CA2421543A1 - Internal fire prevention system for chimneys - Google Patents
Internal fire prevention system for chimneys Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2421543A1 CA2421543A1 CA 2421543 CA2421543A CA2421543A1 CA 2421543 A1 CA2421543 A1 CA 2421543A1 CA 2421543 CA2421543 CA 2421543 CA 2421543 A CA2421543 A CA 2421543A CA 2421543 A1 CA2421543 A1 CA 2421543A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- chimney
- conduit
- spray nozzle
- fire
- fluid
- 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
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C4/00—Flame traps allowing passage of gas but not of flame or explosion wave
- A62C4/04—Flame traps allowing passage of gas but not of flame or explosion wave in flues or chimneys
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23J—REMOVAL OR TREATMENT OF COMBUSTION PRODUCTS OR COMBUSTION RESIDUES; FLUESÂ
- F23J2213/00—Chimneys or flues
- F23J2213/70—Safety arrangements
Abstract
A method of chimney fire prevention which includes the step of installing a conduit in a chimney, the conduit having at least one spray nozzle with a heat sensitive triggering mechanism that opens the spray nozzle upon a predetermined triggering temperature being reached. A further step involves connecting the conduit to a source of fluid with fire extinguishing properties, such that upon the predetermined triggering temperature being reached fluid is released through the spray nozzle.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
Internal Fire Prevention System for Chimneys FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an internal fire prevention system for chimneys.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A chimney leading form a wood burning fireplace must be properly maintained or a fire may result. When wood burning fireplaces were the main source of heat for a house, this was understood. Today, the wood burning fireplaces are used less frequently, and maintenance of the chimney can be neglected. Every year a percentage of house fires originate in the chimney. Chimney fires can happen without any detection that something is happening until it is too late. Smoke detectors do not work because the fire is contained inside the chimney casement on the outside of the house. By the time the fire detector activates, the fire has burnt through the outside wall and has begun burning the inside the home.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is a fire prevention system that is internal chimneys which operates 2 0 on the basis on the heat and temperature affected zones within the chimneys structure.
According to the present invention there is provided a method of chimney fire prevention, which includes the step of installing a conduit in a chimney. The conduit has at least one spray nozzle with a heat sensitive triggering mechanism that opens the spray 2 5 nozzle upon a predetermined triggering temperature being reached. Another step involves connecting the conduit to a source of fluid with fire extinguishing properties, such that upon the predetermined triggering temperature being reached fluid is released through the spray nozzle.
Internal Fire Prevention System for Chimneys FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an internal fire prevention system for chimneys.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A chimney leading form a wood burning fireplace must be properly maintained or a fire may result. When wood burning fireplaces were the main source of heat for a house, this was understood. Today, the wood burning fireplaces are used less frequently, and maintenance of the chimney can be neglected. Every year a percentage of house fires originate in the chimney. Chimney fires can happen without any detection that something is happening until it is too late. Smoke detectors do not work because the fire is contained inside the chimney casement on the outside of the house. By the time the fire detector activates, the fire has burnt through the outside wall and has begun burning the inside the home.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is a fire prevention system that is internal chimneys which operates 2 0 on the basis on the heat and temperature affected zones within the chimneys structure.
According to the present invention there is provided a method of chimney fire prevention, which includes the step of installing a conduit in a chimney. The conduit has at least one spray nozzle with a heat sensitive triggering mechanism that opens the spray 2 5 nozzle upon a predetermined triggering temperature being reached. Another step involves connecting the conduit to a source of fluid with fire extinguishing properties, such that upon the predetermined triggering temperature being reached fluid is released through the spray nozzle.
3 0 According to another aspect of the present invention, a diffuser plate is associated with each of the spray nozzles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view of a conduit having one spray nozzle constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a detailed side elevation view of the conduit illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a side elevation view of a conduit having several spray nozzles.
FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of the conduit illustrated in FIGURE 1, installed in the corners of a chimney.
FIGURE 5 is a top plan view of the conduit illustrated in FIGURE 1, installed on the walls of a chimney.
FIGURE 6 is front elevation view, in section, the conduit illustrated in installed in a housing having a fireplace with a chimney.
FIGURE 7 is a side elevation view, in section, of the conduit installed in a housing having a fireplace with a chimney illustrated in FIGURE 6 FIGURE 8 is a top plan view of a spray nozzle for installation on a wall of a chimney 2 0 with a diffuser plate.
FIGURE 9 is a top plan view of a spray nozzle for installation in a corner of a chimney with a diffuser plate.
FIGURE 10 is a side elevation view of a spray nozzle for installation on a wall of a chimney with an alternative embodiment of diffuser plate.
2 5 FIGURE 11 is a top plan view of a spray nozzle for installation on a wall of a chimney with another alternative embodiment of diffuser plate.
FIGURE 12 is a top plan view of a spray nozzle for installation in a comer of a chimney with an alternative embodiment of diffuser plate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, a method of chimney fire prevention, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 12.
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Referring to Refernng to FIGURES 6 and 7, there is illustrated a method of chimney fire prevention which includes a conduit 10 installed in an upper portion 14 of a chimney 16 of a fireplace 17. Referring to FIGURE 3, conduit 10 has several spray nozzles 18 in a vertical orientation. Refernng to FIGURE 1, each spray nozzle 18 is provided with a heat sensitive triggering mechanism, such as is a plastic plug 20 which breaks down or melts when the heat in chimney 16 reaches as predetermined triggering temperature. A diffuser plate 22 is associated with each spray nozzle 18.
Refernng to FIGURES 4 and 5, conduit 10 is installed such that spray nozzles 18 extend from the corners 24 of a chimney casement 26 as illustrated in FIGURE 4, or in the alternative along flat sides 28 of chimney casement 26 as illustrated in FIGURE 5.
Referring to FIGURES 8 through 12, diffuser plates 22 be of varying shapes and configurations so long as they are placed in a position relative to each spray nozzles 18 in order to diffuse water released from spray nozzle 18.
Referring to FIGURES 6 and 7, in the illustrated embodiment, conduit 10 is connected to the existing plumbing, generally reference by numeral 30 of a house 32 to supply water to conduit 10. An isolator valve 34 can added to conduit 10 so that when 2 0 conduit 10 is installed it fills with air. It remains filled with air until a fire or hot spot melts plug 20 of nearest spray nozzle 20.
It will be appreciated that there could be other sources and types of fluid with fire extinguishing properties which could also be used. Referring to FIGURE 2, it will also 2 5 be appreciated that conduit 10 could have a few as one spray nozzle 18 and still operate.
Operation:
T'he use of the method of chimney fire prevention, will now be discussed with reference to FIGURES 1 to 12.
3 0 Referring to FIGURES 6 and 7, there is illustrated a method of chimney fire prevention which includes the step of installing conduit 10 with several spray nozzles 18 in a vertical orientation in upper portion 14 of chimney 16 as described above. Another step involves connecting conduit 10 to a source of fluid such as existing plumbing 30 of house 32, such that upon the predetermined triggering temperature being reached, plastic cap 20 breaks down or melts and spray nozzles 18 open to spray water onto chimney 16 and or chimney casing 16 thereby dousing the fire. Predetermined triggering temperature is lower than a combustion temperature, such that water is released before combustion occurs. Diffuser plates 22 serve to diffuse resulting steam of water which is released from each spray nozzle 18 upon opening.
After a fire has been extinguished, plugs 22 of spray nozzles 18 can be replaced.
Additional Features:
The method described above is economically cost efficient, involves a one time installation and is maintenance free until a fire has to be extinguished. Then the system will need to be re-set.
This system required no power or sensor devices that are electrically or battery operated, although, an optional alarm system can be added. It operates on the basis of the heat and temperature affected zones within the chimneys structure. When a chimney or encasement fire occurs the direct heat will melt and break down the plastic/neoprene type fitting. As the plastic fitting melts a stream of water is directed up towards a small 2 0 specifically designed splash plate. The water then spreads and falls to extinguish the chimney and/or casement fire. The diffuser splash plate also protects the fitting under the hot spot as to let the next spray port above the hot spot melt down and release the water spray to more effectively extinguish the fire. These ports could be installed at varying increments for a more effective response.
The lengths and diameters of the system can be changed to fit exact specifications to each single application. The conduit is made of common black or galvanized pipe. The size of pipe could range from 1/4" to 2" depending on the individual application. There is a "Y" type fitting at consistent increments on each individual section.. The fitting sits at 3 0 approximately 30 to 40 degree angle upward off the main pipe conduit.
There is a common plastic/ neoprene blank type fitting fastened in the "Y" type pipe fitting. The plastic fitting is directed at a small diffuser splash plate where it's spread out and falls directly on the fire to extinguish the fire beneath. The plastic fitting can be designed to break down at various different temperatures. It will also melt down when exposed to nearby intense heat sources caused by the fire inside the chimney which could be temperatures as high as 1150 degrees c.
The system can be designed so spray ports are strategically placed in key positions so as to be most effective. Suggested key points are such as where the chimney comes through the wall or ceiling and every 1 to 2 metes apart to the top of the chimney and encasements, thus effectively extinguishing any fire that occurs anywhere within the chimney and encasement structure.
This system can be custom fitted to each individual house or building for maximum results. Once the system is professionally installed, it requires no maintenance or energy costs. It can be adapted to any existing plumbing system because it only uses industrial standard type fittings. It should also be installed to have an isolation valve as well as a drain system for maintenance precautions. A drain system can also be provided.
When the system is installed and tested it will sit dormant with no water in the system until a fire or hot spot occurs. If a fire or hot spot occurs, the heat melts the plug form of the nearest spray port above the hot spot. This releases the water to the associated diffuser splash 2 0 plate thus covering the hot spot. Once the fire is extinguished, the system would have to be shut down manually. The system would be manufactured in sections to enable removing and replacing the burned out spray ports from the top of the chimney encasement. With the system being on the outside of the house walls the water damage could be minimal to non existent with the correct precautions in place.
This system can be modified and installed professionally and is capable of extinguishing any fire or hot spot becoming a fire within the fireplace chimney or encasement structure entirely before any damage occurs. Once the system is in place it is reliable, effective and efficient with minimal or no damage in the event of a fire.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view of a conduit having one spray nozzle constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a detailed side elevation view of the conduit illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a side elevation view of a conduit having several spray nozzles.
FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of the conduit illustrated in FIGURE 1, installed in the corners of a chimney.
FIGURE 5 is a top plan view of the conduit illustrated in FIGURE 1, installed on the walls of a chimney.
FIGURE 6 is front elevation view, in section, the conduit illustrated in installed in a housing having a fireplace with a chimney.
FIGURE 7 is a side elevation view, in section, of the conduit installed in a housing having a fireplace with a chimney illustrated in FIGURE 6 FIGURE 8 is a top plan view of a spray nozzle for installation on a wall of a chimney 2 0 with a diffuser plate.
FIGURE 9 is a top plan view of a spray nozzle for installation in a corner of a chimney with a diffuser plate.
FIGURE 10 is a side elevation view of a spray nozzle for installation on a wall of a chimney with an alternative embodiment of diffuser plate.
2 5 FIGURE 11 is a top plan view of a spray nozzle for installation on a wall of a chimney with another alternative embodiment of diffuser plate.
FIGURE 12 is a top plan view of a spray nozzle for installation in a comer of a chimney with an alternative embodiment of diffuser plate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, a method of chimney fire prevention, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 12.
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Referring to Refernng to FIGURES 6 and 7, there is illustrated a method of chimney fire prevention which includes a conduit 10 installed in an upper portion 14 of a chimney 16 of a fireplace 17. Referring to FIGURE 3, conduit 10 has several spray nozzles 18 in a vertical orientation. Refernng to FIGURE 1, each spray nozzle 18 is provided with a heat sensitive triggering mechanism, such as is a plastic plug 20 which breaks down or melts when the heat in chimney 16 reaches as predetermined triggering temperature. A diffuser plate 22 is associated with each spray nozzle 18.
Refernng to FIGURES 4 and 5, conduit 10 is installed such that spray nozzles 18 extend from the corners 24 of a chimney casement 26 as illustrated in FIGURE 4, or in the alternative along flat sides 28 of chimney casement 26 as illustrated in FIGURE 5.
Referring to FIGURES 8 through 12, diffuser plates 22 be of varying shapes and configurations so long as they are placed in a position relative to each spray nozzles 18 in order to diffuse water released from spray nozzle 18.
Referring to FIGURES 6 and 7, in the illustrated embodiment, conduit 10 is connected to the existing plumbing, generally reference by numeral 30 of a house 32 to supply water to conduit 10. An isolator valve 34 can added to conduit 10 so that when 2 0 conduit 10 is installed it fills with air. It remains filled with air until a fire or hot spot melts plug 20 of nearest spray nozzle 20.
It will be appreciated that there could be other sources and types of fluid with fire extinguishing properties which could also be used. Referring to FIGURE 2, it will also 2 5 be appreciated that conduit 10 could have a few as one spray nozzle 18 and still operate.
Operation:
T'he use of the method of chimney fire prevention, will now be discussed with reference to FIGURES 1 to 12.
3 0 Referring to FIGURES 6 and 7, there is illustrated a method of chimney fire prevention which includes the step of installing conduit 10 with several spray nozzles 18 in a vertical orientation in upper portion 14 of chimney 16 as described above. Another step involves connecting conduit 10 to a source of fluid such as existing plumbing 30 of house 32, such that upon the predetermined triggering temperature being reached, plastic cap 20 breaks down or melts and spray nozzles 18 open to spray water onto chimney 16 and or chimney casing 16 thereby dousing the fire. Predetermined triggering temperature is lower than a combustion temperature, such that water is released before combustion occurs. Diffuser plates 22 serve to diffuse resulting steam of water which is released from each spray nozzle 18 upon opening.
After a fire has been extinguished, plugs 22 of spray nozzles 18 can be replaced.
Additional Features:
The method described above is economically cost efficient, involves a one time installation and is maintenance free until a fire has to be extinguished. Then the system will need to be re-set.
This system required no power or sensor devices that are electrically or battery operated, although, an optional alarm system can be added. It operates on the basis of the heat and temperature affected zones within the chimneys structure. When a chimney or encasement fire occurs the direct heat will melt and break down the plastic/neoprene type fitting. As the plastic fitting melts a stream of water is directed up towards a small 2 0 specifically designed splash plate. The water then spreads and falls to extinguish the chimney and/or casement fire. The diffuser splash plate also protects the fitting under the hot spot as to let the next spray port above the hot spot melt down and release the water spray to more effectively extinguish the fire. These ports could be installed at varying increments for a more effective response.
The lengths and diameters of the system can be changed to fit exact specifications to each single application. The conduit is made of common black or galvanized pipe. The size of pipe could range from 1/4" to 2" depending on the individual application. There is a "Y" type fitting at consistent increments on each individual section.. The fitting sits at 3 0 approximately 30 to 40 degree angle upward off the main pipe conduit.
There is a common plastic/ neoprene blank type fitting fastened in the "Y" type pipe fitting. The plastic fitting is directed at a small diffuser splash plate where it's spread out and falls directly on the fire to extinguish the fire beneath. The plastic fitting can be designed to break down at various different temperatures. It will also melt down when exposed to nearby intense heat sources caused by the fire inside the chimney which could be temperatures as high as 1150 degrees c.
The system can be designed so spray ports are strategically placed in key positions so as to be most effective. Suggested key points are such as where the chimney comes through the wall or ceiling and every 1 to 2 metes apart to the top of the chimney and encasements, thus effectively extinguishing any fire that occurs anywhere within the chimney and encasement structure.
This system can be custom fitted to each individual house or building for maximum results. Once the system is professionally installed, it requires no maintenance or energy costs. It can be adapted to any existing plumbing system because it only uses industrial standard type fittings. It should also be installed to have an isolation valve as well as a drain system for maintenance precautions. A drain system can also be provided.
When the system is installed and tested it will sit dormant with no water in the system until a fire or hot spot occurs. If a fire or hot spot occurs, the heat melts the plug form of the nearest spray port above the hot spot. This releases the water to the associated diffuser splash 2 0 plate thus covering the hot spot. Once the fire is extinguished, the system would have to be shut down manually. The system would be manufactured in sections to enable removing and replacing the burned out spray ports from the top of the chimney encasement. With the system being on the outside of the house walls the water damage could be minimal to non existent with the correct precautions in place.
This system can be modified and installed professionally and is capable of extinguishing any fire or hot spot becoming a fire within the fireplace chimney or encasement structure entirely before any damage occurs. Once the system is in place it is reliable, effective and efficient with minimal or no damage in the event of a fire.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
Claims (7)
1. A method of chimney fire prevention, comprising the steps of:
installing a conduit in a chimney, the conduit having at least one spray nozzle with a heat sensitive triggering mechanism that opens the spray nozzle upon a predetermined triggering temperature being reached; and connecting the conduit to a source of fluid with fire extinguishing properties, such that upon the predetermined triggering temperature being reached fluid is released through the spray nozzle.
installing a conduit in a chimney, the conduit having at least one spray nozzle with a heat sensitive triggering mechanism that opens the spray nozzle upon a predetermined triggering temperature being reached; and connecting the conduit to a source of fluid with fire extinguishing properties, such that upon the predetermined triggering temperature being reached fluid is released through the spray nozzle.
2. The method as defined in Claim 1, the conduit being in a vertical orientation in an upper portion of the chimney.
3. The method as defined in Claim 2, having several spray nozzles vertically spaced along the conduit.
4. The method as defined in Claim 1, the predetermined triggering temperature being lower than a combustion temperature, such that fluid is released before combustion occurs.
5. The method as defined in Claim 1, a diffuser plate being associated with the at least one spray nozzle.
6. The method as defined in Claim 1, wherein the fluid is water.
7. The method as defined in Claim 1, wherein source of fluid is a plumbing system.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2421543 CA2421543A1 (en) | 2003-03-05 | 2003-03-05 | Internal fire prevention system for chimneys |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2421543 CA2421543A1 (en) | 2003-03-05 | 2003-03-05 | Internal fire prevention system for chimneys |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2421543A1 true CA2421543A1 (en) | 2004-09-05 |
Family
ID=32932246
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2421543 Abandoned CA2421543A1 (en) | 2003-03-05 | 2003-03-05 | Internal fire prevention system for chimneys |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2421543A1 (en) |
-
2003
- 2003-03-05 CA CA 2421543 patent/CA2421543A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |