Passive Fire Limitation Device with Overflow Tanks and Bubbling Chambers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire limitation devices for storage cells with hazardous materials are either active and limited in gas flow processing capacity or lack sufficient passive operation, posing risks of fire propagation and pressure fluctuations during uncontrolled fires.

Innovation Solution

A passive fire limitation device featuring a tank with internal and external chambers, overflow tanks, and bubbling chambers that utilize liquid to absorb pressure variations and cool gases, ensuring reliable operation and independent trigger pressure settings regardless of gas flow or liquid supply issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a passive fire limitation device is used, then operational reliability is improved, but gas flow processing capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidgas flow processing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple functional chambers: internal chambers for gas intake, bubbling chambers for heat exchange, and overflow chambers for pressure relief. This segmentation allows each chamber to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining passive operation throughout the fire development process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes phase transition of water from liquid to vapor during bubbling, absorbing heat from combustion gases. The water in the bubbling chambers evaporates as gases pass through, providing passive cooling without requiring external energy input or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Productivity

If active ventilation systems are used, then gas flow processing capacity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas flow processing capacityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs all necessary functions autonomously using passive mechanisms. The bubbling chambers automatically cool gases as they pass through, the overflow chambers self-regulate pressure by allowing water to overflow when pressure exceeds a threshold, and the internal chambers automatically intake gases. No external power source or control system is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs hydraulic principles using water in the bubbling and overflow chambers to manage gas flow and pressure. The water level and flow dynamics automatically regulate the cooling and pressure relief functions, eliminating the need for mechanical ventilation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If overflow tanks are added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The overflow chambers are pre-configured with water at a specific level that corresponds to a predetermined pressure threshold. When pressure exceeds this threshold during fire development, water automatically overflows to relieve pressure, cushioning against excessive pressure buildup before it can damage the storage cell or containment enclosure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

Water serves as an intermediary substance between the internal chambers and the external environment. It transfers heat from combustion gases during bubbling and acts as a pressure relief mechanism during overflow, mediating the interaction between high-pressure hot gases and the external containment system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device effectively limits overpressure and depression, prevents fire propagation, and cools gases, maintaining containment integrity while simplifying the liquid supply circuit and enhancing operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a gas flow, generated in particular by pressure phenomena following a fire, and exchanged between one or more of said chambers internal chamber(s) and one or more of said other chambers, is intended to pass through the liquid contained in the tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBubbling: Bubble

Implementation Method 2

The device effectively limits overpressure and depression, prevents fire propagation, and cools gases

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

each tank being adapted to receive said liquid when the latter exceeds a predetermined given height in said tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 4

The device effectively limits overpressure and depression

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure limitation: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentEP2576001B1Improved device for limiting the consequences of conflagration in a room
Publication Date: 2017.09.27 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP2576001B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2576001B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2576001B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10, 11) for limiting the consequences of a fire in a room (4) comprising a reservoir (28) provided with a vessel (29) containing a liquid (26), said reservoir (28) comprising one or more chamber (s), referred to as internal chamber(s), (54a, 54b, 54c, 54d, 54e) in communication with said storage bin (4) and one or more other chambers (52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 53), the reservoir (28) comprising in addition at least one first overflow pan (72a) and at least one second overflow pan (72b) which are integrated on either side of the reservoir (28), each pan being suitable for receiving said liquid (26) when the latter protrudes by a given predetermined height into said vessel (29).