Multifunctional hybrid fire extinguishing system

Abstract

The invention relates to a multifunctional fire-fighting system, of the fixed and automatic type, comprising at least one further tank containing a liquid product or a tank or a service pipe containing a pressurized liquid or gas, where said system is configured to dispense said further liquid or gaseous product in a controlled manner, through the dispensers of the fire-fighting system. The invention further relates to a kit for converting an existing fire-fighting system into a multifunctional hybrid system as described above.

Description

[0001] TITLE

[0002] MULTIFUNCTIONAL HYBRID FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a fixed and automatic fire-fighting system, of the deluge type, with fractionated or sprayed water, which can carry out further functions in addition to the standard one of fire protection.

[0005] More in detail, the invention relates to a system intended for use in closed rooms or in outdoor spaces, private or open to the public, such as offices, laboratories, production departments, warehouses, sorting or shipping departments, control rooms, machine rooms, electrical rooms, industrial process areas, garages, basins and areas used for storage, greenhouses, mines, agricultural or livestock sheds, silos, restaurants, cinemas and theatres, banks, shopping centres, hotels, hospitals, schools, barracks, aircraft landing strips, vehicle transit areas, but also large transport means such as aircraft, trains, ferries, cruise ships or military ships, submarines or space ships.

[0006] The present invention further relates to a conversion kit for converting a traditional fixed and automatic fire-fighting system, of the fractionated or sprayed water deluge type, into a multifunctional hybrid system.

[0007] In numerous contexts, for example in the environments mentioned above, there may be a need or desire (sometimes an obligation) to be able to diffuse a fractionated, sprayed liquid product or a gas in a controlled manner for various purposes including, for example, modification of air parameters, sanitisation, disinfestation, cooling, antifreeze, humidification or diffusion of fragrances.

[0008] In some contexts, a fractionated, sprayed liquid or a gas can also be used to reduce dust or gaseous vapours dispersed in the environment or to create a barrier to shield or reduce the transmission of sound or electromagnetic waves (in particular those in the visible range) or to control other substances released into the environment. However, creating a system capable of fulfilling one or more of the uses described above, in particular to distribute a fractionated, sprayed or gaseous liquid product in a capillary manner in large environments or in buildings with numerous rooms, presents considerable difficulties.

[0009] In some cases, in fact, the installation of such a system is not possible or in any case involves particularly costly demolition and reconstruction interventions, especially in cases where there are aesthetic constraints to be respected.

[0010] In other cases, even in the absence of such interventions, the cost of creating such a system is often not justified by the result obtained therewith.

[0011] In such situations, the need is therefore felt to be able to have a system which allows the controlled dispensing of a fractionated, sprayed or gaseous liquid product in a certain number of environments, both indoors and outdoors, of various sizes, which is economical and simple to make and install.

[0012] In this context, it is the object of the present invention to propose a multifunctional hybrid fire-fighting system for distributing a fractionated liquid, sprayed or gaseous product in various environments, which can meet such needs.

[0013] In particular, it is the object of the invention to more intelligently exploit the infrastructure of a fire-fighting system, which in many contexts must be present by law, which is generally designed for an average life of approximately 25 years during which, however, it is called upon to intervene and with the purpose of fulfilling its fire protection function, only in rare cases.

[0014] The aforementioned object is achieved by a multifunctional hybrid fire-fighting system, of the fixed and automatic type, with fractionated or sprayed water deluge, in accordance with claim 1.

[0015] More in detail, the system according to the invention is created so as to be able to perform both the normal and priority fire-fighting function in the environments in which it is installed, and the function of distributing a further fractionated, sprayed liquid product or a gaseous product, possibly different from the extinguishing one, for uses and purposes other than fire-fighting.

[0016] Therefore, the present invention relates to a system provided, in addition to the typical components of a fixed and automatic deluge fire-fighting system using fractionated or sprayed water, with further devices, parts and substances which allow the controlled dispensing of said liquid or gaseous product.

[0017] Thanks to the present invention it is therefore possible to serve environments where a fire-fighting system is, or would be, provided, with a multifunctional hybrid fire-fighting system capable of alternatively dispensing a fractionated liquid, sprayed or gaseous product for other purposes, including those listed above.

[0018] In such conditions, the possible difference in cost of a multifunctional hybrid system according to the present invention with respect to that of a traditional system is zero for the distribution part and limited for the supply part and, in any case, adequate with respect to the further effect obtained with the multifunctional hybrid system.

[0019] In fact, using the same distribution pipes and the same dispensers as the traditional firefighting system, the multifunctional hybrid system does not require the use of new components or manpower to install them, as well as not requiring further demolition and reconstruction interventions for their installation.

[0020] In cases in which the environments are already served by a fixed and automatic firefighting system, it is however possible to convert the latter with a kit in accordance with claim 6, which allows the creation of a fixed and automatic fire-fighting system, with a further controlled dispensing function of a fractionated liquid, sprayed or gaseous product. In these cases, only some minor modifications to the fire-fighting supply system are necessary for the integration of different supply systems and distribution valves, without however modifying the existing fire-fighting supply and without requiring construction work or other interventions on the structure of the protected environments (walls, ceilings, etc.).

[0021] In detail, according to the present invention, the system comprises at least:

[0022] - a fire control unit;

[0023] - a first fire-fighting tank containing a water-based extinguishing liquid with connected a first fire-fighting pumping unit communicating with said first tank through a first suction pipe;

[0024] - at least a second tank containing a liquid product with an attached second pumping unit communicating with the second tank through a second suction pipe and / or at least one second tank or a service pipe containing a gaseous or liquid product under pressure, with an integrated discharge device;

[0025] - a delivery pipe for each pumping unit or pressure tank or pressure service pipe, provided with a non-retum valve;

[0026] - a common manifold into which all the aforesaid delivery pipes converge;

[0027] - one or more distribution valves installed on the common manifold;

[0028] - at least one liquid or gas transport pipe, which branches from each distribution valve;

[0029] - one or more dispensers connected to the transport pipes.

[0030] Said first fire-fighting pumping unit, in communication with the first fire-fighting tank of the extinguishing product, generally comprises the fire-fighting pump controlled by the fire control unit.

[0031] Said second pumping unit, in communication with the second liquid product tank, comprises a further pump which can be controlled by the fire control unit or, preferably, by a secondary control unit, which in turn can be controlled by the fire control unit or controlled independently.

[0032] Said second tank or said service pipe containing a gaseous or liquid product under pressure comprise a discharge device controlled by the fire control unit or, preferably, by the secondary control unit.

[0033] From the first pumping unit and from the second pumping unit and / or from the second pressure tank and / or from the pressurized service pipe originate respective individual delivery pipes for supplying the dispensers with the liquid or gaseous product.

[0034] A non-retum valve is installed on each individual delivery pipe.

[0035] After the aforesaid non-return valve, the individual delivery pipes join together in a common delivery manifold on which the distribution valves are positioned, typically controlled by the fire control unit.

[0036] Downstream of the distribution valves, the transport pipes, which connect one or more open dispensers installed within the fire-protected areas, are normally empty or in any case not under pressure.

[0037] The alternative use of the different supply sources of the product from extinguishing liquid to generic liquid to gaseous substance makes such hybrid systems multifunctional.

[0038] According to an aspect of the invention, the liquid or gaseous product, different from the extinguishing liquid contained in the tanks and / or in the service pipes, can include flammable, combustible or comburent substances, to the extent that the fire-fighting system still retains its full ability to extinguish the fire within the environment, despite the presence of these further liquid or gaseous products.

[0039] Said liquid or gaseous product is typically chosen from substances compatible with the materials with which the components of the fire-fighting system are made, in particular the pipes and valves.

[0040] According to an aspect of the invention, the secondary control panel is controlled and commanded, in cases where it is necessary, by the fire control panel; otherwise the secondary control panel can control but cannot command the fire control panel, thus preserving the functional autonomy of the fire control panel from external sources according to the strictest requirements of the fire-fighting regulations. According to an aspect of the invention, the devices which intercept the flow of liquid or gas directed to the dispensers (for example the valves) can be equipped with or accompanied by a manual mechanical opening device, which can be used in case of emergency or if the electrical voltage for automatic operation fail, according to the strictest requirements of fire-fighting regulations.

[0041] According to an aspect of the invention, the dispensing devices comprise open nozzles, compliant or approved for fire-fighting use, capable of dispensing the extinguishing liquid in a fractionated or sprayed manner and also suitable for the passage of other liquids or gases;

[0042] According to an aspect of the invention, for each individual deluge fire-fighting system, the distribution valves are single or double in parallel, depending on the need for the system to have a distribution valve with manual reset as normally envisaged for deluge fire-fighting systems, and still allow on / off automation by means of the second distribution valve which in this case can be remotely reset via command from the fire control unit;

[0043] According to an aspect of the invention, the distribution valve of the fire-fighting system can also be of the remote reset type, in which case the installation of the second manual reset valve is not necessary.

[0044] According to an aspect of the invention, the distribution valves are controlled and commanded for opening and / or closing by the fire control unit. If there are on / off valves dedicated to liquids other than extinguishing liquid, they are also preferably controlled by the fire control unit. Thereby, the fire control unit can control all the devices and equipment installed on board the fire-fighting system, and can send the respective operating commands, in compliance with the most restrictive fire-fighting regulations.

[0045] According to an aspect of the invention, the term extinguishing or extinguisher used in this summary of the industrial invention in describing the purpose of the fire-fighting system is to be understood in the broadest sense of the term including the control and suppression of the fire as well as the cooling of surfaces exposed to fire. According to an aspect of the invention, the non-retum valves positioned on the delivery pipes of the pumping units and / or tanks and / or pressurized service pipes of liquid or gaseous products are made of materials in accordance with fire-fighting regulations.

[0046] According to an aspect of the invention, the first pumping unit (fire-fighting) is configured to have a greater static and dynamic head with respect to the other pumping units and / or pressure tank or service pipe under pressure. Thereby, the simultaneous entry into the fire-fighting system of other liquid or gaseous products other than the extinguishing liquid from the non-retum valves is prevented, even with the second pumping units active or with discharges in progress from the tanks and service pipes under pressure.

[0047] Thereby, it is always possible to immediately switch the multifunctional hybrid system to the fire-fighting function only.

[0048] According to an aspect of the invention, the secondary control unit is configured to command the second pumping units and / or pressure tanks and / or service pipes under pressure, to perform programmed and timed dispensing cycles of the non-fire-fighting liquid or gaseous product.

[0049] According to an aspect of the invention, the secondary control unit can be controlled remotely, for example from an electronic device which is fixed (computer, etc.) or portable (smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.).

[0050] As a function of the nature of the liquid or gaseous product other than the extinguishing liquid contained in the tanks and / or service pipes, the fixed automatic hybrid multifunctional deluge fire-fighting system can be used for different purposes and applications.

[0051] For example, according to a first particularly advantageous mode of use, the second tank or service pipe contains water. According to such an embodiment, the hybrid system can also be used as a cooling system. In fact, the production of very fine drops of a few microns allows to exercise an effective cooling action (thanks to the removal of thermal energy from the ambient air by exploiting the evaporation of the drops) and, by appropriately calibrating the dispensing times, to avoid or limit to a minimum liquid deposits on surfaces and objects in the environment.

[0052] Thanks to the use of water only and the almost total absence of deposits, the dispensing can be performed even in the presence of people in the environments to be treated.

[0053] The dispensing of finely sprayed water can, however, have other uses in closed places, such as to encourage the precipitation of dust dispersed in the environment to the ground, particularly useful in some industrial contexts, or to form a barrier which reduces the transmission of electromagnetic waves, in particular in the visible field, for example for safety purposes or for recreational uses, or even to reduce the emission of sound waves.

[0054] According to another particularly advantageous mode of use, the second tank or service pipe contains a sanitizing product.

[0055] With such a mode of use, the hybrid system allows to sanitize rooms of buildings (homes, schools, hospitals, offices, theatres, shopping centres, etc.), aircraft cabins, train carriages or ships, in a substantially automated manner.

[0056] Thanks to the dispersion of the sprayed sanitizing liquid product, the latter can homogeneously deposit on all the surfaces of an environment to be treated without however excessively wetting them and without leaving residues thereon.

[0057] The sanitizing liquid product can comprise for example a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide in the mixture is in a percentage from 2% to 10%, preferably from 3% to 5% by volume.

[0058] To avoid, or limit, the formation of encrustations in the system, especially in the dispensing devices, and of residues on the treated surfaces, the water in the mixture is preferably demineralised.

[0059] Using other suitable liquid products, the hybrid system of the present invention can also be used to carry out the disinfestation of the environments served.

[0060] Thanks to the homogeneous diffusion of the product it is possible to treat all the desired areas of an environment or a building, in an automated manner and without the intervention of operators, with economic savings and without the risks deriving from contact with harmful substances.

[0061] According to a further mode of use, the second tank or service pipe contains a fragrance to perfume the environment, which can be particularly useful for example in the rooms and common areas of a hotel or a cruise ship but also in shopping centres or the like.

[0062] According to a variant of the invention, the system can also comprise further tanks with further pumps connected or comprise further pressurized service pipes, connected in the same manner as the previous ones to the common manifold, containing further and different liquids or gases for different uses with respect to the previous ones.

[0063] According to another variant of the invention, the system can also comprise further tanks, connected with independent suction pipes to the second pumping unit, containing further and different liquids for different uses with respect to the previous ones.

[0064] According to such a variant, valves, typically solenoid valves, commanded by the secondary control unit, are mounted on the suction pipes which connect the second pumping unit to said further tanks.

[0065] By means of the secondary control unit it is therefore possible to select which of the non-fire-fighting liquids or gases to distribute with the multifunctional hybrid system, when and for how long to keep the dispensing by the dispensing devices active.

[0066] As can be easily understood, such a variant of the hybrid system allows different liquids to be dispensed in a controlled manner so as to perform more of the functions among those described above, for example cooling and sanitizing, sanitising and perfuming, etc.

[0067] The tanks connected to the second pumping unit can also be more than two based on the applications required of the multifunctional hybrid system.

[0068] According to an aspect of the invention, the secondary control unit is programmable to perform timed dispensing cycles of the non-fire-fighting liquid or gaseous product through the fire-fighting dispensers.

[0069] In detail, each dispensing cycle involves opening and keeping open the distribution valves towards the rooms where the dispensing is intended to be carried out and starting and keeping the second pumping unit started, or activating and keeping open the discharge valve of the tank or pressurized service pipe, to dispense the non-fire-fighting liquid or gas through the dispensers for a time tl necessary for the purpose of the function.

[0070] Once the time tl has elapsed, the secondary control unit switches and closes the distribution valves, stops the secondary pumping unit or closes the discharge devices of the tanks and pressurized service pipes.

[0071] The dispensing time tl of the non-fire-fighting liquid or gaseous product, as well as the frequency of the dispensing cycles, is variable as a function of the application and use.

[0072] In general, the time tl is comprised between a few seconds, for example for sanitizing or perfuming, up to a few minutes for dust suppression and the creation of sound and visual barriers.

[0073] According to the invention, the distribution valves can be commanded independently so as to dispense the non-fire-fighting liquid or gaseous product only where it is required, also being able to manage the dispensing time tl as a function of the environment in which a given dispensing device is present.

[0074] According to an aspect of the invention, the internal washing of the pipes, if necessary, is carried out by means of an automatic function of the multifunctional hybrid system with a new liquid or gas, different from the extinguishing liquid, for a time t2 which can be for example 30 seconds or in any case of the minimum duration necessary for the purpose.

[0075] Thanks to the widespread distribution typical of the dispensing devices of fire-fighting systems, it is possible to dispense the non-fire-fighting liquid or gaseous product in numerous environments simultaneously or selectively as a function of needs.

[0076] The present invention also relates to a conversion kit for converting a traditional fire- fighting system, of the fixed automatic deluge type with fractionated or sprayed water, into a multifunctional hybrid fire-fighting system according to the invention.

[0077] According to the present invention the kit comprises at least:

[0078] - a tank containing a liquid product with an attached pumping unit communicating with the tank through a suction pipe or a tank or a service pipe containing a gaseous or liquid product under pressure with an integrated discharge device;

[0079] - a delivery pipe for each pumping unit or pressure tank or pressure service pipe, provided with a non-return valve, adapted to intercept a common manifold of the fire-fighting system;

[0080] - transport pipes which intercept respective branches of the common manifold, upstream and downstream of fire-fighting distribution valves of the fire-fighting system;

[0081] - one or more distribution valves applied on said transport pipes, adapted to control the passage of the liquid of the tank or a gaseous or liquid product of the service pipe tank under pressure;

[0082] - a secondary control unit.

[0083] The distribution valves are placed in communication with the branches of the transport pipes directed to the dispensing devices (fire-fighting heads) by means of transport pipes, possibly supplied in the kit.

[0084] The configuration and operation of the fire-fighting system converted with the multifunctional hybrid kit of the present invention are the same as described previously.

[0085] As is understandable, the conversion of an existing fixed automatic fire-fighting system, of the deluge type with fractionated or sprayed water, allows to obtain a notable economic advantage since with a limited cost for the purchase of the kit components and with simple modifications to the existing fire-fighting system, it is possible to equip open spaces, buildings, trains or ships with a system for the controlled dispensing of a different fractionated or sprayed liquid or a gas.

[0086] Further features and advantages of the present invention will appear clearer from the description of an example of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a multifunctional hybrid automatic fixed fire-fighting system, as illustrated in the schematic representation depicted in the attached figure 1.

[0087] With reference to the figure, the multifunctional hybrid system according to the present invention, indicated overall with 1, comprises a first tank 10 adapted to contain an extinguishing liquid, for example water, possibly added with alcoholic glycol or equivalent substances, and a second tank 20 adapted to contain a liquid product for other applications, for example water (possibly demineralised), a mixture of demineralised water and hydrogen peroxide, fragrances, other mixtures of water and other substances.

[0088] The two tanks 10, 20 are communicating by means of respective first 11 and second 21 suction pipes with a first pumping unit 30 and a second pumping unit 40.

[0089] The first pumping unit 30 comprises the main fire-fighting pump and is connected to the fire control panel 35.

[0090] The second pumping unit 40 comprises a pump, different from the fire-fighting pump, connected to the secondary control unit 60.

[0091] From each pumping unit 30, 40 respectively branch a first delivery pipe 12 and a second delivery pipe 22; a non-retum valve 15, 25 is provided on each of them.

[0092] The two aforesaid delivery pipes 12, 22 converge in a common manifold 42.

[0093] Said common manifold 42, in turn, branches into several branches 43 which supply dispensing devices 50 comprising heads 51 provided with fire-fighting nozzles 52 of the fractionating or spraying type.

[0094] Said dispensing devices 50 are distributed in the environments A, indoors or outdoors, of the place to be served, for example rooms of homes, offices or hotels, industrial warehouses, ship or aeroplane cabins, train carriages, etc. On each branch 43, upstream of the dispensing devices 50, fire-fighting distribution valves 53 are installed, normally closed and configured to free the passage of the extinguishing fluid in the event of a fire.

[0095] At least some of the branches 43 of the common manifold 42 are intercepted upstream and downstream of the fire-fighting valve 53 by a transport pipe 54 on which a typically normally closed non-fire-fighting distribution valve 55 is applied.

[0096] The fire distribution valves 53 are typically automatic with local reset while the non- fire-fighting distribution valves are automatic with remote reset. Both the fire-fighting and non-fire-fighting distribution valves 53, 55 are controlled and commanded by the fire control panel 35.

[0097] When the fire-fighting valve 53 is closed, by opening the distribution valve 55 and starting the pump 40 it is possible to dispense a fractionated or sprayed liquid from the dispensing device 50.

[0098] If the system comprises a tank or a service pipe containing a pressurized liquid or gas, these can replace the tank 20 and the related pump 40. According to such a variant not illustrated, the discharge device of the pressurized tank or pipe is controlled by the secondary control unit 60.

[0099] The invention has been described for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, according to some preferred embodiments. The person skilled in the art will be able to find numerous other forms of implementation and variations, all falling within the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Multifunctional hybrid fire extinguishing system (1), in particular of the fixed and automatic type, comprising at least:- a fire control unit (35);- a first tank (10) containing a water-based extinguishing liquid with connected a first fire-fighting pumping unit (30) communicating with said first tank (10) through a first suction pipe (11);- at least a second tank (20) containing a liquid product with an attached second pumping unit (40) communicating with the second tank through a second suction pipe (21) and / or at least one second tank or a service pipe containing a gaseous or liquid product under pressure, with an integrated discharge device;- a delivery pipe (12) of the first pumping unit (30) provided with a non-retum valve (15);- a delivery pipe (22) of the second pumping unit (40) and / or of said tank or service pipe under pressure, provided with a non-retum valve (25);- a common manifold (42) into which said delivery pipes (12, 22) converge;- one or more dispensing devices (50), in communication with the common manifold (42), adapted to dispense the extinguishing liquid or the liquid or gaseous product of the second tank (20) or of the pressurized service tank or pipe;- one or more automatic fire-fighting distribution valves (53) placed on respective distribution pipes (43) of the common manifold (42), upstream of each delivery device (50);- one or more automatic distribution valves (55) placed on a bypass pipe (54) which intercepts the distribution pipe (43) of the common manifold (42) upstream and downstream of the automatic fire-fighting distribution valve (53);a secondary control unit (60); wherein said secondary control unit (60) is connected to the second pumping unit (40) and / or to the tank discharge device or pressure service pipe and to the distribution valves (55), and is configured to control said second pumping unit (40) and / or said discharge device and said distribution valves (55) to dispense in a controlled way, through the dispensing devices (50), the liquid product in the second tank (20) and / or the liquid or gaseous product in the tank or service line under pressure, and wherein said fire control unit (35) is connected to the first pumping unit (30) and to the fire distribution valves (53), said fire control unit (35) being also connected to the distribution valves (55) and to the secondary control unit (60) and being configured to control, in case of need or fire emergency, the switching of said distribution valves (55) and the stop of the second pumping unit (40) and / or the closing of the discharge device.

2. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing valves (55) can be selectively opened and closed by the secondary control unit (60) and, in case of need or emergency, can be closed by the fire control unit (35).

3. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary control unit (60) is connected to the fire control unit (35), the latter being able to bypass the secondary control unit (60) in case of need or fire emergency.

4. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (60) is programmable to carry out programmed and timed delivery cycles of the liquid product from the second tank (20) or of the liquid or gas from the tank or service pipe under pressure.

5. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a third tank, communicating with the second pumping unit (40) by means of a suction pipe, the suction pipes of the second tank and of the third tank being provided with valves controllable by thecontrol unit (60).

6. A conversion kit for converting an automatic fixed fire extinguishing system into a multifunctional hybrid fire extinguishing system, the kit comprising at least:- a tank containing a liquid product (20) with an attached pumping unit (40) communicating with the tank (20) through a suction pipe (21) or a tank or a service pipe containing a gaseous or liquid product under pressure with an integrated discharge device;- a delivery pipe (22) for each pumping unit or pressure tank or pressure service pipe, provided with a non-retum valve (25), adapted to intercept a common manifold (42) of the fire-fighting system;- transport pipes (54) which intercept respective branches (43) of the common manifold (42), upstream and downstream of fire-fighting distribution valves (53) of the fire-fighting system;- one or more distribution valves (55) applied on said transport pipes (54), adapted to control the passage of the liquid of the tank (20) or a gaseous or liquid product of the service pipe tank under pressure;- a secondary control unit (60); wherein said secondary control panel (60) is connected to the second pumping unit (40) and / or to the tank discharge device or pressure service pipe and to the distribution valves (55), and is configured to control said second pumping unit (40) and / or said discharge device and said distribution valves (55) to dispense in a controlled way, through the dispensing devices (50), the liquid product in the second tank (20) and / or the liquid product or gaseous in the tank or service line under pressure, and wherein said fire control unit (35) is connected to the distribution valves (55) and to the secondary control unit (60) and is configured to control, in case of need or fire emergency, the switching of said distribution valves (55) and the stopping of the secondpumping unit (40) and / or closing the discharge device.

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