Ceiling-Only Fire Protection for High-Piled Plastic Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire protection systems for storage, particularly for Group A plastics in rack storage, do not provide effective protection for exposed, expanded plastics without additional accommodations like horizontal barriers and in-rack sprinklers, and are limited in height, failing to address fires effectively.
Innovation Solution
A controlled fire protection system with ceiling-only fluid distribution devices, utilizing a centralized controller and detectors to identify a fixed discharge array of firefighting fluid distribution devices, providing a controlled and minimized flow to quench fires, installed above the stored commodities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fire protection systems are used for exposed expanded plastics in rack storage, then the system can provide basic fire control, but the system requires additional accommodations (horizontal barriers and in-rack sprinklers) and is limited to maximum storage heights of 12.19m (40 ft) beneath a 13.72m (45 ft) ceiling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for horizontal barriers and in-rack sprinklers by implementing a ceiling-only fire protection system. The system extracts only the essential fluid distribution function and relocates it to the ceiling level, eliminating unnecessary structural accommodations while maintaining effective fire protection for exposed expanded plastics in rack storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a multi-level fire protection approach (in-rack sprinklers at storage level) to a ceiling-only approach by moving the fluid distribution function to the ceiling dimension. This dimensional relocation allows the system to protect high rack storage (up to 15.24m/50 ft) without requiring physical presence at multiple storage levels.
2Length of stationary object
If traditional fire protection systems are used, then the system can protect storage up to 12.19m (40 ft) height, but the system cannot effectively protect higher storage arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements early detection and response capabilities by positioning fluid distribution devices at the ceiling level where they can detect and respond to fires at their incipient stage. The system activates fluid distribution early in the fire development process, preventing fire growth before it can compromise high rack storage, thereby enabling reliable protection at heights exceeding 15.24m (50 ft).
3Adaptability or versatility
If ceiling-only fire protection system is implemented, then the system can protect higher storage arrangements without additional barriers, but the system requires precise fluid distribution control to effectively quench fires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that monitors fire conditions and adjusts fluid distribution accordingly. The system uses feedback from fire detection to activate and modulate fluid distribution from ceiling-mounted devices, ensuring precise delivery of firefighting fluid to the fire location while adapting to varying fire intensities and storage configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of fluid distribution devices, allowing the system to adapt its response based on real-time fire conditions. The control system modulates fluid flow rates and distribution patterns dynamically, optimizing fire suppression effectiveness across diverse storage arrangements and fire scenarios without requiring rigid pre-configured systems.
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 quenches fires in storage occupancies, including exposed expanded plastics, at heights exceeding industry standards, without additional structural barriers, by precisely distributing firefighting fluid to limit fire impact.
Implementation Method 1
The preferred systems and methods described herein provide for controlled operation of the fluid distribution devices of the discharge array to distribute a preferably fixed and minimized flow of firefighting fluid to preferably quench the fire
Data Source
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Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Fire protection systems and methods for ceiling-only high-piled storage protection. The systems include a plurality of fluid distribution devices disposed beneath a ceiling and above a high-piled storage commodity having a nominal storage height ranging from a nominal 20 ft. to a maximum nominal storage height of 55 ft. and means for quenching a fire in the storage commodity. The stored commodity to be protected may include exposed expanded plastics. The fluid distribution devices include a frame body having an inlet, an outlet, a sealing assembly, and an electronically operated releasing mechanism supporting the sealing assembly in the outlet.