Mobile pump system with main pump and additive dosing pump

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile pumping system for pumping fire fighting water with an adjuvant, and a method therefor. [Solution] The mobile pump system of the present invention includes a frame for accommodating the pump system, a booster pump arranged within the frame, a metering pump arranged within the frame for the purpose of adding an auxiliary agent to a water flow, and a drive configured to drive the booster pump and the metering pump, the metering pump being provided with a displaceable metering pump frame and a connecting means for connecting the metering pump to a container of the auxiliary agent.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile pumping system for pumping (fire fighting) water supplied with additives, which is provided for this purpose with a metering pump, such as for use in fire emergencies in industrial parks such as oil refineries. [Background technology]

[0002] Mobile pump systems for pumping water that are known in practice utilize a frame on which so-called booster pumps are provided, which are able to displace water over relatively long distances, and additives such as foaming agents are added separately to the water.

[0003] US Patent No. 5,949,999 shows a pumping system with one or more satellite or feed pumps for supplying water to a main or booster pump. Additives may be injected into the water from a separate tank.

[0004] A problem with conventional pumping systems is that foaming agents and / or other additives are typically not delivered efficiently. This is especially true when relatively large amounts of foaming agent are required, such as in the case of an oil well fire. In such situations, foaming agents typically make up approximately 1-6% of the total volume of the fire extinguishing agent. If a pumping system suitable for pumping 30,000 liters of water per minute is provided and 1% foaming agent is added, approximately 300 liters of foaming agent per minute is already required. This means that a standard container / IBC of foaming agent will be empty in just three minutes. In practice, this causes many problems due to the distance to such containers and the need to switch between containers with foaming agent. Furthermore, such foaming agents are relatively viscous, making them difficult to start. Starting is a real problem, especially when relatively large tanks are used. This typically requires an additional pressure pump, which entails additional components and maintenance and can further limit the reliability of the pumping system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 207659 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention aims to provide an improved mobile pumping system in which the aforementioned drawbacks are eliminated or at least reduced so that fires, especially oil well fires, can be effectively combated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a mobile pump system for pumping water and / or extinguishing agents, which comprises: - a frame for housing the pump system; a booster pump disposed within the frame; - a metering pump arranged in the frame for the purpose of adding an auxiliary agent to the water flow; a drive configured to drive the booster pump and the metering pump; Including, the metering pump is provided with a displaceable metering pump frame and a coupling means for connecting the metering pump to a container of auxiliary agent; The mobile pump system comprises: It further includes a controller configured to control the booster pump and the metering pump.

[0008] The extinguishing agent is specifically fire water supplied with an additive, in particular a foaming agent. Such foaming agent is usually supplied separately. By providing the metering pump with a displaceable metering pump frame and associated connecting means, the metering pump can be operatively connected to a container of the additive so that the additive can be efficiently supplied to the fire water. The metering pump frame is preferably provided here with wheels or other suitable displacement means.

[0009] The mobile pump system further includes a frame, preferably in the form of a container, for housing various components of the pump system therein. These components include a booster pump disposed within the frame for pumping water, one or more submersible pumps operably disposed within the frame for drawing water, and associated drives for the pumps. Such drives may be, for example, conventional drives with a relatively large drive for the booster pump and a relatively small drive, or several relatively small drives for the other components of the mobile pump system. In an alternative embodiment, the drive includes two drives, preferably of equal power output, with the booster pump drive intended to drive the booster pump. The hydraulic drive is intended to drive the other components of the mobile pump system. In such an embodiment, the hydraulic drive may optionally be coupled to the booster pump by a coupler so that the hydraulic drive functions as an auxiliary drive. This has been found to significantly reduce exhaust gas and noise emissions, or at least significantly reduce costs. In a currently preferred embodiment of the invention, a hydraulic motor drive with a hydraulic pump is started. The hydraulic motor drive is provided with radiator cooling. As soon as water is delivered to the booster pump by the submersible pump, the booster pump (diesel) motor drive of the booster pump is started. This preferably happens automatically. The booster pump motor drive for the booster pump is then preferably cooled by firewater. This results in a compact system and further noise reduction.

[0010] The auxiliary agent is in particular a foaming agent, which can be effectively used in, for example, oil well fires.

[0011] In accordance with the present invention, the ambulatory pump system further includes a controller for controlling the booster pump and the metering pump.

[0012] By providing a controller, the booster pump and metering pump assembly can be efficiently controlled. This allows, among other things, continuous monitoring and control of the mixing ratio. For example, adjusting the amount of (fire-fighting) water automatically results in an adjustment of the amount of mixing aid, thereby preventing the operator from having to adjust it manually. This has the additional advantage that it prevents, for example, the pumping of excess aid, which would have to be transported back to the aid supply container. In the case of foam, for example, such feedback entails heating and vapor formation, which can have a negative effect on the foam and on the operation of sensors, such as flow meters. This, in turn, leads to unreliable and suboptimal mixing.

[0013] A further advantage of controlling the booster pump and metering pump assembly with a single controller is that the metering pump can be easily connected to a separate supply container of auxiliary agent. This connection and disconnection is frequently necessary in practice. For example, with a capacity limit of 15,000 liters per minute per pump and a desired foam mix of 10%, as is typically desired in the event of an oil tank fire, a total of 135,000 liters of foam would be required for 1.5 hours of use. If a 1% or 3% foam mix is ​​desired, a supply of 40,500 liters per pump system would be required at 3% mix. Approximately 14,000 liters would be transferred per trailer. Therefore, trailers must be rotated periodically. Conventionally, every individual trailer is provided with its own transfer pump. According to the present invention, at the installation site, the trailer is driven to the metering pump and / or the metering pump is located adjacent to the trailer with the supply. Having two (or more) trailers within range at the same time allows for rapid rotation without interrupting the supply of foam, which will obviously enhance firefighting.

[0014] In this specification, the pump system is preferably provided with one or more sensors operably connected to the controller for the purpose of improving control, particularly of the metering pump. Such sensors are, for example, pressure gauges and flow meters. This allows the mobile pump system to be controlled automatically or semi-automatically, preferably with one central controller controlling all components. This is particularly advantageous in situations where the mobile pump system is exclusively used in emergency situations. In such situations where the user / operator is less experienced, an autonomous or semi-autonomous system is more suitable to thereby ensure utilization of the pump system.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment according to the invention, the coupling means comprises a first connection for the first container and a second connection for the second container.

[0016] The provision of a first connection and a second connection makes it relatively easy to switch between the individual containers. More specifically, when the first container is empty, the second container can already be activated so that emergency response is not hindered thereby. It will be apparent that this considerably improves response to such emergencies as oil well fires.

[0017] Preferably, the first and second connections are provided with separate shut-off valves, which further simplifies switching during use and further increases the utilization of the mobile pump system according to the invention.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment according to the invention, the mobile pump system further comprises a reel for enabling displacement of the metering pump using the metering pump frame. A reel (set) is preferably used for the hydraulic drive, which significantly increases the utilization of the metering pump and the mobile pump system as a whole.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment according to the invention, the mobile pump system further comprises a control panel for operating and / or configuring the pump system.

[0020] The provision of a control panel further simplifies operation for the operator, and the advantages already mentioned above regarding operationally reliable application are thereby realized even in situations where the mobile pump system according to the invention is rarely used and therefore where the operator has little experience.

[0021] In a currently preferred embodiment, the control panel is provided on the exterior of the frame. Providing the control panel on the exterior increases ease of use and prevents increased noise emissions in that the mobile pump system is not located within a closed frame and the operator must enter the housing to control the system. In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the frame is provided with a container-type housing, preferably provided with insulating walls, which further reduces noise emissions. Providing the control panel on the exterior also ensures that this noise suppression is maintained during use.

[0022] The present invention further relates to a method for pumping fire fighting water with an adjuvant, the method comprising the steps of: - providing a mobile pump system according to an embodiment of the present invention as previously described; - deploying the mobile pump system; - operating a mobile pump system; - supplying the auxiliary agent via a meter; - pumping the fire fighting water containing the additive; Includes:

[0023] The method provides similar benefits and advantages as those described with respect to ambulatory pump systems.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment, the method comprises a step of autonomously controlling the mobile pump system, which is particularly advantageous in mobile pump systems that are only used to a limited extent, for example exclusively in emergency situations, as already mentioned above with respect to mobile pump systems.

[0025] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram of a mobile pump system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a further view of the pump system of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pump system of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of the pump system according to FIG. 1; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a top view of the pump system 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the pump system in use while fighting a fire. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the pump system in use with the addition of an additive. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The mobile pump system 2 (FIGS. 1 and 2) includes a container 4 as a frame within which a booster pump (diesel) motor drive 6 is disposed for pumping water. Also disposed within the container 4 are hydraulic motor drives 8 for other components, including (optional) submersible pumps 10, 12, a metering or foam pump 14, a booster pump 24, and ventilation. In the illustrated embodiment, the mobile pump system 2 further includes two hydraulic submersible pumps 10, 12 for supplying water. A removable foam pump 14 is also provided. The submersible pumps 10, 12 and the foam pump 14 are provided with respective reel sets 16, 18, and 20. A control panel 22 is further disposed on the exterior of the container 4.

[0028] In the presently preferred embodiment, the user selects to activate drive 6, and then hydraulic drive 8 is activated when desired by controlling control panel 22, preferably followed by the booster pump.

[0029] A booster pump motor drive 6 (FIG. 3) is used to drive the booster pump 24. In the illustrated embodiment, a linkage 26 is operatively connected to a hydraulic drive 28 that is powered by a hydraulic motor drive 8. The hydraulic motor drive 8 is provided with a radiator 30 for cooling.

[0030] Preferably, the outlet 32 ​​(FIGS. 4, 5) of the pump system 2 is operatively connected to a fire conduit or discharge. The inlet / feed 34 (FIGS. 1, 5) is further operatively connected to a feed conduit, particularly for the supply of fire water, in use.

[0031] In use (FIG. 6), the pump system 2 with the container 4 is placed in proximity to a waterway W or another water supply. A conduit 36 ​​then extends between the container 4 and the submersible pump 10 which is placed in the water W. A fire extinguishing conduit 38 provides a connection via an inlet / feed 34 and an outlet 32 ​​in / on the container 4 to spray nozzles 40, 42 for the purpose of combating a fire source.

[0032] In a possible application, the mobile pump system 2 with the container 4 is utilized to combat, for example, an (oil well) fire, where foam can be applied as a fire extinguishing agent. For this purpose, a foam pump 14 is applied, which has a displaceable frame 44 and is provided with a double connection 46 with connections 48, 50 provided with shut-off / (ball) valves 52, 54 (FIG. 7). The foam pump 14 can thereby be connected to containers / IBCs 56, 58 for the purpose of supplying foaming agent. The foaming agent is thereby further transported from the containers 56, 58 and conduit 60 in the direction of the container 4, where it can be added, for example, to firewater to achieve the desired foaming.

[0033] In the event of an emergency, such as a fire or flood, the mobile pump system 2 is positioned adjacent to the waterway W. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more submersible pumps 10, 12 are positioned in the waterway W. A foam pump 14 is optionally positioned adjacent to a foam supply, for example, in containers 56, 58. Thanks to the double connection 46 to the valves 52, 54, switching from an almost empty container to a new container is greatly simplified without interfering with emergency response. At the start of operation, the user preferably switches on the hydraulic drive 8 on the control panel. The booster pump motor drive 6 is preferably started automatically by the controller on the control panel. This allows the drives 6, 8 to be utilized at the most appropriate possible operating point. The user can also manually control the booster pump motor drive 6 and / or the hydraulic motor drive 8 at will.

[0034] In a currently preferred embodiment, two substantially identical 585 kW motor drives are utilized, with the hydraulic motor drive 8 being utilized partially for the hydraulic submersible pumps 10, 12 and partially for the booster pump 24, among others. In comparative tests, the mobile pump system 2 was compared with a conventional pump system equipped with an 800 kW booster pump and a 240 kW hydraulic submersible pump. This conventional system utilized a motor drive specifically adapted for the booster pump. The comparison showed that such a conventional system produced significantly more emissions, or at least significantly higher costs, compared with the pump system 2 according to the present invention. It was found that the two preferably identically powered drives 6, 8 in the mobile pump system 2 according to the present invention resulted in a significant reduction in emissions, both in terms of exhaust gases and noise emissions. Such a preferred embodiment was found to result in broad utility, lower costs, and significantly reduced exhaust gases and noise emissions.

[0035] The present invention is by no means limited to its above-described preferred embodiments, and the scope of what is sought is defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications are anticipated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 2. Mobile pump system 4 Containers and frames 6 Booster pump (diesel) motor drive unit 8 Hydraulic drive unit, hydraulic motor drive unit 10, 12 Submersible pump, hydraulic submersible pump 14 Metering pumps, foam pumps 16, 18, 20 reel set 22 Control Panel 24 Booster pump 26 Connecting part 28 Hydraulic drive unit 30 Radiator 32 Exit 34 Inlet / feed section 36 Conduit 38 Fire duct 40, 42 Spray nozzle 44 Displaceable Frame 46 Double connection 48, 50 Connection 52, 54 Shut-off valves, (ball) valves 56, 58 containers, IBC 60 Conduit W waterway, water

Claims

1. 1. A mobile pump system for pumping water and / or fire extinguishing agents, comprising: - a frame for housing said pump system; a booster pump disposed within the frame; - a metering pump arranged in said frame for the purpose of adding an auxiliary agent to the water flow; a drive configured to drive the booster pump and the metering pump; Including, the metering pump is provided with a displaceable metering pump frame and coupling means for connecting the metering pump to a container of the auxiliary agent; The mobile pump system comprises: a controller configured to control the booster pump and the metering pump. Mobile pump system.

2. 10. The ambulatory pump system of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary agent comprises a foaming agent.

3. 3. The mobile pump system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling means includes a first connection for a first container and a second connection for a second container.

4. 4. The ambulatory pump system of claim 3, wherein the first connection and the second connection are provided with separate shut-off valves.

5. 5. The ambulatory pump system of claim 1, further comprising a reel for displacing the metering pump.

6. 6. The ambulatory pump system of claim 5, wherein the pump system is provided with one or more sensors operatively connected to the controller for controlling the metering pump.

7. 7. The ambulatory pump system of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a control panel for operating and / or configuring the pump system.

8. 8. The ambulatory pump system of claim 7, wherein the control panel is mounted on an exterior surface of the frame.

9. 1. A method for pumping water and / or fire extinguishing agents, comprising: - providing a mobile pump system according to any one of claims 1 to 8; - deploying the mobile pump system; - operating the mobile pump system; - supplying said auxiliary agent through a meter; - pumping the fire fighting water containing the additive; A method comprising:

10. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising autonomously controlling the ambulatory pump system.

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