Focused-Stream Aerated Foam Nozzles for Large Tank Fire Extinguishment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixed systems for extinguishing large industrial tank fires are costly, unreliable, and ineffective in covering full surface fires in tanks over 100 feet in diameter, with traditional foam chambers requiring numerous units and having limited foam run and application rates.
Innovation Solution
Development of a fixed system using aerated foam nozzles with a stream shaper that projects a focused stream of foam up to 1100 gpm, capable of covering larger tank surfaces with fewer units, and includes a semi-fixed Point and Shoot system for rim seal fires and a fixed Ambush system for full surface fires, utilizing aeration chambers and strategically placed nozzles to enhance foam run and coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional foam chambers are used to cover large tank surfaces, then the tank surface can be covered with foam, but numerous units are required and the foam run and application rates are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of foam delivery by transitioning from traditional foam chambers to aerated foam nozzles that project foam in a focused stream. This parameter change enables a single nozzle to cover a much larger tank surface area by projecting foam up to 1100 gpm in a concentrated stream that travels farther and covers more area, thereby reducing the number of units required from numerous foam chambers to fewer aerated foam nozzles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the foam delivery system into modular aerated foam nozzles that can be strategically placed around the tank perimeter. Each nozzle acts as an independent unit that projects foam across a significant portion of the tank surface, allowing the system to cover large areas with fewer distributed units rather than requiring dense coverage of traditional foam chambers
2Productivity
If traditional foam chambers are used, then foam can be applied to the tank, but the application rates are limited and the system is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dramatically increases foam application rate by changing from the low application rates of traditional foam chambers to aerated foam nozzles capable of projecting up to 1100 gpm. This parameter change in flow rate and projection capability allows a single nozzle to deliver the equivalent coverage of multiple traditional chambers, reducing overall system cost despite the higher per-unit nozzle cost
3Reliability
If fixed systems are installed for large tanks, then fire extinguishment capability is provided, but the systems are costly and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves reliability by changing the operational parameters of the fixed system from traditional foam chambers with limited reach and coverage to aerated foam nozzles that project foam in a focused stream with superior run and coverage characteristics. This parameter change ensures more reliable fire extinguishment capability while reducing the complexity and cost of installing numerous traditional chambers around large tanks
4Area of stationary object
If aerated foam nozzles with stream shaper are used, then a focused stream of foam can be projected covering larger areas, but the nozzle design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating a stream shaper component specifically at the nozzle tip where the foam stream is formed and projected. This localized structural feature concentrates the foam into a focused stream, enabling the nozzle to cover a larger tank surface area. The stream shaper adds minimal complexity only where needed at the discharge point rather than throughout the entire nozzle structure
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 system provides a cost-effective and reliable means to extinguish fires in tanks up to 400 feet in diameter by projecting a focused stream of aerated foam over a larger area, reducing the number of units required and improving fire fighting effectiveness, with the Ambush system capable of covering a 405-foot diameter tank's surface efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
aerated foam nozzles with a stream shaper that projects a focused stream of foam up to 1100 gpm
Implementation Method 2
projects a focused stream of aerated foam over a larger area
Implementation Method 3
utilizing aeration chambers and strategically placed nozzles to enhance foam run and coverage
Data Source
AI summary
The invention includes components and methodology for fixed and semi-fixed systems for extinguishing fire in large industrial flammable liquid storage tanks, including aerated foam projecting nozzles discharging substantially focused streams together with aeration chambers and risers.