Foam extinguishing system, method for commissioning and for ensuring functional capability

Abstract

The present invention comprises a foam extinguishing system with a fluid supply (1) for providing a pressurized starting fluid, a line system (10) in fluid-conducting connection with the fluid supply (1), wherein the line system (10) comprises an admixing device (15) with a foam admixer (16) and a foam agent reservoir (17) for producing a foam agent-fluid mixture by admixing a foam agent from the foam agent reservoir (17) to the starting fluid for filling the line system (10) with foam agent-fluid mixture, at least one extinguishing foam outlet (50) for discharging the foam agent-fluid mixture in a protection area, characterized in that the foam extinguishing system further comprises a filling device (30) in fluid-conducting connection with the line system (10), the filling device (30) comprising a filling valve (31, 31a) and a filling supply (32) for supplying foam agent-fluid mixture;and further a procedure for ensuring the functionality of the foam extinguishing system and for commissioning the foam extinguishing system.;

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a foam extinguishing system for fire fighting, a method for commissioning the same and a method for ensuring its functionality. State of the art

[0002] Foam extinguishing systems are commonly used to extinguish fires in rooms or in or on objects such as machinery, gas turbines, warehouses, etc. This is achieved by connecting a foam agent supply via pipelines to foam outlets, usually sprinklers or nozzles, and discharging the extinguishing foam through these outlets in response to a fire characteristic.

[0003] In known foam extinguishing systems, the foam concentrate supply provides the foam concentrate-water mixture, a mixture of, usually, water as the starting fluid and a concentrated foam concentrate, which is generally present unfoamed within the pipe network. The foam concentrate-water mixture is usually expanded to form an extinguishing foam as the mixture emerges from the outlets. In some cases, however, pre-expansion or even full expansion can already occur within the pipe network, for example by introducing air or other gases into the foam concentrate-water mixture, often using so-called Venturi nozzles or Venturi tubes. In principle, other additives can be added to the starting fluid in addition to the foam concentrate, such as antifreeze for use at particularly low temperatures. Additives can be added before or after the foam concentrate is added.

[0004] Foam extinguishing systems, like conventional water-based sprinkler systems, are often so-called wet alarm systems, in which the pipe network is filled with a foam-water mixture up to the outlets in the idle state. The outlets in wet alarm systems are typically pressurized with the foam-water mixture and closed by closure elements in the idle state. The activation of the foam extinguishing system from the idle state to the extinguishing state occurs depending on fire parameters. The outlets are opened by releasing the closure elements, for example, in the form of passive heat-sensitive closure elements such as glass ampoules, active signal-controlled closure elements in conjunction with fire detectors or fire alarm control panels, or combined closure elements that are both heat-sensitive and signal-controlled.

[0005] When such foam extinguishing systems are activated, a fluid pump is typically also activated, which then pumps water through the pipe network toward the foam outlets. The fluid pump is activated either by a control signal from fire detectors or fire alarm control panels, or by a pressure sensor, known as a pump start pressure switch, which registers the drop in fluid pressure in the pipe network, which in turn is caused by the fluid being released at the foam outlets.

[0006] Common foam extinguishing systems of this type typically also feature pressure-activated alarm valves. These are configured so that, in the idle state—i.e., when the foam outlets are closed—the alarm valve cover is held closed by the fluid pressure in the downstream section of the pipe network. If one or more foam outlets are opened, the pressure in the downstream section of the pipe network drops, causing the valve cover to open and establish fluid communication between the fluid pump and the foam outlets. The fluid pump is started, and an alarm is triggered. Such alarm valves typically feature a bypass between the valve inlet and outlet, allowing small amounts of fluid to flow unhindered from the valve side closest to the pump to the valve side closest to the outlets.This allows small fluctuations in fluid pressure to be compensated without the alarm valve opening and triggering a false alarm.

[0007] The foam agent supply is typically located downstream of the fluid pump, usually upstream of an alarm valve. The foam agent supply contains a foam proportioner, which is connected to the piping system and evenly adds foam agent to the water to create the foam agent-water mixture at a predetermined proportioning rate, i.e., the mixing ratio of foam agent to water. Various foam agent supply systems are known in the art, for example, membrane tanks, in which the foam agent is constantly pressurized in a tank made of flexible material, or static tanks, in which either a propellant such as an inert gas pressurizes the foam agent or a pump delivers the foam agent.

[0008] Common foam concentrate supply systems have foam proportioners that, for example, passively discharge foam concentrate into the pipe network depending on fluid pressure or water flow velocity, or actively measure fluid pressure or flow velocity in the pipe network and subsequently control the foam concentrate discharge rate into the water. In both variants, a predetermined proportioning rate should be achieved as accurately as possible, whereby the required proportioning rates depend on the respective foam concentrate and, in some cases, on foam extinguishing system-specific requirements. The foam concentrate manufacturer usually specifies the desired proportioning rate, and legal requirements or the testing guidelines of certification bodies require compliance with tolerance limits, which are the maximum deviations from the actual proportioning.

[0009] Finally, foam concentrate-water mixtures with an excessively high or too low proportioning rate can result in firefighting foam with insufficient extinguishing effectiveness. For example, the resulting firefighting foam may have an expansion ratio that is too high or too low, i.e., the volume ratio between the finished firefighting foam and the original foam concentrate-water mixture. This leads to the firefighting foam gaining significantly more volume and becoming drier than desired, or to the volume no longer being sufficient to cover the area to be protected. Other physical properties of the firefighting foam are also directly dependent on the expansion ratio; firefighting foams with a low expansion ratio are wetter and cool better, can be projected further, but also adhere less well to surfaces and flow better.Firefighting foams with a high expansion ratio, on the other hand, are drier, adhere better, and stand up better, meaning they can be stacked high without flowing, but they have minimal cooling. Furthermore, an incorrect mixing rate can cause the resulting firefighting foam to decompose significantly faster, whether exposed to heat or not.

[0010] In particular, many of the newly developed fluorine-free foam concentrates change their respective extinguishing effect and physical properties particularly strongly depending on the proportioning rate, which makes compliance with the specified, tested and approved proportioning rates of these foam concentrates particularly important.

[0011] Known foam proportioners generally require a certain minimum flow velocity or rate of water through the proportioning area, i.e. the area of ​​the pipe network in which the foam agent is mixed with the water, in order to dispense foam agent at all or to add foam agent in the desired quantity, i.e. for the desired proportioning rate.

[0012] This minimum flow velocity or rate is often negligible in the event of activation, i.e., the activation of the foam extinguishing system, because when one or more foam outlets open, enough foam concentrate-water mixture escapes, and new output fluid can be pumped through the fluid pump to reach this minimum flow velocity or rate after a short time. This ensures that the newly generated foam concentrate-water mixture largely has the desired proportioning rate, and the resulting extinguishing foam largely has the desired physical properties and extinguishing effects.

[0013] Known foam extinguishing systems of this type usually have, in addition to the foam outlets, one or more test valves in the pipe network, via which the pipe network can be temporarily opened. The opening can be controlled manually, electrically or hydraulically.

[0014] Foam extinguishing systems often need to be put into operation for the first time after installation, or after partial or complete draining. This involves filling the pipe network up to the nozzles with a foam concentrate-water mixture. To do this, any shut-off or alarm valves are opened or released, and the fluid pump and foam proportioner are activated, flooding the pipe network with the generated foam concentrate-water mixture.

[0015] One or more of the sample valves or other outlet valves can be opened during or before the pipe network is filled so that any air or other fluids, such as antifreeze or water, still in the pipe network can escape through the open valves.

[0016] Furthermore, in foam extinguishing systems already in operation, it is often necessary to take samples of the foam concentrate-water mixture while in standby mode, for example, for further testing such as verifying the correct proportioning rate. Sampling is performed through the sample valves in the pipe network, usually involving a few liters of the foam concentrate-water mixture. The tests can then be conducted on-site or at a suitable location.

[0017] For example, the European insurers' guideline CEA 4001 (in the version VdS CEA 4001 : 2021-01 (07), paragraph M.1.2) requires that the foam concentrate-water mixture in the pipe network must be subjected to a quality test according to the manufacturer's instructions, but at least once a year. For this purpose, a sample must be taken at three different points, namely at the mixing point, in the middle of the ceiling pipe network or at thermally stressed points, and at the end of the pipe network at designated sampling points.

[0018] Sampling directly reduces the amount of foam concentrate-water mixture in the pipe network, thereby reducing the hydrostatic pressure in the pipe network. Excessive pressure in the pipe network can cause the valve cover of alarm valves to open, potentially triggering a false alarm. However, low sampling volumes can also be compensated for by the alarm valve's bypass, with the foam concentrate-water mixture already generated flowing through the bypass toward the foam outlets.

[0019] In most cases, sampling alone does not trigger the fluid pump to activate due to the fluid pressure falling below a pump start-up pressure threshold, as other regular maintenance tasks lead to a scheduled pump start-up, after which the pipe network is sufficiently refilled with a foam concentrate-water mixture. For example, regular valve tests are often required, whereby a test valve above an alarm valve is opened for an extended period to force the valve cover to open and the resulting alarm to sound. Regular system drains and fills may also be required. These other regular maintenance tasks are therefore usually performed before the pressure drop caused by sampling itself would trigger pump activation.

[0020] In its own, as yet unpublished and manufacturer-independent study of installed foam extinguishing systems, the applicant has found that in some cases the specified mixing rate of the foam agent to the starting fluid is not adhered to despite proper operation and maintenance.

[0021] The cause of this was identified as the foam agent proportioner's actual proportioning rate deviating too significantly from the specified value at very low flow rates. This is caused by the very small fluid volume required by the fluid pump. In other words, the fluid pump often cannot deliver such a small volume at the flow rate required by the foam agent proportioner to precisely achieve the set proportioning rate.

[0022] Furthermore, the applicant recognized that sampling only a few liters at a time only inadequately reflects the proportioning rate in the foam agent-water mixture in the pipe network. It may therefore be advisable to take samples with a larger sample volume. However, this would increase the frequency of pump activations due to the pressure drop caused by sampling, which would further exacerbate the problem identified by the applicant.

[0023] The consequence of all this is that parts of the foam agent-water mixture may be present in the pipe network, which do not have sufficient extinguishing effect.

[0024] An obvious solution to this problem is to generate a foam agent-water mixture using the foam proportioner in conjunction with the fluid pump, and then discharge the foam agent-water mixture present in the pipe network or initially introduced to a remote location until a homogeneous proportioning rate is achieved and maintained throughout the entire pipe network. However, the discharged mixture must be collected and disposed of at great expense to prevent contamination of wastewater or groundwater.

[0025] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a method for commissioning a foam extinguishing system and a method for ensuring the functionality of a foam extinguishing system, in which not the entire foam extinguishing system is put into operation and large quantities of foam-containing liquids to be disposed of are discharged. Description of the invention

[0026] The invention solves the underlying problem by proposing a method for ensuring the functionality of a foam extinguishing system according to claim 1, a method for commissioning a foam extinguishing system according to claim 7, and a foam extinguishing system suitable therefor according to claim 12.

[0027] The foam extinguishing system according to the invention comprises a fluid supply for providing a pressurized starting fluid, a line system in fluid-conducting connection with the fluid supply, wherein the line system comprises an admixing device with a foam admixer and a foam agent reservoir for producing a foam agent-fluid mixture by admixing a foam agent from the foam agent reservoir to the starting fluid for filling the line system with foam agent-fluid mixture, at least one extinguishing foam outlet for applying the foam agent-fluid mixture in a protection area, characterized in that the foam extinguishing system further comprises a filling device in fluid-conducting connection with the line system, the filling device comprising a filling valve and a filling supply for supplying foam agent-fluid mixture.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid supply comprises a fluid pump for conveying the output fluid in the piping system. The fluid pump can generate sufficient pressure, allowing the use of non-pressurized fluid reservoirs such as sprinkler ponds or water tanks, or fluid connections with insufficient pressure, if necessary. This includes foam extinguishing systems, for example, where very high delivery pressures must be achieved to convey the fluid across multiple building floors.

[0029] Such a fluid pump is typically not permanently active but is activated as needed via a fluid pump start control. This start control typically comprises a fluid pump control cabinet and a fluid pump start switch. The start switch is usually in the form of a so-called pump start pressure switch in fluid communication with the piping system. Such a pump start pressure switch reacts to a drop in fluid pressure in a section of the piping system and, if the pressure drops below a threshold, starts the fluid pump.

[0030] Alternatively, the fluid supply for providing a pressurized output fluid can be, for example, a municipal water supply or a connection to such a municipal water supply. Such municipal water supplies often already provide sufficient pressurized water, so an additional fluid pump is often unnecessary.

[0031] The starting fluid is preferably water, although various additives can be mixed into it. For example, antifreeze or corrosion inhibitors can be added to the starting fluid. It is important that the starting fluid, together with the foam agent used—that is, the foam agent-fluid mixture—achieves the desired extinguishing effect.

[0032] A piping system is understood to be a piping arrangement configured to conduct source fluid and fluids based thereon from the fluid supply to the extinguishing agent outlet(s). The piping arrangement can comprise rigid lines, such as metal or plastic pipes, or flexible lines, such as hoses. The piping system can be a multi-branched system with a total length of several hundred meters, or a directly connecting system with a length of less than one or a few meters, or anything in between. The piping system can run in any direction, for example, it can be attached to room ceilings, near the floor, or underground, or in any combination. The piping system includes further components or devices, which in particular carry fluids or come into contact with fluids.

[0033] The proportioning device mixes a foam agent into the source fluid, creating a foam agent-fluid mixture. For this purpose, the proportioning device has a foam proportioner, which mixes a foam agent into a pre-filled source fluid, and a foam agent reservoir. The foam agent reservoir can be detachably connected to the foam proportioner, for example, in the form of a foam agent container with a hose or pipe connection, or non-detachably connected to the foam proportioner, for example, integrated together in a proportioning device. Foam proportioners preferably add the foam agent directly into flowing source fluid to create a foam agent-fluid mixture at a desired proportioning rate.

[0034] The proportioning device is preferably arranged downstream of the fluid supply as part of the line system, meaning that the output fluid from the fluid supply is conducted through the line system to the proportioning device. Alternatively, it is also possible for the proportioning device to be arranged upstream of certain parts of the fluid supply, for example in particular the fluid pump, whereby a foam agent-fluid mixture is generated and then pumped into the line system by the fluid pump, for example. This is, but not exclusively, possible in particular when the fluid supply already provides pressurized output fluid, although not necessarily sufficiently, so that the output fluid can flow before the delivery pressure is amplified by a fluid pump.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the piping system comprises an alarm valve and a bypass around the alarm valve. The alarm valve shuts off the fluid connection between the fluid supply and the firefighting foam outlets for larger fluid volumes in the idle state, while the bypass continues to enable the fluid connection for smaller fluid volumes, enabling pressure equalization on both sides of the alarm valve even in the idle state. The alarm valve can preferably perform a shut-off function, whereby the alarm valve temporarily does not open properly, for example, if a critical fluid pressure difference exists, but remains closed.

[0036] The firefighting foam outlets are configured to discharge the foam agent-fluid mixture into an area. This area can be enclosed or open spaces, enclosed or open machinery or liquid tanks, or any other desired objects. The firefighting foam outlets are preferably designed such that they themselves contribute to foaming, i.e., to the mixing of air or gas into the foam agent-fluid mixture, increasing its volume, and thus to the generation of firefighting foam. Alternatively or additionally, other foaming devices can be arranged in the piping system to perform pre-expansion or full expansion prior to discharge through the firefighting foam outlets. However, the term "firefighting foam outlets" should not be understood as restricting the requirement to produce firefighting foam. It is not essential that the foam agent-fluid mixture achieves sufficient expansion.Even non-foamed mixtures, so-called wet water, have advantageous properties with regard to their extinguishing effect.

[0037] The firefighting foam outlets are preferably foam sprinklers, meaning foam nozzles with a closure element, such as glass ampoules or fusible links, which keep the firefighting foam outlets closed when not in use and release them into the environment depending on the ambient heat. Alternatively, active closure elements are also proposed, which open the outlets in response to a signal, usually electrical, from a fire detector or fire alarm system. Such active closure elements can also be located upstream of the actual foam nozzles, i.e., spaced apart from the nozzles in the piping system. The closure elements then usually take the form of controllable valves.

[0038] Alternatively, the fire-fighting foam outlets are individual outlets or groups of outlets located close together, such as those found on fire monitors, fire-fighting turbines or larger foam generators.

[0039] The foam extinguishing system according to the invention comprises a filling device in addition to the proportioning device, in fluid-conducting connection with the line system, wherein the filling device comprises a filling valve and a filling supply for supplying a foam agent-fluid mixture. The filling supply provides a foam agent-fluid mixture, wherein the foam agent-fluid mixture from the filling supply can differ from the foam agent-fluid mixture from the proportioning device. Preferably, these two foam agent-fluid mixtures are substantially identical. This means that the starting fluid of the two mixtures is similar, although not necessarily from the same source. For example, both starting fluids are water. Furthermore, the foam agent used is preferably also the same, i.e., with the same ingredients, although possibly in different concentrations.It may be advantageous for both foam agent-fluid mixtures to have different target proportioning rates, i.e., the proportioning rate to be achieved in the intended manner. Alternatively, it may also be advantageous to set identical target proportioning rates.

[0040] The filling device is fundamentally different from the proportioning device. The filling device enables the introduction of a foam agent-fluid mixture into the piping system without the need to activate the fluid supply, in particular a fluid pump of the fluid supply, and the proportioning device. This has the advantage of avoiding the disadvantages identified by the applicant when filling small quantities of liquid.

[0041] Preferably, the filling supply comprises a filling pump which, when the foam agent-fluid mixture is otherwise pressureless, can operate against a pressure normally prevailing in the pipe system in order to convey the mixture into the pipe system.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the foam agent-fluid mixture is provided in the filling supply as a ready and homogeneously mixed mixture, a so-called premix.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, the filling supply comprises a mixing device with which a foam agent-fluid mixture can be generated on-site from a fluid, preferably the starting fluid, and a foam agent. This is preferably a fluid tank into which the starting fluid and the foam agent can be introduced, with a stirring or circulation device, such as a circulation pump.

[0044] The filling valve ensures that no foam agent-fluid mixture can escape from the piping system through the filling device. The filling valve can comprise a remote-controlled valve or a manual valve, preferably a ball valve, to establish or shut off the fluid connection to the piping system in a controlled manner. Additionally or alternatively, the filling valve can comprise a check valve to further prevent the escape of the foam agent-fluid mixture.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the piping system comprises a shut-off valve which is connected upstream of the filling device, between the fluid supply and the extinguishing foam outlets, particularly advantageously between the fluid supply and an alarm valve. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the shut-off valve is connected downstream of a pump start pressure switch of a fluid pump, so that when the shut-off valve is shut off, the filling device and the pump start pressure switch are also disconnected. This effectively suppresses the functionality of the fluid supply. An alternative embodiment for suppressing the functionality of the fluid supply is to shut off a fluid pump and / or the fluid pump start control. For this purpose, the power supply to the fluid pump or the signal forwarding of a start signal in the fluid pump start control can be interrupted.

[0046] In preferred embodiments, the foam extinguishing system comprises at least one sampling device in fluid communication with the line system. The sampling device enables the sampling of samples of the foam agent-fluid mixture present in the line system. For this purpose, the sampling device comprises a sampling valve for opening and closing the fluid connection between the line system and the sampling outlet.

[0047] The extraction valve is preferably a manually controlled valve such as a ball valve. Alternatively, the extraction valve can also be remotely controlled.

[0048] The sampling outlet is preferably open and includes a connection point for a sample container or for a hose or pipe for introducing the sample into a sample container. Since the samples are usually to be examined at other locations, it is preferable to design the connection between the sampling device and a sample container as detachable.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the piping system comprises several, particularly preferably at least three, sampling devices in fluid communication with the piping system, wherein the sampling devices are arranged at different locations in the piping network. This allows a large amount of the foam agent-fluid mixture present in the piping network to be sampled.

[0050] In a further preferred embodiment, a sampling valve of a sampling device and the filling valve are implemented together in a directional valve, particularly preferably a 3 / 3-way valve. A first port of the directional valve would be fluidly connected to the sampling outlet of the sampling device, a second port would be fluidly connected to the filling supply, and a third port would be fluidly connected to the line system. This allows both functions—filling and sampling—to be performed in one location, saving space.

[0051] Particularly preferably, the directional control valve is arranged on a bypass around an alarm valve. This allows filling to be carried out as close as possible to the proportioning device without the risk of an unlocked alarm valve being forced open by fluid pressure during filling. At the same time, this positioning of the directional control valve also allows sampling as close as possible to the proportioning device.

[0052] The method according to the invention for ensuring the functionality of a foam extinguishing system comprises a foam extinguishing system, wherein the foam extinguishing system comprises a fluid supply for providing a pressurized starting fluid, a line system in fluid communication with the fluid supply, a filling device in fluid communication with the line system, comprising a filling valve and a filling supply for supplying foam agent-fluid mixture, at least one withdrawal device in fluid communication with the line system, the filling device each comprising a withdrawal valve and a withdrawal outlet, wherein the line system comprises an admixing device with a foam admixer and a foam agent reservoir for producing a foam agent-fluid mixture by admixing a foam agent from the foam agent reservoir to the starting fluid for filling the line system with foam agent-fluid mixture,at least one firefighting foam outlet for discharging the foam agent-fluid mixture in a protected area, and wherein the method comprises the following steps: opening the sampling valve of one of the sampling devices, taking a sample of the foam agent-fluid mixture at this sampling device, closing the sampling valve of this sampling device after taking the sample, providing a foam agent-fluid mixture in the filling supply, filling the line system with the foam agent-fluid mixture by means of the filling device, after closing the sampling valve.

[0053] The foam extinguishing system used and its embodiments have already been described.

[0054] Opening a sampling valve releases a foam agent-fluid mixture, allowing a sample to be taken by collecting the mixture in a suitable device such as a sample container. Preferably, approximately 5 liters are taken, and more preferably up to 30 liters. The sample volume is subject to a compromise between the accuracy requirements for sample analysis and the cost-effectiveness of the used foam agent and disposal costs of the sample.

[0055] After the sample has been taken, the sampling valve is closed again, thus preventing further unwanted discharge.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the method for ensuring the functionality of a foam extinguishing system, the foam extinguishing system comprises multiple sampling devices, and the method steps of opening the sampling valves of one of the sampling devices, taking a sample, and closing the sampling valves are performed for each of the multiple sampling devices. Particularly preferably, these three steps are first performed completely for a first sampling device, then for a second sampling device, and so on. This makes it possible for the method to be carried out by one person while manually handling the sampling device.

[0057] In a further preferred embodiment of the method for ensuring the functionality of a foam extinguishing system, the functionality of the fluid supply is suppressed as described above.

[0058] The method according to the invention for commissioning a foam extinguishing system comprises a foam extinguishing system, wherein the foam extinguishing system comprises a fluid supply for providing a pressurized starting fluid, a line system in fluid-conducting connection with the fluid supply, a filling device in fluid-conducting connection with the line system, the filling device comprising a filling valve and a filling supply for supplying foam agent-fluid mixture, wherein the line system comprises an admixing device with a foam admixer and a foam agent reservoir for producing a foam agent-fluid mixture by admixing a foam agent from the foam agent reservoir to the starting fluid for filling the line system with foam agent-fluid mixture, at least one extinguishing foam outlet for discharging the foam agent-fluid mixture in a protection area,and wherein the method comprises the following steps: providing a foam agent-fluid mixture through the filling supply, suppressing the functionality of the fluid supply, and filling the line system with the foam agent-fluid mixture by means of the filling device.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the method for commissioning a foam extinguishing system, the line system is filled for a predetermined duration or to a predetermined filling volume. The required filling quantity is determined in advance to avoid unnecessary consumption of foam agent and unnecessary disposal costs. Particularly preferably, the line system is filled until the line system is completely filled with the foam agent-fluid mixture. This ensures that the line system is completely filled with a mixture at the required proportioning rate to optimally ensure the extinguishing capacity of the foam extinguishing system.

[0060] In a further preferred embodiment of the method for commissioning a foam extinguishing system, the foam extinguishing system comprises at least one withdrawal device in fluid communication with the line system, and the method step of emptying the line system by means of the withdrawal device during filling. For example, the withdrawal valve can be opened for the duration of the filling, preferably for a predetermined period, so that residual liquids and air can be removed from the line system. The residual liquids can be substitute liquids such as antifreeze or corrosion inhibitors to keep the extinguishing system in good condition until commissioning. Alternatively, they can be previously introduced foam agent-fluid mixtures that are to be removed in order to create a system with a fresh foam agent-fluid mixture with a defined proportioning rate.In one embodiment, emptying during filling is solely a venting operation. An alternative dispensing device can also be provided for this purpose, which is permeable to air but not permeable to the foam agent-fluid mixture, thus reducing the risk of accidental discharge of fresh foam agent-fluid mixture through this dispensing device.

[0061] All disclosed embodiments of the foam extinguishing system are to be understood as directly and unambiguously disclosed for the described methods, and vice versa. Preferred embodiments of the foam extinguishing system are also simultaneously preferred embodiments of the method for commissioning and the method for ensuring functionality, and vice versa.

[0062] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures using preferred embodiments. Herein: Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of an embodiment of the foam extinguishing system according to the invention, Figure 2 shows an alternative schematic overview of an embodiment of the foam extinguishing system according to the invention.

[0063] Figure 1 shows a foam extinguishing system with a fluid supply (1) consisting of a fluid reservoir (1a) and a fluid pump (5). The fluid pump (5) is connected to a line system (10) for conveying an output fluid provided by the fluid reservoir (1a).

[0064] Immediately downstream of the fluid pump (5) in the piping system is the proportioning device (15), which consists of a foam proportioner (16) and a foam agent reservoir (17). The foam agent reservoir (17) provides the foam agent, which the foam proportioner (16) mixes into the source fluid to create a foam agent-fluid mixture.

[0065] An alarm valve (20) with a bypass (25) is connected downstream of the mixing device (15) in a fluid-conducting manner and connects the alarm valve inlet (21) and the alarm valve outlet (22) to one another in a fluid-conducting manner.

[0066] A multi-way valve, more precisely a 3 / 3-way valve (31, 41a), is connected to this bypass (25), which is connected at one of its outputs (31) to the filling device (30), which additionally has a check valve (31a) and a filling supply (32), wherein the filling supply (32) has a filling pump (33) and a mixing device (34). A withdrawal device (40a) with a withdrawal outlet (42a) is connected to the other, remaining output (41a) of the 3 / 3-way valve. The 3 / 3-way valve is configured such that in a first switch position, only the fluid connection is established between the bypass (25) and the filling device (30), in a second switch position, only the fluid connection is established between the bypass (25) and the withdrawal device (40a), and in a third switch position, the output to the bypass remains closed.

[0067] At the alarm valve outlet (22), the piping system (10) leads to a group of firefighting foam outlets (50) which are configured to dispense the foam agent-fluid mixture.

[0068] Between the alarm valve outlet (22) and the group of fire-fighting foam outlets (50), a second extraction device (40b) with an extraction outlet (42b) behind an extraction valve (41b) is connected in a fluid-conducting manner.

[0069] At a remote location in the pipe network (10), in the immediate vicinity of the fire-fighting foam outlets (50), a third extraction device (40c) with an extraction outlet (42c) is connected behind an extraction valve (41c).

[0070] Figure 2 shows a similar foam extinguishing system as Figure 1 . The following describes the differences between the foam extinguishing system and Figure 2 to Figure 1 described.

[0071] The foam extinguishing system from Figure 2 deviates from Figure 1another preferred fluid supply (1), wherein this fluid supply (1) provides pressurized output fluid even without a local fluid pump. For example, this is a pressurized municipal water connection.

[0072] Further shows Figure 2 deviating from this, an additional shut-off valve (19) between the alarm valve inlet (21) and the proportioning device (15), and the filling device (30), which is not fluidically connected to the bypass (25) of the alarm valve but to the pipe network (10) between the shut-off valve (19) and the alarm valve inlet (21).

[0073] The filling device (30) further comprises a check valve (31a) and a filling supply (32), which, however, does not consist of a mixing device and a filling pump. Instead, the filling supply (32) can consist of a pressurized membrane tank filled with premix and therefore requires neither a mixing device nor a filling pump. The filling device (30) here comprises a filling valve (31) in the form of a two-way valve, which is not structurally combined with the extraction valve of the first extraction device.

[0074] Also different shows Figure 2 the first removal device (40a) with a removal outlet (42a) behind a removal valve (41a), which, like the filling valve (31), is designed as a two-way valve List of reference symbols Fluid supply 1 Fluid reservoir 1a Fluid pump 5 piping system 10 proportioning device 15 Foam mixer 16 Foam agent reservoir 17 shut-off valve 19 alarm valve 20 Alarm valve input 21 Alarm valve output 22 Alarm valve bypass 25 Filling device 30 Filling valve 31,31a Filling supply 32 filling pump 33 Mixing device 34 Withdrawal device 40a,b,c extraction valve 41a,b,c Extraction outlet 42a,b,c Firefighting foam outlets 50

Claims

1. A method for commissioning a foam extinguishing system, wherein the foam extinguishing system comprises - a fluid supply (1) for providing a pressurized starting fluid, - a line system (10) in fluid communication with the fluid supply, - a filling device (30) in fluid communication with the line system, the filling device comprising a filling valve (31, 31a) and a filling supply (32) for supplying a foam agent-fluid mixture, wherein the line system comprises ∘ an admixing device (15) with a foam admixer (16) and a foam agent reservoir (17) for producing a foam agent-fluid mixture by admixing a foam agent from the foam agent reservoir to the starting fluid for filling the line system with a foam agent-fluid mixture, ∘ at least one extinguishing foam outlet (50) for discharging the foam agent-fluid mixture in a protection area,and wherein the method comprises the following steps: - providing a foam agent-fluid mixture by means of the filling supply, - suppressing the functionality of the fluid supply, and - filling the line system with the foam agent-fluid mixture by means of the filling device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the filling of the line system takes place for a predetermined duration or a predetermined filling volume.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the filling of the line system is carried out until the line system is completely filled with the foam agent-fluid mixture.

4. Method according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the fluid supply comprises a fluid pump (5) with a fluid pump start control in fluid-conducting connection with the line system for conveying the output fluid in the line system, and suppressing the functionality of the fluid supply comprises switching off the fluid pump and / or the fluid pump start control.

5. Method according to claims 1 to 4, wherein the suppression of the functionality of the fluid supply comprises shutting off a section of the line system, wherein the section is arranged downstream of a fluid pump (5) and / or the admixing device and / or a fluid pump start control, and the shutting off is effected by a shut-off valve (19) and / or an alarm valve (20).

6. Method according to claims 1 to 5, wherein the foam extinguishing system comprises at least one withdrawal device (40a,b,c) in fluid-conducting connection with the line system, each comprising a withdrawal valve (41a,b,c) and a withdrawal outlet (42a,b,c), and the method further comprises - venting the line system by means of the withdrawal device during filling.

7. A method for ensuring the functionality of a foam extinguishing system, wherein the foam extinguishing system comprises - a fluid supply (1) for providing a pressurized starting fluid, - a line system (10) in fluid communication with the fluid supply, - a filling device (30) in fluid communication with the line system, comprising a filling valve (31, 31a) and a filling supply (32) for supplying foam agent-fluid mixture, - at least one withdrawal device (40a, b, c) in fluid communication with the line system, the filling device comprising in each case a withdrawal valve (41a, b, c) and a withdrawal outlet (42a, b, c),wherein the line system comprises ∘ a mixing device (15) with a foam mixer (16) and a foam agent reservoir (17) for producing a foam agent-fluid mixture by mixing a foam agent from the foam agent reservoir into the starting fluid for filling the line system with the foam agent-fluid mixture, ∘ at least one extinguishing foam outlet (50) for discharging the foam agent-fluid mixture in a protection area, and wherein the method comprises the following steps: - opening the extraction valve of one of the extraction devices, - taking a sample of the foam agent-fluid mixture at this extraction device, - closing the extraction valve of this extraction device after taking the sample, - providing a foam agent-fluid mixture in the filling supply, - filling the line system with the foam agent-fluid mixture by means of the filling device, after closing the extraction valve.

8. A method for ensuring the functionality of a foam extinguishing system according to claim 7, the method further comprising - suppressing the functionality of the fluid supply.

9. A method for ensuring the functionality of a foam extinguishing system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the foam extinguishing system comprises at least three sampling devices, each with a sampling valve, and wherein the method comprises the method steps of - opening the sampling valves of one of the sampling devices, - taking a sample, and - closing the sampling valves are carried out for each of the at least three sampling devices.

10. Method according to claims 7 to 9, wherein the filling supply (32) comprises a filling pump (33), and the filling of the line system with the foam agent-fluid mixture is carried out by the filling pump.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the filling supply (32) comprises a mixing device (34), and the method further comprises: - generating the foam agent-fluid mixture by mixing foam agent and a fluid, preferably the starting fluid, by means of the mixing device.

12. Foam extinguishing system, comprising - a fluid supply (1) for providing a pressurized starting fluid, - a line system (10) in fluid-conducting connection with the fluid supply, wherein the line system comprises ∘ an admixing device (15) with a foam admixer (16) and a foam agent reservoir (17) for producing a foam agent-fluid mixture by admixing a foam agent from the foam agent reservoir to the starting fluid for filling the line system with foam agent-fluid mixture, ∘ at least one extinguishing foam outlet (50) for discharging the foam agent-fluid mixture in a protection area, characterized in thatthe foam extinguishing system further comprises a filling device (30) in fluid-conducting connection with the line system, the filling device comprising a filling valve (31, 31a) and a filling supply (32) for supplying foam agent-fluid mixture.

13. Foam extinguishing system according to claim 12, wherein the foam extinguishing system comprises at least one extraction device (40a,b,c) each having a extraction valve (41a,b,c) and a extraction outlet (42a,b,c).

14. Foam extinguishing system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the fluid supply comprises a fluid pump (5) with a fluid pump start control in fluid communication with the line system for conveying the output fluid in the line system.

15. Foam extinguishing system according to claims 12 to 14, wherein a withdrawal valve of one of the withdrawal devices in combination with the filling valve is in the form of a directional control valve with at least three connections, wherein a first connection is fluidly connected to the withdrawal outlet of these withdrawal devices, a second connection is fluidly connected to the filling supply and a third connection is fluidly connected to the line system.

16. Foam extinguishing system according to claim 15, wherein the line system comprises an alarm valve (20) and a bypass (25) around the alarm valve, and the directional control valve is fluidly connected to the bypass at the third port.

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