Ionic Liquid Fire Suppression for Sodium Fast Reactors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metal fires in contained spaces, such as sodium fast reactors, pose challenges due to high heat generation and hydrogen detonation risks, which existing suppression systems are inadequate in addressing effectively.
Innovation Solution
A passive fire response system utilizing a reservoir of ionic liquid, sensors for hydrogen concentration and temperature, and a controller to automatically release the ionic liquid when thresholds are met, suppressing metallic fires by producing stable, non-reactive salt byproducts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing suppression systems are used for metal fires, then the system structure is simple, but the suppression effectiveness is inadequate due to high heat generation and hydrogen detonation risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions ionic liquid in a reservoir above the catch pan, ready for immediate deployment. Sensors are pre-installed to detect hydrogen concentration and temperature, enabling early detection and response before the fire escalates to dangerous levels.
Solution Approach 2:
Ionic liquid serves as an intermediary substance between the fire source and the environment. It reacts with sodium to form stable, non-reactive salt byproducts, effectively mediating the harmful fire reactions and converting them into safe substances.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If ionic liquid is used to suppress metal fires, then the suppression effectiveness improves by producing stable salt byproducts, but the system complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful reactive sodium and ionic liquid into beneficial stable salt byproducts. The chemical reaction that could potentially be dangerous is harnessed to create a safe, non-reactive end product that neutralizes the fire hazard and prevents caustic corrosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the chemical parameters of the fire environment by introducing ionic liquid, which alters the reaction pathway from producing harmful substances to producing stable salts. The sensor thresholds (50 pphm hydrogen, 75°C temperature) define specific parameter change points that trigger the suppression action.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned at the ceiling to detect hydrogen and temperature, then the detection precision improves, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling-mounted sensor assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects hydrogen concentration, monitors temperature, and provides structural support for the reservoir. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate installation systems and simplifies overall implementation.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the system is designed to be gravity-driven, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is pre-positioned in a gravity-favorable location above the catch pan, so that when the valve opens, the ionic liquid flows automatically without requiring active pumping. This preliminary positioning ensures both energy efficiency and adequate flow rate for effective suppression.
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
Effectively suppresses metallic fires by releasing ionic liquids based on sensed temperature and hydrogen levels, preventing hydrogen detonation and reducing caustic corrosion, while maintaining the ionic liquid in a stable, non-crystalline state at room temperature.
Implementation Method 1
The ionic liquid reacts with sodium to produce stable, non-reactive salt byproducts
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to sense at least one of a hydrogen concentration and a temperature
Implementation Method 3
a sensor configured to sense at least one of a hydrogen concentration and a temperature
Implementation Method 4
the passive fire response system is gravity driven
Data Source
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AI summary
A passive fire response system (10) is configured to suppress a metallic fire (44). The system includes a reservoir (14) containing an ionic liquid (46), at least one outlet (28) in communication with the reservoir, a valve (16) arranged between the reservoir and the outlet, a sensor (53,54) configured to sense at least one of a hydrogen concentration and a temperature and/ or heat, and a controller configured to open the valve and release the ionic liquid if an output from the sensor indicates that the at least one of the hydrogen concentration and the temperature equals or exceeds at least one of a threshold hydrogen concentration and a threshold temperature.