High-Expansion Foam Generator Nozzle Manifold Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aspirated-type high-expansion foam generators have 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 limit foam expansion ratios and require higher nozzle counts and pressures.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a nozzle manifold with linear headers, cone-shaped nozzles, and swirl vanes in the nozzle inserts to split the foam solution flow into curvilinear paths, optimizing air aspiration and reducing the number of nozzles needed to achieve higher foam expansion ratios at lower pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional aspirated-type foam generators use curved headers and insufficient distance between manifold and nozzle inlet, then the device can be simpler in structure, but pressure variances and flow disturbances occur that limit foam expansion ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle manifold is segmented into multiple linear headers with nozzles arranged in sequences along each header. This segmentation allows precise control of foam solution flow to each nozzle, eliminating pressure variances and flow disturbances while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the nozzle manifold by using linear headers instead of curved ones and optimizing the distance between manifold and nozzle inlet. This parameter optimization eliminates pressure variances and improves foam expansion ratios without increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If conventional foam generators use more nozzles to achieve higher foam expansion ratios, then foam generation capability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes nozzle parameters including cone-shaped nozzle geometry with specific half-angles (15-30 degrees) and optimized inlet pressure ranges (20-80 psi). These parameter changes enable higher foam expansion ratios (up to 800:1) with fewer nozzles, reducing device complexity while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cone-shaped nozzles with optimized angles to create efficient foam solution flow patterns. The conical geometry with specific half-angles (15-30 degrees) optimizes air aspiration and foam expansion, achieving higher expansion ratios with fewer nozzles compared to conventional flat or complex nozzle designs.
3Productivity
If conventional foam generators operate at higher pressures to achieve better foam expansion, then foam generation efficiency improves, but energy consumption and system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the operating pressure parameter to a specific range (20-80 psi) that maximizes foam expansion efficiency. This parameter optimization achieves high foam expansion ratios (up to 800:1) at lower pressures compared to conventional systems, reducing energy consumption while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces forced-air systems with aspirated-type foam generation that uses differential pressure created by foam solution jet streams. This substitution eliminates the need for energy-consuming fans or blowers, achieving efficient foam generation at lower pressures through the natural aspiration effect.
4Ease of operation
If conventional foam generators require forced-air systems to maintain air supply, then air flow control improves, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical forced-air systems with an aspirated-type foam generator that uses differential pressure to draw air in. The foam solution jet streams create a pressure differential that automatically aspirates air through the foam generator, eliminating the need for fans, blowers, or complex air supply mechanisms while maintaining effective air flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam generator assembly self-regulates air intake through the aspiration effect created by its own foam solution jet streams. The differential pressure generated by the jet streams automatically draws air through the foam generator without external assistance, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating complex air supply systems.
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 allows for higher foam expansion ratios (up to 800:1) with fewer nozzles and a broader inlet pressure range, reducing the amount of foam solution required and enabling efficient fire suppression in large enclosed spaces without the need for forced-air 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
as the foam solution passes through the openings, the foam solution entraps air forming bubbles which create the firefighting foam
Implementation Method 3
high expansion foams (e.g., foams having an expansion ratio of 200:1 to approximately 1000:1)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method directed to aspirated-type high-expansion foam generation having a nozzle manifold configured to receive a foam solution and at least one nozzle assembly. The generator includes a foam generator assembly disposed adjacent the nozzle manifold. The foam generator has a body portion having a first foam generating portion and a second foam generating portion that is connected to the first foam generating portion. The generator is configured with a main header of the nozzle manifold disposed orthogonal to at least one sub-header; less than six nozzle assemblies; a ratio of a diameter of an inlet of a respective nozzle to a distance from an inner wall surface of the header to the inlet of the respective nozzle is 0.8 or less; and a nozzle with a nozzle insert with a crossover path defined by a non-sharp transition member and a cone shaped tip.