Aerated Foam Nozzles for Large Industrial Tank Fire Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixed systems for fighting large industrial tank fires are inefficient and costly, particularly for full surface liquid tank fires, as they require numerous foam chambers and are ineffective in covering large tank diameters, posing risks to personnel and being prohibitively expensive.
Innovation Solution
Development of a fixed system using aerated foam nozzles with a stream shaper, capable of projecting foam in a focused stream over 100 feet, with a 2-to-1 to 8-to-1 expansion ratio, and strategically positioned to cover larger tank areas with fewer units, including a Point and Shoot, Ambush, and Hollow Point systems for rim seal and full surface fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional foam chambers are used to fight large industrial tank fires, then foam can be applied to the tank surface, but the system requires numerous units and is prohibitively expensive for tanks up to 400 feet in diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the foam expansion ratio parameter from traditional high expansion to a controlled 2-to-1 to 8-to-1 expansion ratio, allowing foam to be projected in a focused stream over 100 feet. This parameter change enables fewer nozzles to cover larger tank areas, reducing the quantity of units required and overall system cost
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional foam application methods to projecting foam in a focused stream over distance (another dimension), enabling coverage of large tank diameters with fewer units by utilizing the spatial dimension of projection rather than relying on numerous closely-spaced chambers
2Area of stationary object
If traditional fixed systems are used for full surface liquid tank fires, then foam coverage can be achieved, but the systems are ineffective in covering large tank diameters and pose risks to personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes in foam expansion ratio (2-to-1 to 8-to-1) and projection distance (over 100 feet) to achieve effective coverage of large tank diameters, making the fixed system reliable for tanks up to 400 feet in diameter where traditional systems failed
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning fixed aerated foam nozzles around the tank perimeter, strategically located to project foam inward and cover the entire tank surface area, ensuring reliable coverage before fire conditions worsen
3Area of stationary object
If more foam chambers are installed to cover larger tank areas, then coverage area increases, but system complexity and cost increase prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the foam projection parameters (expansion ratio of 2-to-1 to 8-to-1 and projection distance over 100 feet), the system achieves large area coverage with fewer nozzles, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective coverage of tanks up to 400 feet in diameter
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively extinguishes larger tank fires with fewer units, reduces personnel risk, and provides cost-effective solutions for tanks up to 400 feet in diameter, achieving rapid foam coverage and extinguishment with enhanced fire fighting effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
aerated foam nozzles with a stream shaper, capable of projecting foam in a focused stream over 100 feet, with a 2-to-1 to 8-to-1 expansion ratio
Data Source
AI summary
Fixed systems and method for extinguishing large scale industrial tank fires, with and without fixed roofs, and featuring aerated foam projecting nozzles and including fixed center directed nozzles.