Inerting method for fire prevention and/or fire extinguishing and inerting installation for carrying out the method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inerting systems for fire prevention and extinguishing in enclosed spaces face complexity and high operating costs due to the need for multiple nitrogen generators with different technologies and separate return lines, which complicates the maintenance of optimal oxygen levels and increases energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A controlled inerting system that adjusts the nitrogen purity and residual oxygen content in real-time based on the current oxygen levels in the space, using a mixing chamber and fan devices to optimize the initial gas mixture for the gas separation system, allowing for efficient operation of multiple nitrogen generators without separate return lines and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple nitrogen generators with different technologies are used in parallel, then the inerting level can be maintained more effectively, but the system complexity and operating costs increase due to separate return lines for each generator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple nitrogen generators into a single shared return line system, merging previously separate return lines into one common infrastructure. This reduces construction complexity while maintaining the ability to serve multiple generators effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The shared return line system serves multiple nitrogen generators simultaneously, making the return line infrastructure universal rather than dedicated to a single generator. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity
2Reliability
If separate return lines are provided for each nitrogen generator, then optimal operation of each generator is ensured, but the construction and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate return lines are merged into a single shared return line that serves all nitrogen generators, reducing the number of components to be manufactured, installed, and maintained while preserving generator performance
3Productivity
If the oxygen content in the initial gas mixture is continuously adjusted, then the gas separation system operates more efficiently, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses oxygen sensors to continuously monitor the oxygen content in the initial gas mixture and provides feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts the mixing ratios to maintain optimal conditions for the gas separation system
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the composition parameters of the initial gas mixture by adjusting the mixing ratios of ambient air and recirculated inerted air, optimizing the oxygen content for efficient nitrogen generation
4Loss of energy
If recirculation of inerted air is implemented, then energy consumption is reduced, but the pressure control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers the inerted air that has already been used in the enclosed space and recirculates it back to the mixing chamber, preventing waste of the generated nitrogen and reducing the need for continuous fresh nitrogen production, thereby lowering energy consumption
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 effectively maintains a predetermined inerting level with reduced complexity and operating costs, ensuring efficient fire prevention and extinguishing while minimizing the impact on nitrogen generators' intake behavior and energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of the initial gas mixture is provided to a gas separation system with which oxygen is separated from the initial gas mixture and in this way a nitrogen-enriched gas mixture is provided at the outlet of the gas separation system
Implementation Method 2
a fan device is provided which removes a portion of the room air contained in the enclosed space from the space in a controlled manner and feeds it to the mixing chamber
Implementation Method 3
fresh air is admixed to the room air in a controlled manner with the aid of a fan device provided in a fresh air supply line system connected to the mixing chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to an inerting method and an inerting installation (1) for setting and/or maintaining a reduced oxygen content in an enclosed space (2), wherein a gas separation system (3.1, 4.1; 3.2, 4.2; 3.3, 4.3) is provided and is used to separate at least part of the oxygen from an initial gas mixture provided in a mixing chamber (6) and thereby provide a gas mixture enriched with nitrogen. In order to optimize the operation of the inerting installation (1), it is provided according to the invention that part of the air in the enclosed space (2) is removed from it and mixed with fresh air in the mixing chamber (6).