Tank Fire Foam Delivery Layout for Smiley Zone Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-AFFF type foams, such as SFFFs, lack the film-forming capability of AFFF foams, leading to ineffective fire suppression, especially in large tank fires, and over-the-top foam dispensing methods create a 'smiley zone' where fires persist, reducing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A firefighting system with over-the-top and auxiliary delivery devices, connected by a connection system, delivers foam or water inside the inside the dike walls, targeting the 'smiley zone' with auxiliary devices to enhance fire suppression, including a connection system that bypasses the dike walls, and a method for automated or manual control using sensors and nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If non-AFFF type foams (SFFFs) are used to replace AFFF foams, then environmental compliance is improved, but fire suppression effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the foam delivery into two segments: over-the-top delivery devices for initial fire attack and auxiliary delivery devices positioned at the smile zone for targeted supplementation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain effectiveness with non-AFFF foams by addressing the specific weakness in the smile zone area.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary delivery devices are specifically positioned to address the local quality deficiency in the smile zone area. Rather than requiring all foam to have film-forming properties, the system applies additional foam resources locally where the fire persistence problem occurs, compensating for the reduced effectiveness of non-AFFF foams in that specific area.
2Device complexity
If over the top foam dispensing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but fire suppression completeness deteriorates due to smiley zone
Solution Approach 1:
The foam dispensing system is segmented into over-the-top delivery devices and auxiliary delivery devices positioned at the smile zone. This segmentation adds minimal complexity while significantly improving fire suppression completeness by addressing the previously untreated area.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary delivery devices act as intermediaries that bridge the coverage gap created by over-the-top dispensing. These devices are positioned to deliver foam directly to the smile zone, mediating between the main delivery system and the fire in the previously inaccessible area.
3Quantity of substance
If non-AFFF foams without film-forming capability are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but fire suppression performance on large tank fires deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments foam application into primary over-the-top delivery and supplementary auxiliary delivery at the smile zone. This allows the use of cost-effective non-AFFF foams while maintaining performance through targeted additional application in the critical smile zone area.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary delivery devices are pre-positioned to address the smile zone area before fire conditions deteriorate. This preliminary positioning ensures that when fires occur in this vulnerable area, the foam is already in position to suppress them effectively, maintaining performance without requiring expensive AFFF foams.
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more embodiments a system for firefighting may be described. The system may include a tank configured to hold liquid, which may be contained within a plurality of dike walls and having a top end, a plurality of over the top delivery devices configured to dispense water or foam, a plurality of auxiliary delivery devices configured to dispense water or foam, and a connection system. The plurality of over the top delivery devices and the plurality of auxiliary delivery devices may be positioned above the top end of the tank and connected a source of water or foam by the connection system. The connection system may deliver water or foam from outside the plurality of dike walls to inside the plurality of dike walls.