Modular Conveyor Fire Suppression Bracket and Pipe Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor fire suppression systems in underground coal mines are inadequate, often failing to meet regulatory requirements, being difficult to install, and lacking structural integrity, which poses a risk to miner safety and mine infrastructure due to inefficient water distribution and improper positioning of sprinkler heads.
Innovation Solution
A modular fire suppression system comprising a bracket assembly, pipe assembly, and sprinkler heads that can be easily attached to underground conveyors, with a monitoring device to ensure proper water flow, providing a preassembled kit for rapid installation and adjustable positioning to effectively direct pressurized water along the conveyor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fire suppression systems are installed on conveyors, then fire suppression capability is provided, but the systems are difficult to install and lack structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The fire suppression system is divided into modular components including a bracket assembly with mounting brackets, a pipe assembly with sprinkler heads, and separate fastening elements. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with optimized structural integrity while simplifying installation through modular assembly on the conveyor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly and pipe assembly are pre-assembled as integrated units before installation on the conveyor. This preliminary assembly ensures proper structural alignment and integrity is achieved during manufacturing, while the pre-configured modular unit simplifies the field installation process by reducing the number of separate assembly steps required on-site.
2Reliability
If sprinkler heads are positioned to effectively suppress fire, then fire suppression effectiveness is improved, but positioning accuracy is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the positioning function into the bracket assembly which provides predetermined spacing from the conveyor, and the pipe assembly which positions sprinkler heads at specific intervals along the pipe. This segmentation of positioning functions ensures accurate spatial relationships are maintained without requiring high-precision field installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets are designed with specific geometric features that provide predetermined spacing and orientation relative to the conveyor structure. This localized geometric design ensures that each component is positioned with the correct spatial relationship to adjacent components, maintaining overall positioning accuracy through distributed local constraints rather than requiring global precision.
3Reliability
If water is distributed evenly along the conveyor, then fire suppression coverage is improved, but water flow control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sprinkler heads are distributed at predetermined intervals along the pipe assembly, with each head providing localized water distribution to a specific section of the conveyor. This distributed local coverage approach achieves even overall water distribution along the conveyor length without requiring complex centralized flow control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the conveyor's own motion and the natural gravity-driven flow of water to achieve distribution. As water flows through the pipe assembly, gravity causes it to exit each sprinkler head in sequence, automatically providing coverage along the conveyor path without requiring active flow control systems. The conveyor movement itself helps distribute water along its length.
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 modular system provides efficient and effective fire suppression by ensuring proper water distribution and positioning, minimizing downtime and manpower requirements, while meeting regulatory standards and enhancing safety by preventing fire spread and reducing the risk of rekindling.
Implementation Method 1
A spraying device connects to the pipe assembly outlet for directing water under pressure from the pipe assembly to the conveying device
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of upstanding bracket assemblies, pipe assemblies, and fasteners are assembled into a plurality of modular fire suppression stations for use in the fire suppression system for a conveyor in an underground mine. Each station includes an upstanding bracket assembly, a fastener, a pipe assembly, and at least one sprinkler head. The fastener attaches the bracket assembly to the conveyor. The pipe assembly is supported by the bracket assembly. The pipe assembly receives water under pressure and directs the water to the sprinkler head. The sprinkler head directs the water onto the conveyor.