Fire Suppressant Mixture Boiling Point Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft fire suppression systems face challenges in cold temperatures due to the high boiling points of existing fire suppressants like FK-5-1-12 and CF3I, which hinder their ability to freely vaporize and distribute effectively, and there is a need for environmentally friendly alternatives to Halon 1301.
Innovation Solution
A fire suppressant mixture is developed by combining an organic fire suppressant with a halogen element and an organic compound, such as FK-5-1-12, CF3I, or 2,2-Dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane with carbon dioxide, to lower the boiling point and improve vaporization characteristics, while using an inert gas like nitrogen for pressurization to enhance distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Halon 1301 is used as fire suppressant, then fire suppression effectiveness is improved, but ozone depletion potential increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the harmful Halon 1301 with alternative compounds (FK-5-1-12, CF3I, R123) that have significantly lower or zero ozone depletion potential. These alternatives maintain fire suppression effectiveness through chemical inhibition mechanisms while eliminating the harmful ozone-depleting properties that characterized the original Halon 1301 system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the fire suppressant by using compounds with different boiling points and vapor pressures. The alternatives have higher boiling points than Halon 1301, requiring system design adjustments for cold temperature operation, but provide the benefit of reduced environmental harm while maintaining suppression capability.
2Reliability
If existing fire suppressants like FK-5-1-12 and CF3I are used in cold temperatures, then fire suppression capability is maintained, but vaporization and distribution effectiveness deteriorate due to high boiling points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the vaporization issue by selecting alternative compounds with lower boiling points or by modifying the system parameters (pressure, temperature control) to enable adequate vaporization of FK-5-1-12, CF3I, and R123 in cold environments. The system is designed to compensate for the higher boiling points through pressure management and discharge mechanism optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic pressure control and adjustable discharge mechanisms to adapt the system performance to varying temperature conditions. By dynamically adjusting the pressurization and discharge parameters, the system maintains effective vaporization and distribution of the fire suppressant across the wide temperature range from -55°C to +105°C.
3Power
If Nitrogen pressure is added to Halon 1301 system, then discharge energy at low temperatures is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single pressurizing gas (Nitrogen or alternative) that serves multiple functions: providing discharge energy at low temperatures, maintaining system pressure, and enabling efficient distribution of the fire suppressant. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate systems for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the added pressurization requirement.
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 mixture achieves improved fire suppression effectiveness and weight efficiency, with a lower boiling point and reduced ozone depletion potential and global warming potential compared to Halon 1301, ensuring effective operation in cold environments and meeting environmental sustainability criteria.
Implementation Method 1
the organic fire suppressant compound, the halogen element and the organic compound are combined such that a boiling point of the mixture is lower than a boiling point of the organic fire suppressant
Implementation Method 2
Nitrogen pressure beyond the natural vapor pressure of Halon 1301 is needed to provide system discharge energy at low temperatures
Implementation Method 3
Halon 1301 has a low boiling point and a high vapor pressure, which facilitates agent-air mixing and distribution throughout the fire zone
Data Source
AI summary
A fire suppressant mixture comprising: an organic or supplemental organic fire suppressant compound; a halogen element, and an organic compound, wherein the organic fire suppressant compound, the halogen element and the organic compound are combined such that a boiling point of the mixture is lower than the boiling point of the organic fire suppressant. In some embodiments, the organic fire suppressant compound is FK 5-1-12 and the organic compound is carbon dioxide. In other embodiments, the mixture is supplemented with an additional organic compound such as CF3I or 2,2-Dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (R123), or an halogen element. In some embodiments an inorganic pressurizing gas, such as nitrogen, is also added.