Nitrogen Generator Fire Protection System Corrosion Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire protection systems suffer from corrosion and deterioration due to oxidative attack, microbiologically influenced corrosion, and mineral scale deposition, which compromise their hydraulic capacity and functionality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a nitrogen generator to displace oxygen within the system with nitrogen, reducing corrosion by using nitrogen membrane or pressure swing adsorption systems to fill the piping network with pressurized nitrogen or nitrogen-dissolved water, thereby eliminating aerobic microbiological growth and oxidative corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional water distribution systems are used for fire protection, then water flow and pressure are maintained, but corrosion and deterioration occur due to oxidative attack and microbiological growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces nitrogen gas into the water distribution system to create an inert atmosphere that displaces oxygen. This inert environment prevents oxidative corrosion of metal components and eliminates aerobic microbiological growth, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining system performance and preventing corrosion without compromising water flow or pressure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If nitrogen generator is incorporated to displace oxygen, then corrosion rates are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses nitrogen gas as an intermediary substance that mediates between the water distribution system and the harmful effects of oxygen. The nitrogen generator and injection system serve as intermediaries that introduce this protective atmosphere without requiring complete system redesign, thus reducing corrosion while managing the added complexity through modular components
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
Significantly reduces corrosion rates, maintaining system performance and preventing blockages and leaks, ensuring effective water discharge during fires by creating a non-corrosive environment within the fire protection system.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a nitrogen generator to displace oxygen within the system with nitrogen
Implementation Method 2
using nitrogen membrane or pressure swing adsorption systems to fill the piping network with pressurized nitrogen or nitrogen-dissolved water
Data Source
AI summary
A fire protection system comprising at least one sprinkler, a source of pressurized water, a piping network connecting at least one sprinkler to the source of pressurized water, and a nitrogen generator coupled to the sprinkler system. The nitrogen generator may be a nitrogen membrane system or a nitrogen pressure swing adsorption system. The present systems and methods reduce or nearly eliminate corrosion that typically affects conventional fire protection systems, such as caused by oxygen and microbial systems, which can deteriorate or compromise function. Initial, repeated, or continuous displacement of oxygen with nitrogen in the fire protection system significantly reduces or eliminates corrosion.