CA2187047A1 - Fire suppression cannon - Google Patents
Fire suppression cannonInfo
- Publication number
- CA2187047A1 CA2187047A1 CA 2187047 CA2187047A CA2187047A1 CA 2187047 A1 CA2187047 A1 CA 2187047A1 CA 2187047 CA2187047 CA 2187047 CA 2187047 A CA2187047 A CA 2187047A CA 2187047 A1 CA2187047 A1 CA 2187047A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- suppressant
- suppression device
- gas
- combustion suppression
- combustion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Abstract
A combustion, fire and/or explosion suppressing device which, when electrically initiated by a flame, fire or explosion detection device, instantaneously generates a sufficient volume of inert gas to propel suppressant or extinguishment material out of a containment tube and toward the flame or fire. The device comprises a tubular metal housing arranged to accommodate the secure mounting of a gas generator module and for subsequently sealing the breech end of the cylinder. Toward the open end of the cylinder but near the breech end may be a pressure control plate or baffle which partially constricts the flow of gas emanating from the generator into the suppressant carrying cavity. At the open end of the cylinder a nozzle may be provided to control the characteristics and dispersion pattern of the ejected suppressant.
Description
~. 2187041 .
FIRE SUPPRESSION CANNON
Background of the Invention 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to the suppression of 5 unwanted combustion either indoors or outdoors, and more particularly relates to a system and method for fire suppression which involves the in~t~nt~neous ~ pen~ion of combustion suppressant m~tçri~l upon electrical initiation by a detection device.
FIRE SUPPRESSION CANNON
Background of the Invention 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to the suppression of 5 unwanted combustion either indoors or outdoors, and more particularly relates to a system and method for fire suppression which involves the in~t~nt~neous ~ pen~ion of combustion suppressant m~tçri~l upon electrical initiation by a detection device.
2. Description of the Invention An important consideration in the design of fire suppression systems is the need for a rapid response upon the detection of a flame or explosion.
Typical fire suppression systems utilize a fire retardant gas or other substance stored within a container body under high pressure. Upon the detection of a fire, the container is punctured, c~ ing it to burst s~1d~enly 15 due to the release of the high pressure held therein, thereby releasing the suppressant material explosively into the target area.
However, these known fire suppressant systems suffer from some serious drawbacks. First, the storage container tends to be both expensive and heavy, since it must be made of a m~teri~l strong enough to contain 20 extremely high pressure. Second, storing a gas under high pressure for long periods of time is itself dangerous, since the container may accidentally rupture and burst. Third, when the container bursts during a fire suppression operation, pieces of the container body and/or bursting mech~ni~m may break free and be explosively propelled into the target area, creating a 25 serious risk of injury and damage to objects and people within the target area.
Therefore, a need exists for a safe and reliable fre su~plession system which has a fast response time while avoiding these and other drawl)acks.
DC01:114598.2 ~1~17047 .
Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to a cannon-like fire-suppression system and method for dispensing combustion suppressant material virtually instantaneously when electrically initi~ted by a detection device. The S invention includes a gas generation module, which in response to a signal generates a volume of gas of sufficient quantity and pressure to provide a propellant force to the combustion suppressant m~tt~ located within the body of the invention. In response to the propellant force, the suppressant materials are ejected through a nozzle and towards a target area. The 10 invention may also include a pressure control plate or baffle which partially constricts the flow of gas em~n~ting from the gas generation module.
Brief Description ~f th~ Drawin~
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a fire-suppression cannon according to a plefel,~d embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fire-suppression cannon having a baffle, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Plcfelled Embodiment Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a ~lefelled embodiment of the present invention. The invention comprises a tubular body 10 having a 20 nozzle 12 at one end which directs the fire suppressant m~tçri~l toward a target area. The interior of the body 10 is divided into several contiguous coll~p~LIllents. For descriptive purposes, the following discussion will assume that the body 10 includes two such compartments, 14 and 16, although it should be understood that the precise number, size, shape, and 25 an~ng~mPnt of the col~ --ents may be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Refernng to Fig. 1, the primary co---~ ,--ent 14 preferably is defined by a first wall 26, a second wall 28, a third wall 30 and a primary divider 13. The secondary col--~ .-ent 16 preferably is defined by the second wall DC01:114598.2 28, first divider 32, second divider 34, and a secondary divider 15. The primary comp~L-Ilent 14 and secondary co~ ,lent 16 may both be defined by second wall 28, or one of the co-l-pal~ ents may be defined by a di~elent.wall not shown in Fig. 1.
While Fig. 1 illustrates the primary and secondary co-~~ ents as so dçfine-l another embodiment of the invention defines the con~ llents by the inclusion of c~ni~tçrs (~liccllesed below) in~te~ of, or in combination with, the above. For example, the plilll~y co.ll~l,llent may be defined by a first c~ ., and the secondary colll~ llllent may be defined by a second c~ni.ctçr. ~lt~rn~tively, the present invention may include one canister that has subconl~ llents wi~in the canister. Other embo~lim~nt~ are also envisioned, including the use of a plurality of canisters, each having subco~ llents, or the use of canisters in addition to the colll~ Ilents illustrated in Fig. 1.
The primary co~ llent 14 contains a _re suppressant material that is or can become a fluid. For example, the fire suppressant material may be a powder. Preferably, the fire suppressant m~t~ri~l is a liquid, such as water.
The secondary colll~l,llent 16 contains a material which may be added to the fire suppressant material stored in primary con~ llent 14 in order to enhance the fire suppression capabilities of that fire ~u~l~ressant material.
A tube 18 may be disposed in the nozzle 12 to connect the nozzle 12 to a third storage COlll~ llent 22, in a m~nner described below.
A pyro-chemical gas generator module 20 is disposed adjacent to the end ofthe container opposite the nozzled end, preferably in proxilllily to the secondary com~u Llllent 16. The gas generator module 20 may be a vented container for solid propellant which, when i~lit~ eously generates a volume of gas having sufficient quantity and pressure to provide a propellant force to the combustion suppressant m~teri~l~ located in the body 10. The gas of such sufficient quantity and pressure is generated in a very DCO 1:11 4598.2 ` 2 1 ~7~4~
short period of time, enabling the suppressant matçri~ls to be ejected at a sufficient velocity and to exit the nozzle 12 in an appl~,iate pattern. The gas generator module 20 may be of any conventional configuration con.cict~nt with the operation as herein described. One prefelled type of gas-5 generator module is the type known and used to inflate and deployautomobile air bags. In general terms, the gas generator module includes a small explosive or black powder charge which may be ignited by an electric squib or any other known tTi~r~ g meçll~nicm When the explosive charge is triggered, it creates a fireball and ~,es~ule shock wave which in turn 10 ignites a solid propellant which on ignition instantaneously creates a large volume of gas, such as carbon dioxide. Preferably, however, the propellant is such that the gas that is generated is an inert gas. The nozzle 12 and the tubular shape ofthe body 10 causes the contents ofthe body 10 to be ejected into a target area in a cannon-like fashion. The contents, for example, may 15 include the ~u~pressant m~tçri~l~ in the p~ aly comp~llllent 14 and secondary Col~)~ll Llllent 16.
As shown in Fig. 2, a control plate or baffle 36 having one or more a~tllules may be disposed between the gas generator module 20 and the end of the body 10 in order to partially constrict the flow of gas from the gas 20 generator module 20 into the interior of the body 10, thereby increasing the pressure exerted by, and velocity of, the gas as it enters the body 10. The baffle 36 may not be necessary if c~nict~rs are inserted into the body 10.
The triggering mech~nicm of the gas gelle.~lor module may be connected to an extprn~l fire s~ncing device (not shown), which generates an 25 electric initi~tin~ current in response to the detection of certain criteria associated with a fre, such as smoke, l~ lwe, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, acoustic pl~s~iWe wave, or the like. Additionally,in order to ensure the integrity of the app~Lus over long periods of time, the app~alus may be configured so that an electric current is constantly applied DC01:114598.2 t 2 ~ 8~D47 to the triggering mech~nicm at a level too low to activate the triggering mech~nicm, and an external module (not shown) may be engaged to the 1ri~erinf~ mrch~ni.cm to m~ nitor the current for cn~ y. In the event that the current ceases, the device may, for example, activate an alarm system to alert a~pro~liate personnel that a power failure has occurred.
The gas generator module 20 is preferably disposed adjacent the secondary colllp&~ll"ent 16, and the primary col~LI"ent 14 is disposed between the secondary co~ llent 16 and the noæle end of the tube. The primary divider 13 and secondaIy divider 15 are preferably formed of substantially liquid impervious m~t~ri~l that is strong enough to prevent le~k~ge ofthe liquid fire suppressant m~t~ri~lc, but which will burst against the pressure created by the ejection of the gas created in the gas generator module 20. Similarly, the other walls and dividers that define the primary and secondary con~ llents may be made of similar m~trri~l and may simil~rly burst upon exertion of the propellant force of the gas.
The secondary coll,l,~L",ent 16 may also contain explosion suppression m~trri~lc7 such as sodium bicarbonate, in order to prevent accidental fire or explosion caused by hot gases çmitted from the gas generator module 20.
In ~d-1itinn, although two con,~ ",ents 14 and 16 are shown in Fig.
1, the present invention could also be constructed with cGlllp~l,llent 16 being integral to the gas generator module 20, with the contents of the two compartments 14 and 16 reversed, or with additional colllpal~,ents. In addition, depending upon the particular application or context, one or more of these COlllp~ l"lents may be omitted.
The nozzle 12 may be connected through tube 18 to a third col"~ "ent 22 which contains an additional fire sul)l)ressant m~teri~l The material stored inside the third coll,~ llent is plerer~bly an oleofluoroch~mir~l surfactant, such as aqueous film fonning foam (AFFF).
DC01:114598.2 21 ~7047 The contents of the third compartment are accessible to the nozzle 12 by tube 18 in such a ~ n~er that as a substance is ejected from the interior of thebody 10throughthenozzle 12,thecontentsofthethirdcon~ entare drawn into the ejection stream through tube 18 by venturi action.
Fig. 1 also shows an ~lt~.mAtive embodiment of the present invention, in which a tube 24 is disposed between the third coll,p~llllent 22 and an opening in the body 10. The tube 24 operates to assist the transfer of the conlel,l~ of the third col~ ,.ent 22 to the ejection stream, as described below.
In operation, when the çxtern~l fire sensing device detects the presence of a fire, the gas generator module 20 is triggered and caused to eously generate a high volume of an inert gas. The pressure wave created within the body 10 forces the gas against the secondary col"p~L",ent 16, c~llcing the secondary divider 15 (and optionally other walls and dividers (l~ofining the secondary con~l"lent 16) to burst and release the contents of the secondary co~ ~LIllent 16. As the pressure wave contimles to travel along the body 10, the primary divider 13 (and optionally other walls defining the primaly conl~ llent 14) also bursts, and the contents of the primary con,p~ll,lent 14 are mixed with the contents of the secondary co~,lpalllllent 16. The llli~lule is then callied toward the nozzle 12 and forcefully ejected from the nozzle 12 into the target area. The nozzle controls the rate and dispersion pattern of the ejected llliXlllle. In addition,as the mixture is ejected through the nozzle 12, the contents of the third col,lp~ll"ent 22 may be drawn through the tube 18 through venturi action into the stream and mixed together and ejected with the stream into the target area. The contents ofthe third co"lp~LIllent, when mixed with the contents of the primaIy and secondary co"ll)al ll~lents, may create a new suppressant or enhance the suppressant characteristics of the llli~ e.
DC01:114598.2 `. 218704~
-In the ~ e embodiment, the increased pressure within the body 10 also forces gas, and optionally any ~u~ressant material contained in the body, into the tube 24 and into the third col"~ll"ent 22, which assists in forcing the co,llt,lls ofthe third colll~ ent into the nozzle 18 and into the eJection stream. The end of the tube 24 near the primary compartment 14 may also have a flow controller, such as valve or similar device, that allows the gas but not the suppressant m~t~ri~l contained in the primary col,l~ ent, to enter the tube 24. A flow controller may not be necessary if c~ni~t~rs are used, since the walls of the canisters may prevent the flow of any suppressant material contained therein into the third compartment 22.
The primary, secondary and third colll~ llents, 14, 16 and 22 respectively, may be loaded directly with the desired suppressant m~t~ri~
Alt~rn~tively, the sul)plessai~l materials may be pre-loaded into one or more c~ni.ct~rs which are then loaded into the body 10 and (li~integrated or opened by the pressure generated by the gas generator module 20. The canisters may be made of polyethylene or similar plastic m~tPri~l Also, the canisters may have one or more inner col~u"ents, sep~led by membranes, to hold a plurality of suppressant materials. The membranes preferably consist of a thin sheet of m~t~ri~l such as polyethylene or similar plastic material, that durably holds and sep~l~s the plurality of ~u~p,essant m~t~ri~l~, and bursts upon exertion of sufficient pressure while emitting little or no debris. The nozzle 12 may be adjusted or adapted in order to control the rate and pattern of dispersion of the ~u~lessant materials which have been forcibly accelerated in the direction of the target combustion.
An important advantage of this configuration is that there is liffle or no debris emilte~ from the tube. Accordingly, initiation poses liffle or no danger to living beings, machinery or housing. Moreover, the entire apparatus is designed to be explosion-proof. In other words, under any condition of operation, whether normal or abnormal, the device does not DC01:114598.2 2 1 87~47 -cause the i~ition of surrounding explosive atmospheres. Thus, the present invention provides a safe, reliable, and effective fire suppressant device.
While the present invention has been described with reference to the ~l~r~lled embo-lim~nt many ~ltern~tives~ modifications and variations will 5 be appa~ t to those skilled in the art which also fall within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.
DCOI :1 14598.2
Typical fire suppression systems utilize a fire retardant gas or other substance stored within a container body under high pressure. Upon the detection of a fire, the container is punctured, c~ ing it to burst s~1d~enly 15 due to the release of the high pressure held therein, thereby releasing the suppressant material explosively into the target area.
However, these known fire suppressant systems suffer from some serious drawbacks. First, the storage container tends to be both expensive and heavy, since it must be made of a m~teri~l strong enough to contain 20 extremely high pressure. Second, storing a gas under high pressure for long periods of time is itself dangerous, since the container may accidentally rupture and burst. Third, when the container bursts during a fire suppression operation, pieces of the container body and/or bursting mech~ni~m may break free and be explosively propelled into the target area, creating a 25 serious risk of injury and damage to objects and people within the target area.
Therefore, a need exists for a safe and reliable fre su~plession system which has a fast response time while avoiding these and other drawl)acks.
DC01:114598.2 ~1~17047 .
Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to a cannon-like fire-suppression system and method for dispensing combustion suppressant material virtually instantaneously when electrically initi~ted by a detection device. The S invention includes a gas generation module, which in response to a signal generates a volume of gas of sufficient quantity and pressure to provide a propellant force to the combustion suppressant m~tt~ located within the body of the invention. In response to the propellant force, the suppressant materials are ejected through a nozzle and towards a target area. The 10 invention may also include a pressure control plate or baffle which partially constricts the flow of gas em~n~ting from the gas generation module.
Brief Description ~f th~ Drawin~
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a fire-suppression cannon according to a plefel,~d embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram of a fire-suppression cannon having a baffle, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Plcfelled Embodiment Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a ~lefelled embodiment of the present invention. The invention comprises a tubular body 10 having a 20 nozzle 12 at one end which directs the fire suppressant m~tçri~l toward a target area. The interior of the body 10 is divided into several contiguous coll~p~LIllents. For descriptive purposes, the following discussion will assume that the body 10 includes two such compartments, 14 and 16, although it should be understood that the precise number, size, shape, and 25 an~ng~mPnt of the col~ --ents may be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Refernng to Fig. 1, the primary co---~ ,--ent 14 preferably is defined by a first wall 26, a second wall 28, a third wall 30 and a primary divider 13. The secondary col--~ .-ent 16 preferably is defined by the second wall DC01:114598.2 28, first divider 32, second divider 34, and a secondary divider 15. The primary comp~L-Ilent 14 and secondary co~ ,lent 16 may both be defined by second wall 28, or one of the co-l-pal~ ents may be defined by a di~elent.wall not shown in Fig. 1.
While Fig. 1 illustrates the primary and secondary co-~~ ents as so dçfine-l another embodiment of the invention defines the con~ llents by the inclusion of c~ni~tçrs (~liccllesed below) in~te~ of, or in combination with, the above. For example, the plilll~y co.ll~l,llent may be defined by a first c~ ., and the secondary colll~ llllent may be defined by a second c~ni.ctçr. ~lt~rn~tively, the present invention may include one canister that has subconl~ llents wi~in the canister. Other embo~lim~nt~ are also envisioned, including the use of a plurality of canisters, each having subco~ llents, or the use of canisters in addition to the colll~ Ilents illustrated in Fig. 1.
The primary co~ llent 14 contains a _re suppressant material that is or can become a fluid. For example, the fire suppressant material may be a powder. Preferably, the fire suppressant m~t~ri~l is a liquid, such as water.
The secondary colll~l,llent 16 contains a material which may be added to the fire suppressant material stored in primary con~ llent 14 in order to enhance the fire suppression capabilities of that fire ~u~l~ressant material.
A tube 18 may be disposed in the nozzle 12 to connect the nozzle 12 to a third storage COlll~ llent 22, in a m~nner described below.
A pyro-chemical gas generator module 20 is disposed adjacent to the end ofthe container opposite the nozzled end, preferably in proxilllily to the secondary com~u Llllent 16. The gas generator module 20 may be a vented container for solid propellant which, when i~lit~ eously generates a volume of gas having sufficient quantity and pressure to provide a propellant force to the combustion suppressant m~teri~l~ located in the body 10. The gas of such sufficient quantity and pressure is generated in a very DCO 1:11 4598.2 ` 2 1 ~7~4~
short period of time, enabling the suppressant matçri~ls to be ejected at a sufficient velocity and to exit the nozzle 12 in an appl~,iate pattern. The gas generator module 20 may be of any conventional configuration con.cict~nt with the operation as herein described. One prefelled type of gas-5 generator module is the type known and used to inflate and deployautomobile air bags. In general terms, the gas generator module includes a small explosive or black powder charge which may be ignited by an electric squib or any other known tTi~r~ g meçll~nicm When the explosive charge is triggered, it creates a fireball and ~,es~ule shock wave which in turn 10 ignites a solid propellant which on ignition instantaneously creates a large volume of gas, such as carbon dioxide. Preferably, however, the propellant is such that the gas that is generated is an inert gas. The nozzle 12 and the tubular shape ofthe body 10 causes the contents ofthe body 10 to be ejected into a target area in a cannon-like fashion. The contents, for example, may 15 include the ~u~pressant m~tçri~l~ in the p~ aly comp~llllent 14 and secondary Col~)~ll Llllent 16.
As shown in Fig. 2, a control plate or baffle 36 having one or more a~tllules may be disposed between the gas generator module 20 and the end of the body 10 in order to partially constrict the flow of gas from the gas 20 generator module 20 into the interior of the body 10, thereby increasing the pressure exerted by, and velocity of, the gas as it enters the body 10. The baffle 36 may not be necessary if c~nict~rs are inserted into the body 10.
The triggering mech~nicm of the gas gelle.~lor module may be connected to an extprn~l fire s~ncing device (not shown), which generates an 25 electric initi~tin~ current in response to the detection of certain criteria associated with a fre, such as smoke, l~ lwe, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, acoustic pl~s~iWe wave, or the like. Additionally,in order to ensure the integrity of the app~Lus over long periods of time, the app~alus may be configured so that an electric current is constantly applied DC01:114598.2 t 2 ~ 8~D47 to the triggering mech~nicm at a level too low to activate the triggering mech~nicm, and an external module (not shown) may be engaged to the 1ri~erinf~ mrch~ni.cm to m~ nitor the current for cn~ y. In the event that the current ceases, the device may, for example, activate an alarm system to alert a~pro~liate personnel that a power failure has occurred.
The gas generator module 20 is preferably disposed adjacent the secondary colllp&~ll"ent 16, and the primary col~LI"ent 14 is disposed between the secondary co~ llent 16 and the noæle end of the tube. The primary divider 13 and secondaIy divider 15 are preferably formed of substantially liquid impervious m~t~ri~l that is strong enough to prevent le~k~ge ofthe liquid fire suppressant m~t~ri~lc, but which will burst against the pressure created by the ejection of the gas created in the gas generator module 20. Similarly, the other walls and dividers that define the primary and secondary con~ llents may be made of similar m~trri~l and may simil~rly burst upon exertion of the propellant force of the gas.
The secondary coll,l,~L",ent 16 may also contain explosion suppression m~trri~lc7 such as sodium bicarbonate, in order to prevent accidental fire or explosion caused by hot gases çmitted from the gas generator module 20.
In ~d-1itinn, although two con,~ ",ents 14 and 16 are shown in Fig.
1, the present invention could also be constructed with cGlllp~l,llent 16 being integral to the gas generator module 20, with the contents of the two compartments 14 and 16 reversed, or with additional colllpal~,ents. In addition, depending upon the particular application or context, one or more of these COlllp~ l"lents may be omitted.
The nozzle 12 may be connected through tube 18 to a third col"~ "ent 22 which contains an additional fire sul)l)ressant m~teri~l The material stored inside the third coll,~ llent is plerer~bly an oleofluoroch~mir~l surfactant, such as aqueous film fonning foam (AFFF).
DC01:114598.2 21 ~7047 The contents of the third compartment are accessible to the nozzle 12 by tube 18 in such a ~ n~er that as a substance is ejected from the interior of thebody 10throughthenozzle 12,thecontentsofthethirdcon~ entare drawn into the ejection stream through tube 18 by venturi action.
Fig. 1 also shows an ~lt~.mAtive embodiment of the present invention, in which a tube 24 is disposed between the third coll,p~llllent 22 and an opening in the body 10. The tube 24 operates to assist the transfer of the conlel,l~ of the third col~ ,.ent 22 to the ejection stream, as described below.
In operation, when the çxtern~l fire sensing device detects the presence of a fire, the gas generator module 20 is triggered and caused to eously generate a high volume of an inert gas. The pressure wave created within the body 10 forces the gas against the secondary col"p~L",ent 16, c~llcing the secondary divider 15 (and optionally other walls and dividers (l~ofining the secondary con~l"lent 16) to burst and release the contents of the secondary co~ ~LIllent 16. As the pressure wave contimles to travel along the body 10, the primary divider 13 (and optionally other walls defining the primaly conl~ llent 14) also bursts, and the contents of the primary con,p~ll,lent 14 are mixed with the contents of the secondary co~,lpalllllent 16. The llli~lule is then callied toward the nozzle 12 and forcefully ejected from the nozzle 12 into the target area. The nozzle controls the rate and dispersion pattern of the ejected llliXlllle. In addition,as the mixture is ejected through the nozzle 12, the contents of the third col,lp~ll"ent 22 may be drawn through the tube 18 through venturi action into the stream and mixed together and ejected with the stream into the target area. The contents ofthe third co"lp~LIllent, when mixed with the contents of the primaIy and secondary co"ll)al ll~lents, may create a new suppressant or enhance the suppressant characteristics of the llli~ e.
DC01:114598.2 `. 218704~
-In the ~ e embodiment, the increased pressure within the body 10 also forces gas, and optionally any ~u~ressant material contained in the body, into the tube 24 and into the third col"~ll"ent 22, which assists in forcing the co,llt,lls ofthe third colll~ ent into the nozzle 18 and into the eJection stream. The end of the tube 24 near the primary compartment 14 may also have a flow controller, such as valve or similar device, that allows the gas but not the suppressant m~t~ri~l contained in the primary col,l~ ent, to enter the tube 24. A flow controller may not be necessary if c~ni~t~rs are used, since the walls of the canisters may prevent the flow of any suppressant material contained therein into the third compartment 22.
The primary, secondary and third colll~ llents, 14, 16 and 22 respectively, may be loaded directly with the desired suppressant m~t~ri~
Alt~rn~tively, the sul)plessai~l materials may be pre-loaded into one or more c~ni.ct~rs which are then loaded into the body 10 and (li~integrated or opened by the pressure generated by the gas generator module 20. The canisters may be made of polyethylene or similar plastic m~tPri~l Also, the canisters may have one or more inner col~u"ents, sep~led by membranes, to hold a plurality of suppressant materials. The membranes preferably consist of a thin sheet of m~t~ri~l such as polyethylene or similar plastic material, that durably holds and sep~l~s the plurality of ~u~p,essant m~t~ri~l~, and bursts upon exertion of sufficient pressure while emitting little or no debris. The nozzle 12 may be adjusted or adapted in order to control the rate and pattern of dispersion of the ~u~lessant materials which have been forcibly accelerated in the direction of the target combustion.
An important advantage of this configuration is that there is liffle or no debris emilte~ from the tube. Accordingly, initiation poses liffle or no danger to living beings, machinery or housing. Moreover, the entire apparatus is designed to be explosion-proof. In other words, under any condition of operation, whether normal or abnormal, the device does not DC01:114598.2 2 1 87~47 -cause the i~ition of surrounding explosive atmospheres. Thus, the present invention provides a safe, reliable, and effective fire suppressant device.
While the present invention has been described with reference to the ~l~r~lled embo-lim~nt many ~ltern~tives~ modifications and variations will 5 be appa~ t to those skilled in the art which also fall within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.
DCOI :1 14598.2
Claims (25)
1. A combustion suppression device, comprising:
a tubular body having a first end and a second end;
a gas generator module disposed near said first end and adapted to generate a volume of gas in response to a signal corresponding to predetermined criteria;
first and second suppressant materials disposed within said body, wherein said suppressant materials are ejected from said second end in response to the generation of the gas by said gas generator module.
a tubular body having a first end and a second end;
a gas generator module disposed near said first end and adapted to generate a volume of gas in response to a signal corresponding to predetermined criteria;
first and second suppressant materials disposed within said body, wherein said suppressant materials are ejected from said second end in response to the generation of the gas by said gas generator module.
2. A combustion suppression device according to claim 1, wherein said second end has a nozzle.
3. A combustion suppression device according to claim 1, further comprising a third suppressant material, wherein said third suppressant material is mixed with said first and second suppressant materials as said first and second suppressant materials are ejected from said second end.
4. A combustion suppression device according to claim 3, wherein said third suppressant material is mixed with said first and second suppressant materials via venturi action.
5. A combustion suppression device according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined criteria include characteristics associated with a fire.
6. A combustion suppression device according to claim 1, wherein said first and second suppressant materials are liquids.
7. A combustion suppression device according to claim 1, wherein said first suppressant is water.
8. A combustion suppression device according to claim 1, wherein said third suppressant is aqueous film forming foam.
9. A combustion suppression device according to claim 1, wherein said gas is an inert gas.
10. A combustion suppression device according to claim 1, further comprising a means for constricting the flow of said gas.
11. A combustion suppression device, comprising:
a body having a first end and a second end;
a gas generator module disposed near said first end and adapted to generate a volume of gas in response to a signal corresponding to predetermined criteria;
a first compartment disposed within said body; and a second compartment disposed within said body adjacent said gas generator module.
a body having a first end and a second end;
a gas generator module disposed near said first end and adapted to generate a volume of gas in response to a signal corresponding to predetermined criteria;
a first compartment disposed within said body; and a second compartment disposed within said body adjacent said gas generator module.
12. A combustion suppression device according to claim 11, wherein said second end has a nozzle.
13. A combustion suppression device according to claim 12, further comprising a third compartment coupled to said body by a venturi.
14. A combustion suppression device according to claim 12, wherein said first and second compartments are adapted to store fire suppressant materials.
15. A combustion suppression device according to claim 13, wherein said first, second and third compartments are adapted to store fire suppressant materials.
16. A combustion suppression device according to claim 14, said first compartment having a first divider, said second compartment having a second divider, wherein said first and second dividers disintegrate in response to generation of said gas such that the contents of said first and second compartments are mixed together to create a mixture.
17. A combustion suppression device according to claim 15, said first compartment having a first divider, said second compartment having a second divider, wherein said first and second dividers disintegrate in response to generation of said gas such that the contents of said first and second compartments are mixed together to create a mixture.
18. A combustion suppression device according to claim 16 wherein said mixture is ejected from said nozzle in response to the generation of said gas.
19. A combustion suppression device according to claim 17 wherein said mixture is ejected from said nozzle in response to the generation of said gas.
20. A combustion suppression device according to claim 19, wherein the contents of said third compartment are ejected through said nozzle by venturi action created as a result of the ejection through the nozzle of said mixture.
21. The combustion suppression device of claim 20 further comprising a tube disposed between said third compartment and said body and adapted to transfer a portion of the gas to said third compartment, to thereby force the contents of said third compartment into said nozzle.
22. The combustion suppression device of claim 11, further comprising a means for constricting the flow of said gas.
23. A method for suppressing combustion, comprising the steps of:
storing a first suppressant and a second suppressant material in a body said body having a first end and a second end; and generating a volume of gas near said first end in response to predetermined criteria and causing said first and second suppressant materials to be ejected from said second end.
storing a first suppressant and a second suppressant material in a body said body having a first end and a second end; and generating a volume of gas near said first end in response to predetermined criteria and causing said first and second suppressant materials to be ejected from said second end.
24. A method for suppressing combustion according to claim 23, further comprising the step of mixing a third suppressant material with said first and second suppressant materials as said first and second suppressant materials are ejected from said second end.
25. A method for suppressing combustion according to claim 24 wherein said third suppressant material is mixed with said first and second suppressant material via venturi action.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US545295P | 1995-10-03 | 1995-10-03 | |
| US60/005,452 | 1995-10-03 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2187047A1 true CA2187047A1 (en) | 1997-04-04 |
Family
ID=21715949
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2187047 Abandoned CA2187047A1 (en) | 1995-10-03 | 1996-10-03 | Fire suppression cannon |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2187047A1 (en) |
-
1996
- 1996-10-03 CA CA 2187047 patent/CA2187047A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 19991004 |