Finned Aerated Foam Nozzle Stream Shaper for Large Tank Fires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixed systems for extinguishing large industrial tank fires are costly, unreliable, and ineffective in covering full surface fires in tanks over 100 feet in diameter, with traditional foam chambers requiring numerous units and having limited foam run and application rates.
Innovation Solution
Development of a fixed system using aerated foam nozzles with a stream shaper, capable of projecting a focused stream of foam up to 1100 gpm with a 2-to-8 expansion ratio, allowing for efficient coverage of larger tank surfaces with fewer units, and incorporating a semi-fixed Point and Shoot, Ambush, and Hollow Point systems for rim seal and full surface fire protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional foam chambers are used for rim seal fire protection, then foam can be applied to the tank periphery, but the system requires numerous units spaced every 40-80 feet, resulting in high cost and device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated wand assembly that includes nozzles for both rim seal protection and center fire attack, eliminating the need for separate foam chambers around the tank perimeter. This single wand unit can be positioned to protect entire tank diameters, reducing the number of units from dozens to just one or two strategic placements.
Solution Approach 2:
The wand assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that can simultaneously or alternatively perform rim seal protection, center fire attack, and vapor suppression. The system includes nozzles that can discharge foam in multiple directions (horizontally for rim seal, vertically for center attack) and can be used with different foam expansion ratios, making it a universal solution for various fire scenarios.
2Reliability
If traditional foam chambers are used, then rim seal protection is provided, but the foam run distance is limited and application rates are insufficient for large tanks over 100 feet in diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic foam expansion control with variable expansion ratios (2-to-1 to 8-to-1) that can be adjusted based on the specific fire scenario and distance requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the foam to maintain adequate run distance while providing sufficient application rate, solving the limitation of fixed expansion ratio systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters including foam expansion ratio, discharge pressure, and nozzle orientation to optimize foam run distance and coverage. By using lower expansion ratios (2-to-1 to 5-to-1) compared to traditional high expansion systems, the foam maintains better flow characteristics and run distance while still providing adequate coverage for large tank surfaces.
3Reliability
If numerous foam chambers are installed around the tank perimeter, then rim seal protection is achieved, but the system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protection functions into a single wand assembly that replaces numerous individual foam chambers. Instead of installing dozens of separate units around the tank perimeter, one or two wand assemblies can be strategically positioned to protect the entire tank diameter, dramatically reducing system cost while maintaining or improving protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a portable, replicable wand design that can be quickly deployed and repositioned as needed, eliminating the need for permanent, expensive fixed installations. The wand can be manually positioned and adjusted, providing a cost-effective alternative to costly fixed foam chamber systems while maintaining reliable rim seal protection.
4Reliability
If fixed systems are used for large tank protection, then personnel risk is reduced, but the systems are costly and require complex installations
Solution Approach 1:
The wand system is designed to be self-contained and manually deployable without requiring complex installation infrastructure. The unit includes integrated foam proportioning, aeration, and discharge capabilities, allowing it to be quickly positioned and activated by personnel without requiring extensive installation work, thereby reducing both installation complexity and personnel risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The wand assembly serves as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between portable handheld nozzles and complex fixed foam chamber systems. It provides fixed-system-level protection capabilities through a portable, easily deployable unit that requires minimal installation infrastructure, thus reducing personnel risk without imposing high installation complexity or cost.
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 provides cost-effective, reliable, and efficient fire extinguishment for tanks up to 400 feet in diameter, with improved foam run and coverage, reducing the risk to personnel and logistical challenges, and requiring fewer installations compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle structured for projecting at least 100 gpm (at 100 psi) of aerated foam
Implementation Method 2
The stream shaper can include at least four fins with a longitudinal dimension in the tip portion greater than a radial dimension in the tip portion
Data Source
AI summary
The invention includes components and methodology for fixed and semi-fixed systems for extinguishing fire in large industrial flammable liquid storage tanks, including aerated foam projecting nozzles discharging substantially focused streams together with aeration chambers and risers and the formation of wand heads and wands. Specifically, the invention includes a nozzle having a tip portion, the tip portion having a stream shaper, and the stream shaper having at least four fins with a longitudinal dimension in the tip portion greater than a radial dimension in the tip portion.