CA2168376A1 - Fire nozzle system - Google Patents

Abstract

A fire nozzle system for removing or displacing smoke, heat, flames, or gasses from within a structure, in significant volumes.
The invention incorporates a shaped manifold of a multiplicity of mist producing nozzles, arranged in a specific pattern. When attached to a source of high pressure water i.e. fire hose, the spray mist jets create a suction force, entraining the heat and gasses and discharging the mass at high speed in a desired direction.

Description

FIRE NOZZLE SYSTEM

Field of Invention The present invention relates to a nozzle system for removing or displacing smoke, heat, flames or gasses from a structure in significant volumes, more particularly, the present invention relates to a nozzle system incorporating a multiplicity of nozzles arranged to entrain gas into the flow of liquid (water) droplets.

R~ .V~-~ of the Invention Fire fighting techn;ques have become more effective in recent years with the use of more efficient pumps, fire nozzles, contained breathing apparatus and high lift ladders, etc. During this same time period however, fighting fires in a building or any contained area (i.e. aircraft, ship, mine shaft, etc.) has presented many more hazards and complications.
Search and rescue techniques employed in burning buildings are often dangerous. Self contained breathing apparatus does allow fire fighters to enter a firesite filled with dense smoke for a limited time. Apart from the fact that the face masks often fog over on the inside, dense smoke usually makes visibility almost impossible. Being unable to see in unfamiliar surroundings, knowing that lives may be at stake, and having to contend with unexpected hazards, extreme heat and a limited air supply, makes this procedure very hazardous.
U.S. patents 4,703,808 and 4, 779,801 issued November 3, 1987 and October 25, 1988 respectively to Mr. O'Donnell, recognize and address the fact that water from a pressure nozzle is capable of removing smoke from a building. Mr. O'Donnell's smoke eliminator is designed to position a standard "fog nozzle" into, for example, an upstairs window of a building. The suction created by the nozzle removes some of the smoke and heat from the building.
Limitations to the effectiveness of this device include the need for a window to be of an appropriate height, size, and accessibility for the smoke eliminator to be used. To accomplish the optimum air flow (suction) from a window using a "fog nozzle"
requires the nozzle be exactly positioned within the frame. Tests show that a standard " fog nozzle" does not accomplish nearly the air movement possible from a high pressure water source (i.e. a fire hose).
Fans are sometimes used to help remove smoke from a structure.
Strict limitations to the use of fans in initial ventilation procedures are advised. High speed fan blades can be hazardous, motorized equipment can overheat or explode when placed near excessive heat and a fan could introduce too much oxygen and air movement causing the fire to spread.
Containment and extinguishment of an out of control fire often take place simultaneously, and is obtained by spraying water on combustible exposures, cooling down of explosive hazards (i.e. gas, chemical containers), etc. These procedures are usually carried out using an adjustable nozzle on a fire hose. The current methods, using water to cool down and saturate combustible materials, sometimes referred to as surround and drown techniques, have not changed much over the years.

Brief Description of the Present Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a nozzle system particularly adapted for moving large volumes of gases and heat such as flames, smoke, toxic and explosive gases, air, etc..

It is the object of the invention to be effective in either two modes. One as an extraction device, ie. using suction to remove large volumes of gasses, flames, smoke, etc. from a structure, or, as a positive pressure device by using pressure to displace gasses, flames, smoke, etc. with large volumes of fine susp~n~e~ water droplets or steam, and air.

2 1 68376 Another objective of the invention is to aid in fire extinguishment and the cooling of hot or explosive gases in either of the aforementioned modes.
Broadly, the present invention relates to a nozzle system comprising a manifold defining a main plane of the nozzle system, a multiplicity of spray no2zles connected to and arranged in a pattern on the manifold, each of the spray nozzles constructed to form a divergent spray composing of mist forming liquid droplets travelling at a velocity sufficient to entrain a significant amount of gases, each of the spray nozzles aimed to form part of a pattern configured so that peripheries of adjacent sprays converge to substantially fill an area having a periphery in an imaginary target plane spaced from the manifold and positioned between 20 to 150 cms of the main plane. The target plane is located within an area substantially parallel to the main plane in the direction of the projected sprays from the nozzles.
Preferably, the manifold will define a substantially annular passage Preferably, the annular passage will trace the path of a rectangle in a the main plane.
Preferably, the main and target planes will be spaced between 20 and 60 cms.
Preferably, the nozzle disperses water in the form of a fine mist.
Preferably, the droplets will have a maximum ~ ion sufficiently small that they tend to remain suspended or evaporated in the moving gasses generally less than 1500 microns and preferably less than 500 microns.
Preferably, the nozzle sprays the the droplets with a high component of velocity as related to the water pressure supplied to the nozzle.
Preferably the system is supplied with water at a pressure greater than 700 kps.
Preferably the system is built of materials to withstand high water pressure, temperature and impact.

2l 68376 Brief Description of the Drawings Further features, objects, and advantages will be evident from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which;
Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of one form of the invention mounted on an articulated mounting frame lockable in selected configurations.
Figure 2 is a section along the lines G-H in Figure 1, schematic illustrating manifolds and nozzles.
Figure 3 is a schematic illustration simiIar to Figure 1 but showing the nozzle system of the present invention mounted at the top of a ladder and positioned within an opening (window opening) of a building.
Figure 4 is a cut away plan view of the arrangement shown in Figure 3 showing the forward and rearward spray.
Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of the angular position of a nozzle of the main manifold and the conical spray emitted therefrom.
Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of manually aimed and carried nozzle system of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of an adjustable manifold, used in the present invention Figure 8 shows a preferred nozzle for use in the present invention with an exploded view of the parts.
Figure 9 shows a typical layout of nozzles on a rectangular ~h~pe~ manifold showing one angle of the selected nozzles.
Figure 10 shows a preferred spray pattern on a target plane substantially parallel to the plane of the manifold of Figure 9 and positioned on the line C-D in Figure 13 ( 30 cms downstream of the main plane A-B in this specific example).
Figure 11 is a side view perpendicular to the line M - N of Figure 9.
Figure 12 shows schematically the angular orientation of the nozzles viewed perpendicular to the line K-L which extends parallel to the main plane A-B cont~;ni~g the manifold.
Figure 13 illustrates the forward motion of the gases as induced by the flow of the sprays from the nozzles of the nozzle system illustrated.

Description of the Preferred ~mbodiments In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 the nozzle system of the present invention generally indicated at 10 is composed of a multiplicity of discrete nozzles 11 connected to and arranged in a specific pattern on a manifold 18. The nozzles 11 are aimed in specific directions as will be described hereinbelow.
In the illustration in Figure 3 the nozzle system 10 is mounted within an opening or frame 12 (for example a window or door frame) in a position to function as an ejector for extracting gases from inside of the building or the like 14, out through the frame opening 12 in the direction of the arrow 16 to entrain gases from within the building and ejecting them to the outside.
In a preferred application of the invention the nozzle system 10 will be positioned into the opening 12, so that the peripheries of the combined spray patterns from the nozzles substantially fill the opening 12, the opening 12 functions as a cowling around the sprays formed by the nozzle system in a manner to increase the effectiveness of the nozzle system 10 in ejecting gases through the outlet 12.
In the system illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 the nozzle system of the present invention is formed by a substantially rectangular manifold 18R mounted on a multi-link articulated frame 20 the links of which may be relatively moved and locked in position so that it can be configured to position the nozzle system 10 as desired, for example, within an opening 12 form in a variety of different stru~Lu~es. Water is delivered to the manifold 18R by a fire hose or the like 22.
In this embodiment, a nozzle system 10 may include a circular or rectangular manifold 18 (or any other suitable shape) is provided with a second manifold 34 positioned on the rear side of the manifold 18 and provided with the second set of nozzles, 2 of which are indicated at 36. These nozzles have a totally different function that the nozzles 11 and may be any selected type of nozzle for example a water curtain forming spray 38, spraying water rearward relative to the direction 16 i.e. in toward the inside of the building as opposed to towards the outside of the building.
These sprays 38 may be arranged in any suitable pattern and are int~n~e~ to act primarily as cooling spray and thus may be directed in any a~p~op~iate direction e.g. may be directed at the supporting structure for the nozzle system 10 and are not int~n~ed to interfere with the eduction of gases from within the building by the nozzle system 10. The sprays 38 cool the entrained gasses and thus tend to protect the main nozzle system 10 i.e. the manifold 18, connecting hoses, nozzles, mountings etc.
The flows of water to the two manifolds 18 and 34 are preferably independently controlled by a suitable valve system shown as 25.
The second embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in Figure 6, the nozzle system 10 is in the form of a substantially circular manifold 18C and is intended to be hand held for directing large volumes of water in mist sized droplets (less than 500 microns) from the nozzle system 10 either toward the fire or in any selected direction. In this embodiment water from the fire hose 22 passes through a valve system 24, the opening of which is adjustable, i.e. the amount of liquid flowing into the nozzle system 10 is adjusted by a positioning of the handle 26 as indicated by the arrow 28. If desired, a suitable locki~g system may be provided which is unlocked or locked by twisting as indicated by the arrows 30 to fix the handle 26 and thereby the opening of the valve system 24. This valve system 24 further includes a handle 32 to grip and ~POL~ the nozzle system 10.
A third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in fig. 7 the nozzle system 18A has adjustable sections 44 which rotate inside corner mounts 42. This action provides a component of focus or adjustment to the direction or coverage of the combined mist sprays. Water is supplied to the nozzles 11 through the inlet pipe 48 and distributed to the corner mounts 42 through the diagonal support pipes 46, then into sections 44. The corner mounts 42 encompass swivel seals 43 which allow the inside sections 44 to turn on a central axis, by rotating the section with the grip 45.
The size and shape of the manifold 18 will be determined by the type of application, and the location at which the Fire Nozzle System is used. For example a hand held positive pressure device could have a circular or hexagonal manifold 18, 30 cms across, while a system for extracting gasses and built into a mine shaft could use a square manifold 10 feet across. The same basic principles apply in both of these examples.
Generally the nozzle uses with the present invention must produce small water droplets, by which it is intended having a maximum dimension such that the water droplets from the nozzles tend to remain suspPn~o~ or evaporate in the moving gases. The nozzle 11 illustrated in Figure 8, provides a conical spray having a cone angle of ~ with the spray being made up of a plurality of minute water droplets preferably having a maximum ~ eion of no more that 1500 microns and most preferably less than S00 microns.
It is important that the nozzles 11 project the fine mist sprays at high speed. Several factors affect the discharge speed from a nozzle including the water pressure, orifice size, the angle of the spray, resistance inside the nozzle and airflow resistance outside the nozzle. To insure the droplets of fine mist sprays generated in the nozzles 11 have the required velocity a water pressure inside the nozzle of more than 345 kilopAec~ls is de_ired with the preferred pressure greater than 480 kilop~cc~ls (water under pressure of 690 kilopAecAls is found to be discharged from a nozzle at speeds of about 128 kilometers per hour or 3600 cms per second~.
A nozzle suitable for use in the present invention will 3S typically be constructed as illustrated in Figure 8 and will include a housing 50 which cont~ini ng a screen or the like 52 to eliminate the large particles of dirt or the like. A diffuser 54 formed with angled slots 56 sh~re~ to cause the water passing therethrough to form a spiral or helical pattern after it leaves the passages 56 and is provided with a central pin jet reducer having an end cap 60 that is received within a suitably contoured spray disk 62 having an orifice 64. The clearance between the cap 60 and the orifice 64 is set to obtain the re~uired droplet size the water spray issuing from the nozzle 11. A clearance of about 0.010 inches has been found satisfactory.
A suitable cap 66 with internal threads cooperates with the thread 68 on the fitting 50 to clamp all of the parts 52, 54, 62 in position and form the nozzle structure.
The example of the present invention shown in Figure 9 is composed of 32 nozzles. The nozzles around the outside of the rectangular manifold 18 are designated as nozzles 01, 02, 03, etc.
to 016, those in the middle of the manifold are designated by the numbers Ml, M2, M3,...M12 and those positioned adjacent to the centre of the manifold 18 are via the designations Cl, C2, C3, and C4. Thus in the illustrated system, there are 16 outer nozzles, 12 middle nozzles and 4 central nozzles positioned in a selected pattern and aimed in selected directions as will be described hereinbelow.
Each of nozzles 11 preferably will generate a substantially conical spray about its conical axis V (see Figure 5). The cone angle ~ (see Figure 13), for the outer, middle and centre nozzle will normally be in the range of 20 to 90 . The smaller the angle ~, the greater the velocity component in the direction of the axis V. The cone angle ~ will thus be selected for the various nozzles in part based on the desired velocity of the droplets in the direction of the axis V.
The nozzles 11 are aimed in specific directions relative to the main plane A - B of the nozzle system (see Figure 13) i.e. the plane in which the manifold 18 is as positioned, (parallel to the line K -L). The main plane A - B is substantially perpendicular to the direction 16 leading out of the building and the angles are measured in planes parallel to the line K - L (Figure 12) between the main plane A-B and the axis V of the respective nozzle being defined.
Figures 11 and 12 show samples of the angle selected nozzles shown from two views as seen in Figure 9. The line M-N is a side view of the manifold 18, showing nozzle angles B1. The line K-L is showing the second angle B from a cross section of the same side of the manifold.
The angles B and ~1 will be selected to produce the desired spray pattern as will be described below and will normally be in the range about 30 to 150 . In the specific example shown angle B1 the nozzles 015, 01, and 013 are 90 , 140~, and 140 , respectively and the angle B of nozzles 016, M12 and Cl are 40 , 70 and 110 respectively.
The nozzles are positioned on and spaced around the manifold 18 which defines a main plane A-B and are aimed at an imaginary target plane C-D by pointing each nozzle at a selected compound angle relative to the manifold 18. The size and position of the imaginary target plane C-D is determined by several factors, primarily the size of the manifold in relation to the required total angle of coverage from the combination of sprays. A
requirement of a wide angle of spray coverage will determine that the target plane is larger than the manifold 18. Conversely, if the manifold 18 is positioned within the opening, i.e. an extraction duct, which was substantially the same dimension as manifold 18 then the target plane C-D would be smaller than the manifold. Other factors that effect the size and position of the target plane include, the cone angle of individual sprays, the number of nozzles on the manifold and the spacing of the nozzles.
It has been determined that the effect of multiple nozzles projecting a fine water spray in the desired pattern to substantially fill and combine within an imaginary target area, is to entrap gasses within the water droplets 40 and move the mixture in one general direction 16. In the illustration of Figure 10 showing the general area filled by the sprays from the various nozzles as numbered in Figure 9, the areas of the individual sprays have all been shown circular for simplicity, but most, if not all, will form an elliptical pattern at their position in initial contact in the plane C-D.
It is important that the pattern and angles at which the nozzles 11 are arranged about the manifold 18 direct the conical sprays so that their adjacent peripheries converge as above described. It should be noted that the adjacent spray patterns continue to mix and overlap after reaching the point of converging, giving the target plane C-D a depth of a third dimension in some configurations.
The point at which the adjacent peripheries of the conical sprays converge will be of a distance in the range of 10 to 60 inches from the main plane A-B, preferably this distance is 10-25 inches.
It is estimated that there will generally never be less than approximately six nozzles in any such patterns and generally the number of nozzles will exceed 10.
In the disclosed embodiments the nozzle system 10 has either been shown as hand held or temporarily positioned in an op~n;ng. It will be apparent that the system could be permanently mounted or mounted to be swung into position in a passage or opening in a building and the system be designed so that the area in the plane C-D is substantially filled by the sprays which substantia~ly corresponds with the cross sectional area of the passage or opening (see for example the proximity of the sprays to the frame in Figure 4).
In those applications where a portable unit is used it is preferred to position the nozzle system so that the sprays are directed to substantially fill the opening in which the nozzle system is being positioned.
Exa-ple A prototype of the present invention was built in the form illustrated in Figures 1 and 4 using nozzles of the type illustrated in Figure 8 and wherein the 32 nozzles were aimed to form the pattern shown in Figure 10 in a C-D plane positioned 30 cms from the A-B plane of the prototype manifold. The dimensions of the manifold 18R was about S5 cms square and the nozzles in each set where spaced about 8 cms apart.
The prototype manifold was supplied by a pump pumping about 280 litres of water per minute at a pressure of about 600 kilopascals.
To test the nozzle system flames and smoke were produced adjacent to one end of a 4 foot long 4 foot square tunnel and the prototype nozzles system was positioned at the opposite end of the tunnel which was about 10 feet from the fire producing the smoke and flames. The nozzle system easily sucked substantially all the smoke (and flames) through the tunnel and ejected the smoke at the lS opposite side and away from the test area. The system developed flow through the tunnel at about 12 miles per hour and moved about lS,000 cubic feet of gasses per minute.
The nozzle pattern was then altered by changing the angles of the nozzles or reducing i.e. blocking off some of the nczzles of the system so that in either case (re-aiming or reducing the nunber of nozzles) the sprays did not converge and substantially fill the area in the plane C-~. Invariably the resultant flow through the tunnel was significantly reduced, in some cases to as little as 25%
of the flow obtained with the unaltered prototype.
Having described the invention, modifications will be evident to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (24)

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A nozzle system for moving heat, smoke, and gasses comprising a manifold defining an annular passage engaging, a multiplicity of mist forming spray nozzles, formed to project a divergent spray each of the nozzles constructed to spray liquid droplets at a velocity sufficient to entrain a significant amount of gasses, the manifold and nozzles being in a configuration to position and direct each of the sprays so that the peripheries of adjacent sprays converge to substantially fill a planar area immediately downstream from the manifold.

2. A nozzle system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the annular passage traces a path of not less than 60cm. in length.

3. A nozzle system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mist forming spray nozzles discharge droplets that stay suspended or evaporate in the moving gasses.

4. A nozzle system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the nozzles project droplets within an arc of between 15 degrees to 35 degrees from the centre line of flow.

5. A nozzle system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said nozzles are constructed to discharge liquid droplets at a speed of not less than two thousand centimetres per second.

6. A nozzle system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the nozzles produce mist droplets which advance in a direction substantially undeviating from the exit trajectory.

7. A nozzle system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the manifold and nozzles are constructed to provide a means of focus or adjustment to the direction of the mist forming sprays.

8. A nozzle system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the area in which the peripheries of adjacent sprays converge is located between 15 and 60 centimetres from the manifold.

9. A nozzle system for moving heat, smoke, and gasses comprising of a manifold consisting of an annular defining a main plane, co-operating a plurality of spray nozzles, each of the nozzles discharging a divergent, fine mist spray, the nozzles being positioned onto the manifold and directed toward selected points on an imaginary target plane.

10. A nozzle system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the main plane of the manifold has an area greater than 225 square centimetre.

11. A nozzle system as claimed in claims 1 or 9 wherein the nozzles are formed to produce droplets having a maximum dimension less than 1500 microns.

12. A nozzle system as claimed in claims 1 or 9, wherein the nozzles are formed to project fine mist droplets with sufficient force to entrain and transport a significant volume of gasses.

13. A nozzle system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the selected points on the imaginary target plane ensure complete and even distribution of mist sprays.

14. A nozzle system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the imaginary target plane is greater than 225 square centimetres.

15. A nozzle system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the main plane and the target plane are substantially parallel and spaced between 15 and 60 centimetres apart.

16. A nozzle system as claimed in claims 1 or 9 wherein the devise is formed to engage an optional secondary manifold, nozzle component, liquid spray from the secondary nozzles functioning as a cooling agent.

17. A nozzle system as claimed in claims 1 or 9 wherein the nozzles are formed to provide an internal action to substantially expunge superfluous matter from within the nozzles.

18. A nozzle system as claimed in claims 1 or 9 wherein the manifold and nozzles are formed of a material to withstand a water pressure greater than 700 kilopascals.

19. A nozzle system as claimed in claims 1 or 9 wherein the manifold and nozzles are formed of a material to withstand a temperature grater than 200 degrees centigrade.

20. A nozzle system as claimed in claims 1 or 9 wherein the manifold and nozzles are formed of a material to withstand significant stress and impact.

21. A nozzle system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the nozzles are formed to provide an internal action to substantially expunge superfluous matter from within the nozzles.

22. A nozzle system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the manifold and nozzles are formed of a material to withstand a water pressure greater than 700 kilopascals.

23. A nozzle system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the manifold and nozzles are formed of a material to withstand a temperature greater than 200 degrees centigrade.

24. A nozzle system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the manifold and nozzles are formed of a material to withstand significant stress and impact.