EP1838396B1 - Inerting method for preventing fires - Google Patents

Inerting method for preventing fires Download PDF

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EP1838396B1
EP1838396B1 EP06700499A EP06700499A EP1838396B1 EP 1838396 B1 EP1838396 B1 EP 1838396B1 EP 06700499 A EP06700499 A EP 06700499A EP 06700499 A EP06700499 A EP 06700499A EP 1838396 B1 EP1838396 B1 EP 1838396B1
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Prior art keywords
concentration
gases
oxygen
inflammatory
control unit
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French (fr)
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EP1838396A1 (en
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Ernst-Werner Wagner
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Amrona AG
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Amrona AG
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • A62C99/0009—Methods of extinguishing or preventing the spread of fire by cooling down or suffocating the flames
    • A62C99/0018—Methods of extinguishing or preventing the spread of fire by cooling down or suffocating the flames using gases or vapours that do not support combustion, e.g. steam, carbon dioxide
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C2/00—Fire prevention or containment
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C2/00—Fire prevention or containment
    • A62C2/04—Removing or cutting-off the supply of inflammable material
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • A62C99/0009—Methods of extinguishing or preventing the spread of fire by cooling down or suffocating the flames
    • A62C99/0063—Methods of extinguishing or preventing the spread of fire by cooling down or suffocating the flames with simultaneous removal of inflammable materials

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an inerting method for preventing a fire or explosion in an enclosed protected area, in which the oxygen content in the protected area is lowered relative to the ambient air in the protected area.
  • Inertization procedures for fire prevention and extinguishing indoors are known from the fire extinguishing technology.
  • the extinguishing effect resulting from these processes is based on the principle of oxygen displacement.
  • the normal ambient air is known to be 21% by volume of oxygen, 78% by volume of nitrogen and 1% by volume of other gases.
  • For extinction or fire prevention by initiating e.g. pure or 90% nitrogen as inert gas further increases the nitrogen concentration in the room in question and thus reduces the oxygen content. It is known that an extinguishing effect starts when the oxygen content drops below about 15% by volume.
  • further reduction of the oxygen content to, for example, 12% by volume may be required. At this oxygen concentration, most flammable materials can no longer burn.
  • the oxygen-displacing gases used in this "inert gas extinguishing technology" are usually stored in special ancillary rooms in steel cylinders in compressed form, or a device is used to generate an oxygen-displacing gas.
  • a device is used to generate an oxygen-displacing gas.
  • inert gas / air mixtures with a proportion of, for example, 90%, 95% or 99% nitrogen (or another inert gas).
  • the steel bottles or this device for generating the oxygen-displacing gas constitute the so-called primary source of the inert gas extinguishing system. If necessary, then the gas is passed from this source via piping systems and corresponding outlet nozzles in the space in question. In order to keep the fire risk as low as possible, even if the source fails, occasionally secondary sources of inert gas are also used.
  • the patent DE 102 35 718 B3 describes a method for inerting one or more closed rooms to reduce the risk of fire and explosion, in which the oxygen content in the closed space is lowered to an oxygen target value with respect to the ambient air.
  • a temperature value for a gas temperature in the closed space is also detected and the oxygen nominal value for the oxygen content is determined as a function of the temperature values, the oxygen nominal value being raised as the temperature value decreases.
  • this method has the disadvantage that the denominations can vary greatly with physical aspect, geometry, specific composition or coverage by other surface materials of the materials stored in the shelter. So one would have to determine for each physical form and arrangement of the stored goods in the shelter a separate parameter, which is impossible in practice.
  • the object of the present invention is to further develop the inertization process known from the prior art and explained above, regardless of the nature of the substances stored in the protected area or goods works reliably.
  • the advantages of the invention are in particular that an easy to realisiexendes and thereby very effective inerting process to reduce the risk of fire or explosion in an enclosed area of protection can be achieved, even if outgassing increased concentrations of ignition-promoting substances in the shelter are available.
  • concentration of the ignition-promoting gases is regularly determined by measurements.
  • the drawbacks of characteristic-controlled inert gas concentration or oxygen concentration in the protection space are avoided, and scattering of characteristics of stored materials is compensated for by timely measurement and response to increased concentrations of ignition-promoting gases due to outgassing.
  • the above-mentioned object is further achieved in that the concentration of ignition-promoting gases in the protective space or protective area is measured at at least one location with one or more sensors each. Measurements in several places are required, for example, when the items or packages stored in the enclosed shelter are arranged unevenly.
  • the outgassing of ignition-promoting gases can vary greatly in this case or even with unfavorable geometry of the goods stored in the shelter.
  • the oxygen concentration in the shelter can be measured at several points and with one or more sensors.
  • the measurement at several points offers an additional safety aspect with regard to uneven gas distributions in the enclosed shelter.
  • the measurement of the oxygen concentration can be carried out with one or more sensors. By measuring with at least two sensors, the reliability can be increased.
  • the measured values mentioned above are sent to the concentration of ignition-promoting gases in the protective space as well as the concentration of oxygen in the protective space to at least one control unit.
  • the plurality of measured values supplied to the control unit can be evaluated within the control unit on the basis of a selectable algorithm.
  • One or more control units can be provided. The advantage of a multiple design of the control unit is the increased security of the overall system. In this way it can be ensured that the entire system remains functional even if one control unit fails. If an increasing concentration of ignition-promoting gases is detected in the control unit via the sensors for ignition-promoting gases, the setpoint of the oxygen concentration is further reduced so as to ensure that fires and explosions are reliably prevented even in the presence of ignition-promoting gases (eg hydrocarbons).
  • ignition-promoting gases eg hydrocarbons
  • the signals of the sensors in the shelter can be transmitted wirelessly. It is possible in this way to take into account changing stock material and / or product geometries in the shelter.
  • Fig. 1 is exemplified the basic function of the method including the associated control and measuring instruments described.
  • the inert gas can be left from the inert gas source 2 via a valve 3 and one or more outlet nozzles 7 in the shelter 1.
  • the concentration of the inert gas in the shelter 1 via the control unit 4, which in turn takes influence on the valve 3, regulated.
  • the control unit 4 is set so that a Grundinertmaschinesmat in the shelter 1 is achieved.
  • This basic inerting level reliably prevents fires in the shelter 1 under normal conditions. Under normal conditions, it is understood that there are no elevated concentrations of oxidizing substances Kx in the shelter 1.
  • the control unit 4 measures via an oxygen sensor 5, the oxygen concentration in the shelter 1 and controls the flow of inert gas accordingly.
  • the presence and concentration of gases is determined, resulting from material outgassing. Increases now the concentration of fire or explosion-promoting gases in the ambient air of the shelter 1 (for example, by an increased concentration of hydrocarbons) so it is measured via the sensor 6. This measured value is supplied to the control unit 4. Via a corresponding map function in the control unit 4 and the valve 3, the inert gas concentration in the shelter 1 is then increased. The influx of inert gas is continued until the desired lower oxygen concentration in the shelter, measured via the oxygen sensor 5, is reached, and a reliable fire protection is given even under these difficult conditions.

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  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Fire-Extinguishing By Fire Departments, And Fire-Extinguishing Equipment And Control Thereof (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)
  • Separation By Low-Temperature Treatments (AREA)
  • Fire-Extinguishing Compositions (AREA)
  • Ceramic Products (AREA)
  • Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
  • Buildings Adapted To Withstand Abnormal External Influences (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Electric Means (AREA)
  • Processing Of Solid Wastes (AREA)
  • Chemical And Physical Treatments For Wood And The Like (AREA)
  • Inorganic Insulating Materials (AREA)
  • Food Preservation Except Freezing, Refrigeration, And Drying (AREA)
  • Glass Compositions (AREA)
  • Input Circuits Of Receivers And Coupling Of Receivers And Audio Equipment (AREA)
  • Valve Device For Special Equipments (AREA)
  • Control Of Motors That Do Not Use Commutators (AREA)
  • Fire Alarms (AREA)

Abstract

An inertization method for preventing fire or explosion in an enclosed protected area in which the oxygen content in the protected area is lowered relative to the ambient air. With the objective of enabling effective protection against fire even given gas emissions from solids or liquids within the protected area, when inflammable substances and/or gases are present in the enclosed protected area (for example hydrocarbons), the method according to the invention provides for regulating the oxygen content in the closed protected area as a function of the concentration of said inflammable gases.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Inertisierungsverfahren zur Vermeidung eines Brandes oder einer Explosion in einem umschlossenen Schutzbereich, bei dem der Sauerstoffgehalt im Schutzbereich gegenüber der Umgebungsluft im Schutzbereich abgesenkt wird.The present invention relates to an inerting method for preventing a fire or explosion in an enclosed protected area, in which the oxygen content in the protected area is lowered relative to the ambient air in the protected area.

Inertisierungsverfahren zur Brandverhütung und- Löschung in geschlossenen Räumen sind aus der Feuerlöschtechnik bekannt. Die bei diesen Verfahren resultierende Löschwirkung beruht auf dem Prinzip der Sauerstoffverdrängung. Die normale Umgebungsluft besteht bekanntlich zu 21 Vol.-% aus Sauerstoff, zu 78 Vol.-% aus Stickstoff und zu 1 Vol.-% aus sonstigen Gasen. Zum Löschen bzw. zur Brandvermeidung wird durch Einleiten von z.B. reinem oder 90% Stickstoff als Inertgas die Stickstoffkonzentration in dem betreffenden Raum weiter erhöht und damit der Sauerstoffanteil verringert. Es ist bekannt, das eine Löschwirkung einsetzt, wenn der Sauerstoffanteil unter etwa 15 Vol.-% absinkt. Abhängig von den in dem betreffenden Raum vorhandenen brennbaren Materialien kann ferner ein weiteres Absinken des Sauerstoffanteils auf beispielsweise 12 Vo1.-% erforderlich sei. Bei dieser Sauerstoffkonzentration können die meisten brennbaren Materialien nicht mehr brennen.Inertization procedures for fire prevention and extinguishing indoors are known from the fire extinguishing technology. The extinguishing effect resulting from these processes is based on the principle of oxygen displacement. The normal ambient air is known to be 21% by volume of oxygen, 78% by volume of nitrogen and 1% by volume of other gases. For extinction or fire prevention, by initiating e.g. pure or 90% nitrogen as inert gas further increases the nitrogen concentration in the room in question and thus reduces the oxygen content. It is known that an extinguishing effect starts when the oxygen content drops below about 15% by volume. Depending on the flammable materials present in the room in question, further reduction of the oxygen content to, for example, 12% by volume may be required. At this oxygen concentration, most flammable materials can no longer burn.

Die bei dieser "Inertgaslöschtechnik" verwendeten, sauerstoffverdrängenden Gase werden in der Regel in speziellen Nebenräumen in Stahlflaschen komprimiert gelagert, oder es wird ein Gerät zur Erzeugung eines sauerstoffverdrängenden Gases eingesetzt. Dabei können auch Inertgas-Luftgemische mit einem Anteil von beispielsweise 90%, 95% oder 99% Stickstoff (oder eines anderen Inertgases) zur Anwendung kommen. Die Stahlflaschen bzw. dieses Gerät zur Erzeugung des sauerstoffverdrängenden Gases begründen die sogenannte Primärquelle der Inertgaslöschanlage. Im Bedarfsfall wird dann das Gas von dieser Quelle über Rohrleitungssysteme und entsprechende Austrittsdüsen in den betreffenden Raum geleitet. Um das Brandrisiko auch bei Ausfall der Quelle so niedrig wie möglich zu halten, wird gelegentlich auch auf sekundäre Inertgasquellen zurückgegriffen.The oxygen-displacing gases used in this "inert gas extinguishing technology" are usually stored in special ancillary rooms in steel cylinders in compressed form, or a device is used to generate an oxygen-displacing gas. there It is also possible to use inert gas / air mixtures with a proportion of, for example, 90%, 95% or 99% nitrogen (or another inert gas). The steel bottles or this device for generating the oxygen-displacing gas constitute the so-called primary source of the inert gas extinguishing system. If necessary, then the gas is passed from this source via piping systems and corresponding outlet nozzles in the space in question. In order to keep the fire risk as low as possible, even if the source fails, occasionally secondary sources of inert gas are also used.

Die Patentschrift DE 102 35 718 B3 beschreibt ein Verfahren zur Inertisierung eines oder mehrerer geschlossener Räume zur Herabsetzung der Brand- und Explosionsgefahr, bei dem der Sauerstoffgehalt in dem geschlossenen Raum auf einen Sauerstoffsollwert gegenüber der Umgebungsluft abgesenkt wird. Dabei wird auch ein Temperaturwert für eine Gastemperatur in dem geschlossenen Raum erfasst und der Sauerstoffsollwert für den Sauerstoffgehalt abhängig von den Temperaturwerten bestimmt, wobei mit fallendem Temperaturwert der Sauerstoffsollwert angehoben wird. Diese Methode hat allerdings den Nachteil, dass die Nennwerte stark mit der physikalischen Ausprägung, der Geometrie, der speziellen Zusammensetzung oder Abdeckung durch andere Oberflächenmaterialien der im Schutzraum gelagerten Materialien, schwanken können. Man müsste also für jede physische Ausprägung und Anordnung der gelagerten Güter im Schutzraum eine eigene Kenngröße ermitteln, was in der praktischen Durchführung unmöglich ist. Aus diesem Grunde wird man aus Sicherheitsgründen immer höhere Inertgaskonzentration wählen, um auch bei ungünstigen physikalischen Gegebenheiten einen optimalen Brandschutz zu gewährleisten. Damit nimmt man automatisch einen höheren Inertgasverbrauch in Kauf, der zusätzliche Kosten verursacht und darüber hinaus das Betreten durch Menschen erschweren kann.The patent DE 102 35 718 B3 describes a method for inerting one or more closed rooms to reduce the risk of fire and explosion, in which the oxygen content in the closed space is lowered to an oxygen target value with respect to the ambient air. In this case, a temperature value for a gas temperature in the closed space is also detected and the oxygen nominal value for the oxygen content is determined as a function of the temperature values, the oxygen nominal value being raised as the temperature value decreases. However, this method has the disadvantage that the denominations can vary greatly with physical aspect, geometry, specific composition or coverage by other surface materials of the materials stored in the shelter. So one would have to determine for each physical form and arrangement of the stored goods in the shelter a separate parameter, which is impossible in practice. For this reason, one will choose ever higher inert gas concentration for safety reasons, to ensure optimum fire protection even in unfavorable physical conditions. With this, you automatically accept a higher inert gas consumption, which causes additional costs and, moreover, makes it difficult for people to enter.

Das Dokument US 4 846 410 beschreibt ein Verfahren, bei dem ein Nettosauerstoffgehalt bestimmt wird, der Abhängig vom Sauerstoffgehalt und vom Kohlenmonoxidäquivalent entzündungsfördernder Stoffe in der Luft einer Kohlefeinmühle ist. Dieses Verfahren bestimmt ein Maß einer Brand- oder Explosionsgefahr, welches eine Früherkennung von Schwelbränden ermöglicht. Dieses Dokument offenbart jedoch keine Grundinertisierung.The document US 4,846,410 describes a method of determining a net oxygen content that is dependent on the oxygen content and the carbon monoxide equivalent of pro-inflammatory substances in the air of a carbon fiber mill. This method determines a measure of the risk of fire or explosion which allows early detection of smoldering fires. However, this document does not disclose basic inertization.

Allerdings ist bekannt, dass Temperaturen im Bereich -40° bis +60°C keinen nennenswerten Einfluss auf die Endzündungsgrenze von festen und flüssigen Stoffen haben. Demgegenüber kann es bei modernen Materialien - sowohl bei Feststoffen, insbesondere bei Kleinladungsträgern oder Verpackungsmaterial, als auch bei Flüssigkeiten - zu Ausgasungen kommen. Diese Materialausgasungen können trotz reduziertem Sauerstoffgehalt eine erhöhte Brand- oder Explosionsgefahr darstellen. Als Beispiel der genannten endzündungsfördernden Substanzen, das die Brand- und/oder Explosionsgefahr erhöhen, seien Kohlenwasserstoffe genannt.However, it is known that temperatures in the range of -40 ° to + 60 ° C have no appreciable influence on the Endzündungsgrenze of solid and liquid substances. In contrast, in modern materials - both in solids, especially in small load carriers or packaging material, as well as liquids - come to outgassing. Despite the reduced oxygen content, these material outgassings can represent an increased risk of fire or explosion. As an example of the mentioned ignition-promoting substances, which increase the risk of fire and / or explosion, hydrocarbons may be mentioned.

Ausgehend von den zuvor geschilderten Problemen hinsichtlich der sicherheitstechnischen Anforderungen an eine Inertgasfeuerlöschanlage bzw. an ein Inertisierungsverfahren liegt der vorliegenden Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, das aus dem Stand der Technik bekannte und vorstehend erläuterte Inertisierungsverfahren weiterzuentwickeln, dass es unabhängig von der Art der im Schutzbereich gelagerten Stoffe beziehungsweise Waren zuverlässig funktioniert.Based on the problems described above with regard to the safety requirements for an inert gas fire extinguishing system or an inertization process, the object of the present invention is to further develop the inertization process known from the prior art and explained above, regardless of the nature of the substances stored in the protected area or goods works reliably.

Diese Aufgabe wird bei einem Inertisierungsverfahren der eingangs genannten Art erfindungsgemäß durch die Merkmale im kennzeichnenden Teil von Anspruch 1 gelöst.This object is achieved according to the invention in an inerting process of the type mentioned by the features in the characterizing part of claim 1.

Die Vorteile der Erfindung liegen insbesondere darin, dass ein einfach zu realisiexendes und dabei sehr effektives Inertisierungsverfahren zur Minderung des Risikos eines Brandes oder einer Explosion in einem umschlossenen Schutzbereich erzielbar ist, auch wenn durch Ausgasungen erhöhte Konzentrationen von endzündungsfördernden Stoffen im Schutzraum vorhanden sind. Dabei wird die Konzentration der endzündungsfördernden Gase regelmäßig durch Messungen festgestellt. Die Nachteile der durch Kenngrößen kontrollierten Inertgaskonzentration bzw. Sauerstoffkonzentration im Schutzraum werden vermieden und Streuungen von Kennwerten von gelagerten Materialien werden durch eine zeitnahe Messung und Reaktion auf erhöhte Konzentrationen von endzündungsfördernden Gasen aufgrund von Ausgasungen ausgeglichen.The advantages of the invention are in particular that an easy to realisiexendes and thereby very effective inerting process to reduce the risk of fire or explosion in an enclosed area of protection can be achieved, even if outgassing increased concentrations of ignition-promoting substances in the shelter are available. The concentration of the ignition-promoting gases is regularly determined by measurements. The drawbacks of characteristic-controlled inert gas concentration or oxygen concentration in the protection space are avoided, and scattering of characteristics of stored materials is compensated for by timely measurement and response to increased concentrations of ignition-promoting gases due to outgassing.

Weitere Ausführungsformen der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen.Further embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Die vorstehend genannte Aufgabe wird ferner dadurch gelöst, dass die Konzentration von endzündungsfördernden Gasen im Schutzraum bzw. Schutzbereich an mindestens einer Stelle mit jeweils einem oder mehreren Sensoren gemessen wird. Messungen an mehreren Stellen sind zum Beispiel dann erforderlich, wenn die im umschlossenen Schutzraum gelagerten Gegenstände bzw. Verpackungen ungleichmäßig angeordnet sind. Die Ausgasung von endzündungsfördernden Gasen kann in diesem Fall oder auch bei ungünstiger Geometrie der im Schutzraum gelagerten Waren stark variieren.The above-mentioned object is further achieved in that the concentration of ignition-promoting gases in the protective space or protective area is measured at at least one location with one or more sensors each. Measurements in several places are required, for example, when the items or packages stored in the enclosed shelter are arranged unevenly. The outgassing of ignition-promoting gases can vary greatly in this case or even with unfavorable geometry of the goods stored in the shelter.

Ebenso kann die Sauerstoffkonzentration im Schutzraum an mehreren Stellen und mit einem oder mehreren Sensoren gemessen werden. Die Messung an mehreren Stellen bietet einen zusätzlichen Sicherheitsaspekt hinsichtlich ungleichmäßiger Gasverteilungen im umschlossenen Schutzraum.Likewise, the oxygen concentration in the shelter can be measured at several points and with one or more sensors. The measurement at several points offers an additional safety aspect with regard to uneven gas distributions in the enclosed shelter.

Weiterhin kann die Messung der Sauerstoffkonzentration mit jeweils einem oder mehreren Sensoren durchgeführt werden. Durch die Messung mit mindestens zwei Sensoren kann die Ausfallsicherheit erhöht werden.Furthermore, the measurement of the oxygen concentration can be carried out with one or more sensors. By measuring with at least two sensors, the reliability can be increased.

Darüber hinaus werden die genannten Messwerte der Konzentration von endzündungsfördernden Gasen im Schutzraum genauso wie die Konzentration von Sauerstoff im Schutzraum mindestens einer Steuereinheit zugeleitet. Die der Steuereinheit zugeführten mehreren Messwerte können innerhalb der Steuereinheit basierend auf einem wählbaren Algorithmus ausgewertet werden. Es können eine oder mehrere Steuereinheiten vorgesehen werden. Der Vorteil bei einer mehrfachen Auslegung der Steuereinheit liegt in der erhöhten Sicherheit des Gesamtsystems. Auf diese Weise kann sichergestellt werden, dass auch bei Ausfall einer Steuereinheit das Gesamtsystem funktionsfähig bleibt.
Wird in der Steuereinheit über die Sensoren für endzündungsfördernde Gase eine steigende Konzentration endzündungsfördernder Gase festgestellt, so wird der Sollwert der Sauerstoffkonzentration weiter gesenkt, um so sicherzustellen, dass auch bei der Anwesenheit von endzündungsfördernden Gasen (z.B. Kohlenwasserstoffe) Brände und Explosionen sicher verhindert werden.In addition, the measured values mentioned above are sent to the concentration of ignition-promoting gases in the protective space as well as the concentration of oxygen in the protective space to at least one control unit. The plurality of measured values supplied to the control unit can be evaluated within the control unit on the basis of a selectable algorithm. One or more control units can be provided. The advantage of a multiple design of the control unit is the increased security of the overall system. In this way it can be ensured that the entire system remains functional even if one control unit fails.
If an increasing concentration of ignition-promoting gases is detected in the control unit via the sensors for ignition-promoting gases, the setpoint of the oxygen concentration is further reduced so as to ensure that fires and explosions are reliably prevented even in the presence of ignition-promoting gases (eg hydrocarbons).

Alternativ oder ergänzend kann in vorteilhafter Weise vorgesehen sein, dass der Sollwert der Sauerstoffkonzentration mit fallender Konzentration von entzündungsfördernden Gasen erhöht wird. Diese Weiterbildung der Erfindung kann beispielsweise eine Begehbarkeit des Schutzbereichs durch Personen oder andere Lebewesen rasch ermöglichen.Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided in an advantageous manner that the desired value of the oxygen concentration is increased with decreasing concentration of pro-inflammatory gases. This development of the invention can, for example, quickly enable accessibility of the protected area by persons or other living beings.

In vorteilhafter Weise kann die Sauerstoffkonzentration anhand einer in der Steuereinheit abgelegten Kennlinie, zum Beispiel Fn = f(Kx), geregelt werden.Advantageously, the oxygen concentration can be controlled by means of a characteristic stored in the control unit, for example Fn = f (Kx).

Ferner kann eine Absenkung der Konzentration von endzündungsfördernden Gasen, die durch Ausgasungen des im Lagerraum aufbewahrten Gutes entstehen, dadurch reduziert werden, dass ein Gasaustausch beziehungsweise eine Frischluftzufuhr im Schutzraum vorgesehen wird. Auf diese Weise lässt sich zuverlässig verhindern, dass die Konzentration von endzündungsfördernden Gasen nicht durch Ausgasung kontinuierlich zunimmt und sich so das Brand- beziehungsweise Explosionsrisiko erhöht.Furthermore, a reduction in the concentration of ignition-promoting gases, which arise through outgassing of the goods stored in the storage room, be reduced by the fact that a gas exchange or a fresh air supply is provided in the shelter. In this way, it is possible to reliably prevent the concentration of ignition-promoting gases from continuously increasing due to outgassing, thus increasing the risk of fire or explosion.

Außerdem können im Bedarffall die Signale der Sensoren im Schutzraum drahtlos übertragen werden. Man kann auf diese Weise sich verändernden Lagermaterial- und/oder Warengeometrien im Schutzraum Rechnung tragen.In addition, in the case of need, the signals of the sensors in the shelter can be transmitted wirelessly. It is possible in this way to take into account changing stock material and / or product geometries in the shelter.

Im folgendem wird ein Ausführungsbeispiel des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens anhand der Figuren näher erläutert.In the following an embodiment of the method according to the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS.

Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
Eine schematische Anordnung des Schutzraumes mit den dazugehörigen Inertgasquellen sowie den Ventil, Mess- und Steuereinrichtungen.
Fig.2
Eine beispielhafte Veränderung der Sauerstoffkonzentration beeinflusst durch die Konzentration von brandfördernden Substanzen im Schutzraum.
Show it:
Fig. 1
A schematic arrangement of the shelter with the associated inert gas sources and the valve, measuring and control devices.
Fig.2
An exemplary change in oxygen concentration is influenced by the concentration of oxidizing substances in the shelter.

In Fig. 1 ist exemplarisch die grundsätzliche Funktion des Verfahrens inklusive der dazugehörigen Kontroll- und Messinstrumente beschrieben. Das Inertgas kann aus der Inertgasquelle 2 über ein Ventil 3 und eine oder mehrere Auslassdüsen 7 in den Schutzraum 1 gelassen werden. Dabei wird die Konzentration des Inertgases in dem Schutzraum 1 über die Steuereinheit 4, die wiederum Einfluss auf das Ventil 3 nimmt, geregelt. Die Steuereinheit 4 wird so eingestellt, dass ein Grundinertisierungsniveau im Schutzraum 1 erreicht wird. Dieses Grundinertisierungsniveau verhindert zuverlässig Brände im Schutzraum 1 unter normalen Bedingungen. Unter normalen Bedingungen wird verstanden, dass sich keine erhöhten Konzentrationen von brandfördernden Substanzen Kx im Schutzraum 1 befinden. Die Steuereinheit 4 misst dazu über einen Sauerstoffsensor 5 die Sauerstoffkonzentration im Schutzraum 1 und steuert den Zustrom von Inertgas entsprechend. Mittels mindestens eines weiteren Sensors 6 wird die Anwesenheit und Konzentration von Gasen festgestellt, die von Materialausgasungen herrühren. Erhöht sich nun die Konzentration von brand- oder explosionsfördernden Gasen in der Umgebungsluft des Schutzraumes 1 (zum Beispiel durch eine erhöhte Konzentration von Kohlenwasserstoffen) so wird diese über den Sensor 6 gemessen. Dieser Messwert wird der Steuereinheit 4 zugeführt. Über eine entsprechende Kennfeldfunktion in der Steuereinheit 4 und das Ventil 3 wird die Inertgaskonzentration im Schutzraum 1 daraufhin erhöht. Der Zustrom von Inertgas wird solange fortgesetzt, bis die gewünschte niedrigere Sauerstoffkonzentration im Schutzraum, gemessen über den Sauerstoffsensor 5, erreicht ist, und ein zuverlässiger Brandschutz auch unter diesen erschwerten Bedingungen gegeben ist.In Fig. 1 is exemplified the basic function of the method including the associated control and measuring instruments described. The inert gas can be left from the inert gas source 2 via a valve 3 and one or more outlet nozzles 7 in the shelter 1. In this case, the concentration of the inert gas in the shelter 1 via the control unit 4, which in turn takes influence on the valve 3, regulated. The control unit 4 is set so that a Grundinertisierungsniveau in the shelter 1 is achieved. This basic inerting level reliably prevents fires in the shelter 1 under normal conditions. Under normal conditions, it is understood that there are no elevated concentrations of oxidizing substances Kx in the shelter 1. The control unit 4 measures via an oxygen sensor 5, the oxygen concentration in the shelter 1 and controls the flow of inert gas accordingly. By means of at least one further sensor 6, the presence and concentration of gases is determined, resulting from material outgassing. Increases now the concentration of fire or explosion-promoting gases in the ambient air of the shelter 1 (for example, by an increased concentration of hydrocarbons) so it is measured via the sensor 6. This measured value is supplied to the control unit 4. Via a corresponding map function in the control unit 4 and the valve 3, the inert gas concentration in the shelter 1 is then increased. The influx of inert gas is continued until the desired lower oxygen concentration in the shelter, measured via the oxygen sensor 5, is reached, and a reliable fire protection is given even under these difficult conditions.

Die Fig. 2 zeigt exemplarisch einen möglichen Verlauf der Sauerstoffkonzentration im Schutzraum 1 in Abhängigkeit von der Konzentration brandfördernder Gase Kx im Schutzraum 1. Dabei gibt das Grundinertisierungsniveau der Sauerstoffkonzentration den Level an Inertgas vor, der erforderlich ist, um unter normalen Umständen das Brand- oder Explosionsrisiko zu vermindern. Die Konzentration von Inertgas und die davon abhängige Sauerstoffkonzentration wird gemäß einer Funktion Kn=f(Kx), die in der Steuereinheit abgelegt sein kann, kontrolliert. In dieser Gleichung bedeutet

  • Kn = Konzentration des Inertgases
  • Kx = Konzentration brandfördernder Gase.
The Fig. 2 shows an example of a possible course of the oxygen concentration in the shelter 1 as a function of the concentration of oxidizing gases Kx in the shelter 1. In this case, the basic inerting level of the oxygen concentration specifies the level of inert gas which is required under normal circumstances to ignite the fire. or to reduce the risk of explosion. The concentration of inert gas and the oxygen concentration dependent thereon are controlled according to a function Kn = f (Kx) which may be stored in the control unit. In this equation means
  • Kn = concentration of the inert gas
  • Kx = concentration of oxidizing gases.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
Schutzbereichthe scope
22
Inertgasquelleinert gas
33
VentilValve
44
Steuereinheitcontrol unit
55
Sauerstoffsensoroxygen sensor
66
KohlenwasserstoffsensorHydrocarbon sensor
77
InertgaseintrittInertgaseintritt

Claims (8)

  1. An inerting method for preventing fire or explosion in a closed protected room (1), wherein the oxygen content in the protected room (1) is reduced to a base inerting level which corresponds to a reduced oxygen content compared to the ambient air,
    characterized in that
    the reduced oxygen content in the protected room (1) corresponding to the base inerting level is set as a function of the concentration of inflammatory gases in said protected room (1).
  2. The method according to claim 1,
    characterized in that
    the concentration of inflammatory gases in the protected room is measured at one or a plurality of locations by means of one or a plurality of sensors (6) respectively.
  3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
    characterized in that
    the concentration of oxygen in the protected room is measured at one or a plurality of locations by means of one or a plurality of sensors (5) respectively.
  4. The method according to claim 3,
    characterized in that
    the measured values for the concentrations of inflammatory gases and/or oxygen are relayed to at least one control unit (4).
  5. The method according to claim 4,
    characterized in that
    the set value for the oxygen concentration decreases with increasing concentration of inflammatory gases.
  6. The method according to claim 4 or 5,
    characterized in that
    the set value for the oxygen concentration increases with decreasing concentration of inflammatory gases.
  7. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 6,
    characterized in that
    the control unit (4) regulates the set value for the oxygen concentration in accordance with a characteristic stored in said control unit (4).
  8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the concentration of inflammatory gases is reduced by a gaseous exchange and/or fresh air supply into the protected room (1).
EP06700499A 2005-01-17 2006-01-13 Inerting method for preventing fires Active EP1838396B1 (en)

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DE102005002172A DE102005002172A1 (en) 2005-01-17 2005-01-17 Inertization process for fire prevention
PCT/EP2006/000267 WO2006074942A1 (en) 2005-01-17 2006-01-13 Inerting method for preventing fires

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EP1838396B1 true EP1838396B1 (en) 2009-09-23

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JP4654249B2 (en) 2011-03-16
CN101119772A (en) 2008-02-06
NO339355B1 (en) 2016-12-05
US20100012334A1 (en) 2010-01-21
HK1108399A1 (en) 2008-05-09
DE502006004914D1 (en) 2009-11-05
JP2008526409A (en) 2008-07-24
ES2333813T3 (en) 2010-03-01
CA2594796C (en) 2013-07-16
UA90126C2 (en) 2010-04-12
KR101255387B1 (en) 2013-04-17
TW200702015A (en) 2007-01-16
NO20074209L (en) 2007-10-09
DK1838396T3 (en) 2010-02-01
BRPI0606315A2 (en) 2009-06-16
PT1838396E (en) 2009-11-30
DE102005002172A1 (en) 2006-07-27
ATE443543T1 (en) 2009-10-15
MX2007008408A (en) 2007-11-21
KR20070102512A (en) 2007-10-18
AU2006205895A1 (en) 2006-07-20
RU2362600C2 (en) 2009-07-27
CA2594796A1 (en) 2006-07-20
PL1838396T3 (en) 2010-02-26
CN101119772B (en) 2011-11-30
EP1838396A1 (en) 2007-10-03
RU2007131271A (en) 2009-02-27
WO2006074942A1 (en) 2006-07-20
AU2006205895B2 (en) 2011-03-31

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