Thermal Absorbent Extinguishant for Fire Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fire extinguishing systems are ineffective in addressing the role of thermal radiation in sustaining and spreading fires, as they often reflect heat back into the fire, reducing the absorption of heat by the extinguishing materials and slowing down the decomposition of dry chemical particles, leading to incomplete fire suppression and potential ignition of surrounding combustible materials.

Innovation Solution

A fire control system utilizing an extinguishant with thermal absorbent properties, such as iron oxide particles or dark-colored materials, that absorb thermal radiation and conduct heat to facilitate faster decomposition of suppressant materials, thereby reducing the reflection of heat back into the fire and promoting more effective fire suppression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional fire extinguishing materials are used, then the fire suppression process is simple, but the heat absorption efficiency is low and thermal radiation is reflected back into the fire

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat absorption efficiencyVSAvoidextinguishant composition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining dark-colored thermal absorbent particles (such as carbon black, iron oxide, or soot) with suppressant particles (such as dry chemical extinguishing agents). This composite structure enables the extinguishant to simultaneously absorb thermal radiation and provide fire suppression functionality, resolving the contradiction between simple composition and effective heat absorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes color changes by incorporating dark-colored particles into the extinguishant formulation. These dark-colored thermal absorbent particles absorb thermal radiation across a broad spectrum, particularly in the infrared region, converting radiant heat into thermal energy that accelerates the decomposition of suppressant materials and enhances overall fire suppression efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Productivity

If thermal radiation is reflected back into the fire, then the extinguishing process is simpler, but the decomposition of suppressant materials is slowed down

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecomposition rate of suppressant materialsVSAvoidthermal energy feedback to fire

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of thermal radiation reflection into a beneficial process by using dark-colored thermal absorbent particles to absorb radiant heat. This absorbed thermal energy then accelerates the decomposition of suppressant materials, transforming what would be a harmful feedback loop into an advantageous catalytic effect that enhances fire suppression productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If conventional extinguishing materials are used, then the system is easier to operate, but surrounding combustible materials may be ignited due to insufficient heat absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire suppression effectivenessVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure of dark-colored thermal absorbent particles combined with suppressant particles enhances fire suppression effectiveness by simultaneously absorbing thermal radiation and providing chemical suppression. This composite approach increases reliability without complicating operation, as the extinguishant is applied in the same manner as conventional systems but achieves superior performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 system effectively reduces the intensity and spread of fires by enhancing heat absorption and decomposition of suppressant materials, leading to faster fire extinguishment and prevention of surrounding material ignition.

Implementation Method 1

the extinguishant is configured to absorb thermal radiation from the fire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

absorb thermal radiation and conduct heat to facilitate faster decomposition of suppressant materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

inhibit reflection of thermal radiation from the extinguishant and/or other surfaces back into the fire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation reflection inhibition: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8453751B2Methods and apparatus for extinguishing fires

Publication Date: 2013.06.04 FIRETRACE USA LLC

AI summary

A fire control system according to various aspects of the present invention includes an extinguishant configured to absorb heat from the fire. In one embodiment, the extinguishant is configured to absorb thermal radiation from the fire and inhibit reflection of thermal radiation from the extinguishant and/or other surfaces back into the fire. In additional and alternative embodiments, the extinguishant includes a thermal absorbant may be configured to transfer heat into the surface and/or interior of suppressant particles or droplets to promote activation of the suppressant.