a connector piece 113, in particular a T-piece, and fluidly connected to the container valve 108 of the respective compressed gas container 105a to 105d. Consequently, the inlet of the compressed gas reservoir and the outlet of the compressed gas reservoir are connected to the interior of the compressed gas reservoir via a preferably common connector piece 113. This fundamentally ensures that when the quick-release valve arrangements are triggered, no backflow can occur from the second manifold 111 into one of the compressed gas containers 105a to 105d, for example, if the pressure in one of the compressed gas containers 105a to 105d is lower than in the other compressed gas containers.

[0141] The FIG. 4 The schematically illustrated embodiment differs from the embodiment in FIG. 2 in particular by additional compressed gas containers 105e to 105f, which can be fluidly connected to the outlet of the gas separation system via another valve of the first valve arrangement 104. In this case, the control device according to the present invention is designed to control several valves of the first valve arrangement 104 accordingly.

[0142] As for the pressure gas cylinders 105a to 105d in FIG. 2 , are for the FIG. 4 For each of the further compressed gas containers 105e to 105f shown, a further first collecting line 110 and a further second collecting line 111 are provided. Also assigned to each of the further compressed gas containers 105e to 105f is a container valve 108 with a connector piece 113, in particular in the form of a T- or Y-piece, via which the corresponding first line section, on the one hand, and the corresponding second line section, on the other hand, can be fluidly connected to the respective container valve 108 or the interior of the further compressed gas containers 105e to 105f.

[0143] The further second collecting line 111 is also fluidly connectable to the corresponding enclosed areas 107a, 107b via corresponding section valves 106c, 106d. These valves 106c, 106d are preferably also designed as section valves.

[0144] Based on the FIG. 4 In the schematically illustrated embodiment of the present invention, it is advantageously possible for the additional compressed gas containers 105e to 105g and the compressed gas containers 105a to 105d to be used, preferably independently of one another, in a controlled or regulated manner by the control device 10. In particular, the refilling, for example, of the additional compressed gas reservoirs 105e to 105g can be carried out after a rapid lowering and / or initial lowering, while at the same time the compressed gas reservoirs 105a to 105d are fluidly connected to the enclosed regions 107a, 107b in order to maintain or further reduce a reduced oxygen content in the enclosed regions 107a, 107b.

[0145] Of course, the compressed gas containers 105a to 105d can also be refilled with oxygen-reduced gas mixture from the gas separation system 102, wherein the additional compressed gas containers 105e to 105g are connected in parallel to the enclosed areas 107a, 107b. Furthermore, the use of additional compressed gas containers 105e to 105g is not limited to the FIG. 4 The system is not limited to the number of compressed gas cylinders shown, but can be supplemented as required by additional compressed gas cylinders or additional, independently controllable combinations of several compressed gas cylinders.

[0146] With the FIG. 4 In the embodiment shown, multi-stage inerting is also advantageously possible. With multi-stage inerting, in the event of a fire, the oxygen concentration is initially reduced to a basic inerting level using the compressed gas containers 105a to 105d, and this level is maintained, for example, by introducing an oxygen-reduced gas mixture produced by the gas separation system 102 into the enclosed area 107. After a previously definable or specified period of time, a further check is carried out, for example using fire detectors or a visual inspection, to determine whether a fire is still present. If there is no longer a fire, the basic inerting level is maintained for a further definable or specified period of time to prevent reignition.However, if a fire still exists, the oxygen concentration is reduced to a full inerting level using the additional pressurized gas containers 105e to 105g and maintained at this level using the gas separation system 102.

[0147] In particular, it is provided that after the initial reduction or a rapid reduction of the oxygen content in the enclosed region 107a, 107b, by supplying the gas mixture or inert gas compressed in the compressed gas reservoir 105 or in at least one compressed gas container 105a-g of the compressed gas reservoir 105, the compressed gas reservoir 105 or the at least one compressed gas container 105a-g of the compressed gas reservoir 105 is at least partially refilled, namely by fluidly connecting the outlet of the gas separation system 102 to the compressed gas reservoir 105 or to the at least one compressed gas container 105a-g of the compressed gas reservoir 105.

[0148] In a preferred implementation, it is provided that during the initial reduction or the rapid reduction of the oxygen content in the enclosed area 107a, 107b, at least a portion of the gas mixture or inert gas stored in compressed form in the compressed gas reservoir 105 or in at least one compressed gas container 105a-g of the compressed gas reservoir 105 is supplied to the enclosed area 107a, 107b in such a way that the oxygen concentration in the enclosed area 107a, 107b does not fall below a first value that is predetermined or can be predetermined, in particular depending on the fire load of the enclosed area 107a, 107b, and does not exceed a second value that is also predetermined or can be predetermined, wherein the second value is smaller than the value of the oxygen concentration in the normal atmosphere and greater than the first value. In particular, it is conceivable in this context that during the initial reduction or the rapid reduction of the oxygen content in the enclosed area 107a, 107b,During the rapid lowering of the holding floods, the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system 102 is supplied to the enclosed area 107a, 107b in a controlled manner such that the oxygen concentration in the enclosed area 107a, 107b does not fall below the first value predetermined or definable, in particular depending on the fire load of the enclosed area 107a, 107b, and does not exceed the second value, which is also predetermined or definable.

[0149] Preferably, the first and second predetermined or definable values ​​of the oxygen concentration correspond to lower and upper limit values ​​of a basic inerting level of the enclosed area.

[0150] According to a further aspect, it is provided that during the holding flooding after the initial lowering or rapid lowering, the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system 102 is supplied in a controlled manner to the enclosed area 107a, 107b only if it is verified during or after the initial lowering or rapid lowering, preferably automatically, in particular with the aid of at least one fire detector 118, and / or manually, in particular by actuating a corresponding switch, that there is no fire in the enclosed area 107a, 107b.

[0151] In a preferred implementation, it is provided that it is verified automatically, in particular with the aid of at least one fire detector 118, and / or manually, in particular by actuating a corresponding switch, that after the initial lowering or rapid lowering, a fire that broke out in the enclosed area 107a, 107b was not or not sufficiently suppressed. In this case, it is provided in particular that after verification that a fire which has broken out in the enclosed area 107a, 107b has not been suppressed or has not been sufficiently suppressed, the oxygen content in the room atmosphere of the enclosed area 107a, 107b is further reduced, namely by supplying at least a portion of the gas mixture or inert gas stored in compressed form in the compressed gas storage 105 or at least a portion of the gas mixture or inert gas stored in at least one compressed gas container 105a-g of the compressed gas storage 105 to the enclosed area 107a, 107b, namely bythe at least one compressed gas container 105a-g of the compressed gas storage device 105 is fluidly connected to the enclosed area 107a, 107b.

[0152] In particular, it is conceivable in this context that, after verification that a fire that broke out in the enclosed area 107a, 107b was not or not sufficiently suppressed, the oxygen content in the room atmosphere of the enclosed area 107a, 107b is further reduced until the oxygen concentration in the enclosed area reaches a predetermined or definable target concentration, which corresponds to a nitrogen concentration that is at least equal to an extinguishing gas concentration dependent on the fire load of the enclosed space 107a, 107b. The predetermined or definable oxygen target concentration in the enclosed area 107a, 107b preferably corresponds to a full inerting level.

[0153] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable in this context that after further reducing the oxygen content in the room atmosphere of the enclosed area 107a, 107b, the predetermined or definable oxygen target concentration in the enclosed area 107a, 107b is maintained (holding flooding), specifically by supplying an oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system 102 to the enclosed area 107a, 107b in a controlled manner, specifically by fluidly connecting the outlet of the gas separation system 102 to the enclosed area. In this case, during this holding flooding, the compressed gas storage device 105 or at least one compressed gas container 105a-g of the compressed gas storage device 105 is preferably refilled at least partially, namely by connecting the outlet of the gas separation system 102 to the compressed gas storage device 105 oris fluidly connected to at least one compressed gas container 105a-g of the compressed gas storage device 105.

[0154] According to a further aspect, it is provided that the enclosed area 107a, 107b is monitored for the occurrence of at least one fire characteristic, preferably continuously or at predetermined times or events. In this context, it is conceivable that at least the initial or rapid lowering is preferably initiated automatically as soon as at least one fire characteristic is detected.

[0155] FIG. 5a shows a block diagram illustrating various exemplary connections of the control device 10 to components of the oxygen reduction system 100 according to one embodiment. The control device 10 receives inputs via various sensors. The sensor unit designated by reference numeral "114" provides the control device 10 with data from a temperature sensor 115 and a pressure sensor 116 located in, at, or on a compressed gas container 105. By calculating the temperature and pressure data, the control device 10 can effect more precise refilling in response to a temperature-dependent pressure increase in the compressed gas container 105. Furthermore, the pressure sensor 116 enables the control device 10 to detect a pressure drop in the compressed gas container 105, which can be a trigger condition for initiating refilling.

[0156] The oxygen sensor 117 provides values ​​of an oxygen concentration measurement in the enclosed area 107a, 107b to the control device 10, thereby enabling control of the activation or deactivation of the gas separation system 102 and / or the upstream compressor system 101 depending on the current oxygen concentration.

[0157] An optional fire alarm control panel 121 can also be connected to the control device 10 to trigger a fire alarm mode of the control device 10. The fire alarm mode may include, for example, triggering the extinguishing mode of the oxygen reduction system. The extinguishing mode includes lowering the oxygen concentration in the enclosed area 107a, 107b to a basic or full inerting level. A fire detector 118, which in this case is an aspirating smoke detector to enable the earliest detection of smoke in the enclosed area 107a, 107b, is configured to transmit alarm information to the fire alarm control panel 121 when smoke or a fire is detected in an enclosed area 107a, 107b. In the event of potentially dangerous conditions, e.g., smoke, fire, or critical oxygen concentrations, the control device 10 and the fire alarm control panel 121 are configured to trigger the alarm means 119.

[0158] A user interface 120 makes it possible to display information available in the control device 10, such as status or alarm information, and to execute user inputs intended for the control device 10, such as configuration inputs. The control device 10 is also connected to an upstream compressor system 101 in order to activate or deactivate this compressor system 101, or to increase or decrease the compression ratio of the upstream compressor system 101.

[0159] Furthermore, the control device 10 is connected to a downstream compressor system 103 to activate this compressor system 103 for refilling the compressed gas container 105 and to deactivate it when refilling is complete. To enable the control device 10 to control the basic inertization, rapid reduction of the oxygen concentration (for full inertization), and refilling modes, the control device 10 is connected to valves 104, 106, and 109 and can change the open or closed position of the valves 104, 106, and 109.

[0160] Fig. 5b shows in a grouped overview the components of the Fig. 5a as well as the communication directions between the control device 10 and the other connected components.

[0161] The control device 10 exchanges signals with the sensor unit 114, which in this exemplary embodiment comprises at least one temperature sensor 115 for measuring and / or monitoring the temperature of the compressed gas storage device 105, at least one pressure sensor 116 for measuring and / or monitoring the pressure of the compressed gas storage device 105, at least one oxygen sensor 117 for measuring and / or monitoring the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere of the enclosed area 107a, 107b and at least one oxygen sensor 122 for measuring and / or monitoring the residual oxygen concentration at the outlet of the gas separation system 102.

[0162] The control unit 10 also exchanges signals with the fire alarm control panel 121, which in turn communicates with at least one fire detector 118 to report a fire detected by a fire detector 118, for example, to a control center or the control unit 10 of the oxygen reduction system. The fire alarm control panel 121 also controls alarm devices 119a to alert people to the fire. The alarm devices 19a can be, for example, flashing lights, light panels, and / or horns.

[0163] The control device 10 can also control its own or additional alarm means 119b if, for example, the oxygen concentration measured by the at least one oxygen sensor 117 in the enclosed area 107a, 107b exceeds or falls below an inadmissibly high or inadmissibly low concentration.

[0164] The control device 10 also exchanges signals with the user interface 120, shown in this figure as an example of a touch panel attached to the control device 10. The user interface 120 displays, for example, configuration, status, and alarm data to a user and enables, for example, the setup or adjustment of the control functions of the control device 10 via user input. For example, threshold values ​​for the sensors of the sensor device 114 can be set or changed via the user interface 120, whereby exceeding or falling below the threshold values ​​can lead to a message or to the activation of alarm means 119b.

[0165] The control device 10 also exchanges signals with the gas separation system 102, for example, switching it on or off or querying the status of the gas separation system 102. The control device 10 also controls the compressor systems 101, 103 upstream and downstream of the gas separation system 102, for example, switching them on and off or a stepped or continuous increase or decrease in the compression ratio.

[0166] Furthermore, the control device 10 controls the valves of the first, second and third valve arrangements 104, 106 and 109, for example, it opens or closes the valves in order to selectively establish or separate flow connections between the gas separation system 102, the compressed gas storage 105 and the enclosed area 107a, 107b.

[0167] FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of an exemplary control sequence for controlling an oxygen reduction system, as used for example in FIG. 1 is shown.

[0168] The left branch of FIG. 6 shows a sequence for the initial lowering and / or maintaining a reduced oxygen concentration in the enclosed areas 107a, 107b ("basic inerting" mode). The right branch of FIG. 6 shows a sequence for fire detection, fire extinguishing ("full linertization" mode) and refilling of the compressed gas cylinders 105a to 105d.

[0169] Both sequences are shown as examples for the enclosed area 107a. Such sequences are, of course, also conceivable for the enclosed area 107b. Both sequences, which are shown in the left and right branches of the FIG. 6 shown can take place individually or in parallel.

[0170] The following description refers to the left branch of the FIG. 6 ("Basic Inerting Mode"): During operation of the oxygen reduction system, the oxygen concentration in the enclosed area 107a, 107b is continuously measured, and the measurement data is transmitted to the control device 10. When a predetermined maximum oxygen concentration is reached, the control device 10 opens the valve 109a and starts the upstream compressor system 101, i.e., upstream of the gas separation system 102, and the gas separation system 102 to supply an oxygen-reduced gas mixture to the enclosed area 107a. As soon as a predetermined minimum oxygen concentration is reached, the control device 10 stops the upstream or upstream compressor system 101 and the gas separation system 102 and closes the valve 109a.

[0171] Since the oxygen concentration naturally increases due to leaks in the enclosed areas 107a, 107b, it will sooner or later reach a maximum concentration, triggering a restart of the upstream compressor system 101 and the gas separation system 102.

[0172] The minimum and maximum concentrations can be individually set and stored in the control device 10. An exemplary minimum concentration could be 17.0 vol%, and an exemplary maximum concentration could be 17.4 vol%, which would correspond to a typical baseline inerting range.

[0173] Another example includes lower and upper limits at 14.0 vol% and 14.4 vol%, which would correspond to a typical full inerting range. The minimum and maximum concentrations can also be variably defined for a day and night mode, with the day mode representing a time of high human traffic in the enclosed area, requiring a higher oxygen concentration, and the night mode representing a time when few or no people enter the enclosed area, allowing for a lower oxygen concentration to increase fire protection efficiency.

[0174] The following description refers to the right branch of the FIG. 6 , which shows the interaction between fire detection, fire extinguishing ("fully linertized" mode), and refilling: Fire detection could be implemented with aspirating smoke detectors, thus creating a very practical, reliable, and visually appealing fire alarm system. When a fire is detected in the enclosed area 107a, the detection signal is transmitted from the fire alarm control panel 121 to the control device 10. As a result, the control device 10 opens the valve 106a and triggers the compressed gas cylinders 105a to 105d to discharge via a manifold 111 and the valve 106a, so that the oxygen-reduced gas mixture stored in the compressed gas cylinders 105a to 105d quickly enters the enclosed area 107a, thereby extinguishing the fire.

[0175] As soon as the oxygen concentration in the enclosed area 107a reaches a minimum, the extinguishing or full inerting mode is terminated by closing valve 106a. Refilling begins automatically or manually by opening valve 104 and starting the downstream compressor system 103.

[0176] The vessel pressure is continuously measured, and the measurement data is fed to the control device 10. The compressed gas vessels 105a to 105d are refilled until the pressure reaches a predetermined maximum. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure measurements are subject to temperature compensation. This is achieved by measuring both the pressure and the temperature in the compressed gas vessels 105a to 105d and by calculating a standardized pressure in accordance with thermodynamic formulas. The minimum and maximum pressures can be individually set and stored in the control device 10.

[0177] Refilling is completed by stopping the downstream compressor system 103 and closing the valve 104 by the control device 10. The system then returns to a mode in which the system is sensitive to fire alarm signals issued for the enclosed areas 107a, 107b, i.e., in a state of readiness for further rapid setback or full inerting in the event of reignition or renewed fire.

[0178] The invention is not limited to the embodiments of the oxygen reduction system 100 shown schematically in the drawings, but results from a synopsis of all features disclosed herein.

[0179] In particular, it is also conceivable in this context if an intermediate storage facility is provided directly at the outlet of the gas separation system in order to temporarily store the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system.

[0180] According to preferred implementations of the oxygen reduction system 100, it is provided to use an already stationary gas separation system (nitrogen generator) and to also keep the required additional downstream high-pressure compressor (compressor system 103) stationary or to provide it in a mobile manner.

[0181] However, if the investment in the additional structure (high-pressure lines for filling, valves, etc.) is not worthwhile for certain applications, a completely mobile variant (gas separation system 102, both compressor systems 101, 103) is advantageous.

[0182] Alternatively, a stationary gas separation system could be supported by a mobile gas separation system, because otherwise the stationary gas separation system would have to be designed larger to accommodate a possible refilling in order to generate the necessary delivery capacity. The possibility of providing two stationary gas separation systems (one for holding flooding, one for refilling) is also conceivable in principle.

[0183] If (only) a stationary gas separation system is present, it is advantageous if the nitrogen concentration of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture available at the outlet of the gas separation system is switchable. With regard to optimal delivery conditions, introduction into the chamber at a nitrogen concentration of approximately 95 vol.% has proven to be optimal. However, for filling, at least 98 vol.%, preferably at least 99 vol.%, is desirable to optimize the number of gas pressure vessels.

[0184] In addition to the pressure of the gas stored in the compressed gas storage device (cylinder pressure), it is advantageous to monitor the temperature of the compressed gas storage device (cylinder temperature). This not only serves to enable temperature-compensated pressure measurement or filling, but also to interrupt filling if a maximum temperature is exceeded in order to protect the cylinder valves. The temperature can be measured using magnetic thermocouples on the outer wall of the cylinders, for example. The temperature is preferably measured at at least two points on the compressed gas storage device, namely the coldest and the warmest point. The coldest and warmest points can be determined beforehand through tests or estimated based on the ambient conditions, e.g. based on cool wall surfaces or radiators. The temperature at the coldest point is then used for temperature-compensated pressure measurement or filling.Filling, while the measurement at the warmest point is intended to prevent exceeding a maximum temperature that could be harmful to the container valves.

[0185] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the residual oxygen content at the outlet of the gas separation system is monitored so that, in the event of an inadmissibly low nitrogen concentration, the nitrogen-reduced air is not discharged into the compressed gas storage tank, but rather to the outside or into the enclosed area in order to ensure the required purity. Bezugszeichenliste

[0186] 10Control device 100Oxygen reduction system 101Upstream compressor system 102Gas separation system 103Downstream compressor system 104First valve arrangement 105Compressed gas reservoir 105a-gCompressed gas reservoir 106, 106a-dThird valve arrangement or valves of the third valve arrangement 107, 107a,bEnclosed area 108Receptacle valve 109, 109a,bSecond valve arrangement or valves of the second valve arrangement 110First manifold 111Second manifold 112Backflow preventer 113Connector 114Sensor unit 115Temperature sensor 116Pressure sensor 117Oxygen sensor (area) 118Fire detector 119a, 119bAlarming means 120User interface 121Fire alarm control panel 122Oxygen sensor (gas separation system)

Claims

1. An oxygen reduction plant (100) which has the following: - at least one gas separation system (102) for providing, as required, an oxygen-reduced gas mixture at an outlet of the gas separation system (102), wherein the gas separation system (102) is in particular designed as a mobile system which can be removed, as required, from the oxygen reduction plant (100); - a compressed gas store (105; 105a-g), in particular in the form of one or more compressed gas containers, for storing an oxygen-reduced gas mixture or inert gas in compressed form; and - a valve system; wherein the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) is or can be fluidically connected, via a line system, to at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b) in order to supply, as required, at least a part of the gas mixture or, respectively inert gas stored in the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) to the at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b), wherein the outlet of the gas separation system (102) is or can be optionally fluidically connected to an inlet of the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) and / or to the at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b) in order to supply, as required, the gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system (102) to the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) and / or to the at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b), characterized in that the oxygen reduction plant (100) further has a sensor unit (114) in order to coordinate the provision of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture at the outlet of the gas separation system (102) and in order to coordinate the supply of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system (102) to the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g), and in that the oxygen reduction plant (100) further has a control device (10) connected to the sensor unit (114) in order to preferably actuate actuatable components of the oxygen reduction plant (100) in a coordinated manner, wherein the control device (10) is designed to actuate the valve system of the oxygen reduction plant (100) in such a way that the outlet of the gas separation system (102) is only then fluidically connected to the inlet of the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) when there is no fluidic connection between the outlet of the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) and the at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b) and / or there is no fluidic connection between the outlet of the gas separation system (102) and the at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b).

2. The oxygen reduction plant (100) according to Claim 1, wherein the sensor unit (114) is further designed to coordinate the supply of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system (102) to the at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b), and / or to coordinate the supply of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture or, respectively inert gas stored in the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) to the at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b).

3. The oxygen reduction plant (100) according to Claim 1 or 2, which further has a compressor system (101) upstream of the gas separation system (102) in order to compress an initial gas mixture to be supplied to the gas separation system (102), wherein the compressor system (101) upstream of the gas separation system (102) is preferably designed as a mobile system which can be removed, as required, from the oxygen reduction plant (100) and / or the gas separation system (102); and / or wherein a compressor system (103) is provided between the outlet of the gas separation system (102) and the inlet of the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) in order to compress, as required, the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system (102) and to be supplied to the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g), wherein the compressor system (103) provided between the outlet of the gas separation system (102) and the inlet of the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) is preferably designed as a mobile system which can be removed, as required, from the oxygen reduction plant (100) and / or the gas separation system (102).

4. The oxygen reduction plant (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein a line system is provided, via which the outlet of the gas separation system (102) is or can be optionally fluidically connected to an inlet of the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) and / or to the at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b), wherein the line system, via which the outlet of the gas separation system (102) is or can be optionally fluidically connected to an inlet of the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) and / or to the at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b), preferably coincides at least in certain regions with the line system, via which the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) is or can be fluidically connected to the at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b), and / or wherein the line system, via which the outlet of the gas separation system (102) is or can be optionally fluidically connected to an inlet of the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) and / or to the at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b), is preferably designed at least in certain regions as a mobile system which can be removed, as required, from the oxygen reduction plant (100) and / or the gas separation system (102).

5. The oxygen reduction plant (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, which further has a valve system having a first valve arrangement (104), wherein the first valve arrangement (104) is designed to form and / or separate a fluidic connection between the outlet of the gas separation system (102) and the inlet of the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g).

6. The oxygen reduction plant (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, which further has a valve system having a second valve arrangement (106; 106a-d), wherein the second valve arrangement (106; 106a-d) is designed to form and / or separate a fluidic connection between an outlet of the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) and the at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b); and / or which further has a valve system having a third valve arrangement (109; 109a, 109b), wherein the third valve arrangement (109; 109a, 109b) is designed to form and / or separate a fluidic connection between the outlet of the gas separation system (102) and the at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b), wherein the valve system is preferably and at least partially designed as a mobile system which can be removed, as required, from the oxygen reduction plant (100) and / or the gas separation system (102).

7. The oxygen reduction plant (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) has at least one inlet and at least one outlet, wherein the inlet of the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) and the outlet of the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) are connected via a connector piece (113) to the interior of the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g), wherein the connector piece (113) is in particular configured as a common connector piece with respect to the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet, and / or wherein the connector piece (113) is preferably configured as a T-piece or a Y-piece, and / or wherein the connector piece (113) is preferably designed in a container valve (108) of the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g).

8. The oxygen reduction plant (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the oxygen reduction plant (100) has at least one pressure sensor (116) allocated to the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) in order to capture, as required or continually, a preferably static and / or dynamic gas pressure of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture or, respectively inert gas stored in the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g); and / or wherein the oxygen reduction plant (100) has at least one pressure sensor allocated to the at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b) in order to capture, as required or continually, a preferably static gas pressure in the spatial atmosphere of the enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b); and / or wherein the oxygen reduction plant (100) has at least one pressure sensor in order to capture a preferably dynamic and / or static gas pressure at the inlet of the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g), in particular when the gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system (102) is supplied to the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g); and / or wherein the oxygen reduction plant (100) has at least one temperature sensor (115) allocated to the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) in order to capture, as required or continually, a temperature of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture or, respectively inert gas stored in the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g); and / or wherein the oxygen reduction plant (100) has at least one sensor (122) allocated to the gas separation system (102) in order to capture, as required or continually, a residual oxygen concentration in the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system (102); and / or wherein the at least one gas separation system (102) has a first operating mode, in which an oxygen-reduced gas mixture is supplied, as required, to the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g), and a second operating mode, in which an oxygen-reduced gas mixture is supplied, as required, to at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b), wherein the first and second operating modes can preferably be set by a control device (10) and, even more preferably, automatically, in particular optionally automatically, by a control device (10); and / or wherein an upstream compressor system (101) is allocated to the at least one gas separation system (102), wherein the upstream compressor system (101) has a first operating mode, in which an oxygen-reduced gas mixture is supplied, as required, to the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g), and a second operating mode, in which an oxygen-reduced gas mixture is supplied, as required, to at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b), wherein the first and second operating modes can preferably be set by a control device (10) and, even more preferably, automatically, in particular optionally automatically, by a control device (10); and / or wherein the outlet of the gas separation system (102) is or can be connected, via a valve (104), to a first collecting line (110), wherein the first collecting line (110) and / or the valve (104) is / are preferably designed as a mobile system which can be removed, as required, from the oxygen reduction plant (100) and / or the gas separation system (102).

9. The oxygen reduction plant (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the compressed gas store (105) has a plurality of spatially separated compressed gas containers (105a-g) connected to one another in parallel and having at least one container valve (108), preferably one each, wherein a first line section is in particular provided for preferably each of the plurality of compressed gas containers (105a-g), via which line section the respective container valve (108) of the compressed gas container (105a-g) is fluidically connected to a first collecting line (110), and / or wherein the container valve (108) of preferably each of the plurality of compressed gas containers (105a-g) is fluidically connected in each case, via a second line section, to a second collecting line (111), wherein the second collecting line (111) is or can be fluidically connected, via a valve (106, 106a-d), in particular a region valve, to the at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b), wherein the second collecting line (111) and / or the valve (106, 106a-d) is / are preferably designed as a mobile system which can be removed, as required, from the oxygen reduction system (100) and / or the gas separation system (102).

10. The oxygen reduction plant (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein a control device (10) is provided, which is designed to preferably automatically and, even more preferably, optionally automatically actuate corresponding valve arrangements (104, 106, 109) allocated to the oxygen reduction plant (100) in a coordinated manner in such a way that the outlet of the at least one gas separation system (102) can be fluidically connected to the inlet of at least one compressed gas container (105a-g) when a fluidic connection is present between the outlet of at least one further compressed gas container (105a-g) and the at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b), and / or wherein a control device (10) is provided, which is designed to preferably automatically and, even more preferably, optionally automatically actuate corresponding valve arrangements (104, 106, 109) allocated to the oxygen reduction plant (100) in a coordinated manner in such a way that upon detection of a previously specified or specifiable minimum pressure and / or in the event of a previously specified or specifiable minimum pressure being fallen short of in at least one of the compressed gas containers (105a-g), a fluidic connection is selectively formed between the inlet of the at least one compressed gas container (105a-g) and the outlet of the gas separation system (102); and / or wherein a backflow preventer (112), in particular in the form of a check valve, is allocated to at least one compressed gas container (105a-g) in order to block a gas flow from a line system running between the compressed gas container (105a-g) and the enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b) to the compressed gas container (105a-g); and / or wherein a backflow preventer (112), in particular in the form of a check valve, is allocated to at least one compressed gas container (105a-g) in order to block a gas flow from the compressed gas container (105a-g) to a line system running between the outlet of the at least one gas separation system (102) and the compressed gas container (105a-g); and / or wherein at least one of the plurality of compressed gas containers (105a-g) has a container valve (108) having a preferably pneumatically actuatable quick release valve arrangement for forming, as required, a fluidic connection between the corresponding compressed gas container (105a-g) and a line system running between the compressed gas container (105a-g) and the enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b), wherein the valve function of the quick release valve arrangement can preferably be switched off, as required, in particular when the outlet of the gas separation system (102) is or is to be connected to the inlet of the compressed gas container (105a-g); and / or wherein the gas separation system (102) has a first gas separator, preferably in the form of a nitrogen generator, and at least one further, second gas separator, preferably in the form of a nitrogen generator, wherein the first gas separator is preferably configured as a stationary gas separator, and wherein the at least one second gas separator is configured as a mobile gas separator, or wherein the first and the at least one second gas separator are in each case preferably configured as stationary gas separators, or wherein the first and the at least one second gas separator are preferably configured in each case as mobile gas separators.

11. The oxygen reduction plant (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein a sensor device is provided in order to monitor the residual oxygen content of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system (102), wherein a control device (10) is preferably provided, which is designed to only then supply the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system (102) to the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) when the residual oxygen content of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system (102) does not exceed a previously specified or specifiable threshold; and / or wherein the nitrogen concentration of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture which can be provided at the outlet of the gas separation system (102) can be switched over between at least two previously specified or specifiable values, wherein the gas separation system (102) is preferably designed to provide an oxygen-reduced gas mixture having a first nitrogen concentration at the outlet of the gas separation system (102) when the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system (102) is to be supplied to the at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b), and to provide an oxygen-reduced gas mixture having a second nitrogen concentration at the outlet of the gas separation system (102) when the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system (102) is to be supplied to the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g), and wherein the first nitrogen concentration is preferably lower than the second nitrogen concentration, and / or wherein the second nitrogen concentration is preferably at least 99 % by volume.

12. A method for operating an oxygen reduction plant (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the method has the following method steps: i) an oxygen-reduced gas mixture or inert gas is stored in compressed form in a compressed gas store (105; 105a-g); ii) at least a part of the gas mixture or inert gas stored in compressed form in the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) is supplied to the enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b) in order to quickly reduce the oxygen content in the spatial atmosphere of an enclosed region (107; 107a; 107b), and indeed in that the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) is fluidically connected to the enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b); iii) an oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at an outlet of a gas separation system (102) is supplied in a regulated manner to the enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b) in order to maintain a reduced oxygen content and / or in order to reduce the oxygen content in the spatial atmosphere of the enclosed region, and indeed in that the outlet of the gas separation system (102) is fluidically connected to the enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b); wherein after the method step ii) and preferably parallel to the method step iii) a refilling of the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) or a refilling of at least one compressed gas container (105a-g) of the compressed gas store (105) takes place at least partially, and indeed in that the outlet of the gas separation system (102) or, respectively of the at least one compressed gas container (105a-g) of the compressed gas store (105) is fluidically connected to the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g); and wherein the provision of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture at the outlet of the gas separation system (102) and the supply of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system (102) to the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) are coordinated with the aid of a sensor unit (114).

13. The method according to Claim 12, wherein the supply of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system (102) to the at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b), and / or the supply of the oxygen-reduced gas mixture or, respectively inert gas stored in the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) to the at least one enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b) is / are further coordinated with the aid of a sensor unit (114); and / or wherein the enclosed region (107; 107a; 107b) is preferably monitored continually or at predefined times or events with respect to the occurrence of at least one fire characteristic, and wherein at least the method step ii) is preferably automatically initiated as soon as at least one fire characteristic is captured.

14. The method according to Claim 12 or 13, wherein in the method step ii) at least a part of the gas mixture or inert gas stored in compressed form in the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) is supplied to the enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b) in such a way that the oxygen concentration in the enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b) does not fall short of a previously specified or specifiable first value in particular as a function of the fire load of the enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b) and does not exceed a likewise previously specified or specifiable second value, wherein the second value is preferably less than the value of the oxygen concentration in the normal atmosphere and preferably greater than the first value, wherein preferably in the method step iii) the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system (102) is supplied in a regulated manner to the enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b) in such a way that the oxygen concentration in the enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b) does not fall short of the previously specified or specifiable first value and does not exceed the previously specified or specifiable second value; and / or wherein the first and second previously specified or specifiable values preferably correspond to lower and upper limit values of a base inertization level of the enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b).

15. The method according to any one of Claims 12 to 14, wherein in the method step iii) the oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system (102) is only then supplied in a regulated manner to the enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b) when during or after the rapid reduction of the oxygen content in the spatial atmosphere of the enclosed region (107; 107a; 107b) in the method step ii) it is preferably automatically verified, in particular with the aid of at least one fire detector, and / or manually verified, in particular by actuation of a corresponding switch, that no fire is present in the enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b); and / or wherein it is automatically verified, in particular with the aid of at least one fire detector, and / or manually verified, in particular by actuation of a corresponding switch that a fire having broken out in the enclosed region (107; 107a; 107b) has not been or not sufficiently suppressed after the rapid reduction of the oxygen content in the spatial atmosphere of the enclosed region (107; 107a; 107b), and wherein the method further has the following method step after the method step iii): iv) the oxygen content in the spatial atmosphere of the enclosed region (107; 107a; 107b) is further reduced, and indeed in that at least a part of the gas mixture or inert gas stored in compressed form in the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) is supplied to the enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b), and indeed in that the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) or at least one compressed gas container (105a-g) of the compressed gas store (105) is fluidically connected to the enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b), wherein in the method step iv) the oxygen content in the spatial atmosphere of the enclosed region (107; 107a; 107b) is preferably further reduced until such time as the oxygen concentration in the enclosed region (107; 107a; 107b) reaches a previously specified or specifiable target concentration which corresponds to a nitrogen concentration which is at least the same level as an extinguishing gas concentration dependent on the fire load of the enclosed region, wherein the previously specified or specifiable oxygen target concentration in the enclosed region (107; 107a; 107b) preferably corresponds to a full inertization level, wherein the following method step is preferably further provided after the method step iv): v) maintaining the previously specified or specifiable oxygen target concentration in the enclosed region (107; 107a; 107b), and indeed in that an oxygen-reduced gas mixture provided at the outlet of the gas separation system (102) is supplied in a regulated manner to the enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b), and indeed in that the outlet of the gas separation system (102) is fluidically connected to the enclosed region (107; 107a, 107b), wherein preferably after the method step iv) and preferably parallel to the method step v), a refilling of the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) or a refilling of at least one compressed gas container (105a-g) of the compressed gas store (105) takes place at least partially, and indeed in that the outlet of the gas separation system (102) is fluidically connected to the compressed gas store (105; 105a-g) or, respectively to the at least one compressed gas container (105a-g) of the compressed gas store (105).