Flame Mitigation Device for Fuel Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flame mitigation devices for portable fuel containers are inadequate in preventing flashback explosions and effectively quenching flames, as they fail to provide a reliable barrier against ignition and flame propagation.
Innovation Solution
A flame mitigation device comprising a rigid portion with a hollow body and a flexible permeable portion that extends into the fuel container, featuring a tubular shape with sealed ends and permeable openings to allow fluid flow while preventing flame passage, and is securely attached to the container neck using retention members and bonding techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flame mitigation device is installed in the fuel container neck, then flashback explosions and flame propagation are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flame mitigation device is divided into two distinct segments: a rigid portion with a hollow body and flange for structural support and positioning, and a flexible portion made of permeable material for flame quenching. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall device reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines rigid and flexible materials with different properties in a single assembly. The rigid portion provides structural integrity and positioning, while the flexible permeable portion provides flame quenching capability. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating multiple material properties into one device that achieves both reliability and manageable complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid portion with flange is used to secure the device, then the device stability improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flange design allows for parameter variations in positioning and attachment methods (e.g., different attachment forces, slight dimensional tolerances) while maintaining stable device composition. The flexible portion compensates for manufacturing variations, enabling stable installation without extremely tight precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible portion acts as a compliant element that can accommodate minor manufacturing tolerances and positioning variations in the rigid flange assembly. This flexibility allows the device to achieve stable composition in the neck without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing of the flange components.
3Productivity
If permeable material is used in the flexible portion, then fluid flow is allowed, but flame propagation is prevented, creating a functional contradiction
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible portion is made of permeable/porous material that allows fluid molecules to pass through while the porous structure quenchs flames by absorbing heat and disrupting flame propagation. The pore size and material properties are selected to permit fluid flow at required rates while maintaining flame-arresting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The permeable material in the flexible portion utilizes phase transition mechanisms (heat absorption during vaporization) to quench flames while allowing fluid flow. The material absorbs heat from the flame front, causing temperature drop below ignition point, while maintaining permeability for fuel vapor and liquid exchange.
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 device effectively prevents flashback explosions and flame propagation by creating a continuous barrier within the fuel container, ensuring safe fluid exchange and enhancing the safety of portable fuel storage and usage.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible portion composed of a sheet of permeable material extending from the hollow body
Implementation Method 2
an FMD functions by absorbing the heat from a flame front traveling at subsonic velocities, thus dropping the burning gas/air mixture below its auto-ignition temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A flame mitigation device (FMD) for use within a portable fuel container. The FMD includes a rigid portion comprising a hollow body and a flange at least partially surrounding an opening in the hollow body. Additionally, the FMD includes a flexible portion composed of a sheet of permeable material extending from the hollow body. The sheet of permeable material defines an interior volume between a first end and a second end. Further, the first end has an opening in fluid communication with the hollow body. Additionally, the second end is sealed.