Non-metered Proportioning System Testing Surrogate Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-metered proportioning systems used in fire protection and other critical applications require periodic testing to ensure accuracy and safety, while minimizing environmental contamination and health risks associated with foam concentrates, especially for non-Newtonian liquids, and addressing the disposal of waste materials.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involves pre-test calculations, pressure taps, and a transition piece in the piping system to connect a hose to an environmentally safe surrogate, allowing pressure and flow measurements without discharging foam concentrates to the environment, and incorporating flow and pressure measurement devices to test proportioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If foam concentrate is discharged to the environment during testing as required by standards, then proportioning accuracy can be tested, but environmental contamination and health risks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a surrogate fluid (water or environmentally safe liquid) as an intermediary substance to replace foam concentrate during testing. This surrogate flows through the proportioning system instead of actual foam concentrate, allowing accuracy measurement without environmental discharge. The surrogate is collected in a reservoir and can be pumped back through the system, eliminating the need to discharge chemicals while maintaining test validity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a closed-loop testing environment where the surrogate fluid circulates within the system boundaries. By capping the concentrate supply line and using a closed circulation system with reservoir and pump, the testing occurs in an inert environment that prevents foam concentrate from contacting the external environment, thereby eliminating environmental contamination and health risks associated with chemical discharge.
2Measurement precision
If foam concentrate is used during testing, then proportioning accuracy can be verified, but waste disposal costs and environmental compliance issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recovery system where the surrogate fluid is collected in a reservoir after passing through the proportioning system, then pumped back through the system for repeated use. This closed-loop approach eliminates the need to discard the testing fluid, replacing the conventional method where foam concentrate is discharged and requires expensive specialized disposal. The surrogate can circulate indefinitely, eliminating waste disposal costs.
3Measurement precision
If portable test equipment and hose are used for testing, then proportioning accuracy can be measured, but contamination risk to other systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the proportioning system itself the test device by using its own internal components (piping, proportioning device, valves) for testing. The system's built-in pump, reservoir, and circulation pathways serve dual purposes: normal operation and testing. This eliminates the need for separate portable test equipment and hoses that could contaminate the system, as the testing uses the system's own clean internal pathways.
4Reliability
If traditional discharge testing is performed, then compliance with fire safety standards can be achieved, but testing personnel face health risks from chemical exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The surrogate fluid acts as a mediator that allows compliance testing without personnel exposure to harmful chemicals. Since the surrogate is water or an environmentally safe liquid, personnel can safely handle, collect, and monitor it during testing operations. The surrogate flows through all the same components and measurement points as actual foam concentrate would, providing valid compliance data without the health risks of chemical exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop system creates an inert testing environment where surrogate fluid circulates within controlled boundaries, preventing contact between personnel and any chemical substances. The system can be operated and monitored from a safe distance, with all chemical-containing components (concentrate supply lines) capped and isolated during testing, thereby eliminating personnel exposure risks while maintaining testing validity for regulatory compliance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and apparatus for testing non-metered proportioning systems used for fire protection and other critical applications. Exemplary embodiments described herein can allow proportioning accuracy tests to be completed at the time of acceptance, annually thereafter, and following any repairs with no discharge of concentrate or chemicals to the environment. Further exemplary embodiments allow Newtonian liquids to be utilized as surrogates for non-Newtonian concentrates. Additionally, the methods, systems and apparatus can be configured to permit the proportioning system to be safely actuated manually, remotely, or automatically with no concentrate or chemical discharge to prove the function and operation of all moving, electrical powered, engine driven, and hydraulic powered parts and components during the proportioning accuracy test.