FR2855980A1 - Colored flame producing machine for use during show, has valve controlling output of fluid coming from main reservoir through nozzle, and burner igniting fluid sprayed in outlet of nozzle - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine has a main reservoir for a fluid e.g. methanol, and an auxiliary reservoir for pressurized gas that sets the main reservoir under pressure. A valve controls output of the fluid coming from the main reservoir through a nozzle under the effect of the internal pressure in the main reservoir. A burner ignites the fluid sprayed in outlet of the nozzle. An additive is added to the fluid to color the flame.

Description

Spectacle machine for producing colorful flames

  The present invention relates to the field of machines for producing: colorful flames during a show.

  Various devices have already been proposed for this purpose.

  However, the known devices do not give complete satisfaction.

  The present invention aims to propose a new machine to improve the situation.

  This object is achieved in the context of the present invention by means of a machine for producing colored flames, characterized in that it comprises: at least one main reservoir of a fluid suitable for combustion, for example methanol, at least one auxiliary tank of pressurized gas capable of pressurizing the main tank, at least one nozzle placed at the outlet of the main tank,. at least one valve adapted to control the fluid outlet from the main tank, through the nozzle, under the effect of the internal pressure of the main tank, and. at least one burner capable of igniting the sprayed fluid leaving the nozzle.

  Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 represents a general view of a machine according to the present invention generating FIG. 2 shows a view of the same machine generating a green flame, FIG. FIG. 5 represents a hydrocarbon gas circuit, for example propane, FIG. 6 represents a neutral gas circuit, for example nitrogen, FIG. 7 represents an alcohol circuit, for example a methanol circuit, FIG. FIG. 9 represents a control circuit, FIG. 10 represents an extinguishing device, FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 represent a transport box of the machine conforming to the pre invention, 1. PRESENTATION OF THE MACHINE 1.1. Effects produced Production of a colored flame, for example red (see Figure 1) or green (see Figure 2), short or extended.

  1.2. Principle of operation * The machine uses an alcohol, for example methanol under pressure sprayed by means of nozzle and ignited by a hydrocarbon gas burner, for example propane. The color is obtained by adding a specific additive to methanol (typically metal salts + acid to color the flame). The machine has several tanks, for example two tanks, one for each color.

  * The pressure is supplied by a bottle of neutral gas, for example nitrogen, under pressure which feeds the methanol tanks.

  * The spray is controlled by means of solenoid valves.

  Various safety devices are installed and guarantee the safety of use of the machine: - solenoid valves - valves, - non-return valve, - gas safety by thermocouple - safety valve - purge valve, all components are assembled in a chassis.

  Figure 3 shows an overview of the machine

  1.3. Description of constituent elements

  The following circuits can be distinguished: 1. Propane gas circuit 2. Nitrogen circuit 3. Methanol circuit 4. Electrical circuit 5. DMX control circuit 6. Fire extinguishing device to which are added: * A chassis * A tank of retention of methanol An unburned methanol recovery cup and its storage container * A three-part transport case * A top protection plate.

  1.4. Diagram of principle The diagram of principle of the machine according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 4 The detail of each circuit is given below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10. It presents the list of the constituent elements, their function as well as the mode of operation of the circuit.

  An annexed nomenclature gives the complete definition of the machine.

  1.3.1. Propane gas circuit Designation of elements Propane gas burner Gas solenoid valve (Evg) pressure regulator Standard flexible connection Propane gas bottle Bottle holder 1.3.2. Nitrogen circuit Designation of elements HP shut-off valve BP shut-off valve Pressure regulator BP Mano pressure regulator with LP and HP reading Nitrogen cylinder 200 bar Standard flexible connection Connection Flow circuit solenoid valve Anti-return valve Diffusion circuit for nitrogen flooding Towards main tanks (methanol ) Fixation 1.3.3.

  Methanol circuit Item designation Spray nozzle Unburned methanol recovery cup Purge valve Safety valve Filling valve Working solenoid valve Safety solenoid valve Recovery canister Anti-return valve Tank attachment means Rigid pipe (stainless steel) Drain valve Tank principal (methanol) 1.3.4. Electrical circuit Component designation GENERAL POWER SUPPLY 220 Volt / 5OHz HT electrodes (x2) HV cable High Voltage Transformer Thermocouple tank Solenoid valves All solenoid valves are supplied with 220 v / 50 Hz For the wiring diagram, refer to the block diagram 1.3. 5 DMX control circuit Component designation Static relay connection Power supply 220 V / 50 Hz Fuse Indication indicator DMX console connection 5x 20 lA voltage 1.3.6. Extinguishing devices Designation of elements Nitrogen cylinder Mano pressure regulator Nitrogen purge Solenoid valve Cf circuit Nitrogen progaraphe 1.3.2 Connection Diffusion tube Automatic extinguishing with powder ABC - 2 kg Reservoir Diffuser ç 1.3.7. Chassis It is made of aluminum profile.

  1.3.7. Carrying case * Inner size = 860 X 460 X 890 mm Ht EXT: + about 30 mm * Weight = 32 Kg Roller diameter = 100 mm Material = BETONEX ep 9 mm A transport case is shown in figures 11 to 13

  NOMENCLATURE OF CONSUMPTIVE CONSTITUENT ELEMENTS

  DESIGNATION Qty set bottle nitrogen 1 recharge nitrogen regulator / pressure gauge Nitrogen 1 hose nitrogen nitrogen fittings nitrogen

GAS CIRCUIT

  Propane gas cylinder EXPRESS 1 Expansion valve EXPRESS 1 gas tube 8mm Imi EXPRESS 1 flanged bush with BSP 1/4 1 solenoid valves 2 ways gas 1 flanged bush with BSP 1/4 1 lance extension 20 cm EXPRESS 1 flat lance EXPRESS 1

IGNITION GAS HT

  DIFF transformer 1 set of two DIFF electrodes 1

GAS SAFETY

  sensor controller K 600 C OMRON 1 CONNECTOR 1 pts 1 thermal torque I methanol tank stainless steel 2 manual stop valves 1/4 "1 nipple m / male nickel-plated brass 1 manual stop valves 1" 1 nipple m / male nickel-plated brass 20 bar stainless steel 2 nipple m / male nickel-plated brass 2 Stainless steel check valve 2 nipple m / male nickel-plated brass 2 methanol pressure circuit N 1 elbow 90 nickel-plated brass male / female 1 nipple m / male nickel-plated brass 1 equal female tee nickel-plated brass 1 stop valves manual 1 / 4 "1 elbow 90 nickel-plated brass fem / fem 1 solenoid valves 3-way methanol 1 nipple m / male nickel-plated brass 1 2-way solenoid valves methanol 1 STAINLESS STEEL TUBE 316L 13.5 x 2.3 1 reduction m / fem BSP 1/4 1/8 1 male adapter BSP con fem NPT 1/8 1 BUSE EMANI BRASS 1 DESCRIPTION Qty methanol pressure circuit N 2 elbow 90 nickel-plated brass male / female 1 nipple m / male nickel-plated brass 1 equal female tee nickel-plated brass 1 manual stop valves 1/4 " 1 elbow 90 nickel-plated brass fem / fem 1 electr ovannes 3 ways methanol 1 solenoid valves 2 ways methanol 1 STAINLESS STEEL 316L 13,5 x 2,3 1 reduction m / fem BSP 1/4 1/8 1 male adapter BSP con fem NPT 1/8 1 BUSE EMANI BRASS 1 tray under recovery nozzle 1 HT ignition system 1 bare chassis 1 ual retention tank 1 customized flight case 1 piping 1 DMX case 2 gas safety 1 various supplies 1 cable clamps teflon nitrile drain tube, loctite 2. OPERATING PROCEDURES The operating procedures are essentially the following ones.

  1. PREPARATION OF THE MACHINE - Pre-Concert Set-up Phase 2. MACHINE STANDBY - Immediate Concert Start Phase 3. MACHINE OPERATION - Concert Phase - (Colored Flame Production) 4. END OF SHOW - Storage phase 5. SPECIAL PROCEDURES 6. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS ESSENTIAL TO THE SAFETY OF USE OF THE MACHINE. PREPARATION OF THE MACHINE - Installation phase before concert (filling, functional checks, electrical safety position, tank ready to be put>, pressure ...) INITIAL configuration of the machine * The machine is located at its intended location during the concert.

  CAUTION: The machine is used exclusively outdoors.

  * The security perimeter is materialized * The storage and transport case is open, the elements of the machine are accessible.

  CAUTION: Avoid moving or lifting the machine with tanks filled with methanol.

  Order of handling operations * GAS PROPANE circuit 1. Only refill the propane cylinder 2. Install the burner and its accessories (thermocouple) 3. Check the position of the burner 4. Connect the regulator 5. Fix the bottle 6. Check the good condition of pipes and holding of collars 7. Set thermocouple trip temperature to T = 1 80 to 200 minimum> Final state of circuit - Bottle valve in closed position - Gas solenoid valve in closed position Burner in nominal position Circuit NITROGEN 8. Connect the pressure regulator after having closed its BP valve Reminder: 2 valves and a control knob are present on the pressure regulator) =: Check the presence of the safety valve on the pressure regulator 9. Fix the bottle 10. Adjust the level pressure of the BP circuit by reading on the manometer. turn the HP tap then the BP adjustment knob Maximum pressure = 16 bar. Minimum pressure = 1 0 bar, Operating pressure = 15 bar Check the pressure in the nitrogen cylinder below 10 bar. Check the circuit.

  Change bottle in last resort.

  I 1. Connect the flood circuit via the solenoid valve and its connection 12. Connect the LP supply circuit to the methanol tanks> Final state of the circuit - Nitrogen cylinder valves in closed position (HP and LP) - Bottle pressure at 200 bar - Tank supply pressure set at 15 bar - Flow circuit solenoid valve in the closed position METHANOL circuit CONNECTION of the elements 13. Check the presence of the following elements on each of the tanks c Safety valve = Drain valve = Filling valve r Drain valve: Non return valve on the nitrogen supply circuit Q Nitrogen supply hose and hose clamp 14. Close the valves of the tanks 15. Check the attachment of the tanks 16. Check the assembly and tighten the spray nozzles. 17. Check the attachment of the recovery cup. 18. Check the presence of the two solenoid valves on each of the fuel supply circuits. tank INERTAGE nozzles 19. Open the bleed valve on each tank. Close the other valves.

  20. Open the HP tap of the nitrogen bottle 21. Open the LP tap, gradually.

  22. Allow the nitrogen to circulate in the tanks for 2 to 3 seconds. 23. Close the BP valve on the nitrogen cylinder and then the HP 24 cock. Close both bleed valves. FILL COLORED methanol. OL Color tank RED 25. Check the absence of methanol in the tank: for this, drain according to the procedure5.3.

  26. Prepare the required amount of colored methanol: procedure 5.1.

  WARNING: never exceed 5 liters per tank 27. Open the filling valve 28. Connect the funnel and the hose 29. Gradually pour the colored methanol: ATTENTION: respect the colors and the tanks: WARNING: It is forbidden to fill the tanks without previously inerting them with nitrogen.

  30. Close the filling valve 31. Inert the tank by opening the purge valve and then the nitrogen inlet.

  32. Close the valves on the nitrogen cylinder 33. Close the purge valve GREEN color tank 34. Fill the tank by repeating operations 25 to 33.

  35. Pour a little water into the recovery cup with its leveling plug.

  > Final state of the methanol circuit - Methanol tanks filled with the quantity needed for a concert - Inert tanks - Valves in closed position (purging, filling, emptying) - Solenoid valves for safety and work in closed position Electrical circuit 220 V / 50 Hz 35. Check the connection of the solenoid valves 36. Check the connection of the thermocouple and its control unit 37. Connect the machine to the 220 V / 50 Hz mains 38. Check that the red indicator on the control box comes on. 39. Disconnect the mains power supply> Final state of the electrical circuit 220V / 50 Hz - Electrical circuit 220V / 50Hz checked to HA UTE VOLTAGE electrical circuit 40. Connect the transformer and the electrodes using the cables provided for this purpose 41. Check the position of the electrodes 42. Connect the machine to the 220 V / 50 Hz mains 43. Check that the arc is forming correctly. If not, adjust the position of the electrodes.

  44. Disconnect the mains> Final state of the HV electric circuit - Operable HV ignition to DMX control circuit 45. Connect the housings to the 220 V / 50 Hz mains 46. Connect the housings to the control panel using the DMX 47 cables. Initialize the housings (if necessary) 48. Check that the indicator light of each box is lit> Final state of the DMX control circuit - Operational circuit Functional checks / iu Check the correct operation of the gas circuit = Ignition HT E * Opening EV gas: Ignition burner C * Thermocouple trip * Check that the nitrogen circuit is functioning properly: pressurize the reservoirs (max. 2 bar) * Check that the methanol circuit is working correctly (tanks at reduced pressure at 2 bar) * Check the presence of water in the recovery cup C> opening EVs 4 short opening of Evt to prime the nozzles Q Check the absence of methanol leaks * Disconnect the food Machine power (including DMX box) 2. MACHINE STANDBY - Immediate concert start phase (Pressurizing tanks, opening of gas and nitrogen valves, electrical connection, connection of control boxes) configuration INITIAL OF THE MACHINE * The machine is placed on the stage, it is off and ready to be pressurized.

  Order of handling operations * GAS PROPANE 49. Open the valve of the gas cylinder> Final state of the GAS circuit - Bottle valve in open position - Gas solenoid valve in closed position Thermostat set - Burner off * NITROGEN circuit 50. Open the HP valve of the nitrogen cylinder 51. Open the BP valve at maximum: The pressure is established in the methanol tanks.

  Check the operating pressure on the manometer Pressurization time: a few seconds> Final state of the circuit NITROGEN - The valves of the nitrogen cylinder are open (HP and LP) - The methanol tanks are under operating pressure - Solenoid valve of the flooding circuit in the closed position * METHANOL circuit

I RAS / 4

  > Final state of the METHANOL circuit - The methanol tanks are under operating pressure - Safety and working solenoid valves in closed positions * Electrical circuit HA UTE VOLTAGE and DMX control circuit: RAS a Electrical circuit 220 V / 50 Hz 52. Plug in the machine with mains power supply 220 V After all these operations, the operation of the machine is ready to be controlled from the control panel.

  3. USE OF THE MACHINE - Concert phase - (production of colored flames) INITIAL configuration of the machine The machine is pressurized, it is connected to the 220 V / 50 Hz mains, the gas and nitrogen supply valves are open.

Chronology of operations

OPERATION ORDER RESULT

DESK

  53. High voltage ignition 10% to 90% Electric arc production 54. Opening of the EV Gas 10% to 90% Burner ignition 55. Triggering of the thermocouple auto safety Authorization to open the EV of the Safety of the methanol circuit 56. Opening of EV Security methanol 20% EV Security open methanol 57. Opening Evt methanol red 30% to 90% Production of a red flame 58. Opening Evt green methanol 30% to 90% Production of a green flame 59. Opening EV nitrogen 100% washing machine with nitrogen 60. Emergency stop? Power failure - closing EV (gas, safety, work) At the end of the song, the EV Gas is closed, the power supply HT is cut off, the opening authorization of the EVS is refused by cutting the thermocouple, the EVt are closed> The machine is ready for use again.

  * Opening operations of EV Nitrogen (# 59) and Emergency Stop (# 60) must be available at all times and can be triggered for each machine individually.

  4. END OF THE SHOW - Storage phase - (safety, tank purge, emptying, cleaning) 14L INITIAL configuration of the machine The machine is under pressure, it is connected to the mains 220 V / 50 Hz, the taps power supply are open, the EVs are closed Chronology of operations Two contexts are possible: A / Reconditioning of the machine in its transport case B / Put in waiting configuration before preparation for a new concert A / Reconditioning the machine in its box voltage * Electrical circuit 220 V / S0 Hz 61. Disconnect 220 V / 50 Hz general power supply> Final state of electrical circuit 220V / 50fHz - Not connected to mains * HA UTE VOLTAGE 62. Disconnect HV cable> Condition circuit breaker HT - HT power supply out of order e DMX control circuit 63. Disconnect the connectors> Final state of the DMX control circuit - Disconnected control circuit * Circuit PROPANE GAS 64. Close the gas cylinder valve> Final state of the GAS system Bottle valve in closed position - Gas solenoid valve in closed position / A / * NITROGEN circuit 65. Close valve BP 66. Close HP valve> Final state of the NITROGEN circuit - The valves of the nitrogen cylinder are closed (HP and LP) - The nitrogen supply circuit is under operating pressure - The solenoid valve of the flood circuit is in the closed position * METHANOL circuit 67 Open the purge valve of each tank 68. Drain the methanol present in the tank according to the special procedure 5.3.

  WARNING: the valves must be closed in order to keep the tanks inert> Final state of the METHANOL circuit - The methanol tanks are emptied - The tanks are inerted B / RESETTING TO WAITING BEFORE PREPARING FOR A NEW CONCERT This is done Operations Nos. 61 to 68.

  C / RIN AGE OF THE METHANOL CIRCUIT This operation must be carried out after 7 days of non-use.

  This operation is carried out on methanol tanks which are emptied and inerted. (See special procedures 5. 3) Allow to dry before reusing the machine. There must be no residual water in the water circuit.

  5. PARTICULAR PROCEDURES 5.1. MIXING PROCEDURE 69. Add a dose of "dye" to the methanol can and close the cap. CAUTION: Do not put anything into the filled can with the coloring. 70. Shake until crystals disappear 71. Note in indelible marker the corresponding color 72. Use within 24 hours (to be specified) Ag9 5.2. FILLING PROCEDURE

INERTER THE RESERVOIRS

  19. Open the bleed valve of each tank. Close the other valves. 20. Open the HP tap of the nitrogen bottle 21. Open the LP tap, gradually. 22. Allow the nitrogen to circulate in the tanks for 2 to 3 seconds. 23. Close the BP valve on the nitrogen cylinder and then the HP 24 cock. Close the bleed valves on each tank.

FILL THE TANKS

  25. Check the absence of methanol in the tank: for this, drain according to 5.3.

  = WARNING: Never exceed 5 liters per tank 26. Prepare the necessary amount of colored methanol: special procedure 5.1. 26. Open the filling valve 27. Connect the funnel and hose 28. Gradually pour the colored methanol c CAUTION: Respect the colors and the tanks r CAUTION: It is forbidden to fill the tanks without having previously inerted them with the nitrogen.

  29. Close the filling valve 30. Inert the tank by opening the purge valve and then the nitrogen inlet. 31. Close the valves on the nitrogen cylinder 32. Close the bleed valve 5.3. DRAINING PROCEDURE 73. Bleed the tank and close the valve 74. Fit the container to collect the methanol 75. Open the drain cock and let it flow by gravity 76. Close the drain valve 77. Inert the tanks: operation n 19 to 24> Final condition of the tanks - The methanol tanks are emptied - The tanks are inerted ATTENTION: It is forbidden to empty the tanks of methanol under pressure, even if it is reduced ATTENTION: It is forbidden to empty the methanol tanks with a purge valve or an open fill valve (risk of air entry) 6. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 6.1. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS * In general, it is forbidden to smoke in the immediate vicinity of the machine. * It is forbidden to smoke during any intervention on the machine: filling, draining, maintenance, etc. .

  * The wearing of PPE is recommended for the filling, emptying and purging phases or for any intervention on equipment loaded with methanol.

  * Allow the machine to cool before operation.

  ò In case of loss of methanol, use the absorbing means provided. Recover and store soiled waste in the can provided for this purpose.

  * It is forbidden to use the machine in windy conditions or super burst Fur at 4 m / s 6.2. FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS * Evacuate the scene * Prevent firefighters * Authorized extinguishing media: - water spray ONLY - foam - powder SYNTHESIS OF OPERATIONS ESSENTIAL TO THE SAFETY OF THE MACHINE * Materialize the perimeter of the fire machine safety.

  * Check that nothing is on top of the machine (safety volume).

  The gas and nitrogen valves are open just before the concert: pressurization of the methanol tanks takes place at this time.

* Refill the gas bottle.

  * Nominal pressure levels of cylinders and tanks: - Gas = 1.7 kg - Nitrogen = 200 bar - Methanol = 15 bar (min = 10 bar, max = 16 bar) ATTENTION: The safety valve of the methanol tanks is calibrated to 20 bars.

  * The filling of the machines with methanol is carried out once this setting up.

  * Bleed the tanks before working on them.

  * Inert the tanks BEFORE and AFTER filling.

  * Do not put objects in the methanol tanks or in the can used for mixing. * Drain the tanks without venting (keep the bleed and fill valves in the closed position).

  * A tank is dedicated to a color: do not interchange.

  * Keep the machines in visual during their use.

* The wearing of PPE is recommended.

  In the context of the present invention, it is particularly important to underline the following points: * The machine is autonomous: pressurization of the methanol tanks is carried out from a nitrogen bottle embedded on the machine * I ' Nitrogen is used to pressurize and inerter the methanol tanks The machine allows simultaneous color association, alternating or not. It allows access to other colors by combining different fuels.

  * The transmission frequency is variable between colors.

  To safety devices are present on the machine: - fire extinction by flooding with the nitrogen used to pressurize the methanol tanks.

  - automatic closing of the solenoid valves of the methanol circuit in the event of prolonged burner extinction - presence of a retention tank and an absorbent material in case of methanol leak Flame dyes are adapted to produce the color at low temperatures. low enough not to risk recrystallization storage or low temperature The machine can also implement hydrocarbons and generally any combustible liquid (alcohols, liquefied gas, gasoline, petroleum, paraffins or isoparaffins in solution, etc ... Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but extends to any variant within its spirit.

  It can be generalized to a number of colors greater than 2, for example 3 colors per machine.

* Smoke effect conceivable.

  * Variation of the height of the flames.

  * Effects emitted in several directions (from the same machine): either from different nozzles each having a specific orientation, or from a plateau whose orientation is controlled remotely (fixed or real time) .

  Mobile machine, by means of rail or any other guiding and moving device.

Claims (1)

  1. Machine for producing colored flames, characterized in that it comprises: at least one main reservoir of a fluid suitable for combustion, for example methanol, at least one auxiliary tank of pressurized gas able to pressurize the main tank,. at least one nozzle placed at the outlet of the main tank,. at least one valve adapted to control the fluid outlet from the main tank, through the nozzle, under the effect of the internal pressure of the main tank, and. at least one burner capable of igniting the sprayed fluid leaving the nozzle.