Foam Concentrate Viscosity Reduction via Pressure and Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foam concentrates with high viscosity pose difficulties or impossibilities in suction by foam delivery pumps, hindering their reliable and safe use in firefighting foam preparation devices.
Innovation Solution
Introducing energy into a reservoir containing the viscous foaming agent to liquefy it, reducing viscosity and enabling pump suction, which can be achieved by increasing internal pressure with compressed air or altering temperature, and using a foam pump to convey the more fluid working agent for mixing with water and air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If foam concentrates with high viscosity are used, then the foam concentrate provides better foam generation performance, but the foam pump cannot suction the foam concentrate reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by altering the temperature and pressure parameters of the foam concentrate storage system. By increasing the temperature above ambient levels and maintaining positive pressure (0.5-2 bar) in the storage container, the foam concentrate transitions from a viscous state to a more flowable state, enabling reliable pump suction while preserving foam generation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by controlling the temperature and pressure of the foam concentrate to transition it between different flow states. The heating element raises the temperature to a state where the concentrate becomes pumpable, while the pressure maintenance ensures it remains in a suitable phase for both suction and subsequent foam generation.
2Ease of operation
If the foam concentrate is heated to improve flowability, then the pump can suction it reliably, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the ambient temperature from the fire environment or surrounding air to heat the foam concentrate, rather than requiring external energy input. The heating element can utilize ambient thermal energy, and the system is designed to maintain temperature within a reasonable range (above ambient but not excessively high), reducing overall energy consumption while ensuring pumpability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameter changes by controlling the temperature to a specific range (above ambient but not excessively high) and maintaining pressure at 0.5-2 bar. This optimized parameter setting achieves sufficient flowability for pump suction while minimizing the energy required for heating, balancing operational ease with energy efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If compressed air is supplied to the storage container to liquefy the foam agent, then the foam agent becomes more flowable, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the storage container to serve multiple functions: it stores the foam concentrate, maintains positive pressure (0.5-2 bar), and houses a heating element for temperature control. This multi-functional design achieves foam agent flowability through pressure and temperature management without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by controlling pressure (0.5-2 bar) and temperature (above ambient) within the storage container to achieve foam agent flowability. This approach uses simple parameter adjustment rather than complex mechanical or chemical modification systems, maintaining device simplicity while improving operational ease.
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
Enables the reliable and safe use of high-viscosity foam concentrates by making the working foam agent more flowable, allowing its effective use in pressure proportioning and compressed air foam systems.
Implementation Method 1
The energy input into the storage container liquefies the viscous initial foaming agent, specifically causing shear liquefaction
Implementation Method 2
the energy input is achieved by increasing the internal pressure of the storage container. Increasing the internal pressure can be achieved, for example, by supplying a pressurized fluid, particularly compressed air, to the reservoir
Implementation Method 3
a foam pump, for example in the form of a foam proportioning pump, or an inductor, in particular a Venturi inductor, is used to convey the working foam agent
Implementation Method 4
water and pressure fluid are added to the working foaming agent to produce a foaming agent solution/air mixture
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for providing a liquid working foam concentrate (19) proceeds with the following steps: - providing a viscous initial foam concentrate in a storage container (20), - inputting energy into the storage container (20) to liquefy the initial foam concentrate to obtain a more flowable working foam concentrate (19) with a lower viscosity compared to the initial foam concentrate.