CN111954561B

CN111954561B - Maintenance-free fire extinguisher with detection system

Info

Publication number: CN111954561B
Application number: CN201980025231.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 彼得·卡玛
Original assignee: Bi DeKama
Current assignee: Bi DeKama
Priority date: 2018-04-16
Filing date: 2019-04-15
Publication date: 2023-02-24
Anticipated expiration: 2039-04-15
Also published as: DK3781270T3; CN111954561A; EP3781270A2; FI3781270T3; WO2019202457A2; WO2019202457A3; ES2934861T3; EP3781270B1

Abstract

The basis of the invention is a fire extinguisher with a detection system for determining the internal pressure of a pressure vessel resistant to corrosion, heat and cold, and vibration by direct printing on materials, and comparing several measured values with each other and/or with predetermined target values by means of a comparison unit, and indicating the operating state. The display of the internal pressure status allows anyone, even a layperson, to easily determine whether the fire extinguisher is ready to operate and whether all the components of the fire extinguisher are operating properly. According to the present invention, there are two main measures to improve the conventional fire extinguisher: a sensing system having an improved and more reliable means for sensing the internal pressure state, and a pressure vessel made of a material resistant to corrosion, heat, cold and vibration.

Description

Maintenance-free fire extinguisher with detection system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a fire extinguisher according to the preamble of claim 1.

Background

Fixed or portable fire extinguishers are often used to fight fires in buildings and in transportation devices. These extinguishers contain a fire extinguishing agent which is already under pressure or is set under pressure in the case of a fire and then sprayed at a prescribed flow rate and velocity in the direction of the burning material. If there is no pressure in the extinguisher, or if pressure cannot be built up, the extinguisher will not work. Therefore, the function of the fire extinguisher must be regularly monitored to determine whether pressure is still present or can build up in the event of use. Furthermore, for some critical fire extinguisher models, the status detection must be performed at regular intervals.

There are two main types of fire extinguishers on the market today: pressure storage type fire extinguishers and gas storage cylinder type fire extinguishers. In stored-pressure extinguishers, the container and the extinguishing agent therein are permanently under pressure so that when triggered by the user, the extinguisher is immediately ready for use. In the gas cartridge type fire extinguisher, necessary gas pressure is stored in a separate container among the containers. The pressure bottle is pierced upon user activation, thereby reaching an operating pressure in the container, and the fire suppressant is driven out of the fire extinguisher under pressure from the pressure bottle. Thus, the container and the fire suppressant therein are under pressure only during use.

In order to detect the operational readiness and the internal pressure of stored-pressure extinguishers, pressure gauges are usually provided, as described for example in EP1311323B1 and EP2938410B 1. Pressure gauges are sensitive measuring instruments that can indicate incorrect pressure values over many years. A common pressure gauge consists of movable measuring parts that are elastically deformed by a chemical reaction or by the action of steam. These measuring elements are connected to a pointer or an electronic sensor which derives a pressure value from the movement or deformation. However, in the case of fire extinguishers, the pointer of the pressure gauge is typically left motionless for many years. Over time, condensed water may form in the pressure gauge in addition to the chemical reaction, and thus metal parts may be corroded. Thus, there is a risk that the known pressure gauge solidifies and no longer reflects the actual pressure, and the pressure loss of the extinguishing agent will therefore not be detected. Another disadvantage of conventional stored-pressure fire extinguishers is that the containers are typically made of metal. Containers made of metal have a potential risk of corrosion due to the aggressive nature of the fire suppressant. The stored-pressure extinguisher must therefore be opened periodically to check the inside of the container and to check the function of the pressure gauge. In order to reduce the risk of corrosion, fire extinguishers with fibre reinforced plastic containers are used. For example, in EP 2473770 A1, two layers of fibres are wound onto a container in different directions. However, even a fire extinguisher having a vessel made of a corrosion resistant material must be periodically maintained to check the function of the pressure gauge.

Gas cartridge type fire extinguishers were developed to make it easier to detect the inside of a metal container, since it is not under permanent pressure. The gas-cartridge extinguisher remains open every year or every 2-3 years, according to applicable regulations, in order to check the status of the container and of the metal pressure cylinder. The disadvantage of this practice is that a great deal of maintenance work must be performed to determine whether the internal coating of the container is still in order and whether the pressure bottle still has sufficient pressure and is not damaged by corrosion. Another disadvantage is that if the pressure bottle is not functioning between two maintenance intervals, this is not visible from the outside. Thus, the fire extinguisher remains sealed even if the pressure bottle is no longer functional. This situation is fraudulent for the user, who assumes that the sealed extinguisher is working properly.

In summary, it can be said that today's fire extinguishers must be periodically repaired, even opened, to determine if the container, and in the case of rechargeable fire extinguishers, the internal pressure bottle is corroded or is still working. This work must be performed by specialized experts and results in high costs and considerable logistical effort.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a fire extinguisher with a detection system that allows to reliably detect the operational readiness of the fire extinguisher at any time, while performing a simple visual detection and without requiring special technical knowledge. Therefore, expensive and complicated inspection and repair work by specialized experts will be replaced by simple visual inspection by laymen. Another object of the invention is to signal a possible fault detected by the detection system via the communication system, so that the fault can be automatically reported and remedied immediately after it has occurred.

These objects are achieved by a fire extinguisher according to the preamble of claim 1. Further features and embodiments can be found in the dependent claims and their advantages are explained in the following description.

The present invention is primarily directed to a fire extinguisher having a sensing system that measures the internal pressure of a pressure vessel that is resistant to corrosion, heat/cold and vibration. In the storage-type force extinguisher, the pressure vessel directly contains the extinguishing agent, and in the gas cylinder-type extinguisher, the pressure vessel is located inside the extinguishing agent vessel. The display of the internal pressure allows anyone, even a layperson, to directly determine whether the pressure vessel is still under sufficient pressure, i.e. whether the fire extinguisher is ready for operation. According to the invention, the conventional fire extinguishers, in particular those with long maintenance intervals, are improved by the following two main measures:

a detection system with an improved, more reliable means for controlling the internal pressure; and

the pressure container is made of corrosion-resistant, heat-resistant, cold-resistant and vibration-resistant materials.

Both measures are necessary to ensure a high reliability of the required pressure measurement and display, so that no expensive inspection and maintenance work is required and a simple visual inspection can be substituted. These measures are a prerequisite for ensuring operational readiness at all times, in particular for fire extinguishers with long service intervals.

Detailed Description

Detection system

The detection system comprises at least two pressure measuring devices, such as pressure gauges, pressure sensors, etc., which measure the internal pressure of the pressure vessel independently of each other.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, the pressure measuring means are arranged in the isobaric region of the pressure vessel, so that they should measure the same pressure value. Thus, an excessive deviation of the pressure value is a signal of a malfunction or other problem of at least one of the two pressure measuring devices, but this does not necessarily affect the operational capacity of the extinguisher.

The pressure measuring devices may be arranged adjacent to each other at the same location or at two separate locations of the pressure vessel. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the detection system with the pressure measurement device is provided as one single and compact component. However, in order to ensure that the pressure measuring devices are as independent as possible from each other and are not exposed to the same damage, it is advantageous if they are not in direct contact with each other and are arranged in different directions. Ideally they are installed in different locations and have no common functional components to prevent minor faults from affecting the function of multiple pressure measurement devices at the same time. In particular, each pressure measuring device has a separate opening to the interior of the pressure vessel to prevent local problems from affecting multiple pressure measuring devices at the same time. In order to further reduce this risk, it is advantageous if the pressure measurement device is based on a different pressure measurement method (e.g. analog/digital).

The detection system is equipped with a comparison unit which takes the pressure values and compares them with each other and/or with one or more predetermined target values. If the comparison shows that one or more of the pressure measurement devices give inconsistent measurement values or do not coincide with the expected target values, an error message is displayed or triggered. Depending on which values do not correspond to the desired target values, this is simply a problem or the fire extinguisher has been completely unusable.

The detection system also has an output system to signal the measured values and/or possible error messages. It is particularly advantageous if the output system is a display unit which allows visual inspection, so that the operating state can be determined without maintenance. The display unit may be, for example, a dial or a numerical display with a moving pointer. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the output system comprises, in addition or instead of the display unit, a loudspeaker or a buzzer for emitting an acoustic signal, for example for an error message. It is also possible to envisage a colour display for grading the operating state, for example green (full operational readiness), yellow (problematic) and red (no operational readiness).

Communication system

In another preferred embodiment the output system is further provided with a communication system comprising a communication unit and signalling means for transmitting the measured values and/or possible error messages to the remote control unit. The signaling device may output an acoustic signal and/or an optical signal. It therefore comprises a loudspeaker and/or a buzzer and/or a light bulb and/or one or more diodes, which are triggered and activated by the communication unit when a signal is received. A fire extinguisher equipped with a communication system according to the present invention can therefore be easily and quickly located in case of fire, or if maintenance or detection is required.

The communication unit may also have at least one receiver that can receive and process signals from the environment. In one possible embodiment of the invention, the receiver is a flame sensor and the received signal is the presence of smoke (in the case of a smoke sensor) or a temperature increase (in the case of a temperature sensor). In another possible embodiment of the invention, the receiver receives a signal from a central fire fighting system, from a mobile device, from a fire detector or from another fire extinguisher. The signal may be transmitted electrically wirelessly (via radio, wifi, bluetooth, etc.) or via a wired connection. The signal may be a message or status request or a fire alarm which activates the signaling means to generate a signal for this situation. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the communication system has at least two receivers, including at least one fire or temperature sensor for activating the signaling device in response to a local fire event, and at least one receiver for receiving an electrical or electromagnetic signal that activates the signaling device as a result of a request from another device.

It is particularly advantageous if the communication unit also comprises a transmitter by means of which a fire alarm or other information such as an operating state notification can be transmitted to a central fire protection system, a fire control system, a detection or control point, other fire extinguishers or mobile devices. In one possible embodiment of the communication system, the receiver is a flame sensor connected to a transmitter, so that a fire can be detected and a fire alarm can be issued. Thus, several fire extinguishers equipped with a location and communication system according to the present invention can interact, exchange data such as fire alarms, and form a large networked fire protection system. It is also envisaged to connect several such extinguishers to a central control unit to create a coordinated, centralized fire fighting system.

In a possible variant of the invention, the communication system according to the invention is used not only for locating fire extinguishers in the event of a fire, but also in other situations, for example in the event of repair or replacement of the device. Such work on fire extinguishers is typically done by external, dedicated companies, and everyone is often unfamiliar with the location and position of the fire extinguisher. Therefore, each fire extinguisher must be searched. In order to reduce the workload that results therefrom, the receiver may also activate the signaling means based on the receipt of a signal that is not a fire alarm. For example, an inspector may pass the site with a smartphone or tablet computer, trigger a signal, activate a signaling device from a remote location, and based on the activated signal, quickly locate fire extinguishers equipped with the communication system of the present invention and determine their operational status, perform necessary maintenance work or replace a malfunctioning fire extinguisher.

In other possible embodiments of the invention, fire extinguishers equipped with a communication system may be located using GPS location.

In the normal state, the data transmission by the communication unit is performed dynamically, e.g. when a fault is detected, or periodically, or when a remote control unit/control point is interrogated, or even automatically when the control unit is located in the vicinity of the communication system. For example, a service technician may simply walk by a fire extinguisher equipped with a detection and communication system and automatically receive notifications or measurements on his mobile device (control unit) to record and, if desired, the operating status of the fire extinguisher.

Pressure vessel

It is important that the pressure vessel is made of corrosion resistant, heat/cold resistant and vibration resistant material so that it is not affected by external influences, such as humidity, vibration and temperature. Heat and cold resistant materials are materials that can withstand the pressure inside the container over a wide range of temperatures, from negative temperatures to very high temperatures that may occur in the vicinity of a fire. Furthermore, it is important for the storage pressure vessel that there is no oxygen present in the pressure vessel, but rather that a noble gas, such as nitrogen, is present, so as not to adversely affect the long-term stability of the fire suppressant.

It is particularly advantageous that the material of the container can be printed directly on its surface, so that the relevant information (instructions, comments, etc.) can be printed directly on its surface, without the need for a separate sticker which can fall off over time.

Suitable materials for the pressure vessel are, for example, plastics or resins, which can also be used in combination with other materials in the form of composite materials. It is particularly advantageous to use composite materials consisting of a flexible matrix of reinforcing fibres made of a material having high tensile and tear strength. For example, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), aramids (especially kevlar) or resins (especially epoxy resins) can be used alone or as a matrix of a composite material for the manufacture of various parts of a pressure vessel. Suitable reinforcing fibers for the composite material are, for example, aramid fibers (especially kevlar fibers), PEEK fibers or carbon fibers. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure vessel is reinforced with one or more kevlar fibres which are wound around the pressure vessel several times.

With the measures described herein, a fire extinguisher is provided with a pressure vessel and a detection system, which can reliably detect the operational capability by simply detecting the detection system. Thus, expensive and complicated inspection and repair work by specialized experts can be replaced by simple visual inspection by a layman (e.g., an operator). In addition to detecting the readiness of the fire extinguisher to operate, visual inspection can also be used to detect at any time whether all the devices of the inspection system, such as the measuring instrument and the comparison unit, are working properly or whether maintenance or even replacement is required.

Furthermore, possible failures of the pressure vessel, the fire extinguisher and/or components of the detection system in anticipation are automatically signaled by the detection system to the remote control unit.

Claims

1. A fire extinguisher comprising

A pressure vessel, and

a detection system, characterized in that said pressure vessel is made of a material resistant to corrosion, heat and cold, vibration and printable directly thereon, said detection system comprising a comparison unit and two pressure measuring devices connected to said pressure vessel in a vibration-resistant manner and measuring the internal pressure of said pressure vessel independently of each other, said comparison unit acquiring and comparing the values measured by said pressure measuring devices and sending a signal through an output system;

the detection system is provided as a single component, the two pressure measurement devices are arranged in different orientations and have no common functional components, and each of the pressure measurement devices has a separate opening to the interior of the pressure vessel.

2. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pressure vessel is made wholly or partially of plastics or resins.

3. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 2, wherein said pressure vessel is made of a composite material having a flexible matrix and reinforcing fibres made of a material having high tensile and tear strength.

4. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 3, wherein said pressure vessel includes one or more kevlar fibres which are wound around said pressure vessel a number of times.

5. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pressure vessel is directly printed with instructions or notes.

6. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 1, wherein said output system is a display allowing visual detection.

7. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 1, wherein said output system is a speaker or buzzer for emitting an acoustic signal.

8. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detection system comprises a communication system adapted to transmit said measured values and/or possible error messages to a remote control unit.

9. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 8, wherein said communication system includes signal transmission means and has at least one receiver which receives and processes the received signal and triggers said signal transmission means.

10. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 9, wherein said receiver is a flame sensor, said flame sensor being a smoke or temperature sensor.