Centershot II Fire Fighting Nozzle Range Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional master stream fog nozzles struggle to effectively cover the increasing diameter of industrial tanks due to range limitations, which are exacerbated by wind, heat, and safety concerns, leading to reduced reliability and predictability in foam application.
Innovation Solution
A range optimized fire fighting nozzle design that combines a solid bore conduit with an annular conduit, allowing for adjustable division of inlet water between the two, to achieve a straight stream pattern while maintaining a tight landing footprint and fog capability, thereby enhancing the range without sacrificing predictability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional master stream fog nozzles are used for large industrial tanks, then fog pattern capability is provided, but range is insufficient to cover increasing tank diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle flow is segmented into two separate conduits: a solid bore conduit and an annular conduit. The solid bore conduit produces a straight stream pattern optimized for range, while the annular conduit produces a fog pattern. This segmentation allows each conduit to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between range and fog capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the nozzle discharge different types of flow patterns at different locations. The solid bore conduit discharges a concentrated straight stream with high velocity and tight footprint for maximum range, while the annular conduit discharges a dispersed fog pattern for fire suppression. Each location in the discharge has locally optimized properties for its intended purpose.
2Area of stationary object
If nozzle capacity is increased to cover larger tanks, then coverage area improves, but reaction forces increase requiring monitor staging
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is segmented into two conduits that can operate independently or in combination. This allows the system to achieve large coverage area by coordinating both conduits while managing reaction forces through the distributed flow paths and support structure design.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction force management transitions from a two-dimensional hose support problem to a three-dimensional monitor mounting system on the tank. The monitor can be staged at optimal locations on the tank structure, utilizing the vertical and radial dimensions to position nozzles for maximum coverage while distributing reaction forces across multiple mounting points.
3Length of moving object
If nozzle is staged closer to tank to satisfy range requirements, then range is sufficient, but heat exposure melts nozzle handles
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle mounting transitions from ground-level positioning to three-dimensional placement on the tank structure itself. The monitor can be positioned on tank walls, roofs, or other elevated locations, utilizing the vertical and radial dimensions to achieve sufficient range while maintaining safe distance from the hottest parts of the fire.
4Reliability
If wind conditions are considered for nozzle staging, then personnel safety improves, but range is reduced due to upwind staging limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The solution transitions from horizontal ground-level nozzle positioning to vertical and radial positioning on the tank structure. By utilizing the vertical dimension (elevated positions on tank walls or roof) and radial dimension (positioning on different sides of the tank), the system can achieve sufficient effective range to the far side of the tank while maintaining safe distance from the fire and operating in less wind-affected zones.
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 nozzle achieves a range comparable to the best solid bore designs while retaining the tight landing footprint and fog capability, ensuring reliable foam application even on large industrial tanks, thus improving firefighter safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The nozzle includes a solid bore conduit in fluid communication with the inlet and having a discharge port. The nozzle also includes an annular conduit in fluid communication with the inlet and having an annular discharge port.
Implementation Method 2
The nozzle is designed to provide generally laminar flow through the solid bore conduit and the annular conduit from the nozzle inlet to the discharge ports.
Implementation Method 3
The nozzle includes an annular conduit stream straightener located approximately mid-nozzle in the annular conduit and a solid bore stream straightener located proximate an inlet of the solid bore conduit.
Data Source
AI summary
An enhanced range and landing pattern, straight stream and fog, fire fighting nozzle including solid bore and annular discharge ports wherein the nozzle discharges an inner stream surrounded by an outer stream.