Container Smoke Purging Coupling Device for Sealed Firefighting Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Containers storing flammable substances face challenges in smoke and off-gas purging due to limited access, which complicates firefighting and explosion prevention, as existing systems are not effectively designed to manage pressure and oxygen influx during thermal events.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a diaphragm and airflow system that allows for selective opening to purge smoke and gases from containers, featuring a manually or automatically operated valve and ductwork with fans to safely vent contents to the ambient environment, ensuring containment and safety during incidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If containers are sealed to protect contents from the outside environment, then protection from liquid intrusion and environmental damage is improved, but access for firefighting and smoke purging becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed container is segmented by introducing a removable purge system that can be inserted through existing openings (doors, windows, vents) without compromising the overall seal integrity. The purge system includes a purge tube that can be inserted and removed independently, allowing smoke extraction while maintaining container sealing when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary purge system is introduced between the interior and exterior environments. This system includes a purge tube, purge head with nozzle, and control mechanism that mediates gas flow without requiring direct access to the container interior, thus maintaining sealing while enabling smoke purging.
2Reliability
If containers are sealed to prevent accidental rupture and oxygen in-rush, then safety during thermal events is improved, but smoke and off-gas purging capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The purge system incorporates dynamic control mechanisms including a controllable purge valve that can be opened or closed based on operational needs, and an adjustable nozzle that can direct exhaust away from the container. The system transitions from a static sealed state to a dynamic purging state and back, maintaining safety while enabling smoke removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The purge system includes feedback mechanisms through pressure sensors and flow indicators that monitor the purging process. The control mechanism adjusts purge valve opening and nozzle direction based on feedback from pressure differential and smoke detection, optimizing smoke removal while maintaining container integrity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a purge system is introduced to remove smoke and gases, then smoke purging capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The purge system is designed with universal components that can be adapted to different container types and sizes. The purge tube can be inserted through various openings (doors, windows, vents), and the nozzle can be adjusted to different angles and positions, making the system versatile without requiring custom designs for each container.
Solution Approach 2:
The purge system components are nested within each other to minimize space requirements. The nozzle is nested within the purge head, which is nested within the purge tube assembly. This nested configuration reduces the overall footprint and simplifies storage and deployment.
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 purges smoke and gases from containers, maintaining containment during thermal events while preventing accidental rupture, facilitating safer firefighting and reducing the risk of explosions by managing pressure and oxygen levels.
Implementation Method 1
configured for opening upon coupling with the second portion to provide fluid communication with an interior space of the container
Implementation Method 2
One or more springs may be provided about the shaft between the support and one or more protruding members on the shaft such that the springs are compressed as the diaphragm is forced inward, thereby biasing the diaphragm in a closed position
Implementation Method 3
The airflow devices may be activated to purge smoke or other gasses from the container when the second portion is coupled to the first portion
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for purging smoke and other gasses from containers are provided. First portions of a coupling device are fixed to the containers and each define a first inner passageway. A second portion of the coupling device is configured for selective securement to any of the first portions to create a fluid passageway from an interior of the container, through the coupling device, to an ambient environment outside of the container. An airflow device may be fluidly connected to said second portion by ductwork.