EP3568214A1 - Sensor-based fire inerting gas system - Google Patents

Sensor-based fire inerting gas system

Info

Publication number
EP3568214A1
EP3568214A1 EP18700991.5A EP18700991A EP3568214A1 EP 3568214 A1 EP3568214 A1 EP 3568214A1 EP 18700991 A EP18700991 A EP 18700991A EP 3568214 A1 EP3568214 A1 EP 3568214A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fire
indoor location
inerting
inerting gas
amount
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP18700991.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3568214B1 (en
Inventor
Torbjørn LAURSEN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fire Eater AS
Original Assignee
Fire Eater AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fire Eater AS filed Critical Fire Eater AS
Publication of EP3568214A1 publication Critical patent/EP3568214A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3568214B1 publication Critical patent/EP3568214B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • 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
    • A62C37/00—Control of fire-fighting equipment
    • A62C37/36—Control of fire-fighting equipment an actuating signal being generated by a sensor separate from an outlet device
    • A62C37/38—Control of fire-fighting equipment an actuating signal being generated by a sensor separate from an outlet device by both sensor and actuator, e.g. valve, being in the danger zone
    • A62C37/40—Control of fire-fighting equipment an actuating signal being generated by a sensor separate from an outlet device by both sensor and actuator, e.g. valve, being in the danger zone with electric connection between sensor and actuator

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of fire inerting. More particularly, it relates to the field of indoor fire inerting gas systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • an inerting system In the field of indoor fire inerting gas systems, an inerting system is often installed to inert a fire in a specific room or a plurality of rooms. In the procedure of inerting the fire, an amount of inert gas is discharged into the room to reduce the percentage of oxygen in the air of the room. The reduced level of oxygen serves to inert the fire in the room.
  • Certain types of inerting gasses allow people to breathe and function in the room with an oxygen level low enough to inert the fire. The inerting gasses themselves commonly do not contain oxygen but in conjunction with the remaining atmospheric air in the room, they may create a fire inerting atmosphere that allows a person in the room to breathe.
  • Indoor fire inerting gas systems may be configured to release a predetermined amount of fire inerting gas in case of a fire.
  • release of the predetermined amount of fire inerting gas may not lead to the desired composition of the fire inerting atmosphere in cases when there is an unpredicted flow of air to or from the indoor location. This may have a negative effect on the properties of the fire inerting atmosphere as the concentration of, e.g., oxygen in the fire inerting atmosphere would be different from the desired concentration.
  • embodiments provide a system for inerting a fire at an indoor location, the system comprising :
  • control system for controlling release of the inerting gas into the indoor location
  • At least one fire detector connected to the control system for detecting a fire and/or signs of a fire at and/or near the indoor location;
  • control system configured to:
  • embodiments provide a method for inerting a fire at an indoor location by means of a system as described in the first aspect, the method comprising the step of:
  • the fire detector detects a fire and/or signs of a fire at and/or near the indoor location, the amount being determined based on at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire.
  • embodiments provide a method for modifying a system for inerting a fire, the system comprising :
  • At least one fire detector connected to the control system for detecting a fire and/or signs of a fire at and/or near the indoor location;
  • At least one sensor configured for detecting at least one condition at and/or near the indoor location other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire, the at least one condition being an air pressure and/or a flow of air and/or an open-or-closed state of a closable path into the indoor location;
  • control system configured to:
  • an indoor location is to be understood as any indoor location such as, e.g., a room of a building, a room or cargo compartment of a ship or plane, a construction or traffic tunnel or a garage.
  • a closable path is to be understood as being any path into the indoor location that may be intermittently closed or open. Accordingly, the closable path may be a structure such as, e.g., a doorway, a window, a hatch, a gate, etc.
  • source of an inerting gas should be understood as something capable of providing an inerting gas such as, e.g., a gas generator or a gas vessel or container, possibly pressurized.
  • a gas generator may, e.g., form the inerting gas by mixing an appropriate ratio of gases making up the individual components of the inerting gas commonly being, e.g., nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
  • a concentration in percent by volume is referred to as a concentration in percent.
  • a concentration denoted as 9-13% is to be understood as a
  • the fire inerting gas system is allowed to inert a fire with increased effectiveness.
  • the at least one sensor is able to detect at least condition being an air pressure and/or a flow of air and/or an open-or-closed state of a closable path into the indoor location
  • the fire inerting gas system is able to take at least one of these conditions into account when responding to a fire. Accordingly, the fire inerting gas system is allowed to operate based on real-time conditions and thus optimize performance.
  • the fire inerting gas system is allowed to refrain from delivering an additional amount of inerting gas to the indoor location until the sensor detects at least one of the conditions. This may enable saving fire inerting gas until a suitable time when there is a need for additional inerting gas. It may further prevent an excess amount of delivered fire inerting gas to bring down the concentration of oxygen to an undesirable level. Accordingly, present embodiments may increase effectiveness and reliability of the fire inerting gas system.
  • Each of the conditions being an air pressure and/or a flow of air and/or an open-or-closed state of a closable path into the indoor location may each individually or in combination be signs of an air passage into the indoor location. So by controlling the amount of delivered gas on the basis of at least one of the detected conditions, the fire inerting gas system is allowed to at least partly compensate for an air passage. For instance, if a door or window leading into the indoor location is detected to be open, the delivered amount of inerting gas is controlled to be larger than it would have been if the door or window would have been detected to be closed.
  • the increased amount of delivered inerting gas may at least partly compensate for inerting gas escaping through the open door, that would possibly not have escaped had the door been closed. Moreover, it is generally expected that some of the delivered inerting gas will be expelled from the indoor location through expected air passages into the indoor location. Such expected air passages may be compensated for by a predetermined amount of delivered inerting gas. However, intermittent air passages are not able to be compensated for by a predetermined amount of delivered inerting gas. Embodiments of the present invention enable compensation for intermittent air passages.
  • the predetermined amount of delivered inerting gas was determined on the basis of some or all of doors and/or windows leading to the indoor location being open, delivery of the predetermined amount of inerting gas could potentially lead to a concentration of oxygen well below the target concentration of oxygen.
  • controlling the amount of inerting gas delivered to the indoor location on the basis of the at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire comprises delivering one of at least two different predetermined amounts of inerting gas, each of the predetermined amounts of inerting gas being predetermined based on at least the size of the indoor location.
  • 'size' may be understood as volume or area.
  • the predetermined amounts of delivered inerting gas based on the size of the indoor location allows for estimation of the concentrations of, e.g., oxygen obtained after delivery of the inerting gas for different detected conditions. Such prediction allows for predetermining the amount of delivered inerting gas to achieve a breathable yet fire inerting concentration of oxygen at the indoor location under different conditions. Further, by delivering a
  • the amount of inerting gas delivered to the indoor location is allowed to be controlled on the basis of the at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire, without the need for feedback from detectors or sensors during delivery of the inerting gas. This in turn allows for very swift delivery of the inerting gas.
  • each of the predetermined amounts of inerting gas is predetermined on the basis of at least a desired target concentration of oxygen and/or a desired target
  • concentration of carbon dioxide the target concentration of oxygen being around 8-14% and the target concentration of carbon dioxide being 2-5%.
  • the target concentration of oxygen is preferentially around 8-14%, possibly 10-12%, and thereby low enough to inert the fire and still high enough to allow people to breathe under the right circumstances.
  • the target concentration of oxygen may be combined with a target concentration of carbon dioxide of 2- 5% being higher than the usual concentration of carbon dioxide in atmospheric air of around 0.05%.
  • the concentration of oxygen of the inerting gas is preferentially well below the target concentration of oxygen, preferentially void of oxygen. This allows for bringing down the concentration of oxygen at the indoor location.
  • the concentration of carbon dioxide of the inerting gas is preferentially well above the target concentration of carbon dioxide.
  • the concentration of carbon dioxide in the inerting gas is 4-12%.
  • the concentration of oxygen and the concentration of carbon dioxide of the inerting gas may depend on the flooding factor.
  • the flooding factor is a factor commonly known in the field and is a measure of the volume of the inerting gas delivered into the indoor location divided by the volume of the open space of the indoor location. As such, the higher the flooding factor, the closer the concentration of oxygen and/or carbon dioxide in the first inerting gas should be to the target concentration(s).
  • each of the predetermined amounts of inerting gas is predetermined on the basis of at least one threshold value for each of the at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire.
  • the value of a closable path may be defined as being 0 if the closable path is closed and 1 if the closable path is fully open.
  • a threshold value for the condition being an open-or-closed state of a closable path into the indoor location may then suitably be defined as any number between 0 and 1 such as, e.g., 0.1, 0.5 or 0.9. Accordingly, the value of a closed closable path would be below the threshold value, and the value of an open closable path would be above the threshold value.
  • the sensor is configured for detecting the air pressure at or near the indoor location, wherein the control system is configured to:
  • Present embodiments are particularly advantages if the indoor location has an expected over pressure in case no unexpected air passages exist, e.g., when no windows or doors into the indoor location are open.
  • a detected pressure below the threshold pressure is an indicator of an unexpected air passage such as, e.g., an open window or door.
  • delivery of the second amount of inerting gas being larger than the first amount of inerting gas at least partly compensates for the escape of inerting gas through the unexpected air passage. Delivery of the second amount of inerting gas accordingly enables reaching a concentration of oxygen and possibly also carbon dioxide closer to the target concentration(s) at the indoor location.
  • the senor is configured for detecting if the closable path leading to the indoor location is closed or open, wherein the control system is configured to:
  • the larger third amount of inerting gas is able to at least partly compensate for escape of inerting gas through the closable path detected open upon detection of a fire and/or signs of a fire. Delivery of the third amount of inerting gas accordingly enables reaching a concentration of oxygen and possibly also carbon dioxide closer to the target concentration(s) at the indoor location.
  • the senor is configured for detecting a flow of air at or near the indoor location, wherein the fire inerting gas system is configured to deliver a first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the detected flow of air is below a first threshold flow, and to deliver a fourth amount being larger than the first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the detected flow of air is above the first threshold flow.
  • the larger fourth amount of inerting gas may at least partly compensate for any open closable path indicated by the flow of air larger than the first threshold flow.
  • the relatively large flow of air may also be indicative of relatively windy conditions, which may then be compensated for by the larger fourth amount of inerting gas. Delivery of the fourth amount of inerting gas accordingly enables reaching a concentration of oxygen and possibly also carbon dioxide closer to the target concentration(s) at the indoor location.
  • the fire inerting gas system comprises at least one first container containing the first amount of inerting gas, and a first conduit extending at least from the at least one first container into the indoor location via a valve.
  • delivering the first amount of inerting gas may only require opening a valve to the at least one first container. This enables reliable and convenient delivery of the first amount of inerting gas.
  • the fire inerting gas system comprises at least one second container, third container and/or fourth container, each of the at least one container respectively containing the second, third and/or fourth amounts of inerting gas, and each container being in communication with the indoor location via a valve.
  • each of the second, third or fourth amounts of inerting gas may be enabled by opening the valve between the respective at least one second, third or fourth container.
  • This enables reliable and convenient delivery of the second, third and fourth amounts of inerting gas.
  • the second, third and fourth amounts are equal to each other.
  • the at least one third and fourth containers are not necessary if the fire inerting gas system comprises the at least one second container.
  • the senor is configured for detecting the air pressure at or near the indoor location, and wherein the control system is configured to:
  • the detected pressure being lower than the second threshold pressure indicates that delivery of the first amount of inerting gas may not have been sufficient. Delivery of the fifth amount of inerting gas may at least partly compensate for the insufficient delivery of inerting gas.
  • a reason for the second threshold pressure not having been reached after delivery of the first amount of inerting gas may be, e.g., an open door or window. It may also be another unpredicted factor such as a reconstruction of the indoor location not otherwise compensated for by the control system of the fire inerting gas system.
  • the sensor is configured for detecting if the closable path leading to the indoor location is closed or open, wherein the control system is configured to:
  • delivery of the sixth amount of inerting gas may at least partly compensate for oxygen containing air entering and/or inerting gas escaping through the open closable path.
  • the senor is configured for detecting a flow of air at or near the indoor location, and wherein the control system is configured to:
  • the detected flow of air being larger than the second threshold flow may indicate that inerting gas is leaving and/or atmospheric air is entering the indoor location faster than expected. Delivery of the seventh amount of inerting gas may at least partly compensate for such loss of inerting gas or gain of atmospheric air.
  • the fire inerting gas system comprises at least one fifth container, sixth container and/or seventh container, each of the at least one containers respectively containing fifth, sixth and/or seventh amounts of inerting gas, and each container being in communication with the indoor location via a valve.
  • each of the fifth, sixth or seventh amounts of inerting gas may be enabled by opening the valve between the respective at least one fifth, sixth or seventh container.
  • delivery of each of the fifth, sixth or seventh amounts of inerting gas may be enabled by opening the valve between the respective at least one fifth, sixth or seventh container.
  • the fifth, sixth and seventh amounts are equal to each other.
  • the at least one sixth and seventh containers are not necessary if the fire inerting gas system comprises the at least one fifth container.
  • At least one temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature and/or temperature change at or near the indoor location.
  • a relatively high and/or rising temperature may be a sign insufficient inerting gas at the indoor location. This may be at least partly compensated for by the control system causing release of additional inerting gas.
  • Figs. 1-4 illustrates respective first, second, third and fourth embodiments of a system according to the invention.
  • the system 100 is arranged to deliver fire inerting gas at an indoor location 102.
  • the system comprises an inerting gas system 104 at the indoor location 102.
  • the fire inerting gas system 104 comprises a source of inerting gas in the form of a first container 106 containing a first amount of pressurized inerting gas and a second container 206 containing a second amount of pressurized inerting gas.
  • the fire inerting gas system 104 further comprises a fire detector 108 for detecting at least one condition indicative of the presence of a fire at the indoor location 102.
  • the fire inerting gas system 104 further comprises a sensor 302 configured for detecting at least one condition at and/or near the indoor location other than a condition indicative of a fire. Both the fire detector 108 and the sensor 302 are arranged to communicate their output via
  • the control system 110 is configured to deliver an amount of inerting gas to the indoor location 102 in case the fire detector 108 detects a condition indicative of a fire and to control the amount of delivered inerting gas on the basis of input from the sensor 302.
  • the senor 302 is configured for sensing an open-or- closed state of a closable path into the indoor location 102. More specifically, it is arranged for sensing an open-or-closed state of a door 304 leading into the indoor location 102.
  • the fire detector 108 of the arrangement in Fig. 1 having an open door 304 detected a fire
  • the second amount of inerting gas being larger than the first amount of inerting gas would be delivered into the indoor location 102 for inerting the fire.
  • the door 304 had been closed when the fire was detected, the first amount of inerting gas would have been delivered. If then, the door 304 was opened after delivery of the first amount of inerting gas, a third amount of inerting gas from a third container (not shown) would be delivered into the indoor location 102.
  • the senor 302 is configured for sensing a flow of air near the door 304 leading into the indoor location 102.
  • a flow of air above a first flow threshold before release of the first amount of inerting gas is considered a sign of an open door 304 and as such the fire inerting gas system 104 will be controlled as if the door 304 was detected to be opened as described in the embodiment with reference to Fig. 1.
  • the sensor 302 is configured for detecting an air pressure.
  • the control system 110 of the system 100 of Fig. 3 is configured to deliver the first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location 102 when the fire detector 108 detects a fire if the detected air pressure is larger than a first threshold pressure. Had the detected pressure been smaller than the first threshold pressure, the control system 110 had delivered the second amount of inerting gas. Then, after delivery of the first or second amount of inerting gas, if a detected air pressure is below a second pressure threshold, the control system 110 is configured to deliver a fifth amount of inerting gas from a fifth container (not shown) to the indoor location 102.
  • the first container 106, second container 206 and control system 110 of the fire inerting gas system 104 are arranged just outside the indoor location 102.
  • the first container 106, second container 206 and control system 110 of the fire inerting gas system 104 are arranged inside the indoor location 102.
  • the sensor 302 of the system 100 in the embodiment of Fig. 4 is configured for detecting an air pressure and a flow of air at the indoor location 102 as well as an open-or- closed state of the door 304 leading into the indoor location 102.
  • control system 110 configurations and sensor capabilities of embodiments shown in any of Figs. 1-4 may be combined freely so as to gain, e.g., more elaborate control schemes for the control system 110, sensors with increased functionality and/or additional sensors in any and each of the embodiments referred to.
  • control system 110 may optionally be configured to control the amount of inerting gas delivered to the indoor location 102 on the basis of the at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire by delivering one of at least two different predetermined amounts of inerting gas.
  • Each of the predetermined amounts of inerting gas is predetermined based on at least the size of the indoor location 102.
  • the predetermined amounts of delivered inerting gas based on the size of the indoor location 102 allows for estimation of the concentrations of, e.g., oxygen obtained after delivery of the inerting gas for different detected conditions.
  • control systems 110 of the embodiments of Figs. 1-4 are optionally configured so that each of the predetermined amounts of inerting gas are also predetermined on the basis of at least a desired target concentration of oxygen of 8-14% and/or a desired target
  • concentration of carbon dioxide of 2-5%. This allows for a fire inerting yet breathable atmosphere at the indoor location 102 after delivery of the inerting gas for different detected conditions.
  • control system 110 is optionally configured so that the predetermined amounts of inerting gas is predetermined on the basis of at least one threshold value for each of the at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire.
  • predetermining the amounts of inerting gas on the basis of at least one threshold value as compare to, e.g., a definition of change or fluctuations for the value of the condition, only comparison between values are needed to control the amount of inerting gas delivered to the indoor location on the basis of the at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire.

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

Abstract

A system (100) for inerting a fire at an indoor locations (102) comprises a first fire inerting gas system (104) configured to detect and inert a fire at an indoor locations (102). The system (100) further comprises a sensor (302) configured for detecting at least condition at or near the indoor location other than a condition indicative of a fire and a control system 5 (110). The control system (110) is arranged to deliver an amount of inerting gas to the indoor location (102) in case the fire detector (108) detects a condition indicative of a fire and to control the amount of delivered inerting gas on the basis of input from the sensor (302).

Description

SENSOR-BASED FIRE INERTING GAS SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of fire inerting. More particularly, it relates to the field of indoor fire inerting gas systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the field of indoor fire inerting gas systems, an inerting system is often installed to inert a fire in a specific room or a plurality of rooms. In the procedure of inerting the fire, an amount of inert gas is discharged into the room to reduce the percentage of oxygen in the air of the room. The reduced level of oxygen serves to inert the fire in the room. Certain types of inerting gasses allow people to breathe and function in the room with an oxygen level low enough to inert the fire. The inerting gasses themselves commonly do not contain oxygen but in conjunction with the remaining atmospheric air in the room, they may create a fire inerting atmosphere that allows a person in the room to breathe.
Indoor fire inerting gas systems may be configured to release a predetermined amount of fire inerting gas in case of a fire. However, release of the predetermined amount of fire inerting gas may not lead to the desired composition of the fire inerting atmosphere in cases when there is an unpredicted flow of air to or from the indoor location. This may have a negative effect on the properties of the fire inerting atmosphere as the concentration of, e.g., oxygen in the fire inerting atmosphere would be different from the desired concentration. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first aspect, embodiments provide a system for inerting a fire at an indoor location, the system comprising :
- a source of an inerting gas void of oxygen or having a first concentration of oxygen;
- a control system for controlling release of the inerting gas into the indoor location;
- at least one fire detector connected to the control system for detecting a fire and/or signs of a fire at and/or near the indoor location;
- at least one sensor configured for detecting at least one condition at and/or near the indoor location other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire, the at least one condition being an air pressure and/or a flow of air and/or an open-or-closed state of a closable path into the indoor location; wherein the control system is configured to:
- deliver an amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the at least one detector detects a fire and/or signs of a fire at and/or near the indoor location; and
- control the amount of inerting gas delivered to the indoor location on the basis of the at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire.
In a second aspect, embodiments provide a method for inerting a fire at an indoor location by means of a system as described in the first aspect, the method comprising the step of:
delivering an amount of inerting gas to the indoor location in case the fire detector detects a fire and/or signs of a fire at and/or near the indoor location, the amount being determined based on at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire.
In a third aspect, embodiments provide a method for modifying a system for inerting a fire, the system comprising :
- a source of an inerting gas void of oxygen or having a first concentration of oxygen;
- at least one fire detector connected to the control system for detecting a fire and/or signs of a fire at and/or near the indoor location;
the method comprising the steps of:
- providing at least one sensor configured for detecting at least one condition at and/or near the indoor location other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire, the at least one condition being an air pressure and/or a flow of air and/or an open-or-closed state of a closable path into the indoor location;
- providing a control system configured to:
- deliver an amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the at least one detector detects a fire and/or signs of a fire at and/or near the indoor location; and
- control the amount of inerting gas delivered to the indoor location on the basis of the at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire.
In the present context, an indoor location is to be understood as any indoor location such as, e.g., a room of a building, a room or cargo compartment of a ship or plane, a construction or traffic tunnel or a garage. In the present context, a closable path is to be understood as being any path into the indoor location that may be intermittently closed or open. Accordingly, the closable path may be a structure such as, e.g., a doorway, a window, a hatch, a gate, etc.
The term source of an inerting gas should be understood as something capable of providing an inerting gas such as, e.g., a gas generator or a gas vessel or container, possibly pressurized. A gas generator may, e.g., form the inerting gas by mixing an appropriate ratio of gases making up the individual components of the inerting gas commonly being, e.g., nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
In the present context, a concentration in percent by volume is referred to as a concentration in percent. Moreover, a concentration denoted as 9-13% is to be understood as a
concentration being 9-13 percent by volume.
Thanks to the configuration of the control system of the fire inerting gas system as above, the fire inerting gas system is allowed to inert a fire with increased effectiveness. Moreover, as the at least one sensor is able to detect at least condition being an air pressure and/or a flow of air and/or an open-or-closed state of a closable path into the indoor location, the fire inerting gas system is able to take at least one of these conditions into account when responding to a fire. Accordingly, the fire inerting gas system is allowed to operate based on real-time conditions and thus optimize performance.
Further, based on input from the at least one sensor, the fire inerting gas system is allowed to refrain from delivering an additional amount of inerting gas to the indoor location until the sensor detects at least one of the conditions. This may enable saving fire inerting gas until a suitable time when there is a need for additional inerting gas. It may further prevent an excess amount of delivered fire inerting gas to bring down the concentration of oxygen to an undesirable level. Accordingly, present embodiments may increase effectiveness and reliability of the fire inerting gas system.
Each of the conditions being an air pressure and/or a flow of air and/or an open-or-closed state of a closable path into the indoor location may each individually or in combination be signs of an air passage into the indoor location. So by controlling the amount of delivered gas on the basis of at least one of the detected conditions, the fire inerting gas system is allowed to at least partly compensate for an air passage. For instance, if a door or window leading into the indoor location is detected to be open, the delivered amount of inerting gas is controlled to be larger than it would have been if the door or window would have been detected to be closed. In the case of the detected open door or window, the increased amount of delivered inerting gas may at least partly compensate for inerting gas escaping through the open door, that would possibly not have escaped had the door been closed. Moreover, it is generally expected that some of the delivered inerting gas will be expelled from the indoor location through expected air passages into the indoor location. Such expected air passages may be compensated for by a predetermined amount of delivered inerting gas. However, intermittent air passages are not able to be compensated for by a predetermined amount of delivered inerting gas. Embodiments of the present invention enable compensation for intermittent air passages. Conversely, if the predetermined amount of delivered inerting gas was determined on the basis of some or all of doors and/or windows leading to the indoor location being open, delivery of the predetermined amount of inerting gas could potentially lead to a concentration of oxygen well below the target concentration of oxygen.
In embodiments, controlling the amount of inerting gas delivered to the indoor location on the basis of the at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire comprises delivering one of at least two different predetermined amounts of inerting gas, each of the predetermined amounts of inerting gas being predetermined based on at least the size of the indoor location.
In present context, the term 'size' may be understood as volume or area.
The predetermined amounts of delivered inerting gas based on the size of the indoor location allows for estimation of the concentrations of, e.g., oxygen obtained after delivery of the inerting gas for different detected conditions. Such prediction allows for predetermining the amount of delivered inerting gas to achieve a breathable yet fire inerting concentration of oxygen at the indoor location under different conditions. Further, by delivering a
predetermined amount of inerting gas to the indoor location, the amount of inerting gas delivered to the indoor location is allowed to be controlled on the basis of the at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire, without the need for feedback from detectors or sensors during delivery of the inerting gas. This in turn allows for very swift delivery of the inerting gas.
In embodiments, each of the predetermined amounts of inerting gas is predetermined on the basis of at least a desired target concentration of oxygen and/or a desired target
concentration of carbon dioxide, the target concentration of oxygen being around 8-14% and the target concentration of carbon dioxide being 2-5%.
When fire is detected, it is desirable to relatively quickly bring down the oxygen content from the common atmospheric concentration of oxygen at around 21% to a target concentration of oxygen at the indoor location in order to inert the fire. The target concentration of oxygen is preferentially around 8-14%, possibly 10-12%, and thereby low enough to inert the fire and still high enough to allow people to breathe under the right circumstances. The target concentration of oxygen may be combined with a target concentration of carbon dioxide of 2- 5% being higher than the usual concentration of carbon dioxide in atmospheric air of around 0.05%. To effectively reach the target concentration of oxygen, the concentration of oxygen of the inerting gas is preferentially well below the target concentration of oxygen, preferentially void of oxygen. This allows for bringing down the concentration of oxygen at the indoor location. Similarly, the concentration of carbon dioxide of the inerting gas is preferentially well above the target concentration of carbon dioxide. In embodiments, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the inerting gas is 4-12%. In general, the concentration of oxygen and the concentration of carbon dioxide of the inerting gas may depend on the flooding factor. Moreover, the flooding factor is a factor commonly known in the field and is a measure of the volume of the inerting gas delivered into the indoor location divided by the volume of the open space of the indoor location. As such, the higher the flooding factor, the closer the concentration of oxygen and/or carbon dioxide in the first inerting gas should be to the target concentration(s).
In embodiments, each of the predetermined amounts of inerting gas is predetermined on the basis of at least one threshold value for each of the at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire. By predetermining the amounts of inerting gas on the basis of at least one threshold value, as compared to, e.g., a definition of change or fluctuations for the value of the condition, only comparison between values are needed to control the amount of inerting gas delivered to the indoor location on the basis of the at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire. This allows for rapid response of the fire inerting gas system.
In present context, the value of a closable path may be defined as being 0 if the closable path is closed and 1 if the closable path is fully open. A threshold value for the condition being an open-or-closed state of a closable path into the indoor location may then suitably be defined as any number between 0 and 1 such as, e.g., 0.1, 0.5 or 0.9. Accordingly, the value of a closed closable path would be below the threshold value, and the value of an open closable path would be above the threshold value. In embodiments, the sensor is configured for detecting the air pressure at or near the indoor location, wherein the control system is configured to:
- compare a detected pressure with a first threshold pressure,
- deliver a first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the detected pressure is above the threshold pressure; and
- deliver a second amount being larger than the first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the detected pressure is below the first threshold pressure.
Present embodiments are particularly advantages if the indoor location has an expected over pressure in case no unexpected air passages exist, e.g., when no windows or doors into the indoor location are open. In this case, a detected pressure below the threshold pressure is an indicator of an unexpected air passage such as, e.g., an open window or door. Accordingly, delivery of the second amount of inerting gas being larger than the first amount of inerting gas at least partly compensates for the escape of inerting gas through the unexpected air passage. Delivery of the second amount of inerting gas accordingly enables reaching a concentration of oxygen and possibly also carbon dioxide closer to the target concentration(s) at the indoor location.
In embodiments, the sensor is configured for detecting if the closable path leading to the indoor location is closed or open, wherein the control system is configured to:
- deliver a first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the closable path is closed; and
- deliver a third amount being larger than the first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the closable path is open.
In this case, the larger third amount of inerting gas is able to at least partly compensate for escape of inerting gas through the closable path detected open upon detection of a fire and/or signs of a fire. Delivery of the third amount of inerting gas accordingly enables reaching a concentration of oxygen and possibly also carbon dioxide closer to the target concentration(s) at the indoor location.
In embodiments, the sensor is configured for detecting a flow of air at or near the indoor location, wherein the fire inerting gas system is configured to deliver a first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the detected flow of air is below a first threshold flow, and to deliver a fourth amount being larger than the first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the detected flow of air is above the first threshold flow. In this case, the larger fourth amount of inerting gas may at least partly compensate for any open closable path indicated by the flow of air larger than the first threshold flow. The relatively large flow of air may also be indicative of relatively windy conditions, which may then be compensated for by the larger fourth amount of inerting gas. Delivery of the fourth amount of inerting gas accordingly enables reaching a concentration of oxygen and possibly also carbon dioxide closer to the target concentration(s) at the indoor location.
In embodiments, the fire inerting gas system comprises at least one first container containing the first amount of inerting gas, and a first conduit extending at least from the at least one first container into the indoor location via a valve. In this case, delivering the first amount of inerting gas may only require opening a valve to the at least one first container. This enables reliable and convenient delivery of the first amount of inerting gas. In embodiments, the fire inerting gas system comprises at least one second container, third container and/or fourth container, each of the at least one container respectively containing the second, third and/or fourth amounts of inerting gas, and each container being in communication with the indoor location via a valve. In this case, delivery of each of the second, third or fourth amounts of inerting gas may be enabled by opening the valve between the respective at least one second, third or fourth container. This enables reliable and convenient delivery of the second, third and fourth amounts of inerting gas. In one embodiment, the second, third and fourth amounts are equal to each other. In this embodiment, the at least one third and fourth containers are not necessary if the fire inerting gas system comprises the at least one second container.
In embodiments, the sensor is configured for detecting the air pressure at or near the indoor location, and wherein the control system is configured to:
- deliver the first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location,
- compare the pressure detected after delivery of the first amount of inerting gas with a second threshold pressure; and
- deliver a fifth amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the detected pressure is below the second threshold pressure.
The detected pressure being lower than the second threshold pressure indicates that delivery of the first amount of inerting gas may not have been sufficient. Delivery of the fifth amount of inerting gas may at least partly compensate for the insufficient delivery of inerting gas. A reason for the second threshold pressure not having been reached after delivery of the first amount of inerting gas may be, e.g., an open door or window. It may also be another unpredicted factor such as a reconstruction of the indoor location not otherwise compensated for by the control system of the fire inerting gas system. In embodiments, the sensor is configured for detecting if the closable path leading to the indoor location is closed or open, wherein the control system is configured to:
- deliver a first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location; and
- deliver a sixth amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the closable path is open after delivery of the first amount of inerting gas. In this case, delivery of the sixth amount of inerting gas may at least partly compensate for oxygen containing air entering and/or inerting gas escaping through the open closable path.
In embodiments, the sensor is configured for detecting a flow of air at or near the indoor location, and wherein the control system is configured to:
- deliver a first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location; and - deliver a seventh amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the detected flow of air is above a second threshold flow.
In this case, the detected flow of air being larger than the second threshold flow may indicate that inerting gas is leaving and/or atmospheric air is entering the indoor location faster than expected. Delivery of the seventh amount of inerting gas may at least partly compensate for such loss of inerting gas or gain of atmospheric air.
In embodiments, the fire inerting gas system comprises at least one fifth container, sixth container and/or seventh container, each of the at least one containers respectively containing fifth, sixth and/or seventh amounts of inerting gas, and each container being in communication with the indoor location via a valve.
In this case, delivery of each of the fifth, sixth or seventh amounts of inerting gas may be enabled by opening the valve between the respective at least one fifth, sixth or seventh container. This enables reliable and convenient delivery of the fifth, sixth and seventh amounts of inerting gas. In one embodiment, the fifth, sixth and seventh amounts are equal to each other. In this embodiment, the at least one sixth and seventh containers are not necessary if the fire inerting gas system comprises the at least one fifth container.
In embodiments, at least one temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature and/or temperature change at or near the indoor location. A relatively high and/or rising temperature may be a sign insufficient inerting gas at the indoor location. This may be at least partly compensated for by the control system causing release of additional inerting gas.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention will now be described in further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figs. 1-4 illustrates respective first, second, third and fourth embodiments of a system according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The system 100 according to the invention shown in Figs. 1-4 is arranged to deliver fire inerting gas at an indoor location 102. The system comprises an inerting gas system 104 at the indoor location 102. The fire inerting gas system 104 comprises a source of inerting gas in the form of a first container 106 containing a first amount of pressurized inerting gas and a second container 206 containing a second amount of pressurized inerting gas. The fire inerting gas system 104 further comprises a fire detector 108 for detecting at least one condition indicative of the presence of a fire at the indoor location 102. The fire inerting gas system 104 further comprises a sensor 302 configured for detecting at least one condition at and/or near the indoor location other than a condition indicative of a fire. Both the fire detector 108 and the sensor 302 are arranged to communicate their output via
communications link 300 to a control system 110 of the fire inerting gas system 104. The control system 110 is configured to deliver an amount of inerting gas to the indoor location 102 in case the fire detector 108 detects a condition indicative of a fire and to control the amount of delivered inerting gas on the basis of input from the sensor 302.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the sensor 302 is configured for sensing an open-or- closed state of a closable path into the indoor location 102. More specifically, it is arranged for sensing an open-or-closed state of a door 304 leading into the indoor location 102. In case the fire detector 108 of the arrangement in Fig. 1 having an open door 304 detected a fire, the second amount of inerting gas being larger than the first amount of inerting gas would be delivered into the indoor location 102 for inerting the fire. If the door 304 had been closed when the fire was detected, the first amount of inerting gas would have been delivered. If then, the door 304 was opened after delivery of the first amount of inerting gas, a third amount of inerting gas from a third container (not shown) would be delivered into the indoor location 102.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the sensor 302 is configured for sensing a flow of air near the door 304 leading into the indoor location 102. A flow of air above a first flow threshold before release of the first amount of inerting gas is considered a sign of an open door 304 and as such the fire inerting gas system 104 will be controlled as if the door 304 was detected to be opened as described in the embodiment with reference to Fig. 1.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the sensor 302 is configured for detecting an air pressure. The control system 110 of the system 100 of Fig. 3 is configured to deliver the first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location 102 when the fire detector 108 detects a fire if the detected air pressure is larger than a first threshold pressure. Had the detected pressure been smaller than the first threshold pressure, the control system 110 had delivered the second amount of inerting gas. Then, after delivery of the first or second amount of inerting gas, if a detected air pressure is below a second pressure threshold, the control system 110 is configured to deliver a fifth amount of inerting gas from a fifth container (not shown) to the indoor location 102. In the embodiments of Figs. 1-3, the first container 106, second container 206 and control system 110 of the fire inerting gas system 104 are arranged just outside the indoor location 102.
In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the first container 106, second container 206 and control system 110 of the fire inerting gas system 104 are arranged inside the indoor location 102. Further, the sensor 302 of the system 100 in the embodiment of Fig. 4 is configured for detecting an air pressure and a flow of air at the indoor location 102 as well as an open-or- closed state of the door 304 leading into the indoor location 102.
It is noted that control system 110 configurations and sensor capabilities of embodiments shown in any of Figs. 1-4 may be combined freely so as to gain, e.g., more elaborate control schemes for the control system 110, sensors with increased functionality and/or additional sensors in any and each of the embodiments referred to.
In each of the embodiments of Figs. 1-4, the control system 110 may optionally be configured to control the amount of inerting gas delivered to the indoor location 102 on the basis of the at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire by delivering one of at least two different predetermined amounts of inerting gas. Each of the predetermined amounts of inerting gas is predetermined based on at least the size of the indoor location 102. The predetermined amounts of delivered inerting gas based on the size of the indoor location 102 allows for estimation of the concentrations of, e.g., oxygen obtained after delivery of the inerting gas for different detected conditions.
The control systems 110 of the embodiments of Figs. 1-4 are optionally configured so that each of the predetermined amounts of inerting gas are also predetermined on the basis of at least a desired target concentration of oxygen of 8-14% and/or a desired target
concentration of carbon dioxide of 2-5%. This allows for a fire inerting yet breathable atmosphere at the indoor location 102 after delivery of the inerting gas for different detected conditions.
In each of the embodiments of Figs. 1-4, the control system 110 is optionally configured so that the predetermined amounts of inerting gas is predetermined on the basis of at least one threshold value for each of the at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire. By predetermining the amounts of inerting gas on the basis of at least one threshold value, as compare to, e.g., a definition of change or fluctuations for the value of the condition, only comparison between values are needed to control the amount of inerting gas delivered to the indoor location on the basis of the at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire.

Claims

1. A system for inerting a fire at an indoor location, the system comprising :
- a source of an inerting gas void of oxygen or having a first concentration of oxygen;
- a control system for controlling release of the inerting gas into the indoor location;
- at least one fire detector connected to the control system for detecting a fire and/or signs of a fire at and/or near the indoor location;
- at least one sensor configured for detecting at least one condition at and/or near the indoor location other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire, the at least one condition being an air pressure and/or a flow of air and/or an open-or-closed state of a closable path into the indoor location;
wherein the control system is configured to:
- deliver an amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the at least one detector detects a fire and/or signs of a fire at and/or near the indoor location; and
- control the amount of inerting gas delivered to the indoor location on the basis of the at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire.
2. A system for inerting a fire according to claim 1, wherein controlling the amount of inerting gas delivered to the indoor location on the basis of the at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire comprises delivering one of at least two different predetermined amounts of inerting gas, each of the predetermined amounts of inerting gas being predetermined based on at least the size of the indoor location.
3. A system for inerting a fire according to claim 2, wherein each of the predetermined amounts of inerting gas is predetermined on the basis of at least desired target concentration of oxygen and/or a desired target concentration of carbon dioxide, the target concentration of oxygen being around 8-14% and the target concentration of carbon dioxide being 2-5%.
4. A system for inerting a fire according to claim 2 or 3, wherein each of the predetermined amounts of inerting gas is predetermined on the basis of at least one threshold value for each of the at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire.
5. A system for inerting a fire according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is configured for detecting the air pressure at or near the indoor location, and wherein the control system is configured to
- compare a detected pressure with a first threshold pressure,
- deliver a first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the detected pressure is above the threshold pressure; and - deliver a second amount being larger than the first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the detected pressure is below the first threshold pressure.
6. A system for inerting a fire according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is configured for detecting if the closable path leading to the indoor location is closed or open, and wherein the control system is configured to:
- deliver a first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the closable path is closed; and
- deliver a third amount being larger than the first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the closable path is open.
7. A system for inerting a fire according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is configured for detecting a flow of air at or near the indoor location, and wherein the fire inerting gas system is configured to deliver a first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the detected flow of air is below a first threshold flow, and to deliver a fourth amount being larger than the first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the detected flow of air is above the first threshold flow.
8. A system for inerting a fire according to any of claims 5-7, wherein the fire inerting gas system comprises at least one first container containing the first amount of inerting gas, and a first conduit extending at least from the at least one first container into the indoor location via a valve.
9. A system for inerting a fire according to claim 5-8, wherein the fire inerting gas system comprises at least one second container, third container and/or fourth container, each of the at least one containers respectively containing second, third and/or fourth amounts of inerting gas, and each container being in communication with the indoor location via a valve.
10. A system for inerting a fire according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is configured for detecting the air pressure at or near the indoor location, and wherein the control system is configured to:
- deliver the first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location,
- compare the pressure detected after delivery of the first amount of inerting gas with a second threshold pressure; and
- deliver a fifth amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the detected pressure is below the second threshold pressure.
11. A system for inerting a fire according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is configured for detecting if the closable path leading to the indoor location is closed or open, and wherein the control system is configured to:
- deliver a first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location; and
- deliver a sixth amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the closable path is open after delivery of the first amount of inerting gas.
12. A system for inerting a fire according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is configured for detecting a flow of air at or near the indoor location, and wherein the control system is configured to:
- deliver a first amount of inerting gas to the indoor location; and
- deliver a seventh amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the detected flow of air is above a second threshold flow.
13. A system for inerting a fire according to any of claims 10-12, wherein the fire inerting gas system comprises at least one fifth container, sixth container and/or seventh container, each of the at least one containers respectively containing fifth, sixth and/or seventh amounts of inerting gas, and each container being in communication with the indoor location via a valve.
14. A method for inerting a fire at an indoor location by means of a system according to any of the preceding claims, the method comprising the step of delivering an amount of inerting gas to the indoor location in case the fire detector detects a fire and/or signs of a fire at and/or near the indoor location, the amount being determined based on at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire.
15. A method for modifying a system for inerting a fire, the system comprising:
- a source of an inerting gas void of oxygen or having a first concentration of oxygen;
- at least one fire detector connected to the control system for detecting a fire and/or signs of a fire at and/or near the indoor location;
the method comprising the steps of:
- providing at least one sensor configured for detecting at least one condition at and/or near the indoor location other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire, the at least one condition being an air pressure and/or a flow of air and/or an open-or-closed state of a closable path into the indoor location;
- providing a control system configured to:
- deliver an amount of inerting gas to the indoor location if the at least one detector detects a fire and/or signs of a fire at and/or near the indoor location; and
- control the amount of inerting gas delivered to the indoor location on the basis of the at least one detected condition other than a condition indicative of the presence of a fire.
EP18700991.5A 2017-01-12 2018-01-12 Sensor-based fire inerting gas system Active EP3568214B1 (en)

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PCT/EP2018/050738 WO2018130642A1 (en) 2017-01-12 2018-01-12 Sensor-based fire inerting gas system

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US20020040940A1 (en) * 1998-03-18 2002-04-11 Wagner Ernst Werner Inerting method and apparatus for preventing and extinguishing fires in enclosed spaces
ITMI20030925A1 (en) * 2003-05-08 2004-11-09 Vesta Srl Ora Gastec Vesta Srl INERT GAS FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM AND RELATED METHOD FOR THE FIRE EXTINGUISHING
SI1550482T1 (en) * 2003-12-29 2010-06-30 Amrona Ag Inerting method for extinguishing fires
CN101801467B (en) * 2007-08-01 2012-12-26 艾摩罗那股份公司 Device and method for fire-prevention and for extinguishing a fire that has broken out in an enclosed area
PL2186546T3 (en) * 2008-10-07 2011-02-28 Amrona Ag Inert gas fire extinguisher for reducing the risk of and extinguishing fires in a protected area
GB2491718B (en) * 2009-08-28 2014-07-16 Kidde Tech Inc Fire suppression system with pressure regulation
US20110308823A1 (en) * 2010-06-17 2011-12-22 Dharmendr Len Seebaluck Programmable controller for a fire prevention system
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US9526931B2 (en) * 2012-12-07 2016-12-27 The Boeing Company Cargo fire-suppression agent distribution system

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