Gas Injector for Explosion Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing explosion suppression systems face reduced effectiveness due to resistance encountered by the extinguishing powder flow from mechanical dispersing means, leading to decreased injection speed and inefficient energy utilization.

Innovation Solution

A gas-based dispersion system that injects gas into the extinguishing agent in non-parallel directions near the outlet of a storage vessel, using a nozzle with a small diameter and an orienting part to create a diverging gas flow, entraining the agent and ensuring effective distribution within the closed space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanical dispersing means (nozzle with openings) are used to distribute extinguishing powder, then the powder can be dispersed in different directions, but the powder flow encounters resistance which reduces injection speed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution effectivenessVSAvoidinjection speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical dispersing system (nozzle with openings) with a gas-based dispersing system. Gas is injected into the extinguishing agent in at least two non-parallel directions to create a gas flow that entrains the powder particles, eliminating the mechanical resistance that previously reduced injection speed while still achieving effective distribution throughout the protected space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic principles by using gas flow to disperse the extinguishing powder. The gas injector introduces gas into the powder, creating a two-phase flow where the gas entrains and transports the powder particles in multiple directions, replacing the mechanical nozzle dispersal mechanism with a pneumatic dispersion approach that maintains both speed and distribution effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If mechanical dispersing means are used to compel powder to move in different directions, then distribution is achieved, but energy is lost through friction reducing system efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution effectivenessVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical friction-based dispersal mechanism with a gas-based entrainment mechanism. The gas flow carries the powder particles through the protected space, eliminating the friction losses that occurred when powder was forced through mechanical nozzle openings, thereby improving energy efficiency while maintaining distribution effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces gas as an intermediary substance between the powder source and the protected space. This gas mediator entrains the powder particles and transports them through the space, avoiding direct mechanical contact and friction between the powder and dispersing mechanisms, thus reducing energy loss while achieving thorough distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If a nozzle with small diameter outlet is used, then obstruction to extinguishing agent flow is reduced, but precise positioning and orientation are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rateVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses the positioning challenge by injecting gas in at least two non-parallel directions rather than relying on a single directional nozzle. This multi-dimensional gas injection approach compensates for the small outlet diameter, ensuring adequate flow rate and distribution coverage while reducing the stringency of positioning requirements for the gas injector relative to the storage vessel outlet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 approach enhances the distribution of the extinguishing agent, increasing the injection speed and utilizing energy more efficiently, thereby improving the overall effectiveness of the explosion suppression system.

Implementation Method 1

The injected gas flow exerts a force on the extinguishing agent around the nozzle and will entrain the extinguishing agent in the at least two non-parallel outflow directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEntrainment: Entrainment

Data Source

PatentEP3010601B1System and method for injecting an extinguishing agent in the case of explosion hazard

Publication Date: 2023.02.15 STUVEX INT

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AI summary

System for injecting an extinguishing agent in the form of an extinguishing powder or extinguishing liquid into a space, comprising a storage vessel in which the extinguishing agent is stored, the storage vessel being provided with an outlet connectable to the space, wherein the system further comprises a gas injector which can be activated upon detection of explosion hazard and which is provided with at least one nozzle which is configured, in the activated position of the gas injector, to inject gas into the extinguishing agent in at least two non-parallel directions which are oriented from the nozzle toward the space to be protected.