Vent Pipe Extinguisher With Inert Gas and Rotating Door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire extinguishing methods for above ground storage tank vent pipes are unsafe for humans and unreliable, as they often require manual intervention, which puts personnel at risk and can be ineffective against larger fires.
Innovation Solution
A vent pipe extinguisher system that includes a housing with a rotatable door and an inert gas source, positioned in-line with the vent pipe below the valve, which automatically activates to extinguish fires by blocking flammable gas flow and introducing inert gas to suppress flames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual fire extinguishing methods are used, then fire suppression can be achieved, but human safety is compromised and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic fire detection and suppression through self-activating components including temperature sensors, microprocessors, and automated inert gas discharge mechanisms that operate without human intervention, thereby eliminating human safety risks while maintaining reliable fire extinguishing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated control system between the fire hazard and human operators, using temperature sensors, control circuits, and automated valve mechanisms to detect and suppress fires, thereby protecting humans from direct exposure to dangerous conditions
2Productivity
If conventional vent valves are used, then vapor release is achieved, but fire hazard at the vent pipe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces inert gas into the vent pipe to displace oxygen and create an inert atmosphere that prevents combustion of released vapors, thereby maintaining efficient vapor release while eliminating the fire hazard associated with conventional vent valves
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful combination of vapor release and fire risk into a beneficial outcome by using the venting function to release vapors while simultaneously employing inert gas injection to prevent ignition, thereby transforming a hazardous process into a safe operation
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If automated detection systems are added, then fire detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fire detection and suppression systems with electronic and computational components including temperature sensors, microprocessors, and automated control circuits, thereby improving detection capability while managing system complexity through electronic automation
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 extinguishes vent pipe fires without human intervention, ensuring safety and reliability by using inert gas to starve the fire of fuel and suppress flames, thereby preventing damage and reducing the risk of explosions.
Implementation Method 1
an inert gas source in communication with the pipe second open end, the inert gas source for providing an inert gas to said pipe second open end, wherein the inert gas source provides the inert gas through the pipe to the pipe first open end and into the housing channel
Data Source
AI summary
This invention is a vent pipe extinguisher for an above ground tank. The invention uses an inert gas to smother the fire occurring at a vent valve included in a vent pipe. The invention uses a rotating door to block the flow of flammable gas from the vent pipe to the vent valve. The invention further uses a tag and cord system to release the rotating door and to visually and audibly indicate when the vent pipe extinguisher has been activated to extinguish a fire.