Pneumatic Fire Suppression Pump Driven by Single Gas Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire suppression systems, particularly mist-based systems, require high-pressure pumps and pressurized gas tanks, making them costly and inefficient in using municipal water supplies, and often necessitate electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatically driven hydraulic pump system that utilizes a single pressurized gas source for both driving the pump and achieving the desired discharge of fire suppressing fluid, eliminating the need for a separate electrical connection and reducing system footprint by using the same gas source for both purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a pump is used to achieve the pressures necessary for system operation, then the required pressure is achieved, but the system cost increases due to the pump being one of the most expensive components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the electric pump from the system by utilizing the existing pressurized gas source to directly drive the fire suppressing fluid through the nozzles. This removes the most expensive component while maintaining the required operating pressure for mist discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressurized gas source is made multi-functional by using it for both its original purpose (pressurizing fluid lines) and as a replacement for the pump function. This single gas source performs multiple roles, eliminating the need for separate pumping equipment.
2Stress or pressure
If pressurized gas tanks are used to pressurize the fluid lines, then the required pressure is achieved, but the system complexity increases with multiple pressure sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pump drive function and the fluid line pressurization function into a single pressurized gas source. This consolidation reduces the number of pressure sources from two (pump and gas tank) to one (gas tank only), simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If electrical connections are required for pump operation, then the pump can be operated, but the system installation complexity and safety requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrically-driven mechanical pump system with a pneumatically-driven system. The pressurized gas directly propels the fire suppressing fluid without requiring electrical connections, motors, or complex electrical control systems, thereby simplifying installation and improving safety.
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 configuration reduces costs and enhances efficiency by utilizing the same gas source for both pump operation and fluid discharge, allowing for effective fire suppression with lower pressure requirements and eliminating the need for separate electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
A pump delivers the fluid from a source to the nozzle. In one example the pump is driven by pressurized gas.
Implementation Method 2
Typical misting systems use pressurized gas to shear the fluid as it is dispersed from the nozzles.
Implementation Method 3
Water-based systems, for example, require an operating pressure that is higher than the typical pressure available from a municipal water supply.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An exemplary fire suppression system includes a sprinkler nozzle. At least one conduit is connected to the nozzle for delivering a fire suppression fluid to the nozzle. The conduit and the nozzle establish a discharge path. A pneumatically driven pump is connected with the conduit for pumping fluid into the conduit. A gas source provides pressurized gas to the pump for driving the pump. The gas source also provides gas to the discharge path for achieving a desired discharge of the fluid from the nozzle.