EP1069929B1 - Buse d'incendie perfectionnee et procede comprenant la regulation de pression, dispositifs de decharge de produit chimique et d'eduction ameliores - Google Patents

Buse d'incendie perfectionnee et procede comprenant la regulation de pression, dispositifs de decharge de produit chimique et d'eduction ameliores Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1069929B1
EP1069929B1 EP98948538A EP98948538A EP1069929B1 EP 1069929 B1 EP1069929 B1 EP 1069929B1 EP 98948538 A EP98948538 A EP 98948538A EP 98948538 A EP98948538 A EP 98948538A EP 1069929 B1 EP1069929 B1 EP 1069929B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pressure
fluid
nozzle
baffle
fire fighting
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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.)
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EP98948538A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP1069929A4 (fr
EP1069929A1 (fr
Inventor
Dennis W. Crabtree
Dwight P. Williams
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Williams Fire and Hazard Control Inc
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Williams Fire and Hazard Control Inc
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C31/00—Delivery of fire-extinguishing material
    • A62C31/02—Nozzles specially adapted for fire-extinguishing
    • A62C31/05—Nozzles specially adapted for fire-extinguishing with two or more outlets
    • A62C31/07—Nozzles specially adapted for fire-extinguishing with two or more outlets for different media
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/26—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with means for mechanically breaking-up or deflecting the jet after discharge, e.g. with fixed deflectors; Breaking-up the discharged liquid or other fluent material by impinging jets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/28—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with integral means for shielding the discharged liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to limit area of spray; with integral means for catching drips or collecting surplus liquid or other fluent material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/30—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages
    • B05B1/32—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages in which a valve member forms part of the outlet opening
    • B05B1/323—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages in which a valve member forms part of the outlet opening the valve member being actuated by the pressure of the fluid to be sprayed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/0018—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with devices for making foam
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/02—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge
    • B05B7/06—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with at least one outlet orifice surrounding another approximately in the same plane
    • B05B7/061—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with at least one outlet orifice surrounding another approximately in the same plane with several liquid outlets discharging one or several liquids

Definitions

  • the invention relates to fire fighting and fire preventing nozzles and more particularly to nozzles for extinguishing or preventing large industrial grade fires including flammable liquid fires and/or for nozzles for vapor suppression, and includes improvements in pressure regulating, educting and chemical discharge features, as well as methods of use.
  • Prior patents relevant to the present invention include: (1) U.S. Patent No. 4,640,461 (Williams ) directed to a self educting foam fog nozzle; (2) U.S. Patent No. 5,779,159 (Williams ) directed to a peripheral channeling additive fluid nozzle; and (3) U.S. Patent Nos. 5,275,243 ; 5,167,285 and 5,312,041 (Williams ) directed to a chemical and fluid or duel fluid ejecting nozzle. Also relevant is the prior art of automatic nozzles, including (4) U.S. Patent Nos. 5,312,048 ; 3,684,192 and 3,863,844 to McMillan/Task Force Tips and U.S. Patent Nos. Re 29,717 and 3,893,624 to Thompson/Elkhart Brass. Also of note are U.S. Patent No. 5,678,766 to Peck and PCT Publication WO 97/38757 to Baker .
  • Maintaining a constant discharge pressure from a nozzle tends to yield a constant range and "authority" for the discharge while allowing the nozzle flow rate to absorb variations in head pressure.
  • a fire fighting nozzle is useful if it self regulates to discharge at an approximately constant or targeted pressure.
  • the discharge pressure tends to govern what is referred to as the "authority" of the discharge stream and to a certain extent the stream's range, and it can affect the delivery of an appropriate vapor-suppressing fog.
  • a self-regulating nozzle may be useful, thus, is a protection system that includes nozzles permanently stationed around locales that could be subject to the leakage of toxic chemicals. Upon leakage such a permanently stationed configuration of nozzles, probably under remote control, would be optimally activated to provide a predesigned curtain of water/fog to contain and suppress any toxic vapors. In such circumstances it may be optimal for the nozzles to discharge their fluid with a more or less constant range and authority as opposed to having their discharge structured and regulated for a relatively constant flow rate, as is more common among fire fighting nozzles.
  • Water/fog created with a more or less constant range and authority while operating under the conditions of varying head pressure from a fixed nozzle will tend to more reliably form a curtain in a preselected region, again which may be useful for containing escaping vapors from a fixed locale.
  • nozzles are structured to deliver pre-set gallon per minute flow rate assuming a nominal head pressure such as 100 psi (6.89 Bar) at the nozzle. As the head pressure actually available to the nozzle in an emergency varies, flow rate remains more consistent with such design than does discharge pressure. Structuring a nozzle to alternately target and regulate its discharge pressure will let flow rate vary more with variations in delivered pressure, but may be an optimal design for certain circumstances.
  • an automatic pressure regulating fire fighting nozzle having a variable discharge port defined at least in part by a bafflehead structured to maintain a preselected pressure drop across the port notwithstanding variable fire fighting fluid flow rates, characterised by a system for proportioning foam concentrate into the variably flowing fire fighting fluid at the nozzle discharge port including a foam concentrate passageway having a variable foam concentrate metering orifice arranged to be in fluid communication with fire fighting fluid passing through the nozzle, the orifice at least in part arranged to be defined by a foam metering tube, the bafflehead and foam metering tube connected so as to affect the amount of foam fluid passing through the passageway whereby the degree of openness of the orifice depends upon the relative longitudinal setting of the bafflehead and the connected metering tube.
  • the nozzle includes a relief valve and the effective opposing pressure surface areas of the bafflehead are larger than the effective forward pressure surface areas.
  • the baffle defines a baffle chamber and the relief valve, if one is utilized, is located at least partially within the baffle chamber.
  • the nozzle preferably includes incorporating fluid educting features into the self adjusting nozzle.
  • the fluid educting features are designed particularly for foam concentrate and could provide either central or peripheral channeling of the foam concentrate.
  • the present invention provides for incorporating a capacity to throw dry chemical with the self adjusting nozzle and the self adjusting and self educting nozzle.
  • the invention also provides for enhanced educting features when the second fluid or foam concentrate is channeled peripherally around the wall.
  • These enhanced educting features could be utilized with or without a self adjusting bafflehead.
  • the enhanced educting features include shaping the primary fire fighting fluid stream proximate a nozzle discharge to form an annular stream having a gradually diminishing cross sectional area.
  • the eductive port for the second fluid or foam concentrate opens onto the annular stream just downstream of the minimum of the cross sectional area. The annular stream gradually expands subsequent to reaching the minimum.
  • small jets for the primary fire fighting fluid may be provided through the peripheral channeling walls to enhance eduction of the second fluid or foam concentrate.
  • the present invention in one important aspect, discloses an improved pressure regulating nozzle designed within its operating limits to effectively discharge a fire extinguishing fluid at a pre-selected or targeted discharge pressure.
  • this targeted discharge pressure would likely be approximately 6.89 Bar (100 psi).
  • a target pressure might more optimally be selected to be 8.27 Bar (120 psi).
  • the present inventive design improves the efficiency of achieving such a target pressure as well as offers a design that more easily combines with self-educting features for foam concentrates and with the capacity to throw fluid chemicals, such as dry powder, from the nozzle.
  • the present invention teaches enhanced eductive techniques, for peripheral and central channeling, which enhanced eduction can be particularly helpful in automatic nozzles or when also throwing chemical such as dry powder.
  • a typical automatic nozzle designed in accordance with the present invention would be designed to operate over a range of flow rates, such as from 1.89m 3 per minute (500 gallons per minute) to 7.57m 3 per minute (2000 gallons per minute), at a targeted discharge pressure, such as 6.89 Bar (100 psi).
  • a targeted discharge pressure such as 6.89 Bar (100 psi).
  • the nozzle design incorporates a self-adjusting baffle proximate the nozzle discharge.
  • the baffle is structured in combination with the nozzle to "squeeze down" on the effective size of the discharge port for the nozzle.
  • the baffle When pressure build up at the baffle, as sensed directly or indirectly, is deemed to reach or exceed a targeted pressure, the baffle is structured to cease squeezing down and, if necessary, to shift to enlarge the effective size of the annular discharge port. Such enlargement would continue, in general, until the discharge pressure reduces to the preset target or a limit is reached. Such adjustments in the size of the discharge port cause the flow rate to vary, but the fluid that is discharged tends to be discharged with a more constant "authority" and range, an authority and range associated with the targeted pressure.
  • the instant design is structured to improve the efficiency and reliability of settling upon or around a target pressure.
  • An embodiment of the present invention achieves a pressure regulating system by providing a design with an adjustable baffle having what is referred to herein as forward and opposing or reverse fluid pressure surfaces. Pressure from fluid applied to opposing sides of the baffle causes the baffle to respond, at least to an extent, as a double acting piston, although perhaps in a complex manner.
  • the so called forward and reverse directions are referenced to the nozzle axial direction with forward being in the direction of fluid discharge.
  • the forward and reverse pressure surface areas provided by the baffle preferably are not equal. In preferred embodiments the effective pressure surface area of the reverse side exceeds the effective pressure surface area of the forward side. Thus, were the pressure on both surfaces equal, the baffle would automatically gravitate to its most closed position, minimizing or closing the discharge port.
  • the effective forward pressure surface area will likely, in fact, vary with pressure and with flow rate. Limited experience indicates that the forward fluid pressure surface area also varies with bafflehead design and nozzle size. Further, in preferred embodiments, although pressure from the primary fire fighting fluid, directly or indirectly, is applied to both forward and opposing fluid pressure surfaces, the value of the reverse pressure is usually less than, although a function of, the pressure on the forward surface.
  • a relief valve is preferably provided, such that at or slightly past a targeted pressure the valve can begin to relieve the effective pressure on (at least) one side of the baffle. At least one relief value promises to enhance responsiveness.
  • the one side of the baffle upon which pressure is relieved would be the reverse side, the side opposing the forward pressure of the primary fluid on the bafflehead.
  • the pressure of the primary fire extinguishing fluid proximate the nozzle discharge causes the pressure sensed by whatever means by the relief valve to exceed a pre-selected value
  • reverse pressure is relieved on the interior baffle chamber surfaces and the baffle tends to forwardly adjust in response to forward fluid pressure.
  • the baffle might simply stabilize at a balanced pressure position in preferred embodiments, with or without the (or a) relief valve slightly bleeding. That is, a nozzle could be designed to achieve a balanced pressure baffle position with or without a relief valve and with or without any bleeding of a relief valve. Use of at least one relief valve, and a bleeding relief valve, are practical expedients.
  • adjustments forward of a bafflehead may continue until the primary forward fluid pressure at the bafflehead, as sensed directly or indirectly, decreases to or diminishes below a preset relief valve value. Thereupon a closing of the relief valve would be triggered.
  • the bafflehead might stabilize, or if stabilization were not achieved, could adjust backwardly with the relief valve either bleeding or closed, depending on the design, thereby decreasing the effective size of the nozzle discharge port.
  • the discharge pressure declines and increases, respectively. If a discharge pressure declines to, or below, a pre-selected amount, as sensed directly or indirectly, in preferred embodiments as described above, a relief valve would be set so that it tends to close. Closing the relief valve would increase reverse pressure on the baffle. Alternately if a sensed delivered pressure is deemed to increase above a preselected amount, the (or a) relief valve would preferably be set so that it tends to open.
  • a bafflehead With the assistance of the opening and closing of a relief valve, a bafflehead can be encouraged to quickly and efficiently gravitate toward a balanced location wherein the effective pressure on the bafflehead in the forward direction offsets the effective pressure on the bafflehead in the reverse direction, taking into account the degree of openness, and any bleeding, of a relief valve or valves, as well as other factors of the design and the supplied pressure.
  • other biasing factors on the bafflehead such as springs, etc. could be present and would have to be taken into account.
  • a bafflehead and nozzle could be designed (ignoring the effects of any relief valve activation) so that as the pressure of the fire extinguishing fluid through the nozzle decreases, the bafflehead adjusts in the reverse direction until it either closes or hits a stop or balances (or triggers a relief valve). Squeezing down on the size of the discharge port raises discharge pressure.
  • a design could incorporate.
  • a balanced pressure position where, at target pressure, the effective pressure on the baffle forward pressure surface offsets the effective pressure on the opposing reverse baffle surface.
  • the design would take into account the fact that the pressures and the areas would be different and would typically vary.
  • the bafflehead forward surfaces and reverse surfaces together with the nozzle discharge structure, baffle structure and any relief valves and any other supportive biasing means should be designed and structured in combination such that a targeted discharge pressure is effectively and efficiently achieved without undue hunting.
  • a relief valve or valves likely improve the efficiency of the design and, at the balance point, might be optimally structured to be slightly open, or bleeding.
  • pressure forward on the bafflehead is the product of the delivered fluid pressure at the effective bafflehead deflecting surface times the effective baffle forward surface area.
  • the opposing pressure on the bafflehead is the fluid pressure developed against the bafflehead opposing surface (preferably the primary fluid operating within a baffle chamber) times the opposing bafflehead surface area.
  • the opposing surface area is preferably larger than the effective forward surface area, and reverse fluid pressure, such as developed within a baffle chamber, is likely less than, although a function of, the delivered fluid pressure at the bafflehead.
  • a relief valve likely facilitates the speed, sensitivity and efficiency of the design for most nozzle sizes.
  • a valve trigger pressure would be selected such that, when fluid pressure on forward baffle surfaces appears to a sensing device to begin to significantly exceed the target pressure, the relief valve opens or at least begins to open. At such point the valve relieves or begins to relieve fluid pressure on one baffle surface, such as the reverse surface, allowing the baffle to stabilize or to begin to readjust. The readjustment affects fluid discharge pressure at the discharge port.
  • One preferred design includes structuring of bafflehead surface area and a relief valve in combination such that with the relief valve closed, the bafflehead essentially closes the nozzle; further, the bafflehead balances at a targeted delivery pressure with the relief valve partially open or bleeding. With the relief valve completely open, the bafflehead would move to its fully open position.
  • the present invention has at least three objectives.
  • One objective is to provide an automatic self adjusting nozzle that can accurately, speedily and reliably control nozzle discharge pressure to within a small range.
  • a second objective is to provide a self adjusting nozzle design that adjusts smoothly and accurately in both directions, that is both from a too high pressure situation and from a too low pressure situation toward a target pressure. Structure to accomplish these two objectives has been discussed above.
  • Third and further objectives are to provide an enhanced self educting nozzle design, valuable in its own right and also so that a self-adjusting nozzle can be efficiently combined and incorporated into a self-educting foam/fog nozzle.
  • the enhanced eductive design is useful to incorporate with a nozzle incorporating a capacity for throwing fluid chemicals, such as dry powder.
  • the invention also relates to improved educting features applicable to various nozzles.
  • a method for adjusting a fire fighting fluid port in a fire fighting nozzle to maintain the predetermined pressure drop across the orifice as fire fighting fluid flow rate through the nozzle varies characterised by proportioning foam concentrate into variably flowing fire fighting fluid at the nozzle discharge port, the proportioning including varying a foam concentrate orifice, in concert with an adjustment of the fire fighting fluid port; and supplying foam concentrate through the concentrate orifice into the fire fighting fluid approximate a pressure drop such that a ratio of foaming concentrate proportioned into variably flowing fire fighting fluid remains approximately constant.
  • an adjustable bafflehead could be designed defining a chamber within the bafflehead and presenting forward and backward surfaces against which the primary fire extinguishing fluid could act. It is understood that the chamber defined within the bafflehead would have means for permitting a portion of the fire extinguishing fluid to enter the chamber. In such designs the effective backward pressure surface area would usually exceed the effective forward pressure surface area of the baffle.
  • the fluid pressure within the baffle is expected to be at least slightly less than the pressure exerted on forward facing baffle surfaces. Such tends to counter the fact that the backward pressure surface area presented to the fluid within the baffle, at least in preferred embodiments herein, exceeds the forward pressure surface area presented on the baffle.
  • the fluid within the baffle acts against a greater surface area and, although lower in value, can potentially drive the baffle backwards against the flow of fluid through the nozzle.
  • Spring mechanisms can always be added, it should be understood, to augment the biasing forces provided by the primary fire extinguishing fluid pressure upon the bafflehead forward and backward surfaces.
  • baffle adjustment results in a variation of the volume of the defined baffle chamber, as by the baffle sliding over a fixed piston, relief will be provided to vent fluid from inside the chamber.
  • the present invention may include the use of at least one relief valve in order to heighten the accuracy and speed of balance and to lessen undue hunting or hysteresis.
  • a relief valve vents fluid pressure from one or the other side of the baffle, preferably from within the baffle chamber, when fluid pressure varies from target pressure. Such venting typically causes the baffle to move, as in an illustrated case, outward toward one of the baffle location end points. A movement outward or toward the outward end direction will cause a decrease in the fluid pressure upon the baffle. Such decrease in fluid pressure could cause the relief valve to again close, permitting again the buildup of fluid pressure upon the back side of the baffle.
  • the build up of fluid pressure upon the back side of the baffle should help adjust the baffle toward a balanced position where the fluid pressure on the forward surfaces of the baffle balances the fluid pressure on backward surfaces of the baffle, including taking into account other biasing elements such as a continuously "bleeding" relief valve and any springs utilized in the design.
  • the relief valves illustrated for the instant embodiments sense either rather directly the primary fire extinguishing fluid pressure presented to forward baffle surface areas in the nozzle or sense more indirectly a more secondary fluid pressure generated within a chamber within the baffle.
  • the difference between such designs, or other designs that could occur to those of skill in the art, can largely be a matter of design choice and simplicity of engineering.
  • One function selected for a relief valve could be to assist in achieving the situation where a balanced pressure position is consistently approached from the same direction, which could either be the moving outwardly or the moving inwardly the baffle. Such a design may facilitate engineering a higher degree of accuracy around the balance point with less hunting and greater speed in achieving balance.
  • the present invention may also include improved self educting features that are particularly helpful and useful in a pressure regulated nozzle, as well as enhanced educting and pressure regulating designs that are useful when throwing fluid chemical such as dry powder, with or without an automatic nozzle.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a standard self educting nozzle.
  • FEF indicates a fire extinguishing fluid.
  • Sleeve S adjusts from a backward position shown in Figure 1 , for throwing a fog pattern, to a forward position for throwing a "straight stream" pattern.
  • Port P is defined by surface 20 of baffle B and by surface 21 of nozzle N.
  • Nozzle N can be an assembly of parts.
  • Figures 2A , 2B and 2C illustrate a pressure regulating or self-adjusting or automatic nozzle N built using a basic structure of a self educting nozzle, but with the foam eduction inlet closed off by module 32.
  • FIGs 2A , 2B and 2C illustrate the embodiment of figures 2A , 2B and 2C .
  • the photos include the springs utilized).
  • Figures 2A , 2B and 2C are particularly useful in disclosing one embodiment of the automatic pressure regulating feature.
  • the nozzle of figures 2A , 2B and 2C enjoys the simplicity that it is neither self-educting nor is structured to throw dry chemical.
  • pilot or relief valve 42 is utilized.
  • figure 2D is also an embodiment of an automatic nozzle without provision for either educting foam or throwing dry chemical, although it could easily be modified to do so. It can be seen that the automatic feature design of figure 2D lends itself to educting foam concentrate or channeling dry chemical through the center of the nozzle.
  • Nozzle N of figure 2A illustrates adjustable bafflehead B sliding over fixed support stem 28.
  • Support stem 28 is anchored in stem adapter 29.
  • Fire extinguishing fluid FEF or water W enters nozzle N from the left and flows to the right, exiting port P between surface 20 defined by bafflehead B and surface 21 defined by an element of nozzle N.
  • Pilot 42 presents pilot pressure surface port 40 to expose a pressure sensing surface to the fire extinguishing fluid or water that enters to support stem 28 of nozzle N.
  • Piston 26 at the end of support stem 28 is fixed, like support stem 28.
  • Bafflehead B defines a baffle chamber 24 within interior portions of bufflehead B, utilizing fixed piston 26 to form one end of the chamber.
  • a filter 34 is preferably provided to the water inlet of support stem 28 to keep debris from blocking the pilot pressure surface in port 40.
  • Flanged base 36 is known in the art as a means for connecting a nozzle N to a supply of fire extinguishing fluid or water. Filter 34 can be retained by filter retaining nut 35.
  • FIG. 2C more clearly illustrates the operation of pilot valve 42.
  • Fire extinguishing fluid FEF is present within fixed stem 28 and presses upon pilot control surface 41 within sensing pressure inlet port 40.
  • Fire extinguishing fluid FEF also enters bafflehead B interior chamber 24 via side inlet ports 58 as illustrated by the arrows in figure 2C .
  • Side inlet ports 58 of the embodiment of figure 2C are on the outside of pilot control surface 41.
  • Sliding bafflehead B, sliding over fixed piston 26, is pushed forward by the pressure of fire extinguishing fluid against forward baffle surface 20 and is pushed backwards by the pressure of fire extinguishing fluid within baffle chamber 24 against reverse or opposing bafflehead surfaces 23.
  • reverse surfaces 23 in the embodiment of figure 2C present a greater effective surface area than forward bafflehead surfaces 20, when taking into account the flow of the fluid, from bottom to top in figure 2C , past bafflehead B.
  • a bafflehead reset spring 50 is shown which resets the bafflehead to its closed position absent overriding water pressure.
  • the pressure of the fire extinguishing fluid inside bafflehead chamber 24 is less than the pressure of the fire extinguishing fluid upon forward surfaces 20 of bafflehead B, as determined by testing.
  • Pilot control surface 41 in pressure inlet port 40 is biased by pilot bias spring 48.
  • Pilot bias spring 48 sets the value at which the pilot valve opens or at least bleeds.
  • the piston of pilot valve 47 with pilot seal 45 moves forward in the direction of nozzle flow, opening pilot valve 47.
  • Fire extinguishing fluid FEF within bafflehead 24 enters ports and fills chamber 62 within pilot valve 42.
  • pilot valve 47 opens, fluid from pilot valve chamber 62 flows through pilot valve chamber 64 and further forward and out atmospheric vent holes 56.
  • Piston retaining nut 46 holds fixed piston 26 on fixed stem 28. Floating bafflehead B slides past fixed piston 26 and is sealed by main seal 54 against the surface of fixed piston 56.
  • pilot 42 will bleed or leak slowly through chambers 62, 64 and out atmospheric vent holes 56.
  • pressure is relieved against opposing or reverse interior bafflehead surface 23.
  • Guide element 43 of pilot valve 42 serves to guide the movement of the piston of pilot valve 47 within pilot valve 42.
  • Guide 43 can be sealed against fixed stem 28 with guide seals 49.
  • Spring tension adjustment screw 44 can be provided to vary the bias of pilot bias spring 48.
  • FIG 2D illustrates an analogous sliding adjustable bafflehead B having an off center pilot relief assembly 42.
  • Pilot relief assembly 42 senses pressure at portions of forward baffle surface 20 of sliding bafflehead B. Pressure is sensed through a sensing pressure inlet port 40 provided for pilot relief assembly 42.
  • Flow indicators 70 are illustrated in Figure 2D utilizing sensors 74 and 72 to give a visual indication and readout of flow to operator.
  • Water inlets 58 in Figure 2D provide ingress into interior bafflehead chamber 24 for the primary fire extinguishing fluid in order to create a reverse pressure or backward pressure against sliding bafflehead B.
  • Figures 3A and 3B illustrate a self educting pressure regulating nozzle where foam concentrate FC is channeled centrally through slidable flow metering tube 96 and fixed stem 28.
  • water W the typical primary fire extinguishing fluid
  • the pilot relief valve assembly 42 of the embodiment of Figure 3A senses pressure of the fire extinguishing fluid or water W within the baffle chamber 24.
  • Figure 3B offers an enlargement of pilot relief assembly 42 of figure 3A .
  • pilot relief valve or poppet valve 47 is spring biased by pilot bias spring 48 so that the poppet 47 moves from its seat 45 and relieves pressure at one selected relief valve pressure, which in preferred embodiments might be set at about two thirds of a targeted 6.89 Bar (100 psi) nozzle head pressure.
  • a relief valve sensing fire extinguishing fluid pressure within a baffle chamber of a nozzle is appropriate for a relief valve sensing fire extinguishing fluid pressure within a baffle chamber of a nozzle.
  • the spring biasing pressure set for fluid pressure within the baffle chamber would run appropriately 4.48 Bar (65 psi) in order to reach the proper balancing of inward and outward fluid pressure upon forward and backward baffle surfaces to achieve a target pressure of approximately 6.89 Bar (100 psi) while taking into account other biasing such as may be used to return a baffle to a closed position with no flow of water therethrough.
  • pilot relief valve 47 opens emitting fluid from within baffle chamber 24 to flow through pilot relief valve or poppet chamber 64 and out atmospheric vent holes 56. Again, depending upon design, intent and the pressures involved, the pilot relief valve might bleed slightly or open fully.
  • Figure 3A incorporates a slidable flow metering tube 96 that slides with bafflehead B over fixed stem 28.
  • Flow metering tube 96 slides over fixed foam metering orifice 94.
  • Foam metering orifice 94 affects the amount of foam educted through foam inlet 90 by water W proceeding through inlet jet 92 and through eductor jet J. In such manner, the relative position of the sliding bafflehead B over stem 28 and within nozzle N can effect the metering or the amount of foam educted through stem 28 and tube 96.
  • Figure 3A further illustrates the option of adding a gauge float assembly 98 connected to a gauge feed pump assembly 100.
  • Foam concentrate FC flows through foam inlet 90 and into stem 28 through foam metering orifice 94.
  • the degree of openness of foam metering orifice 94 depends upon the relative longitudinal setting of bafflehead C and connected foam metering tube 96.
  • pilot relief assembly 42 in the embodiments of Figures 3D and 3E , senses water pressure more or less directly at floating bafflehead B forward surface 20.
  • Figure 3C illustrates an automatic nozzle providing for self educting foam concentrate but peripherally channels the foam concentrate around portions of the nozzle barrel wall, in lieu of centrally channeling the foam.
  • the central stem in Figure 3C is illustrated as solid.
  • the central stem could, of course, be utilized as a channel for channeling chemical such as dry powder through the nozzle.
  • the pilot relief assembly 42 of the embodiment of Figure 3C is similar to that of the embodiment of Figure 3D .
  • Bafflehead B slides on fixed support stem 28 as in the embodiment of Figure 2A .
  • a flow indicator 70 is illustrated for providing a visual readout of flow through the nozzle.
  • foam concentrate FC enters foam inlet 90 and is channeled through peripheral channels 52 to the discharge end of nozzle N.
  • Foam concentrate FC follows a path through peripheral channels 52, which could well be an annular channel ending an annular foam outlet 27.
  • An enhanced or improved educting feature is illustrated in Figure 3C .
  • Nozzle surface 21 and bafflehead surface 20 serve to shape the exiting water stream W.
  • Water stream W is shaped by surfaces 21 and 20 to form a relatively smooth annular stream with a diminishing width across sectional areas down to a minimum width achieved just prior to passing over and past foam outlet 27.
  • the cross sectional width of the annular stream of the water slightly widens when and after passing foam outlet 27. This accommodates the small amount, typically 3 to, 6 percent, of foam concentrate educted into the major water stream W.
  • Water W and the appropriate amount of foam concentrate FC then exit together at port P, the foam concentrate being educted through foam outlet 27 by the passage of water W through the minimum point having width 220, port gap or port P and out into general mixing area 22.
  • Mixing area 22 is indicated rather amorphously by dashed lines.
  • Figure 4A illustrates one possible location of a flow meter within an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a self-educting pressure regulating nozzle is indicated where a relief valve has been designed as an annular relief valve encircling the tube that provides educted fluid into the mixing plate area of the nozzle.
  • a flow meter is illustrated having an attachment to a visible indicator on the outside of the nozzle. The flow meter itself is indicated as residing within the baffle. Another optional location for a flow meter is simply along the inside wall of the nozzle.
  • FIG 4B illustrates an embodiment of the invention that was tested but did not yield the accuracy of the relief valve.
  • a baffle chamber is shown having a baffle that slides over a fixed stem and a fixed piston.
  • the baffle defines a baffle chamber with backward baffle surfaces. Fluid in the baffle chamber operates backwards against the baffle while the fire extinguishing fluid flowing through the nozzle acts against the baffle forward surfaces for forward pressure against the baffle.
  • a spring located around the fixed stem and piston is substituted for the relief valve. The spring could bias the piston either out or in depending upon the spring design.
  • Figure 4C illustrates a self adjusting nozzle designed for also throwing a chemical such as a dry powder.
  • Chemical inlet 110 provides a basis for chemical C to enter the nozzle and be centrally channeled through fixed stem 28 and channel 112 in order to be discharged out the front of the nozzle.
  • Pilot relief assembly 42 is illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 4C to be similar to pilot relief assembly 42 of Figure 3A .
  • the embodiment of Figure 4D is again an automatic pressure adjusting nozzle providing for throwing a chemical such as dry powder that is centrally channeled through the nozzle.
  • the embodiment of 4D differs from the embodiment of 4C in that pilot relief assembly 42 senses pressure on forward surfaces 20 of bafflehead B as opposed to interior surfaces of bafflehead chamber 24.
  • the embodiment of Figure 5A combines an automatic nozzle that centrally channels and throws dry chemical, such as the embodiment of Figure 4D , with peripheral channeling for foam concentrate such as the embodiment of 3C. Further the eduction for the foam concentrate is enhanced as in the embodiment of Figure 3C .
  • the embodiment of Figure 5B is similar to the embodiment of Figure 5A except a foam jet JJ is provided to enhance the eduction of foam concentrate FC into peripheral channels 52 of nozzle N, and the enhanced eduction discharge design of Figure 3A is not utilized.
  • the embodiment of Figure 5C provides an alternate version for the embodiment of Figure 5B wherein foam jet JJ utilizes an alternate design.
  • the embodiment of Figure 6 centrally channels both foam concentrate and dry chemical while providing a self adjusting bafflehead.
  • FIG. 7 is analogous to the embodiment of Figure 3C with the difference that foam jets 200 provide for further enhanced eduction of foam concentrate FC through foam inlet 90 and out foam outlets 27.
  • Figures 8 and 9 illustrate nozzles that are not self adjusting.
  • the nozzles of Figure 8 and Figure 9 have a fixed bafflehead FB.
  • Figure 8 illustrates the value of enhanced educting features even in a nonpressure regulating fixed bafflehead nozzle.
  • Foam jet inlet ports 200 are illustrated jetting small portions of water flowing through the nozzle into annular chamber foam paths 52.
  • Surfaces 21 and 20 are shown shaping a relatively smooth annular stream with diminishing cross section for the water just prior to passing over foam outlet 27 at the discharge end or port P of nozzle N.
  • Figure 9 illustrates the enhanced self educting feature for centrally channeled foam concentrate FC.
  • surfaces 21 and 20 again shape a relatively smooth annular stream of water just adjacent passing over foam port 27, the relatively smooth annular stream of water having a slightly diminishing cross section area down to a minimum area just prior to passing over foam concentrate port 27.
  • the self-adjusting automatic feature of the present invention depends upon an adjustable baffle that adjusts, at least in significant part, in response to primary fire fighting fluid pressure presented both to a forward and a reverse side of a baffle surface.
  • the baffle operates at least in part as a two-way piston seeking a balanced pressure position.
  • the nozzle fluid provides a fluid pressure to act against both sides of the baffle.
  • the pressure acting in the reverse direction will be at least a function of the forward pressure.
  • the reverse pressure surface of the baffle will be larger than the forward pressure surface of the baffle. It is recognized that the forward pressure surface of the baffle may in fact change and be a function of pressure and fluid flow through the nozzle and baffle design and nozzle size.
  • preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize at least one relief valve. Preferred embodiments further utilize a relief valve to relieve pressure in the reverse direction.
  • the area of the reverse pressure surface is greater than the area of the forward pressure surface.
  • the relief valve when the relief valve is closed, in general, the reverse pressure times the area of the reverse pressure surface will be greater than the forward pressure times the area of the forward baffle surface. This will dictate that for significant values of forward pressure the nozzle is biased closed.
  • one or more relief valves begin to open relieving pressure on the reverse side of the baffle and allowing the bafflehead to balance onto open and adjust outward.
  • the relief valve builds in a degree of adjustability such that the relief valve can select a partially opened position and settle upon such position without undue hunting and wherein the target pressure times the forward surface at the target pressure equals the reverse pressure times the reverse pressure surface area taking into account the degree of openness of the relief valve system.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Fire-Extinguishing By Fire Departments, And Fire-Extinguishing Equipment And Control Thereof (AREA)

Claims (19)

  1. Une buse de lutte contre l'incendie à régulation de pression automatique (N) ayant un orifice à décharge variable (P) défini au moins en partie par une tête de chicane (B) structurée pour maintenir une chute de pression présélectionnée sur l'orifice sans tenir compte des débits de fluide de lutte contre l'incendie (W) variables, caractérisée par :
    un système destiné à mettre une proportion de concentré de mousse (FC) dans du fluide de lutte contre l'incendie à écoulement variable au niveau de l'orifice de décharge de buse, incluant un passage pour concentré de mousse (28, 90) dans lequel se trouve une embouchure de dosage pour concentré de mousse variable (94), agencée pour être en communication fluide avec du fluide de lutte contre l'incendie passant à travers la buse, l'embouchure étant au moins en partie agencée pour être définie par un tube de dosage de mousse (96), la tête de chicane et le tube de dosage de mousse étant raccordés de façon à modifier la quantité de fluide mousse passant à travers le passage où le degré d'ouverture de l'embouchure dépend du réglage longitudinal relatif de la tête de chicane et du tube de dosage raccordé.
  2. L'appareil de la revendication 1 où la tête de chicane inclut une soupape pilote (42) sensible à un différentiel de pression de fluide dans le conduit.
  3. L'appareil de la revendication 1 où le passage pour concentré de mousse est structuré pour décharger du concentré de mousse dans le fluide de lutte contre l'incendie à proximité de la chute de pression (22).
  4. L'appareil de la revendication 1 où le fluide de lutte contre l'incendie inclut un conduit interne (28) et l'embouchure pour concentré moussant inclut une fente variable (94, 96) en communication fluide avec le conduit interne.
  5. L'appareil de la revendication 4 où le conduit interne est structuré et situé (92) de telle sorte qu'une portion de fluide de lutte contre l'incendie passe à travers le conduit interne.
  6. L'appareil de la revendication 1 où le passage pour concentré moussant est en communication fluide avec une source de concentré moussant pressurisé au-delà de la pression atmosphérique.
  7. L'appareil de la revendication 1 où le passage pour concentré moussant est en communication fluide avec une source de concentré moussant à pression ambiante.
  8. L'appareil de la revendication 1 où la tête de chicane inclut une chicane (B) située de façon ajustable à proximité d'une décharge de buse (P), la chicane fournissant des surfaces de pression avant (20) et opposée (23) en communication fluide avec du fluide de lutte contre l'incendie et où un ajustement de chicane est modifié, au moins en partie, par une pression de fluide sur les surfaces de chicane avant et opposée ; et
    au moins une soupape de détente (42) déclenchée pour relâcher la pression de fluide sur une surface de pression de chicane opposée lorsqu'une pression de fluide de lutte contre l'incendie détectée à proximité d'une surface de pression de chicane avant dépasse une pression de soupape de détente présélectionnée.
  9. La buse de la revendication 8 où la chicane définit une chambre de chicane (24) et où une pression de fluide de lutte contre l'incendie est détectée sur l'extérieur de la chambre de chicane.
  10. La buse de la revendication 8 où la soupape de détente est située au moins substantiellement au sein de la chambre de chicane.
  11. La buse de la revendication 1 qui inclut un inducteur (E) rattaché à la buse, structuré de telle sorte qu'une alimentation en fluide de lutte contre l'incendie à la buse fournisse une force d'induction pour induire du fluide de concentré de mousse dans la buse et pour mélanger le concentré avec au moins une prépondérance du fluide de lutte contre l'incendie à proximité d'une décharge de buse.
  12. L'appareil de la revendication 11 où l'inducteur est structuré pour induire le concentré dans un conduit (28) entouré par le fluide de lutte contre l'incendie.
  13. Une méthode destinée à ajuster un orifice pour fluide de lutte contre l'incendie (P) dans une buse de lutte contre l'incendie (N) pour maintenir la chute de pression prédéterminée sur l'embouchure à mesure que le débit de fluide de lutte contre l'incendie (W) à travers la buse varie, caractérisée par :
    proportionner le concentré moussant (FC) dans du fluide de lutte contre l'incendie s'écoulant de façon variable au niveau de l'orifice de décharge de buse, le proportionnement incluant
    faire varier une embouchure de concentré de mousse (94), de concert avec un ajustement de l'orifice pour fluide de lutte contre l'incendie (P) ; et
    fournir du concentré de mousse à travers l'embouchure pour concentré dans le fluide de lutte contre l'incendie à proximité d'une chute de pression (22) de telle sorte qu'un rapport de concentré moussant proportionné dans du fluide de lutte contre l'incendie s'écoulant de façon variable demeure approximativement constant.
  14. La méthode de la revendication 13 où ajuster l'orifice pour fluide de lutte contre l'incendie inclut régler une soupape pilote (42) pour maintenir une chute de pression présélectionnée.
  15. La méthode de la revendication 14 où la soupape pilote est décalée par un ressort (48).
  16. La méthode de la revendication 13 où ajuster une embouchure pour fluide de lutte contre l'incendie inclut ajuster un déplacement latéral d'une chicane (B).
  17. La méthode de la revendication 13 qui inclut induire du concentré de mousse dans le fluide de lutte contre l'incendie s'écoulant à travers la buse.
  18. La méthode de la revendication 13 où ajuster un orifice pour fluide de lutte contre l'incendie inclut :
    fournir une chicane ajustable (B) située à proximité d'une décharge de buse ;
    ajuster l'emplacement d'une chicane par rapport à la décharge de buse, au moins en partie, en équilibrant la pression de fluide sur les surfaces de chicane avant (20) et opposée (23) ;
    détecter une pression de fluide à proximité d'une surface de pression de chicane avant ; et
    déclencher au moins une soupape de détente (42) pour relâcher la pression de fluide sur la surface de pression de chicane opposée lorsque la pression de fluide détectée dépasse une pression de soupape de détente présélectionnée.
  19. La méthode de la revendication 18 qui inclut :
    induire du concentré de mousse (FC) dans la buse à l'aide d'un moyen (E) rattaché à la buse destiné à fournir une force d'induction sur le concentré ; et
    mélanger le concentré avec au moins une portion prédominante du fluide de lutte contre l'incendie à proximité d'une décharge de buse (22).
EP98948538A 1998-04-06 1998-09-25 Buse d'incendie perfectionnee et procede comprenant la regulation de pression, dispositifs de decharge de produit chimique et d'eduction ameliores Expired - Lifetime EP1069929B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US8084698P 1998-04-06 1998-04-06
US80846P 1998-04-06
PCT/US1998/020061 WO1999051306A1 (fr) 1998-04-06 1998-09-25 Buse d'incendie perfectionnee et procede comprenant la regulation de pression, dispositifs de decharge de produit chimique et d'eduction ameliores

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EP1069929A1 EP1069929A1 (fr) 2001-01-24
EP1069929A4 EP1069929A4 (fr) 2004-05-06
EP1069929B1 true EP1069929B1 (fr) 2009-11-25

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EP (1) EP1069929B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN1142802C (fr)
AU (1) AU745992B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2327476C (fr)
DE (1) DE69841335D1 (fr)
ES (1) ES2337426T3 (fr)
WO (1) WO1999051306A1 (fr)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009076489A2 (fr) * 2007-12-12 2009-06-18 Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Company, Inc. Lance à paroi interne lisse avec paroi interne ajustable
CN109237953A (zh) * 2018-07-23 2019-01-18 林建新 一种喷嘴及其喷射压力控制方法
FR3112186A1 (fr) * 2020-07-02 2022-01-07 Schrader Régulateur de pression pour la pulvérisation d’un fluide et procédé associé

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US434633A (en) * 1890-08-19 Francis fayod
US3342419A (en) * 1965-01-04 1967-09-19 Harry Swartz Dispensing shower head
US3684192A (en) * 1970-06-22 1972-08-15 Fire Task Force Innovations In Constant pressure, variable flow nozzle
US3863844A (en) 1973-05-02 1975-02-04 Fire Task Force Innovations In Automatic fire nozzle with automatic control of pressure and internal turbulence combined with manual control of variable flow and shape of stream produced
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Publication number Publication date
CN1142802C (zh) 2004-03-24
DE69841335D1 (de) 2010-01-07
CN1306448A (zh) 2001-08-01
WO1999051306A1 (fr) 1999-10-14
EP1069929A4 (fr) 2004-05-06
CA2327476A1 (fr) 1999-10-14
AU9508898A (en) 1999-10-25
ES2337426T3 (es) 2010-04-23
AU745992B2 (en) 2002-04-11
EP1069929A1 (fr) 2001-01-24
CA2327476C (fr) 2010-08-17

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