Dry Pipe Fire Suppression System with Extracted Outlet Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire suppression systems are rendered inoperable or damaged by freezing temperatures, and existing solutions like glycol-based systems require constant maintenance and pose chemical hazards, while fluid leaks can cause damage to surrounding objects.
Innovation Solution
A dry pipe fire suppression system with an inlet pipe filled with a fluid substance and an outlet pipe containing a gaseous fluid, where a direct-acting actuated dry valve assembly allows the fluid to enter the outlet pipe when the gaseous fluid pressure is altered, preventing fluid from entering at undesirable times and minimizing fluid presence throughout the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If water is used in the fire suppression system pipes, then the system is simple and inexpensive, but the system becomes inoperable and damaged when water freezes in cold climates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water from the outlet pipe, leaving only the inlet pipe filled with water. The outlet pipe is left empty or filled with air, and a valve assembly controls water flow only when needed. This extraction eliminates the freezing problem in the outlet pipe while maintaining the simplicity of using water as the suppressant.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares in advance by filling only the necessary inlet pipe with water before a fire event occurs. The outlet pipe remains empty or filled with air, pre-preventing the freezing issue. When fire detection occurs, the valve assembly opens to allow water flow only to the point of discharge.
2Reliability
If glycol is used instead of water to prevent freezing, then the system can withstand cold temperatures, but the system requires constant maintenance and poses chemical hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes glycol entirely from the system by extracting the fluid substance from the outlet pipe. Only the inlet pipe contains water, and the outlet pipe remains empty or filled with air. This eliminates the need for glycol-based anti-freeze solutions and their associated maintenance and safety issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive water in the inlet pipe that can be easily replenished if needed, rather than expensive glycol that requires ongoing maintenance. The outlet pipe uses air or is empty, which requires no maintenance at all.
3Speed
If fluid is continuously present in the system pipes, then the system is ready for immediate fire suppression, but fluid can leak and cause damage to surrounding objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts fluid from the outlet pipe, leaving it empty or filled with air. This eliminates the risk of fluid leakage damaging surrounding objects while the inlet pipe remains filled with water for immediate suppression response. The valve assembly ensures rapid water delivery when fire occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the piping into two segments: the inlet pipe filled with water for immediate response, and the outlet pipe empty or filled with air to prevent leakage damage. The valve assembly acts as a controlled connection point between these segments.
4Reliability
If a check valve is used to separate glycol and water, then the chemical agent is prevented from entering water areas, but the system requires a second fluid and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for check valves and fluid separation mechanisms by extracting glycol entirely from the system. Only water is used in the inlet pipe, and the outlet pipe is empty or filled with air, eliminating the complexity of separating and managing multiple fluids.
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 remains operational in extreme temperatures without fluid leakage, reducing maintenance needs and chemical hazards, ensuring effective fire suppression while minimizing damage to surrounding objects.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one outlet pipe is in fluid communication with the at least one inlet pipe and contains a gaseous fluid, wherein the gaseous fluid creates a second pressure in the at least one outlet pipe
Implementation Method 2
The at least one inlet pipe is at least partially filled with a fluid substance, wherein the fluid substance creates a first pressure in the at least one inlet pipe
Implementation Method 3
The valve assembly is in fluid communication between the at least one inlet pipe and the at least one outlet pipe, wherein the fluid substance enters the at least one outlet pipe through the valve when the second pressure is altered to a predetermined pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A fire suppression system and method thereof is provided. The fire suppression system includes at least one inlet pipe, at least one outlet pipe, and a valve. The inlet pipe is at least partially filled with a fluid substance, wherein the fluid substance creates a first pressure in the inlet pipe. The outlet pipe is in fluid communication with the inlet pipe and contains a gaseous fluid, wherein the gaseous fluid creates a second pressure in the outlet pipe. The valve is in fluid communication between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, wherein the fluid substance enters the outlet pipe through the valve when the second pressure is altered to a predetermined pressure.