Dual-Use Fire Sprinkler Pipe with Air Sampling Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pre-action fire sprinkler systems require a large number of smoke detectors and often use pressurized gas, leading to increased costs and delayed water delivery to sprinklers due to the need for dual detection systems and gas presence in pipes.
Innovation Solution
A fire sprinkler system with dual-use pipes that incorporate air sampling openings and detectors to detect fire conditions, allowing for efficient water delivery by using ambient air flow and eliminating the need for pressurized gas, featuring an air sampling detector connected to the piping system to trigger the valve for water filling upon fire detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate detection system with multiple smoke detectors is used in pre-action sprinkler systems, then fire detection capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection system and water distribution system into a single integrated pipe network. The same pipes that distribute water for fire suppression also serve as conduits for air sampling and fire detection, eliminating the need for separate detection piping and multiple smoke detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipes in the system perform multiple functions: they distribute water for fire suppression, convey air for sampling and detection, and serve as the detection medium itself. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining both detection and suppression capabilities.
2Reliability
If pressurized gas is used in the piping system to detect sprinkler activation, then detection reliability is improved, but water delivery time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes pressurized gas from the system entirely, replacing it with ambient air flow through the pipes. This eliminates the time delay associated with pressurized gas evacuation while maintaining the ability to detect sprinkler activation through air flow changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses ambient air flow through the pipes to naturally detect sprinkler activation without requiring external pressurization. The air flow itself provides the detection mechanism, and the system leverages natural convection and pressure differentials created by sprinkler operation.
3Measurement precision
If a large number of smoke detectors are positioned adjacent to sprinklers, then fire detection accuracy is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is merged into the water distribution pipes themselves. Air sampling openings in the pipes provide fire detection capability without requiring separate smoke detectors at each sprinkler location, significantly reducing component count and installation cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe network serves as both the water distribution system and the fire detection system. By using the same infrastructure for both purposes, the system achieves comprehensive fire detection coverage without the expense of additional detectors.
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
This solution reduces the complexity and cost of the system while minimizing the delay in water delivery to sprinklers, enhancing the response time and effectiveness of the fire suppression system.
Implementation Method 1
an air sampling detector fluidly connected to the pipe and testing the ambient air within the dual-use pipe, the air sampling detector being operable to detect the presence of the fire condition based on at least one characteristic detected from the ambient air within the dual-use pipe
Implementation Method 2
a valve disposed between the source of the fire extinguishing fluid and the pipe, the valve being in communication with the air sampling detector and operable to open, upon detection of the fire condition based on the ambient air tested by the air sampling detector, in order to fill the pipe with the fire extinguishing fluid
Implementation Method 3
the dual-use pipe having at least one air sampling opening therein allowing ambient air flow into the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A fire sprinkler system is described which includes a piping system having at least one dual-use pipe providing both an air conveying inlet and a fire extinguishing fluid conveying outlet. The pipe has at least one air sampling opening allowing ambient air flow into the pipe and at least one fire sprinkler for ejecting a fire extinguishing fluid from the pipe in the event of a fire. An air sampling detector is fluidly connected to the pipe and tests the ambient air within the pipe to detect the presence of the fire. A valve, disposed between the source of the fire extinguishing fluid and the pipe, is in communication with the air sampling detector and operable to open, upon detection of the fire based on the ambient air tested by the air sampling detector, in order to fill the pipe with the fire extinguishing fluid.