Dual-Phase Inerting Gas System for Oxygen Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor fire inerting systems struggle to maintain a desired oxygen level for fire suppression and breathable air in rooms with air flow due to unpredictable oxygen concentration changes caused by airflow through open windows or doors.
Innovation Solution
A dual-phase inerting gas system that delivers a first inerting gas to rapidly reduce oxygen to a target level and a second inerting gas to sustain this level, using different oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations and flow rates to account for airflow, with optional mixing with atmospheric air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-phase inerting gas system discharges inert gas to reduce oxygen level, then fire inerting is achieved, but the oxygen level cannot be sustained at desired levels in rooms with air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The inerting process is divided into two distinct phases: a first phase using inert gas with 0% oxygen to rapidly reduce oxygen levels for fire suppression, and a second phase using inert gas with 10-12% oxygen to sustain breathable levels. This segmentation allows each phase to address different requirements (fire suppression vs. breathable air maintenance) effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the oxygen concentration parameter of the discharged inert gas between phases. The first inerting gas has 0% oxygen content for rapid fire suppression, while the second inerting gas has 10-12% oxygen content to maintain breathable conditions. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different operational requirements dynamically
2Stability of the object's composition
If extended discharge of inert gas is provided to compensate for air flow, then oxygen level can be sustained, but it becomes difficult to predict and control the oxygen level
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates oxygen level sensors that continuously monitor the indoor environment and provide feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the discharge flow rate and duration of inert gas to maintain the desired oxygen level between 10-12%, ensuring both fire suppression and breathable conditions without over-discharge or under-discharge
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static single-phase discharge approach to a dynamic two-phase approach where discharge parameters (flow rate, duration, oxygen content) are adjusted based on real-time conditions. The control unit dynamically switches between first and second inerting gas phases and modulates discharge rates to respond to air flow variations and maintain precise oxygen level control
3Speed
If high concentration of inert gas is discharged to quickly inert fire, then fire suppression speed is improved, but oxygen level may drop too low for breathable air
Solution Approach 1:
The inerting process is divided into two distinct phases: a first phase using inert gas with 0% oxygen to rapidly reduce oxygen levels for fire suppression, and a second phase using inert gas with 10-12% oxygen to sustain breathable levels. This segmentation allows each phase to address different requirements (fire suppression vs. breathable air maintenance) effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by switching between two distinct inert gas discharge phases. The first phase (0% oxygen) operates at high intensity for rapid fire suppression, followed by the second phase (10-12% oxygen) that operates to maintain breathable conditions. This periodic switching between different gas compositions ensures both rapid response and sustained safety
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
Effectively maintains fire-inerting and breathable oxygen levels even with air flow, ensuring safety and efficiency in fire suppression.
Implementation Method 1
an amount of inert gas is discharged into the room to reduce the percentage of oxygen in the air of the room
Implementation Method 2
The second inerting gas has a second concentration of oxygen of 10-12% being similar to a target concentration of oxygen at the indoor location
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A system and method for inerting a fire at an indoor location is provided. The system comprises a first container containing a first inerting gas void of oxygen or having a first concentration of oxygen and a first conduit extending at least between the first container and the indoor location. The system further comprises a second inerting gas having a second concentration of oxygen above zero. The system is configured to deliver an amount of the first inerting gas along the first conduit from the first container into the indoor location at a first mass flow rate for a first period of time, and subsequently deliver an amount of the second inerting gas into the indoor location at a second flow rate for a second period of time.