Gas Extinguisher Throttle for Phase Transition Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas extinguishing systems generate excessive noise and room air pressure during phase transition, which can damage noise-sensitive components like magnetic hard drives and pose risks to people in protected areas.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a throttle or reducing valve in the line system, controlled by a control device, to actively reduce the mass flow of extinguishing fluid during the phase transition from liquid to gaseous phase, limiting noise to 100 dB and overpressure to 200-1000 Pa, using time-controlled, pressure-controlled, noise-controlled, or fill-level-controlled mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mass flow of extinguishing fluid is maintained at high levels during discharge, then the fire suppression effectiveness is improved, but the noise level increases to over 100 dB damaging magnetic hard drives
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates pressure equalization flaps before the phase transition occurs, based on predetermined timing or pressure thresholds. This preliminary action prepares the pressure relief path in advance, so when the high-velocity gas discharge begins during phase transition, the flaps are already positioned to immediately reduce noise and pressure spikes, protecting magnetic hard drives while maintaining fire suppression effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the flow resistance parameter by activating pressure equalization flaps during phase transition. This alters the pressure-flow relationship in the discharge path, reducing the velocity and noise of the extinguishing fluid without compromising the overall discharge effectiveness needed for fire suppression
2Reliability
If the mass flow of extinguishing fluid is maintained at high levels during discharge, then the fire suppression effectiveness is improved, but the room air overpressure increases causing damage to building structures and people
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure equalization flaps are activated in advance or simultaneously with the discharge trigger, creating a pressure relief pathway before excessive overpressure builds up. This preliminary positioning of flaps ensures immediate pressure equalization when high-velocity gas enters the protected room, preventing structural damage and protecting occupants while maintaining effective fire suppression
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure equalization flaps act as an intermediary mechanism between the high-velocity discharge and the protected room environment. By introducing this intermediate pressure relief path, the system mediates the transition from high-pressure discharge to acceptable room pressure, protecting both structure and people while preserving fire suppression capability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If larger pressure equalization flaps are installed to reduce overpressure, then the protection of people and building is improved, but the construction effort and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamically controllable pressure equalization flaps that can be activated on-demand during discharge events, rather than requiring permanently large static openings. This dynamic approach allows small flaps to achieve the same pressure equalization effect as large permanent openings by being strategically activated when needed, reducing construction effort while maintaining protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational state of pressure equalization flaps from static to dynamic, allowing small flaps to compensate for their size by being actively controlled during critical discharge phases. This parameter change in control strategy enables smaller construction dimensions while achieving the same protective effect against overpressure
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
Reduces noise levels and room air pressure, minimizing damage to noise-sensitive equipment and reducing the risk of harm to people, while also allowing for smaller pressure equalization flaps and lower construction and cost efforts.
Implementation Method 1
At the start of the discharge, the extinguishing fluid is mainly in the liquid phase in the pipe system. After the extinguishing liquid has been discharged, the extinguishing fluid then changes into a mainly gaseous phase in the line system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for reducing noise and ambient air pressure during the discharge of a gas extinguishing system (A), wherein, during discharge from a pressure vessel (B), an extinguishing fluid (F) is guided via a vessel valve (V) and piping system (LS) to an extinguishing nozzle (D). The extinguishing fluid stored in the pressure vessel comprises an extinguishing liquid (L) and a propellant gas (G), wherein the extinguishing fluid is present in the piping system (LS) primarily in a liquid phase at the beginning of the discharge and then transitions to a primarily gaseous phase after the extinguishing liquid has been discharged. In a phase transition region (T), which is accompanied by a significant decrease in the extinguishing fluid flow rate (ṁ) and a significant increase in noise and ambient air pressure (pR), the flow rate is then reduced or stopped. The invention also relates to a corresponding gas extinguishing system.