EP2873443B1 - Fire protection equipment and method for extinguishing a fire - Google Patents

Description

The present invention underlying in particular relates to a wetting system for fire protection systems and a method for fire fighting.

Fire protection systems and equipment and related methods are known for both buildings, see EP 1 293 230 A1 , as well as for transport, such as aircraft. In contrast to buildings, the provision of effective fire protection, particularly in aircraft, is made more difficult in that, due to the limited space and weight ratios, extinguishing agents, in particular liquid extinguishing agents, can not be provided or carried to an unrestricted extent.

In particular, for the above reasons, it is particularly desirable for aircraft to hold fire protection systems, which are optimized on the one hand in terms of the total weight, and on the other hand still allow a relatively effective and efficient fire protection.

The object of the invention is therefore in particular to provide a possibility for aircraft to provide a particularly effective and efficient, and at the same time weight-optimized fire protection system. In particular, a wetting system for appropriate fire protection systems or fire extinguishing systems, a fire protection system and a and fire fighting procedures are provided.

This object is achieved by the features of claims 1, 8 and 10 embodiments of the invention will become apparent in particular from the features of the respective dependent claims.

The present invention relates in particular to a wetting or wetting unit for fire protection systems or fire protection systems, which are designed and is set up for wetting a predetermined, limited or closed, in particular by at least one room defined extinguishing volume with a liquid extinguishing agent, in particular an extinguishing liquid, preferably extinguishing water or with organic and / or inorganic salts added extinguishing water or agent, the wetting system designed in such a way and is set up that in a pure liquid-gas extinguishing measure, in particular a pure water-gas extinguishing phase, in a defined operating range, the concentration of extinguishing gas in the restricted or closed extinguishing volume remains below the extinguishing concentration. In particular, the wetting system should be dimensioned or scaled such that with pure liquid-gas extinguishment in the operating range, the concentration of extinguishing gas in the correlated extinguishing volume remains below the extinguishing concentration. In particular, boundary conditions and parameters, in particular environmental parameters such as, for example, air pressure, temperature, etc., are to be encompassed by the operating area, under which the wetting plant is operated in the case of use.

In other words, it is achieved in the wetting unit that in the wetting operation of the wetting unit in the case of pure liquid-gas extinguishment, i. in a deletion measure, in which an extinguishing liquid-gas mixture is introduced into the extinguishing volume via the wetting unit, just enough extinguishing gas is introduced into the extinguishing volume by the extinguishing liquid / gas mixture so that the extinguishing concentration falls below.

For the proposed wetting system, in particular, this results in the predetermined extinguishing volume, for example a cargo space or other space in an aircraft, is adapted, in particular correlated therewith, in such a way that the operation according to the invention is possible, with which in the case of pure extinguishing liquid gas Mixture-based extinction the extinguishing concentration remains below.

The introduction of extinguishing gas in the extinguishing volume for the purpose of achieving the extinguishing concentration can be done by separate Löhneheiten, which may for example be designed so that regardless of the wetting system or wetting unit, quenching gas can be introduced into the extinguishing volume.

The combination of wetting system and extinguishing volume, or the at least one, the extinguishing volume defining space can be defined as a fire-protected or fire-protected room unit, the wetting system to the extinguishing volume, ie the at least one space is adapted so that when extinguishing with a liquid-gas mixture into the extinguishing volume, the concentration of extinguishing gas in the extinguishing volume remains below the extinguishing concentration. This is to apply in particular when the extinguishing volume, such as a cargo space or other space, by a space enclosed by walls or a space enclosed by walls, enclosed or enclosed volume. The room unit can have several separate, enclosed by walls, rooms or individual rooms, or volumes. In this case, the wetting plant is preferably designed such that the condition that the concentration of quenching gas remains below the quenching concentration applies to each of the individual spaces.

As already mentioned, the extinguishing volume can be defined by one or more, limited, in particular closed, rooms or by a single room. The space (s) may in particular be one or more cargo spaces in an aircraft.

The wetting unit is designed and set up to maintain the predetermined extinguishing volume, e.g. one or more with the fire protection system against fires secured rooms, at least partially wet. In other words, the wetting system is in particular designed to introduce the extinguishing liquid into the extinguishing volume in order to at least partially wet the interior of the extinguishing volume and / or objects located therein. By wetting with extinguishing liquid, in the event of a fire, a comparatively rapid, at least partial extinction can be achieved and / or the spread of a resulting fire can at least be contained, whereby the extinguishing liquid can achieve a, in particular clear, cooling of the extinguishing volume.

In particular, the proposed wetting system is designed to be scalable in such a way that it can be adapted in its overall structure to different sizes and properties of the extinguishing volume, in particular of the one or more chambers of the extinguishing volume. In a particular implementation, a wetting plant in its respective function is directed to the volume to be erased, i. a predetermined extinguishing volume, scaled, and adapted to the predetermined extinguishing volume.

The proposed wetting plant comprises one, ie at least one, formed for storing the liquid extinguishing agent liquid extinguishing agent tank. Furthermore, the Wetting a, ie at least one, designed for the printed storage of extinguishing gas pressure gas storage. The compressed gas storage device may comprise, for example, one, ie at least one, compressed gas cylinder in which the quenching gas is stored under pressure. The quenching gas is a gas which produces a sting effect, ie, reduces the oxygen concentration in the quenching volume. In particular, the quenching gas may be an inert gas such as nitrogen.

The wetting system further comprises a line system, which is designed and set up to introduce a liquid-gas mixture comprising at least a first portion of liquid extinguishing agent and a second portion of extinguishing gas into the extinguishing volume via at least one outlet opening. The outlet opening can be considered in particular part of the conduit system.

In the proposed wetting system, the liquid extinguishing agent tank and the compressed gas storage are connected to one another via the line system. The connection of the compressed gas reservoir and of the liquid extinguishing agent tank can in particular be such that the liquid extinguishing agent tank is directly connected to a partial region, in particular a self-contained partial volume, of the entire compressed gas reservoir. In this case, the volume range of the compressed-gas storage device not covered by the partial volume can be connected to the line system without this volume area, in particular directly, being connected to the liquid-extinguishing agent tank.

The liquid extinguishing agent tank and the compressed gas storage device are further designed such that they feed a mixing point of the line system upstream of at least one outlet opening for establishing the liquid-gas mixture, in particular a first portion of liquid extinguishing agent and a second portion of extinguishing gas. In particular, the mixing point can be connected to the compressed gas storage, so that it can be fed directly from compressed gas storage extinguishing gas. Further, the mixing point may be connected to the liquid extinguishing agent tank so that this liquid extinguishing agent, pressurized by its connection with the compressed gas storage, can be supplied directly.

The mixing point can be designed and designed such that in this extinguishing gas fed from the compressed gas storage device and liquid extinguishing agent supplied by the liquid extinguishing medium reservoir, mixing is effected in a predetermined ratio. In particular, the mixing point can be designed so that in operation of the wetting system in between Mixture point and outlet opening extinguishing line of the conduit system, a 2-phase mixture of quenching gas and liquid extinguishing agent, preferably with a predetermined composition, is introduced. In other words, the liquid-gas mixture generated at the mixing point can be fed via the discharge line, which can form a branch of the conduit system, to the discharge opening, from where the mixture can be introduced into the extinguishing volume.

According to the invention, the wetting system, in particular the liquid extinguishing agent tank, the compressed gas storage and the mixing point, is designed and designed and constructed such that in a pure liquid-gas extinguishing measure, in particular in the exclusive introduction of the liquid-gas mixture, in the defined or predetermined Operating range, the concentration of the extinguishing gas remains in the extinguishing volume below the extinguishing concentration.

The defined operating range should be understood to mean, in particular, an operation under the following boundary conditions in the extinguishing volume: pressure: 0.75 to 1.10 bar, temperature: -40 to + 70 ° C.

The liquid-gas extinguishing measure in the operating range is preferably also an operation in which the liquid-gas mixture is continuously supplied to the extinguishing volume, in particular over a period until complete or almost complete emptying of the liquid extinguishing agent tank.

With such a designed wetting system, a particularly effective and efficient introduction of the liquid extinguishing agent and wetting of the extinguishing volume can be achieved, wherein the total amount of extinguishing gas or inert gas compared to known systems can be significantly reduced. The use of a smaller volume of extinguishing gas, in particular in such a way that the extinguishing gas concentration is not achieved, can cause the expansion refrigeration generated by (adiabatic) expansion of the extinguishing gas from the compressed gas storage, which is introduced into the line system with the extinguishing gas, to be kept at a level can be so that the liquid extinguishing agent, especially extinguishing water, does not freeze during the liquid-gas extinguishing measure. In other words, in the operating region in a liquid-gas extinguishing measure, in particular at complete emptying of the liquid extinguishing agent tank in the extinguishing volume in continuous extinguishing liquid-gas mixture generation, caused by expansion of the extinguishing gas cooling gas in the liquid-gas mixture ice formation be avoided. Icing caused by expansion cold can lead to clogging, in particular freezing and / or freezing of the line system and / or outlet openings or outlet openings, so that the wetting would be interrupted. This would be a serious shortcoming, especially in the aviation sector.

On the other hand, if the amount of quenching gas admixed to the liquid extinguishing agent at the mixing point is chosen so that the quenching concentration in the quenching volume is not reached, then, because of the comparatively small amounts of quenching gas used for wetting as such, i.e., quenching gas. In the liquid-gas extinguishing measure, in the operating area icing be avoided.

In order nevertheless to achieve an extinguishing gas concentration in the extinguishing volume which is in the range of the extinguishing concentration or above the extinguishing concentration, it can be provided in the proposed wetting system that extinguishing gas can be conveyed via a separate line system or a separate line segment and / or via separate gas outlet openings, e.g. Gas nozzles, is introduced into the extinguishing volume. Accordingly, in addition to the pure liquid-gas extinguishing measure, one of these superimposed and / or downstream pure gas extinguishing measures can be provided, by means of which the respective extinguishing concentration of extinguishing gas in the extinguishing volume can be set.

In embodiments, it may be provided that the line system comprises at least one pressure and / or volume limiting element upstream of the mixing point, by which the pressure or the pressure distribution and / or the volume flow of the extinguishing gas is adjusted such that the concentration of the extinguishing gas remains in the extinguishing volume during the pure liquid-gas extinguishing measure or phase below the extinguishing concentration. The pressure or volume limiting element can be selected and / or adjusted according to the size of the extinguishing volume. In particular, such a comparatively simple scaling to different extinguishing volumes is possible.

In embodiments, it can be provided that the at least one pressure and / or volume limiting element, for example a throttle, is designed such that the liquid / gas mixture has a composition of 50% by weight to 70% by weight liquid extinguishing agent and 30% by weight. to 50 wt.% Extinguishing gas, so that, for example in the liquid-gas extinguishing measure per cubic meter extinguishing volume 80g to 300g extinguishing water mixed with 60g to 230g nitrogen can be introduced. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, in the case of efficient extinguishment, 80 g of extinguishing water can be introduced together with 60 g of nitrogen per m ³ . With moderate extinction, for example, 170 g extinguishing water can be introduced together with 120 g of nitrogen per m ³ . To achieve an even greater extinguishing effect, for example, 300 g of extinguishing water per m ^{3 can} be introduced together with 230 g of nitrogen. The quenching concentration of quenching gas in the quenching volume is not reached in particular for the abovementioned quenching modalities, and it has been shown for the modalities mentioned that an icing or ice formation in the line system caused by expansion refrigeration can be avoided in the operating region.

In embodiments, it may be provided that the at least one pressure and / or volume limiting element is designed such that the extinguishing gas pressure in the line system is in the range between 8 bar and 30 bar. Such pressures have been found to be particularly advantageous for the reduced nitrogen feed liquid-gas quenching conditions proposed herein, particularly in that advantageous gas quench liquid mixing is achieved.

According to the invention, there is further provided a further line system connected to the compressed gas store and different from the line system. The further line system can be designed and set up in corresponding configurations such that exclusively extinguishing gas is or can be introduced into the extinguishing volume via gas outlet openings. The further line system can be used, in particular, to increase the concentration of the extinguishing gas to the extinguishing concentration in time parallel, temporally overlapping and / or temporally successive with respect to the pure liquid-gas extinguishing measures carried out with the line system described above, and, at least for a certain extent Period to extinguishing concentration. About the further line system comparatively larger amounts of quenching gas can be introduced.

By separating the further line system from the extinguishing liquid-based liquid-gas line system, it can be achieved that the expansion refrigeration generated during the pure gas extinguishment is not entered into the line system of the liquid-gas extinguishing measure. For example, icing and / or Ice formation in the liquid-gas system and associated partial system failures are avoided.

In further embodiments, it can be provided that the compressed gas reservoir comprises at least two compressed gas tanks, wherein the line system, in particular also the liquid extinguishing agent tank, can be fed by a first compressed gas tank, and wherein the further line system of a separate, not connected to the first pressurized gas tank, second pressurized gas tank is fed. An advantage of the separation of the two extinguishing modalities, ie pure gas extinguishment and pure liquid-gas extinguishment, is that the individual extinguishing measures, ie gas extinguishment and liquid-gas extinguishment, can be introduced and / or terminated essentially independently of each other , If one of the subsystems fails, the other system will still be able to contain or extinguish the fire. For gas extinguishing there are other optimal nozzle positions than for water mist. Water mist nozzles should be placed evenly at the ceiling of the extinguishing volume in order to achieve an even distribution of the water mist in the volume. On the other hand, gas outlet openings should be installed as far away as possible from leakage sources such as cargo doors or pressure equalization openings, so that the residence time of the gas in the extinguishing volume is as long as possible. The separation of water mist and gas outlets, as is possible with the architecture proposed herein, each allows optimized positioning of respective gas and extinguishing liquid discharge ports according to the physical action of the extinguishing agents. It should also be noted that in the event that the extinguishing volume consists of several separate sub-volumes, different extinguishing measures can be initiated for different sub-volumes. Another advantage of implementing a system with the two independently operable extinguishing measures is that improved thermodynamic effects in the extinguishing volume can be achieved, in particular it can be achieved that an improved distribution of the extinguishing gas is achieved in the extinguishing volume. In particular, it is possible that number and position or position of the outlet openings and outlet openings for the liquid-gas mixture on the one hand and the quenching gas on the other hand can be selected and adjusted according to the particular circumstances of the extinguishing volume. The provision of the two independently operable extinguishing measures also improves system security and reliability through redundancy.

In further embodiments of the wetting system can be provided that the compressed gas storage comprises a plurality of interconnected pressurized gas tanks, which jointly feed the line system, the liquid extinguishing agent tank and the further line system. Such embodiments are particularly advantageous when it is not possible, or only with effort, to divide into different compressed gas tanks in accordance with the respective scaling requirements. When using a uniform compressed gas storage, in particular in the form of interconnected compressed gas tanks, can be achieved by suitable positioning and design of pressure and / or volume limiting elements that for pure liquid-gas extinction in the operating range, the condition described above is achieved, i. that the extinguishing concentration is not reached, or that the concentration of the extinguishing gas in the extinguishing volume remains below the extinguishing concentration.

In at least partially simultaneous execution of the pure gas extinguishing and the pure liquid-gas extinguishing the extinguishing concentration can be achieved even before the end of the liquid-gas extinguishing. However, according to the underlying invention, the extinguishing concentration is not generated by the pure liquid-gas extinguishment.

In embodiments, it may be provided that the liquid extinguishing agent tank comprises a separate compressed gas reservoir assigned thereto for the pressurized introduction of the liquid extinguishing agent into the line system. In this case, the mixing point can be fed from another compressed gas tank. The compressed gas tank associated with the liquid extinguishing agent tank may be designed so that the liquid extinguishing agent tank pressurized can be completely emptied.

The wetting plant proposed herein may be used in particular fire protection systems. Thus, according to claim 8 a fire protection system, in particular for use and installation in aircraft, include a fire protection system according to one of the previously described embodiments.

In embodiments, the fire protection system may further comprise a gas extinguishing system, which may be designed to introduce only extinguishing gas in the extinguishing volume, such that in the extinguishing volume at least a fire-extinguishing extinguishing concentration of extinguishing gas is achieved.

Because of advantages and advantageous effects of the fire protection system, reference is made to the comments on the wetting system, which should apply here accordingly.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for fire extinguishment in a fire extinguishing volume using the wetting plant or fire protection system proposed herein. When extinguishing volumes come in aircraft, in particular one or more cargo holds in question.

In the method, a liquid-gas mixture of liquid extinguishing agent, especially extinguishing water or mixed with organic and / or inorganic salts extinguishing water or liquid extinguishing agent, and extinguishing gas can be introduced into the extinguishing volume in a firefighting measure, the introduction of the liquid-gas mixture such is set that the concentration of the extinguishing gas remains in the extinguishing volume below the extinguishing concentration of the extinguishing gas by the pure liquid-gas extinguishment in the operating range, ie that the extinguishing concentration is not reached by the pure liquid-gas extinguishing measure. In this way, a sufficient wetting of the extinguishing volume can be achieved with liquid extinguishing agent. In addition, it can be achieved that ice formation or icing of liquid extinguishing agent, in particular extinguishing water, in and / or on the pipe system of the wetting system is avoided in the operating area. Because of advantages and advantageous effects of the method, reference is made to the above statements.

For the term and meaning of the term extinguishing volume, reference is made to the comments above. In particular, the extinguishing volume can be formed by one or more spaces enclosed or enclosed by walls. Also with regard to the term "operating range" reference is made to the description given above, which applies here accordingly.

According to the invention, a further firefighting measure is initiated and / or activated simultaneously, temporally overlapping and / or after the firefighting measure, in which exclusively extinguishing gas is introduced into the extinguishing volume via another line system.

The application of pure extinguishing gas-based extinguishing even during the liquid-gas extinguishing operation does not contradict the above description of the invention. Because according to the invention it is proposed that the wetting system adjusted and is formed that in the operating range for the pure liquid-gas extinguishing the extinguishing concentration of quenching gas is not reached. The wetting system set in this way is operated accordingly if, at the same time or overlapping in time, additional extinguishing gas is introduced into the extinguishing volume via the further line system.

Consequently, it can be provided in the extinguishing method according to the invention, that via the liquid-gas extinguishing a wetting of the extinguishing volume, while on the pure gas-based extinguishing the concentration of extinguishing gas can be increased to the extinguishing gas concentration. After entry of the entire liquid extinguishing agent supply into the extinguishing volume, a pure extinguishing gas-based extinguishing can be continued, for example by the extinguishing gas via the further line system, or via the further line system and for the liquid-gas extinguishing, in particular water-gas extinguishing, provided line system is introduced into the extinguishing volume, so that the extinguishing concentration can be reached at a certain time and maintained after this time.

Embodiments of the method also result in particular from the embodiments of the wetting plant proposed here or the fire protection system proposed herein.

FIG. 1

einen schematischen Aufbau einer beispielhaften ersten Ausführungsform einer hierin vorgeschlagenen Brandschutzeinrichtung für Flugzeuge;

FIG. 2

einen schematischen Aufbau einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform einer hierin vorgeschlagenen Benetzungsanlage;

FIG. 3

einen schematischen Aufbau einer beispielhaften zweiten Ausführungsform einer hierin vorgeschlagenen Brandschutzeinrichtung, umfassend die Benetzungsanlage nach FIG. 2;

FIG. 4

einen schematischen Aufbau einer beispielhaften dritten Ausführungsform einer hierin vorgeschlagenen Brandschutzeinrichtung;

FIG: 5

einen schematischen Aufbau einer beispielhaften vierten Ausführungsform einer hierin vorgeschlagenen Brandschutzeinrichtung.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Show it

FIG. 1

a schematic structure of an exemplary first embodiment of a proposed fire protection device for aircraft;

FIG. 2

a schematic structure of an exemplary embodiment of a wetting plant proposed herein;

FIG. 3

a schematic structure of an exemplary second embodiment of a fire protection device proposed herein, comprising the wetting plant according to FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4

a schematic structure of an exemplary third embodiment of a fire protection device proposed herein;

FIG. 5

a schematic structure of an exemplary fourth embodiment of a fire protection device proposed herein.

Unless otherwise stated in the following description, identical or functionally identical elements in the figures are designated by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic structure of an exemplary embodiment of a fire protection device 1 proposed herein for aircraft, especially for extinguishing volumes or spaces in aircraft such as cargo holds, lounges, cabins, etc ..

In the context of the present invention, a fire protection device may, in particular, be a device with which resulting or already occurring fires or fires can be suppressed or extinguished, or with which the formation and / or spread of fires and / or Fire can be counteracted.

The fire protection device may comprise at least one liquid extinguishing agent tank 2 or extinguishing water tank, which is designed to produce a liquid extinguishing agent, i. to receive and maintain a liquid extinguishing agent, in particular extinguishing water.

A liquid extinguishing agent is to be understood in particular as meaning a medium which is suitable in liquid or liquid-flowable form for extinguishing or suppressing fires. The liquid extinguishing agent may in particular be a liquid extinguishing agent of fire class A. Under certain circumstances, the liquid extinguishing agent may also be or include a fire class B medium. As a liquid extinguishing agent is in embodiments of the invention, in particular water or water with additives into consideration. Possible additives of corresponding embodiments are in particular organic and / or inorganic salts, such as. As CaCl ₂ , CH ₃ COOK, CHKO ₂ .

The fire protection device can furthermore be equipped with an extinguishing gas source 4, 5, in particular an inert gas source, which can be designed to supply, generate or store a quenching gas under pressure. The extinguishing gas source 4, 5 may be designed for the provision, production and / or storage of an inerting gas.

The term inertizing should mean in particular that the quenching gas has at least one fire or fire retardant and / or - suppressive effect. The inertizing gas may be, for example, nitrogen gas or else an oxygen-poor gas mixture. The inertizing gas or inert gas may be nitrogen or another low-oxygen gas. In any case, the inertizing gas should be suitable for lowering the oxygen content in a fire and / or fire-prone room, at least below the oxygen content required for combustion reactions.

In embodiments, the inert gas source may in particular comprise a compressed gas source, for example a pressure accumulator or compressed gas accumulator, for example in the form of one or more compressed gas cylinders 4. Furthermore, it is possible that the inert gas source in embodiments comprises one or more devices for the continuous generation of inertizing gas, or is connected to such a device.

In proposed embodiments, the proposed fire protection device 1 may further include at least one first duct system 6 connected to an outlet of the inert gas source. The first line system 6 can be designed and set up to introduce the inerting gas of the at least one inert gas source (4, 5) via a first line branch 9 into at least one space 11 of the aircraft.

In order to introduce the inertizing gas into the space, the first line system 6 may comprise outlet openings 10 at the line ends which open in the respective space, which openings are designed to introduce the inerting gas into the respective space 11. By introducing the inert gas, an atmosphere can be generated, adjusted and / or maintained in the respective space 11, which at least acts as a fire and / or fire retardant.

The fumigation of the space with inertizing gas, especially in a specially designed piping system, is a feasible and particularly effective way, with the proposed system, to rapidly combat or suppress fire and / or fire situations aboard an aircraft or other means of transport. It can, as already indicated above, be achieved that the liquid-gas-based extinguishing can be carried out essentially without technical difficulties.

In addition to the first line system, the fire protection device in embodiments may further comprise a second line system 7, to which the liquid extinguishing agent tank 2 is connected and / or in which the liquid extinguishing agent tank 2 is integrated. The second conduit system 7 may be coupled or connected to the outlet of the inert gas source 4, 5 via a second conduit branch 13 of the first conduit system 6. The second conduit system 7 is designed to introduce a two-phase mixture of liquid extinguishing agent and inerting gas into the at least one space or extinguishing volume 11, in particular cargo space.

The second line system 7 is formed separately or differently in particular from the first line system 6, although both line systems 6, 7 are coupled together. The line systems 6, 7 can be designed and coupled to one another such that in an extinguishing measure only inertizing gas, only the two-phase mixture or at the same time inertizing gas via the first line system 6 and the two-phase mixture via the second Line system 7 can be introduced into the extinguishing volume 11.

The coupling of the inert gas source 4, 5 with the second conduit system 7 may in particular be configured such that a liquid-gas mixture having a predetermined mixing ratio can be introduced into the extinguishing volume 11. In particular, the mixing ratio can be set such that the sole extinguishing with the liquid-gas mixture in the operating range, the extinguishing concentration of the extinguishing gas in the extinguishing volume 11 is not reached. For example, a mixing point, a mixing chamber or a two-phase mixing unit may be set or formed such that a turbulent 2-phase flow is formed in the extinguishing medium line connected downstream of the 2-phase mixing unit, which contains just enough extinguishing gas that the extinguishing concentration is not reached in the operating range, and yet a satisfactory distribution of the extinguishing liquid or the extinguishing water in the extinguishing volume 11 can be achieved.

A mixing point 17, a mixing chamber or mixing unit for producing the 2-phase mixture can be arranged in the proposed fire protection device 1 in a line segment between liquid extinguishing agent tank 2 and outlet openings 18, wherein the mixing point may preferably be arranged in the vicinity, more preferably in the immediate vicinity, of the liquid extinguishing agent tank 2.

Overall, the second line system 7, in particular the connection or coupling between the inert gas system and the liquid extinguishing agent, is set and formed such that a two-phase flow is formed in the line section downstream of the mixing point 17, the mixing chamber or the mixing unit.

As already mentioned, the mixing of quenching gas and liquid extinguishing agent or extinguishing water at the mixing point can be carried out such that in the mixing point downstream line section of the second conduit system 7, a 2-phase flow, i. a flow of extinguishing droplets, is present. This can be achieved by reducing the amount of quenching gas so as to achieve the above-mentioned condition, as compared with known systems. that the extinguishing concentration is not reached. With a reduced amount of extinguishing gas, in particular, the expansion refrigeration introduced into the second conduit system 7, which arises when the extinguishing gas expands from the compressed gas reservoir, can be reduced, so that ice formation and icing in the operating area can be avoided during extinguishing water.

Due to the coexisting possibilities of pressurized introduction of the inert gas and the introduction of the 2-phase mixture in the room, a particularly efficient, with comparatively low extinguishing agent use feasible fire and / or fire fighting can be achieved.

In particular, by the generation of a two-phase flow and the supply of the two-phase flow through the outlet openings in the or each affected spaces a comparatively good and fine distribution, atomization and atomization of the liquid extinguishing agent can be achieved so that fire and / or herds of fire can be relatively effectively and efficiently suppressed or combated.

To set a suitable mixture of liquid extinguishing agent and extinguishing gas, the fire protection device 1 in embodiments may include a corresponding control and / or regulation, which is designed to set a suitable mixing ratio such that adjusts the mixing point downstream of a 2-phase flow in the second conduit system , In particular, for adjustment a suitable mixing ratio specially designed throttles for adjusting the liquid-gas mixture may be present.

The proposed fire protection device 1 can be operated with relatively low pressures in the range between 8 and 30 bar in the pipe system. In particular, at such pressures can be achieved that forms a 2-phase flow from the liquid extinguishing agent in the second conduit system 7. Apart from this, in piping systems and other components of the fire protection device 1 compared to systems that operate at much higher pressures (especially 100 bar and more), weight can be saved. It should also be mentioned that the lower pressures require less effort with regard to bursting safety and the like.

Overall, it can be seen that the fire protection device 1 described above offers the possibility for a weight and space-optimized fire fighting, which is particularly suitable for use on board aircraft and other means of transport.

In embodiments, the second line branch 13 on the one hand be designed and configured to pressurize the liquid extinguishing agent tank in the event of an emergency. For this purpose, a first branch line 14 of the second line branch 13 can be connected via a gas throttle 15, for example a diaphragm, to the inner volume of the liquid extinguishing agent tank 2. The pressurization and the connection of the second line branch 13 to the liquid extinguishing agent tank 2 may in particular be designed such that in the case of use, the liquid extinguishing agent 3 can be pressed or pressed from the liquid extinguishing agent tank 2.

On the other hand, the second line branch 13 may also be designed and configured to provide inerting gas for the generation of the two-phase mixture or to supply it to a mixing point 17, a mixing chamber or a mixing unit. Here, the second line branch 13, in particular a second branch line 16, can be connected to the mixing point 17 via a second gas throttle 15. The mixing point 17 is, as already discussed above, downstream of the liquid extinguishing agent tank 2 and upstream of the outlet openings 18.

In particular, the mixing ratio between liquid extinguishing agent 3 and extinguishing gas in the mixing point can be adjusted or influenced via the gas throttles 15. Especially can be adjusted via the gas throttle 15, the volume or mass flow of liquid extinguishing agent 3 to the mixing point 17, and it can be set to the mixing point 17, the pressure and / or flow rate of inerting gas.

In embodiments, the inert gas source may comprise a compressed gas container, in particular one or more compressed gas cylinders 4, and / or an inert gas production system present on board the aircraft. The volume and / or the number of pressurized gas containers may vary according to the requirements and circumstances of the rooms to be provided with fire protection measures, such as volume and duration of a firefighting measure, leakage / air exchange rate and depending on the performance of the inert gas generation system.

In the proposed fire protection device 1, in particular a two-stage or a two-phase fire fighting process can be performed.

In an extinguishing measure, inert gas, for example nitrogen, can be introduced into the respective extinguishing volume 11 or the respective extinguishing volume 11 by activating or opening one or more gas valves 20 of the pressurized gas container, thereby reducing in particular the oxygen content of the air can, for example, to a content of less than 12%, which is above the extinguishing concentration. At the same time, the mixture of liquid extinguishing agent and quenching gas can be introduced via the second conduit system 7 in order to cool any fire or flame stoves below the ignition temperature. The chronological order of the extinguishing measures can be selected according to the respective requirements. In particular, both extinguishing measures can be triggered simultaneously, and after consumption of the liquid extinguishing agent 3, the introduction of extinguishing gas into the extinguishing volume 11 can be continued to keep the concentration above the extinguishing concentration.

In variants, it may be provided that outputs of the compressed gas container 4 and of the inert gas generation system 5 are connected to one another in a crossing point of the first line system 6. Thus, the first line system 6 and indirectly also the second line system 7, both via the or the compressed gas container 4 and via the inert gas generating system 5 are supplied with quenching gas or acted upon.

In further variants, it may be provided that the inert gas generation system 5 is secured with respect to the first conduit system 6 by a check valve 22. Specifically, it can be provided that the inert gas generating system 5 downstream and upstream of the intersection point, the check valve 22 is present, so that a reflux of quenching gas or even liquid extinguishing agent 3 from the first conduit system 6 and / or second conduit system 7 to the inert gas generating system 5 can be prevented.

Preferably, the compressed gas source 4 downstream of a designed for pressure adjustment of the quenching gas reducing valve or a pressure reducer 21 is present. The reducing valve is preferably connected upstream of the crossing point 8, in which the compressed gas cylinder / s 4 and the inert gas generating system 5 are connected to one another. An appropriately constructed fire protection device 1 can meet in particular the safety standards required for airplanes.

To activate the inert gas source, in particular the compressed gas cylinder 4 and / or the inert gas generation system 5, i. For connecting the inert gas source to the first and / or second line system 6, 7 for feeding inerting gas, each automatic valves may be present in a case of emergency or use a comparatively rapid connection of the inert gas source to the first and / or second conduit system 6, 7th enable. In particular, the automatic valves may be designed such that they can be opened automatically in an emergency and / or opened remotely triggered. The automatic valves may in particular be pyrotechnic valves 20, which are relatively reliable, in particular over relatively long periods of time.

In embodiments, at least one first switching and distributing valve 12 may be present between the gas outlet openings 10, which are provided for introducing the inerting gas into the space (s) 11, and the inert gas source 4, 5. The distribution valve 12 may be configured such that, in the application, that or those gas outlet openings 10 or that group of gas outlet openings 10 or that line strand with one or more gas outlet openings 10 can be selectively selected and connected, which with inertizing Gas is to be applied.

In embodiments, it can be provided that a second switching and distribution valve 19 is present between the at least one outlet opening 18 and the liquid extinguishing agent tank 2. The second switching and distribution valve 19 may be adapted to selectively select and connect, in use, that or those outlet openings 18 or group of outlet openings 18 or a wiring harness with one or more outlet openings 18, which are supplied with the 2-phase mixture should.

The wiring of the gas outlet openings 10 and / or outlet openings 18 may be configured such that depending on the danger situation in the application in one or more areas of the aircraft under activation of the proposed fire protection device 1 firefighting measures, in particular automatically initiated and carried out.

It can be seen in particular that the fire protection device 1 described above and embodiments of the same represents an effective and efficient, and at the same time weight-optimized, fire protection system for aircraft, in particular commercial aircraft.

With the proposed fire protection device 1, a method for fire fighting in one or more rooms of an aircraft can be carried out in particular according to the following description.

In an extinguishing measure, the two-phase mixture of liquid extinguishing agent 3 and inerting gas can be introduced into one or more spaces 11 of the aircraft affected by fire and / or fire via the outlet openings 18.

At the same time, offset in time or subsequently, inertizing gas can be introduced via the first line system 6 and the gas outlet openings 10 into the respective room (s) in a further extinguishing step.

In particular, with simultaneous introduction of the inertizing gas via the first conduit system 6 and the 2-phase mixture, via the second conduit system 7, a comparatively fast fire fighting and suppression can be achieved. By gassing with inertizing gas, in particular nitrogen and / or another oxygen-poor gas, via the first conduit system 7, the oxygen content be lowered in the respective room, for example, to less than 12%, so that the extinguishing concentration is reached to prevent the flow of combustion reactions. By initiating the 2-phase mixture, inter alia, a lowering of the temperature of flame or fire hearths below the ignition temperature can be achieved.

In particular, the method may be designed such that the liquid-gas extinguishing measure can be extended over periods of a few minutes. Limiting for the duration of the liquid-gas extinguishing measure is in particular the amount of liquid extinguishing agent 3 and / or the amount of held inert gas. The gas extinguishing measure may be designed so that the inerting atmosphere in the room or rooms can be maintained up to a few hours. In the gas extinguishing measure, the inert gas is preferably taken out of the inert gas generation system 5, while in the liquid-gas extinguishing measure, the inert gas is preferably taken from the compressed gas reservoir 4.

With the proposed 2-stage or 2-phase process, a comparatively effective and efficient as well as powerful fire protection can be achieved on board aircraft.

In embodiments of the method, the activation of the fire protection device 1 can be achieved by a pyrotechnic activation unit, e.g. the pyrotechnic valves 20, take place.

In embodiments of the method, it can further be provided that in a two-phase mixing unit, the liquid extinguishing agent 3 and the inertizing gas are mixed in such a way that a two-phase flow is formed in one of the two-phase mixing unit downstream line section of the second line system Extinguishing droplets in a flow of inertizing gas forms.

In variants it can be provided that the 2-phase flow is generated in such a way that an average droplet size, i. H. average droplet diameter at the exit location (outlet opening 18), in the range between 10 and 100 microns is generated.

In embodiments of the method it can be provided that at the outlet openings 18 during the introduction of the 2-phase mixture a given, substantially constant outlet pressure prevails or is set. For example, the pressure can be in the range between 8 and 15 bar or between 8 and 30 bar. By setting a constant outlet pressure, a particularly advantageous, in particular uniform, distribution of the extinguishing agent droplets in the respective spaces 11 can be achieved.

It is particularly evident that the proposed two-stage process, in combination with the fire protection device 1 also proposed herein, offers a particularly effective and efficient way of fighting fires in airplanes.

In particular, when using water as a liquid extinguishing agent may be installed to prevent icing or even freezing of the liquid extinguishing agent tank, for example, at longer stand life, a (not shown in the figures) heating. The heater is, if present, preferably designed such that the tank volume within a predetermined period of time, for example in the range of 30 minutes, can be thawed. It would also be possible to add icing protection to the liquid extinguishing agent. Another alternative, to avoid freezing of the tank at longer BodenStandzeiten is to couple the liquid extinguishing agent tank with the fresh water system, so that the liquid extinguishing agent tank can be emptied together with the fresh water before longer ground life and refilled before flying, thereby freezing at least during longer Floor life can be avoided.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic structure of an exemplary embodiment of a wetting plant proposed herein. The wetting system 23 comprises a liquid extinguishing agent tank 2 and a pressurized gas bottle 4 designed for pressurized supply of an extinguishing gas, in particular inert gas. It should be mentioned that several liquid extinguishing agent tanks 2 and / or several pressurized gas cylinders 4 can also be present, which in particular can each be interconnected.

The compressed gas cylinder 4 is connected via a first quenching gas line 24 and an intermediate gas throttle with the liquid extinguishing agent tank 2. In this way, the liquid extinguishing agent 3 contained in the liquid extinguishing agent tank 2, in particular in a defined manner, can be pressed out of the liquid extinguishing agent tank 2.

The compressed gas cylinder 4 is connected via the first quenching gas line 24 and a second quenching gas line 25 branching off from it to an outlet opening 18. Optionally, a pressure regulator 26 can be installed downstream of the compressed gas cylinder in the first extinguishing gas line 24. The liquid extinguishing agent tank 2 is connected to the mixing point 17 via an extinguishing medium line 27.

In the second quenching gas line 25, a gas throttle 15 and a mixing point 17 are present in succession in the flow direction of the quenching gas. The quantity or volumes of quenching gas and liquid extinguishing agent which are fed to the mixing point can be adjusted via the two throttles 15.

The wetting system 23 is scaled to a predetermined extinguishing volume, and in particular, the throttles 15 and the mixing point 17 are arranged such that the quenching gas to liquid extinguishing agent ratio is set so that when the wetting plant 23 is operated in the operating range, i. upon introduction of the 2-phase mixture into the quench volume, i. in one or more rooms, the extinguishing concentration of extinguishing gas in the extinguishing volume is not reached, i. that the concentration of quenching gas remains below the quenching concentration. This results in particular in the advantages described above.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic structure of an exemplary second embodiment of a fire protection device 1 proposed herein, comprising the wetting system 23 after FIG. 2 , In addition to the as in FIG. 2 described wetting system 23, the fire protection device 1 further comprises a gas extinguishing system 28 which is functionally coupled to the wetting system 23. As already described, the wetting system 23 can introduce the two-phase mixture into the space (s) 11 or the extinguishing volume. Due to the comparatively small amount of extinguishing gas which is added to the liquid extinguishing agent, in particular to avoid icing at least, the concentration of extinguishing gas in the liquid-gas extinguishing by the wetting system 23 is not reached .. To the extinguishing gas concentration yet to achieve, and this to maintain even after the liquid-gas extinguishing, the gas extinguishing system 28 is provided, which is intended to initiate extinguishing gas in the / the rooms. The combination and functional coupling of the wetting system 23 with the gas extinguishing system 28, a particularly safe and reliable fire fighting can be achieved.

In the present example, the gas extinguishing system 28 comprises a compressed gas cylinder 4, which is connected to the gas outlet openings 10 via a third extinguishing gas line 29. Optionally, a pressure regulator 26 and / or a gas throttle 15 may be present between the outlet of the compressed gas cylinder 4 and gas outlet openings 10.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic structure of an exemplary third embodiment of a fire protection device 1 proposed herein. The fire protection device of the third embodiment differs from that of the second embodiment FIG. 3 in that the wetting system 23 and the gas extinguishing system 28 are fed together from one, or optionally also several, compressed gas cylinders 4. In this case, the third gas line 29 is connected or coupled to the first quenching gas line 24. To set the mixing point 17, the outlet opening 18 and the gas outlet openings 10 supplied quantities or volumes of extinguishing gas or liquid extinguishing agent, the wetting system 1 in the first to third quenching gas lines 24, 25, 29 various chokes 15 and / or pressure regulator 26 include ,

In the present exemplary embodiment, the first extinguishing gas line 24 is preceded by a pressure regulator 26, and in the first 24 and second extinguishing gas line 25, throttles 15 are provided downstream of the pressure regulator 26. This arrangement and wiring corresponds to the FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 ,

In the gas extinguishing system 28, a pressure regulator 26 and / or a gas throttle 15 may optionally be provided in the third extinguishing gas line 29 between compressed gas cylinder 4 and first extinguishing gas line 24 and the gas outlet openings 10. If both elements are present, the gas throttle 15 may be connected upstream of the pressure regulator 26 in the flow direction of the extinguishing gas.

FIG. 5 1 shows a schematic structure of an exemplary fourth embodiment of a fire protection device 1 proposed herein. The fire protection device 1 according to the fourth embodiment comprises, like the second and third embodiments, a subunit operating as wetting unit 23 and a subassembly operating as a gas extinguishing system 28. The two subunits correspond in their general function to the second and third embodiments. In the present embodiment, the two subunits are coupled together in the region of the gas-carrying lines, which will be described in more detail below.

The subunit operating as wetting unit 23 comprises a compressed gas tank 4, which is connected via an optional pressure regulator 26 and via a gas throttle 15 to the liquid extinguishing agent tank 2 via the first extinguishing gas line 24. Instead of a single compressed gas tank 4, a plurality of interconnected compressed gas tanks 4 may be present in the wetting unit 23. The liquid extinguishing agent tank 2 is connected to the mixing point 17 via the extinguishing medium line 27, so that the liquid extinguishing agent 3 can be supplied to the mixing point 17 when the liquid extinguishing medium tank 2 is pressurized with extinguishing gas from the pressurized gas tank 4 of the wetting unit 23.

The operating as a gas extinguishing system 28 subunit comprises a compressed gas tank 4 for pressurized storage and provision of quenching gas. Instead of a compressed gas tank and several interconnected compressed gas tanks may be present. The compressed gas tank 4 is followed by a pressure regulator 26, from which on the one hand, the gas outlet openings 10 is fed via an optional throttle valve 15, and on the other hand via a throttle valve 15, the mixing point 17 is fed. This means that the compressed gas tank 4 associated with the gas extinguishing system 28 is connected by different branches to both the gas outlet openings 10 and the mixing point 17, and feeds them during operation with quenching gas.

The gas restrictors 15 and, if present, pressure regulators 26 are designed and arranged to achieve the above-described effects of the present invention, i. as such, the liquid extinguishing agent extinguishing gas based extinguishment does not result in the extinguishing concentration for the extinguishing gas being reached under operating range.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 5 the gas outlet openings 10 and the mixing point 17 are fed simultaneously with quenching gas. Accordingly, upon activation of the fire protection system 1, in particular already upon activation of the sub-unit operating as wetting system 23, the extinguishing volume, ie the space 11, is treated with extinguishing gas from the gas outlet openings 10 and the 2-phase mixture from the outlet openings 18.

In particular, from the above description it is clear that the proposed herein wetting system 23 and a fire protection device 1 equipped therewith, as well as the proposed method for fire fighting solve the problem underlying the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Fire protection system

2

Liquid agent tank

3

Liquid extinguishing agent

4

Pressure cylinder

5

Inert gas production facility

6

first line system

7

second pipe system

8th

output

9

first line branch

10

Gas outlet

11

extinguishing volume

12

first distribution valve

13

second line branch

14

first branch line

15

accelerator

16

second branch line

17

mixing point

18

outlet

19

second distribution valve

20

pyrotechnic valve

21

pressure reducer

22

check valve

23

Wetting system

24

first extinguishing gas line

25

second quenching gas line

26

pressure regulator

27

Extinguisher line

28

Gas extinguishing system

29

third quenching gas line

Claims (10)

1. Wetting system (23) for fire protection systems (1), designed and equipped for wetting a predetermined extinguishing volume (11) with liquid extinguishant (3), comprising

   - a liquid extinguishant tank (2) designed for storing the liquid extinguishant (3),

   - a compressed gas accumulator (4) designed for the pressurized storage of extinguishing gas,

   - a piping system (7; 24, 25) designed for introducing a liquid extinguishant-gas mixture into the extinguishing volume (11) via at least one discharge opening (18),

   wherein
   the liquid extinguishant tank (2) and compressed gas accumulator (4)

   - are interconnected via the piping system (24) and

   - feed a mixing point (17) of the piping system (7; 24, 25) which is designed for generating the liquid extinguishant-gas mixture and is connected upstream of the at least one outlet opening (18),

   characterized in that the wetting system comprises an additional piping system (29) which is connected to the compressed gas accumulator (4) and is different from the piping system (7; 24, 25), and which is designed and equipped for exclusively introducing extinguishing gas into the extinguishing volume (11) via gas outlet openings (10), and
   the piping system (7; 24, 25) is designed and laid out in such a way that in a pure liquid-gas extinguishing measure within a defined operating envelope the concentration of extinguishing gas in the extinguishing volume (11) remains below the extinguishing concentration.
2. Wetting system (23) according to Claim 1, wherein the piping system (7; 24, 25) comprises at least one pressure- and/or volume-limiting element (15, 26) which is, or are, connected upstream of the mixing point (17) and by means of which the pressure and/or volumetric flow of the extinguishing gas is, or are, adjusted in such a way that the concentration of extinguishing gas in the extinguishing volume (11) in the case of a pure liquid-gas extinguishing within the operating envelope remains below the extinguishing concentration.
3. Wetting system (23) according to Claim 2, wherein the at least one pressure- and/or volume-limiting element (15, 26) is, or are, designed in such a way that the extinguishing liquid-gas mixture has a composition consisting of 50 wt% to 70 wt% of extinguishing liquid and 30 wt% to 50 wt% of extinguishing gas.
4. Wetting system (23) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one pressure- and/or volume-limiting element (15, 26) is, or are, designed in such a way that the extinguishing gas pressure in the piping system lies between 8 bar and 30 bar.
5. Wetting system (23) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the compressed gas accumulator (4) comprises at least two compressed gas tanks (4), wherein the piping system (7, 24, 25) is fed from a first compressed gas tank (4) and the additional piping system (29) is fed from a separate, second compressed gas tank (4).
6. Wetting system (23) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the compressed gas accumulator (4) comprises a plurality of interconnected compressed gas tanks (4) which together feed the piping system (7, 24, 25), the liquid extinguishant tank (2) and the additional piping system (29).
7. Wetting system (23) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid extinguishant tank (2) comprises a separate compressed gas accumulator (4) associated with this for the pressurized introduction of the liquid extinguishant into the piping system (7, 24, 25).
8. Fire protection system (1) comprising a wetting system (23) according to one of Claims 1 to 7.
9. Fire protection system (1) according to Claim 8, furthermore comprising a gas extinguishing system (28) which is designed for exclusively introducing extinguishing gas into the extinguishing volume (11) in such a way that an at least fire-retarding extinguishing concentration of extinguishing gas is achieved in the extinguishing volume (11).
10. Method for firefighting in an extinguishing volume (11) in aircraft, using a wetting system (23) according to one of Claims 1 to 7 or a fire protection system (1) according to either of Claims 8 and 9, wherein in one firefighting measure a liquid-gas mixture consisting of liquid extinguishant and extinguishing gas is introduced via a piping system (7; 24, 25) into the extinguishing volume (11), wherein the introduction of the liquid-gas mixture is adjusted in such a way that by means of the pure liquid-gas extinguishing within a defined operating envelope the concentration of extinguishing gas in the extinguishing volume (11) remains below the extinguishing concentration of the extinguishing gas, wherein in a further firefighting measure, which can proceed at the same time, in a temporally overlapping manner and/or temporally after the fire fighting measure, extinguishing gas is exclusively introduced via an additional piping system (6; 29) into the extinguishing volume (11).

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