Method and device for producing foam

Abstract

To provide a work method which can inhibit firing by performing curing efficiently, and to provide a foam production device.SOLUTION: A foam fa1 is placed in a scattering direction of an ignitable material SP1 which occurs during welding work and welding is performed. In this case, the foam fa1 is produced by a foam production device. The foam production device includes: a tank in which a solution, formed by mixing a surface active agent with water, is stored; an air supply part which supplies air to the solution at a position lower than a liquid level of the stored solution; and a discharge part which discharges the foam in the tank at a position higher than the liquid level. The foam production device generates the foam with the air supplied from the air supply part to discharge the foam from the discharge part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for processing operations in which flammable materials are generated, such as welding and melt-cutting, and a foam manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing foam used therein. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 5, at construction sites, work such as welding that generates flammable materials SP1 such as sparks and spark powder is performed. The flammable materials SP1 generated by this work may fly 5 to 10 m, and may even fly to the floor below. Therefore, in this work, in order to prevent a fire, a protection sheet or protection device is used to protect against sparks (see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a protection device in which a spark receiving part opens and closes like an umbrella. The spark receiving part of this protection device has rod-shaped ribs radially provided around a support part for the spark receiving part, and the whole part is a concave structure part. A fireproof sheet is provided in this concave structure part, and the rod-shaped main body part supporting the spark receiving part is freely expandable and contractable in length due to a multi-layer structure that allows sliding contact, and a hook part for hanging is provided on one end side of the rod-shaped main body part, and the umbrella-shaped deployment angle of the spark receiving part is variable by an angle adjustment means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-229685 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the size of the curing device described in Patent Document 1 is predetermined, so multiple devices need to be used to cover a wide area. In addition, the protective sheet can cause scattered flammable materials to bounce off in unexpected directions, which can lead to fires in unexpected places. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The method for solving the above problem is a processing method in which a flammable substance is generated, and the processing is carried out by laying a foam body in the direction in which the flammable substance is scattered. In addition, a foam manufacturing apparatus that solves the above problem is a foam manufacturing apparatus that produces foam and includes a tank that contains a solution of a surfactant mixed with water, an air supply unit that supplies air to the solution at a position lower than the liquid level of the contained solution, and a discharge unit that discharges foam in the tank at a position higher than the liquid level, and the foam is generated using air supplied from the air supply unit and discharged from the discharge unit. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, efficient curing can suppress ignition. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a working state of a welding operation in the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a foam manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing foam used in the embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a welding operation according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a working state of welding work in a modified example. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of a welding operation according to a conventional technique. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a working method and a foam manufacturing apparatus will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In this embodiment, a working method for welding work, which is a processing work that generates flammable materials such as sparks and powder that may ignite if attached to a flammable material, will be described.

[0009] 1, foam-like material fa1 is laid so as to cover the floor surface (ground) onto which sparks and powder (ignitable material SP1) fall during the welding work of this embodiment. In this case, the foam-like material fa1 laid out forms a continuous surface with a height (thickness) of about 10 cm.

[0010] Then, welding work is performed above the foam fa1. When the ignitable material SP1 generated during the welding work falls onto the foam fa1, there is not enough oxygen in the foam fa1, so the combustion of the ignitable material SP1 is suppressed. Furthermore, since the foam fa1 contains moisture, the foam fa1 turns into water and cools the ignitable material SP1. This causes the ignitable material SP1 to slow down, not scatter, and not spread. If the ignitable material SP1 continues to fall onto the foam fa1 in the same place, the foam fa1 in that place disappears. Even in this case, the surrounding foam fa1 can suppress the combustion and scattering of the ignitable material SP1.

[0011] Next, a specific procedure for the above-mentioned welding work will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the fire-retardant foam is laid (step S1). Specifically, the foam fa1 produced by the foam production apparatus 20 shown in Fig. 2 and stored in a bucket 31 is spread over the floor surface using a ladle 32 or the like.

[0012] Then, the welding work is carried out as described above (step S2). Thereafter, when the welding work is finished, the fireproof foam is removed by suction (step S3). Specifically, the remaining foam fa1 is removed by suction using a vacuum cleaner. In this case, the vacuum cleaner removes the foam fa1 as well as dust and other debris generated during the work. The foam fa1 remaining after being sucked by the vacuum cleaner turns into liquid over time (for example, 24 hours), and this liquid also dries over time.

[0013] (foam production equipment) Next, a configuration of a foam manufacturing device for manufacturing the foam fa1 used in the above-mentioned welding operation will be described.

[0014] The foam manufacturing apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 2 includes a tank 21, a nozzle 22, a fixing member 24, an air compressor 25, a hose 26, a supply pipe 27, and an air stone 28. Tank 21 contains water (solution) mixed with a surfactant. For example, a plastic tank with a capacity of 20 liters is used as tank 21. This tank 21 has a weight of, for example, about 1 to 2 kg.

[0015] The tank 21 includes two injection ports 21a and 21b and a handle 21h. The injection ports 21a and 21b and the handle 21h are provided at an upper portion of the tank 21 at a distance from each other. The injection port 21a is provided at an angle (approximately 45 degrees) to the main body of the tank 21. A nozzle 22 is fitted to the outer periphery of the injection port 21a. Furthermore, the injection port 21a is filled with a metal scrubber 23 for breaking up the foam fa1 into fine particles. The injection port 21a and the nozzle 22 constitute a discharge portion.

[0016] A fixing member 24 is detachably attached to the injection port 21b. This fixing member 24 is composed of a cap of the injection port 21b or the like. By removing the fixing member 24, the inside of the main body of the tank 21 is replenished with the solution through the injection port 21b.

[0017] A hose 26 is connected to the fixed member 24. This hose 26 is connected to an air pump 25. For example, a pump for pumping air into a bicycle or the like can be used as the air pump 25. This air pump 25 has a weight of, for example, about 1 to 2 kg, and pumps air taken in from the outside into the hose 26 in response to the vertical movement of the handle portion 25h.

[0018] Furthermore, one end of a supply pipe 27 is fixed to the fixing member 24 on the opposite side to the hose 26. The tip of the supply pipe 27 (the other end opposite to the fixing member 24) is located near the bottom of the tank 21. An air stone 28 is provided at the tip of the supply pipe 27. The air stone 28 is made of, for example, a porous plastic body, and generates air bubbles in the liquid using air from the supply pipe 27. The air supply unit of this embodiment is made up of the air compressor 25, the hose 26, the supply pipe 27, and the air stone 28. Moreover, by removing the fixing member 24 from the injection port 21b, the supply pipe 27 and the air stone 28 fixed to the fixing member 24 can be removed from inside the tank 21.

[0019] (Method of manufacturing foam) Next, a method for producing foam fa1 using the above-mentioned foam producing apparatus 20 will be described.

[0020] 2, the solution SW1 that generates the foam fa1 is poured into the tank 21. Specifically, the fixing member 24 is removed to open the injection port 21b of the tank 21. Then, a surfactant and water are poured into the tank 21 from the injection port 21b.

[0021] Here, a solution SW1 in which a surfactant is diluted with water to a concentration of about 0.4% by weight is contained in the tank 21. In this embodiment, a foaming agent, Rheoform (registered trademark) OL-10 (manufactured by Lion Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd.), is used as the surfactant.

[0022] In addition, the amount of solution SW1 to be added is adjusted so that the liquid level of the solution SW1 contained in the tank 21 is below the lower end of the injection port 21b and above the air stone 28 that supplies air bubbles to the solution SW1.

[0023] Then, the supply pipe 27 and the air stone 28 are inserted into the tank 21, and the fixing member 24 is fixed to the injection port 21b so that the air stone 28 is located at the bottom of the tank 21. As a result, the space (storage space) above the liquid level of the solution SW1 in the tank 21 is opened only via the injection port 21a and the nozzle 22.

[0024] Thereafter, compressed air bubbles are supplied from the air pump 25 through the hose 26, the supply pipe 27, and the air stone 28 into the solution SW1 in the tank 21. In this case, the bubbles pass through the solution SW1, and a mixture of air and the solution SW1 (relatively large bubbles) is generated. Then, since this mixture contains bubbles, it is stored in the storage space of the tank 21 above the solution SW1.

[0025] Furthermore, when air is pumped from air pump 25, the pressure inside tank 21 rises and the mixture is discharged from the storage space to the outside through inlet 21a and nozzle 22. In this case, the air bubbles of the mixture become smaller as it passes through scrubbing brush 23 of inlet 21a, turning into fine foam fa1. When the pumping of air from air pump 25 is stopped, no pressure is generated inside tank 21, and the discharge of foam fa1 from nozzle 22 is not performed and is stopped.

[0026] The foam fa1 discharged from the nozzle 22 of the tank 21 is stored in a bucket 31. Thereafter, the foam fa1 is spread from the bucket 31 onto a desired location, such as on a floor surface, using a ladle 32.

[0027] (action) Welding is performed on an area where foam fa1 has been spread in advance. Therefore, when the ignitable material SP1 generated by the welding falls onto the foam fa1, it is surrounded by the foam fa1, and combustion is suppressed due to a lack of oxygen. Furthermore, the ignitable material SP1 is cooled by the foam fa1.

[0028] According to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) In this embodiment, welding is performed on an area where the foam fa1 has been spread in advance in a planar manner. As a result, flammable material SP1 such as sparks and powder generated by the welding passes through the foam fa1, and combustion is suppressed and cooled. Therefore, even if the material scatters to an unexpected location, the fire is unlikely to smolder and ignition can be suppressed.

[0029] (2) In this embodiment, the foam fa1 remaining after the work can be quickly removed by sucking it up with a vacuum cleaner. In addition, the foam fa1 returns to liquid and dries even if it is left alone, so the subsequent process can be made more efficient.

[0030] (3) In this embodiment, the foam fa1 is generated using a solution SW1 in which the surfactant is diluted with water to a concentration of about 0.4% by weight. Therefore, even if the surfactant remains on the surface of the ground or the like due to the evaporation of water, the amount is small, so the feet are not easily slippery. (4) In this embodiment, the foam fa1 is generated using the foam manufacturing device 20. This allows the foam fa1 to be manufactured at the construction site with a simple configuration. In this case, a mixture of air and solution is stored in the storage space of the tank 21, and the foam fa1 is finally generated. Here, since a mixture is used, there is no need to provide separate air introduction paths and solution introduction paths in the member (scrubbing brush 23) that generates the foam fa1, and the foam can be generated with a simple configuration. In addition, the foam manufacturing device 20 as a whole weighs only a few kg, so it is lightweight. Therefore, it is easy to transport even at construction sites that have narrow spaces or high places such as scaffolding. Furthermore, by removing the fixing member 24 from the inlet 21b of the tank 21, the air pump 25 can be separated from the tank 21 and carried. This allows it to be carried even more easily.

[0031] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that there is no technical contradiction. In the above embodiment, the foam fa1 is laid on the floor surface. In this case, other fireproofing means (curing sheet or curing device) may be used in combination. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a curing sheet 11 may be laid on the floor surface, and then the foam fa1 may be laid on the curing sheet 11. The curing sheet 11 is made of a non-combustible material having fireproofing properties. In this way, the ignition of the ignitable material SP1 can be further suppressed by receiving the ignitable material SP1 that has passed through the foam fa1 with the curing sheet 11. In addition, when a wide area is cured by overlapping a part of multiple curing sheets, even if the ignitable material SP1 gets into the overlapping part, the combustion is suppressed and cooled, so that the fire is less likely to smolder. Furthermore, in a work area where the flammable material SP1 may scatter to the floor below, a protective sheet may be placed in the path of the scatter to the floor below, and the foam material fa1 may be laid on top of this protective sheet.

[0032] In the above embodiment, the foam fa1 is spread out in a planar manner. The foam fa1 is not limited to being spread out in a planar manner without gaps, as long as it is laid out in the direction in which the flammable material scatters. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the foam fa1 may not be present in the center, and may be spread out in a ring or C-shape (bank-like) over an area of ​​a certain height (for example, about 10 cm). Furthermore, the foam fa1 is not limited to being placed only on the floor or on the protective sheet, and may also be placed by adhering it to, for example, the side of a wall or the like or the work target.

[0033] The foam manufacturing apparatus 20 of the above embodiment is not limited to the above configuration as long as it can rapidly manufacture a sufficient amount of foam to be spread in a processing operation that generates flammable material SP1. For example, if a compressor is available at the construction site, the compressor may be used as the air supply unit instead of the air pump 25. In this case, the hose 26 is made detachable from the fixed member 24. The compressor may then be connected to the fixed member 24. Furthermore, the size of the tank 21 is not limited to that in the above embodiment, and for example, a smaller tank may be used.

[0034] In the above embodiment, the welding method has been described. However, the method is not limited to welding and may be any processing method that generates flammable materials, such as cutting work.

[0035] Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment and other examples will be described below. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that (a) the foam is laid on a curing sheet. A method according to claim 1 or (a), characterized in that (b) the foam is laid in a circular shape. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: (c) removing the foam using a suction device after the processing operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] fa1...foam, SP1...flammable material, SW1...solution, 11...protection sheet, 20...foam manufacturing equipment, 21...tank, 21a, 21b...inlet, 21h...handle, 22...nozzle, 23...scrubbing brush, 24...fixing part, 25...air compressor, 25h...handle, 26...hose, 27...supply pipe, 28...air stone, 31...bucket, 32...ladle.

Claims

1. A processing method in which flammable materials are generated, comprising the steps of: a foam manufacturing device comprising a tank for storing a solution in which a surfactant is mixed with water, an air supply unit for supplying air to the stored solution at a position lower than the liquid level of the solution, and a discharge unit for discharging foam within the tank at a position higher than the liquid level, the air supply unit having an air compressor for compressing and sending air taken in from the outside in response to the vertical movement of a handle unit, and a bubble generating unit disposed in the solution to which the air is supplied from the air compressor, the foam being discharged from the discharge unit is generated by the air taken in by moving the handle unit in the vertical direction, A method for processing a flammable material, comprising: placing the foam thus produced in the direction in which the flammable material scatters;

2. A foam manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a foam, comprising: A tank for containing a solution of a surfactant mixed in water; an air supply unit that supplies air to the solution from a member made of a porous material that is located at a position lower than the liquid level of the solution; a discharge part that discharges foam in the tank at a position higher than the liquid level, A foam breaking member for breaking down the foam is filled into the inlet of the discharge portion, The air supply unit includes: an air compressor that compresses and sends air taken in from the outside in response to the vertical movement of the handle; a bubble generating unit to which the air is supplied from the air compressor and which is disposed in the solution; The foam is generated in the tank by air taken in by moving the handle portion in an up-down direction, A foam manufacturing apparatus characterized in that the foam generated in the tank is discharged through the foam subdivision member of the discharge section.

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