Extended Discharge Fire Suppression via Segmented Agent and Propellant Tanks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clean agent fire suppression systems face challenges in delivering liquid clean agents over an extended period without the drawbacks of inert gas systems, such as ozone depletion and space requirements, and lack methods for efficient delivery via extended discharge.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an agent tank, propellant tank, regulator, pipe network, orifice plate, and nozzles, which delivers a mixture of fire suppressant and propellant gas to maintain a consistent concentration over an extended period, using a ratio of open areas in the nozzle and orifice plate between 2 and 10, and includes a rapid discharge system for immediate fire extinguishment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If liquid clean agent is stored in a single tank with inert gas for extended discharge, then existing gas deployment infrastructure can be utilized, but the clean agent becomes diluted and inherits the drawbacks of inert gas systems including massive storage space requirements and extensive personnel training needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with existing gas deployment infrastructureVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the suppressant storage into separate tanks: one dedicated to liquid clean agent and another to propellant gas. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, eliminating the need for massive single-tank storage while maintaining extended discharge capability through controlled metering of both liquids and gases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces metering devices as intermediary components between the suppressant tanks and the discharge system. These meters precisely control the flow rates of liquid clean agent and propellant gas, enabling extended discharge without dilution while maintaining compatibility with existing gas deployment infrastructure through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If liquid clean agent is diluted with inert gas in a single tank, then existing gas deployment infrastructure can be used, but personnel training time and expense increase due to lack of time to escape or switch to supplemental oxygen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveutilization of existing gas deployment infrastructureVSAvoidpersonnel training requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the concentration parameter of the clean agent by using undiluted liquid stored in separate tanks. Metering devices control the discharge rate to maintain effective concentrations throughout extended discharge, eliminating the need for personnel to train on escaping diluted atmospheres while still utilizing existing gas deployment infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If rapid discharge unit releases clean agent in less than 10 seconds, then fire can be extinguished quickly, but the system cannot maintain sufficient concentration for several minutes to prevent reigniting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge speedVSAvoidduration of fire suppression

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous metered discharge of both liquid clean agent and propellant gas from separate tanks. This continuous action maintains sufficient clean agent concentration in the protected space for several minutes after initial fire extinguishment, preventing reigniting while the rapid discharge phase provides immediate fire suppression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically transitions between discharge phases: an initial rapid discharge phase for immediate fire extinguishment followed by an extended metered discharge phase for preventing reigniting. The metering devices adjust flow rates to maintain effective concentrations throughout the extended duration while adapting to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 maintains a consistent clean agent concentration between 5-10 mole percent for up to 3 hours, reducing personnel training needs and protecting valuable items by ensuring fire suppression until professional help arrives.

Implementation Method 1

delivers a mixture of fire suppressant and propellant gas to maintain a consistent concentration over an extended period

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas-liquid mixing:

Implementation Method 2

an orifice plate, inline with the pipe network between the agent tank and the at least one nozzle, for controlling a flow rate of the mixture to the at least one nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow restriction through orifice:

Implementation Method 3

at least one nozzle located in the structure; a pipe network for communicating a mixture of the fire suppressant and the propellant gas to the at least one nozzle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid discharge through nozzle:

Data Source

PatentEP4007644B1Extended discharge fire suppression systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.09.24 ETG HLDG CO INC D B A XDS FIRE

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AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for extinguishing and/or suppressing fire in a structure. Particularly, the present systems and methods discharge clean agents over an extended period of time at an occupiable level to protect life, reduce personnel training time and expense, and preserve valuable items.