Fire Protection Release Valve With Non-Return Flow and Low Head Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire protection system valves suffer from high head losses, complexity, weight, and limited diameter, making them inefficient, costly, and difficult to install in larger cylinders, while also lacking a non-return mechanism to prevent gas return.
Innovation Solution
A tubular release valve with a non-fragmentable rupture disc, non-return device, and calibrated safety disc, designed for efficient gas flow with minimal head loss, allowing larger diameters and simpler, safer operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional valves are used in fire protection systems, then the system can release extinguishing gas, but the head loss is high and the valve complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into separate functional components: a body, a piston, a rupture disc, and a non-return device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall complexity while minimizing head loss through optimized flow paths for each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The rupture disc is extracted as a separate safety component from the main valve mechanism. This allows the rupture disc to function independently as a pressure relief device, simplifying the main valve structure and reducing head loss by separating the pressure containment function from the flow control function.
2Weight of stationary object
If conventional valves are used, then gas release is possible, but the valve weight is excessive and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rupture disc utilizes a thin film structure that is both strong and lightweight. This thin film approach significantly reduces the weight of the safety component while maintaining its pressure-containing integrity, making the overall valve assembly lighter and easier to install in various locations.
3Shape
If conventional valves are used, then extinguishing gas can be released, but the valve diameter is limited and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex internal valve mechanism to control gas flow, the invention inverts the approach by using a rupture disc that fails open to release gas. This inversion allows for larger diameter valves to be manufactured more simply, as the rupture disc can be produced as a straightforward circular component rather than a complex assembled valve mechanism.
4Reliability
If conventional valves are used, then gas flow is possible, but gas return cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The non-return function is merged with the rupture disc assembly by positioning the non-return device downstream of the rupture disc. This combination ensures that when the rupture disc opens for gas release, the non-return device simultaneously prevents any potential gas return, achieving both functions in an integrated manner without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
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 valve achieves reduced head loss, enabling larger diameters, lower weight, and cost-effective installation, ensuring reliable and efficient gas release with a non-return mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a rupture disc (2), arranged downstream of said filling inlet and of said pressurisation inlet and upstream of said outlet; said rupture disc being configured to open at a predetermined pressure
Implementation Method 2
a non-return device (3), arranged downstream of said filling inlet and upstream of said pressurisation inlet and of said outlet; said non-return device allowing a passage of fluid in a direction from said filling inlet towards said pressurisation inlet and preventing a passage of fluid in a direction from said pressurisation inlet towards said filling inlet
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a release valve (100) for fire protection systems, consisting of a tubular body (1) with a first end and a second end, and which comprises: coupling means with an extinguishing gas source at a first pressure, arranged at said first end; an outlet (12), arranged at said second end; a pressurisation inlet (11), arranged in a position between said coupling means and said outlet (12) and able to be connected to pressurising means at a second pressure, greater than said first pressure; a rupture disc (2), arranged in a position between said pressurisation inlet (11) and said outlet (12) and configured to open at said second pressure; and a non-return device (3), arranged in a position between said coupling means and said pressurisation inlet (11), said non-return device (3) being configured to allow a passage of fluid in the direction from said coupling means towards said pressurisation inlet (11) and prevent a passage of fluid in the direction from said pressurisation inlet (11) towards said coupling means.The invention also relates to a fire protection system comprising an extinguishing gas source connected to a release valve (100) for fire protection systems of the above type and a method for activating said system.