Compressed Air Foam Fire Suppression System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire suppression systems are complex and require human operation, posing risks to personnel and potentially damaging the fire suppressant when deployed, especially in areas inaccessible to water distribution networks or where biohazards are present.
Innovation Solution
A fully mobile, automatically activated fire suppression system using a simple and reliable trigger mechanism that delivers compressed air foam (CAF) via a pipe network with fusible link sprinkler heads and a control system responsive to environmental parameters like heat and smoke, ensuring safe and effective suppression without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual fire extinguishers are used, then mobility is improved, but personnel safety deteriorates due to the need for human operation in dangerous areas
Solution Approach 1:
The fire suppression system activates automatically through fusible link sprinkler heads that melt in response to heat, triggering the control system to open control valves and deliver CAF without requiring human presence or manual operation in the hazard area, thereby ensuring personnel safety while maintaining mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system that uses environmental parameter sensing (heat, smoke, CO2) to trigger valve actuation, substituting human decision-making with automated detection and response mechanisms
2Extent of automation
If complex control mechanisms are used, then automation is improved, but the fire suppressant properties deteriorate due to damage to CAF
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mixing function from the control valve by providing a separate mixing manifold where CAF is prepared before delivery. The control valve only opens to allow pre-mixed CAF to flow, preventing the valve from damaging the suppressant while maintaining automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the CAF delivery process into separate functions: mixing occurs in the mixing manifold, storage occurs in the pressurized tank, and delivery occurs through control valves that only open without contacting the suppressant, thereby protecting CAF properties while achieving automation
3Adaptability or versatility
If access to water distribution networks is unavailable, then adaptability to remote locations is improved, but the ability to deliver suppressant deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pressurized tank system with compressed air to deliver CAF through the pipe network without requiring connection to external water distribution networks, enabling deployment in remote locations such as offshore platforms while maintaining reliable suppressant delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-contained with an integrated pressurized tank and mixing manifold, making it universally applicable to various locations regardless of water infrastructure availability, thereby achieving both adaptability to remote sites and reliable suppressant delivery
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 provides a safe, efficient, and reliable means to suppress fires and control biohazards by automatically activating the delivery of CAF, reducing the risk of human injury and property damage while effectively clinging to vertical surfaces and preventing reflash.
Implementation Method 1
fusible link sprinkler heads and a control system responsive to environmental parameters like heat and smoke
Implementation Method 2
Ponte patent discloses a concealed or covered sprinkler for a conventional (e.g., water-supplied) fire prevention system. When the ambient temperature exceeds the melting point of a solder joint, leaf springs force the sprinkler cover open
Implementation Method 3
a control valve for opening in response to a change in pressure in the pilot line such that the pipe network is charged with CAF
Implementation Method 4
A fully mobile, automatically activated fire suppression system using a simple and reliable trigger mechanism that delivers compressed air foam (CAF)
Data Source
AI summary
A fire suppressant system having a pipe system, spray nozzles connected to the pipe system and a control system for selectively charging the pipe system with foam. The control system includes a pilot line for generating a signal based upon sensing an environmental parameter and a first control valve for activating the system based upon the signal. Preferably, the first control valve forms i) an interior cavity for mixing the compressed air and compressed air liquid, ii) an outlet in fluid communication with the interior; iii) a first inlet, oriented substantially perpendicular to a flow through the outlet, in fluid communication with the interior and the compressed air; and iv) a second inlet, oriented substantially perpendicular to the flow, in fluid communication with the interior and the compressed air liquid.