Foam Generator Nozzle With Orthogonal Linear Headers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aspirated-type high-expansion foam generators are limited by inefficiencies in design features, such as nozzle manifolds with curved headers and insufficient distance between the manifold and nozzle inlet, leading to pressure variances and flow disturbances that affect foam expansion ratios and the number of nozzles required to achieve a given volumetric flow rate.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a nozzle manifold with orthogonal linear headers, cone-shaped nozzles, and swirl vane inserts that split the foam solution flow into curvilinear paths, optimizing the foam expansion ratio and reducing the number of nozzles needed to achieve high flow rates, while operating within a broader inlet pressure range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional nozzle manifolds with curved headers and insufficient distance between manifold and nozzle inlet are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but pressure variances and flow disturbances occur that negatively affect foam expansion ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle manifold is segmented into multiple orthogonal linear headers arranged in a cross configuration, with each header independently positioned at optimized distances from the nozzle inlet. This segmentation allows precise control of flow paths and pressure distribution, eliminating the pressure variances and flow disturbances associated with conventional curved headers.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold design transitions from conventional two-dimensional curved layouts to a three-dimensional orthogonal linear configuration. By arranging headers in multiple spatial dimensions (cross-shaped arrangement with headers extending in perpendicular directions), the system achieves superior flow characteristics and pressure uniformity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Productivity
If more nozzles are used to achieve high volumetric flow rates, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves high volumetric flow rates by optimizing key parameters including orthogonal linear header geometry, precise distances from manifold to nozzle inlet, and foam solution concentration. These parameter optimizations enable fewer nozzles to deliver the required flow rates, reducing system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
3Productivity
If higher inlet pressures are used to improve foam expansion, then the productivity increases, but the loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orthogonal linear header configuration ensures uniform pressure distribution across all nozzles by creating equipotential flow paths. This eliminates pressure variances that would otherwise require higher inlet pressures to compensate for flow disturbances, thereby achieving effective foam expansion at lower, more energy-efficient pressures.
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
This configuration enables high-expansion foam generators to produce foam at expanded ratios of 400 to 1100 with fewer nozzles and lower inlet pressures, increasing efficiency and reducing the amount of foam solution required, while maintaining or exceeding the performance of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
aspirated-type foam generators, which draw air into the foam generator assembly due to a differential pressure between the surrounding atmosphere and the lower pressure in the foam generator
Implementation Method 2
aspirated-type foam generators, which draw air into the foam generator assembly due to a differential pressure
Implementation Method 3
As the foam solution passes through the openings, the foam solution entraps air forming bubbles which create the firefighting foam
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method directed to aspirated-type high-expansion foam generation having a nozzle with a solid nozzle insert with a non-sharp cross-over path. The generator having a nozzle manifold configured to receive a foam solution and at least one nozzle assembly. The generator can include a foam generator assembly disposed adjacent the nozzle manifold. The foam generator has a body portion having a first foam generating portion having a tapered configuration and a second foam generating portion having a tapered configuration with a base that is connected to an apex of the first foam generating portion. The foam generating assembly is configured such that the second foam generating portion protrudes into an interior of the first foam generating portion. The generator is configured such that a ratio of a largest inlet dimension of the foam generator assembly to a length of the foam generator assembly is 0.50 or less. A nozzle in each nozzle assembly includes a nozzle insert with curvilinear paths that include a crossover path defined by a non-sharp transition member.