IL102978A - High speed fluid control system for diaphragm or piston valves - Google Patents

Description

.o^Dtma ΊΝ ΟΌΙΝΎΡΠ cnysoNn oO smn HIGH SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR DIAPHRAGM OR PISTON VALVES CONTROLLED BY PNEUMATIC OR HYDRAULIC MEANS HIGH SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR DIAPHRAGM OR PISTON VALVES CONTROLLED BY PNEUMATIC OR HYDRAULIC MEANS This invention relates to a high speed control system for diaphragm or piston actuated valves; more particularly to a high speed control of diaphragm or piston operayed valves delivering fluid by hydraulic or pneumatic means to extinguish fires instantaneously in high risk plants or fuel storage sites.

Background of the invention Several types of control systems are known in the prior art for controlling automatically fluid flows in diaphragm or piston valves delivering extinguishing fluids in fire control systems.

The most common control systems comprise pneumatic or hydraulic controls of the diaphragm or piston valves; and these control systems are activated by temperature, infra-red, ultra violet or other detectors .

The main liquid passage in the valves is controlled by the diaphragm or piston, which is kept in place, blocking the liquid main passage by pressure applied by a control fluid (liquid or gas) in an actuating chamber. When a fire is detected by the detection system, the pressure is released in the actuating chamber, by an electric signal applied by the fire detector controlling an auxiliary valve, releasing the control fluid pressure in the actuating chamber; thus allowing the diaphragm or piston to open inwards, thus releasing the blockage of the main liquid passage in the valve, and allowing the liquid to flow out and extinguish the fire.

The disadvantage in these systems is the slow reaction time (several seconds) elapsing from the moment the fire is detected by the detection system, until the electric signal is received by the control mechanism of the auxiliary valve releasing the control fluid pressure in the actuating chamber of the main valve.

In it is therefore the purpose of this invention to replace the control system of the diaphragm or piston valve by means which will instantaneously release the pressure in the actuating chamber, when fire is detected.

It is suggested to utilize detonation mechanisms known in the prior art, for the purpose of instantaneously controlling either the gas or liquid^ flow, used for the pneumatic or hydraulic control in the actuator chamber of the diaphragm or piston of the supply valve of the fluid for fire extinguishing.

It has been shown that such detonators will react within a fraction of a millisecond to release the fluid supply to extinguish the fire when detected.

Detonator valve systems, known in the prior art, could not be used to act as direct valves to supply the extinguishing liquid, because their specific struture allows their use only for limited diameter pipes, which will not be sufficient for fire extinguishing.

The types of detonator systems known in the prior art are : 1. The SPECTRONIX Ltd (Israel) detonator system comprises a squib harness (detonator) and a breakable partition disc ^, which are inserted close to each other in a channel , intended to be used for a fluid's flow. When the partition is broken by the detonator's action, the channel will be open for the supposed flow. The detonator is usually actuated by a fire detector. 2· The GRINNEL CORPORATION (USA) detonator system, utilized for the model F460 primac valves, comprise a pair of primers (detonators) , a latch, mounted on a rod, breakable by the detonators' action; and the latch when in its initial position, presses a piston, sealing a channel. When the rod is broken by the explosion, the latch turns and releases the piston, thus unseals the channel and allows the through flow of the fluid.

A similar system is the ANGUS Multiple Jet Control11, as known in the market. It is heat actuated and intended to operate small groups of sprinklers or sprayers for fire extinguishing. The ANGUS.. Jet Control11 device comprises a heat or detonation activated fragile glass bulb, connected to a quick opening valve, positioned in a channel. The bulb can be broken when the heat exceeds a predetermined level. On the other hand, a metal piston positioned closely to the glass bulb, can be activated by a detonator, and brake the glass bulb, thus allowing the fluid through flow. The detonator's action should be initiated by any external fire sensor .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A high speed control system for diaphragm or piston deluge valves from 1,5" and up capable to deliver fluid to extinquish fires and controlled by pneumatic or hydraulic means and comprising an actuating chamber for applying control pressure by a control fluid onto said valve's diaphragm or piston; said control system involves a control assembly installed in a control channel positioned between the actuating chamber of the valve and the atmosphere and intended for sealing and unsealing said control channel; said control assembly being further provided with a commensurable detonator incorporated in said control channel; the arrangement being such that when said control assembly is in its initial sealing position, the control pressure initially created in said actuating chamber keeps the diaphragm or the piston of said valve in its closed position; and when said detonator explodes, it will unseal the control channel, causing a through flow of the control fluid from the actuating chamber, the control pressure in said actuating chamber will be thus released, causing said diaphragm or piston to open, thus resulting in a through flow of the fluid intended for extinguishing the fire.

In the preferred embodiment said control pressure is a pneumatic pressure, created by a gas, such as air.

In another preferred embodiment said control pressure is a hydraulic pressure, created by a liquid such as water .

In one preferred embodiment said valve is a valve similar to the known as BERMAD Series 400, 700 "RAM" Control Diaphragm valves.

In another preferred embodiment said valve is a valve similar to the known GOLDEN-ANDERSON (GA) piston valves 2" and up.

In a further preferred embodiment said, valve is an Inbal diaphragm valve, produced by MIL Ltd.

In a further preferred embodiment said valve is a Sauneis type DOROT* Gal valve.

In a further preferred embodiment said valve is a ROLL SEAL" valve.

In the preferred embodiment said valve is a deluge diaphragm valve, specifically designed for use in fire protection system applications.

In one preferred embodiment said control assembly is I ' ■ / a disc partition, installed in a control channel between said actuating chamber and atmosphere; and said disc partition is breakable by said detonator's action and thus capable to initiate the flow from said actuating chamber through said control channel to atmosphere. ( \ In another preferred embodiment said control assembly comprises, a fragile glass element placed opposite to said detonator and connected to a quick opening valve; so that, when said detonator is exploded, or the ambient temperature exceeds the predetrmined level, said glass element breaks and causes said quick opening valve to unseal the channel leading to said actuating chamber. , , ( In a further preferred embodiment said control assembly comprises a latch, attached to a rod, breakable by said detonator; and said latch when in its initial position, presses a piston, causing it to seal said actuating chamber; and when said rod is explosively broken, said latch turns and releases said piston, thus causing the unsealing of said actuating chamber.

In an alternative embodiment said control assembly comprises a piston, installed in a control channel between said actuating chamber and atmosphere; said piston is sealed in said control channel by a plurality of O-rings; and said detonator is placed in conjunction to said piston's first end; and the second end of said piston is free; so that, when said detonator is activated, it explodes and pushes said piston out of said control channel, thus causing the unsealing of said actuating chamber.

In yet further preferred embodiment, in order to reduce the valve's reaction time, said control channel is widened, and a disc partition, installed in said widened control channel, is provided with a plurality of detonators.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, in order to reduce the valve's reaction time, said valve is provided with a plurality of control channels, connecting said actuating chamber to atmosphere; and each of said control channels is provided with said control assembly.

Brief description of the drawings Fig.l illustrates the first embodiment of the high speed control system for a _deluge diaphragm valve, controlled by pneumatic means. The actuation system comprises a disc partition, breakable by detonation.

Figs.2, 2A illustrate the second embodiment of the high speed control system for a pneumatically controlled diaphragm deluge valve. The actuating system comprises a fragile glass bulb, breakable by detonat ion.

Fig.3 illustrates the third embodiment of the high speed control system, provided with a mechanic assembly, actuated by detonation.

Fig.4 illustrates the fourth embodiment of the high speed control system, provided with a mechanic assembly to be unsealed by detonation.

Detailed description of the invention.

In Fig.l an ultra high speed deluge valve 10 is shown. The deluge valve system comprises a diaphragm valve 11. The main passage of the valve 11 is marked by 12. Ά flexible diaphragm 13 of the valve 11 together with a burst disc housing 14A form an actuating chamber 15. The burst disc housing 14A is provided with an inlet orifice 16 for air supply; through this orifice the pneumatic pressure for control of the diaphragm 13 is created in the actuating chamber 15. A burst disc 17, installed in the housing 14A, seals the actuating chamber 15. Directly above the burs't disc 17 a detonator 18 is mounted in the detonator's housing 14B. An elbow pipe 19 connects the detonator's housing's 14B channel to the atmosphere, thus forming a control channel.

Normally the diaphragm 13 of the valve 11 is pressurized to be closed by the fluid or pneumatic pressure, created in the actuating chamber 15, and thus the main passage 12 of the valve 11 is closed. Whenever the detonator 18 receives the alarm signal from any fire detector (not shown) , the detonator explodes and destroys the burst disc 17. The actuating chamber 15 is thus unsealed and connected to the atmosphere through the elbow pipe 19; this causes a prompt decrease of the control air pressure in the actuating chamber 15 and results in the opening of the diaphragm 13 and thus allows the through flow of water through the main passage 12 towards the fire location.

Fig.2 illustrates a cross section of the second embodiment of the high speed control system for a pneumatically controlled diaphragm deluge valve 10. A partial cross section of a quick opening valve 20 is shown in Fig.2A. The diaphragm valve 11, having a flexible diaphragm 13, is the same as was shown in Fig.l. Also as in Fig.l, the actuating chamber 15 is formed by the diaphragm 13 and the lower part of the housing 14, which is provided with the inlet port 16 for air supply. The actuating chamber 15, holding the pheumatic pressure, is sealed from the atmosphere with a piston 21 of the quick opening valve 20. A control assembly comprises a fragile glass bulb 22, breakable by the detonator 18 and coupled with the quick opening valve 20. The housing 14 is connected to atmosphere through a pipe 19.

When the detonator is activated by any fire detector (not shown) , it explodes and brakes the glass bulb 22, which releases the piston 21 of the quick opening valve 20, causing it to lift and thus unseal the actuating chamber 15. The released air pressure in the actuating chamber 15 causes the diaphragm 13 to contract and allow the through flow of water needed for fire extinguishing through the valve 11.

Fig.3 illustrates the third embodiment of the high speed control system. The basic construction of the deluge valve 10 is the same, as in Figs. 1,2. The valve, the diaphragm , the housing, the actuating chamber, the orifice for air supply and the detonator are marked with the same numbers, as before. The control mechanical assembly 30 is connected to the actuating chamber by a nipple 31. The actuating chamber 15 is sealed from the atmosphere with a piston 32. A latch 33, attached to a break rod 34, presses on the piston 32, thus keeping it in its sealing position. The detonator 18 is positioned near the rod 34, breakable by this detonator. When the detonator is triggered by an alarm signal, the rod 34 is broken by the explosion, the latch 33 turns and releases the piston 32, thus causing the unsealing of the control pressure chamber 15, which results in opening the diaphragm 13 and allows the through flow of water through the valve 11.

Fig.4 illustrates a cross section of the fourth embodiment of the high speed control system for a pneumatically controlled diaphragm deluge valve 10.

The diaphragm valve 11, having a flexible diaphragm 13, is the same as was shown in Fig.l. A control assembly is marked with 40. An actuating chamber 15 is formed by the diaphragm 13 and a modified housing 14, comprising three parts 14A, 14B, and 14C. The upper part 14B is provided with the inlet port 16 for air supply and with a horizontal control channel 41, where a piston 42 is sealed by means of two 0-rings 43. The control channel 41 is connected to the atmosphere. The actuating chamber 15, holding the pneumatic pressure, is sealed from the atmosphere by the two 0-rings 43, placed on both ends of the piston 42. The control assembly 40 may be unsealed by the detonator 18, mounted in the housing 14B close to one of the piston's 42 ends. Two diagonal channels 44 are provided in the housing 14B in order to release gases and to direct the detonator's explosion.

When the detonator 18 is activated by any fire detector (not shown) , it explodes and pushes the piston 42 out of the control channel 41, thus unsealing the actuating chamber 15. The released air pressure in the actuating chamber 15 causes the diaphragm 13 to contract and allow the through flow of water needed for fire extinguishing through the valve 11.

The described systems provide the valve's reaction time of about 10 - 50 milliseconds, depending on the size of a certain valve ( actually, depending on the quantity of the fluid to be released from the actuating chamber) .

While the present invention has been described according to the attached drawings, it should be appreciated that other similar embodiments of the control system can be suggested and considered as part of the invention.

Claims (15)

102978/2 - 16 - WHAT IS CLAIMED :

1. A high speed control system for diaphragm or piston deluge valves from 1,5" and up capable to deliver fluid to extinquish fires and controlled^by pneumatic or hydraulic means and comprising an actuating chamber for applying control pressure by a control fluid onto said valve's diaphragm or piston; said control system involves a control assembly installed in a control channel positioned between the actuating chamber of the valve and the atmosphere and intended for sealing and unsealing said control channel; said control assembly being further provided with a commensurable detonator incorporated in said control channel; the arrangement being such that when said control assembly is in its initial sealing position, the control pressure initially created in said actuating chamber keeps the diaphragm or the piston of said valve in its closed position; and when said detonator explodes, it will unseal the control channel, causing a through flow of the control fluid from the actuating chamber, the control pressure in said actuating xhambeT -will be thus released, causing said diaphragm or piston to open, thus resulting in a through flow of the fluid intended for extinguishing the fire.

2. The high speed control system for diaphragm or pi ston.....vaJv-es,,-as .-.in ~cLai-m 1,—wherein said contro 1 pressure is a pneumatic pressure, created by a gas, such as air. 102978/2 -17-

3. The high speed, control system for diaphragm or piston valves, as in claim 1, wherein said control pressure is a hydraulic pressure, created by a liquid such as water.

4. The high speed control system for diaphragm or piston valves, as in claim 1, wherein said valve is a valve similar to the known as BERMAD Series 400, 700 "RAM" Control Diaphragm valves.

5. The high speed control system for diaphragm or piston valves, as in claim 1, wherein said valve is a valve similar to the known GOLDEN-ANDERSON (GA) piston valves 2" and up.

6. The high speed control system for diaphragm or piston valves, as in claim 1, wherein said valve is a valve similar to the knovm as Inbal diaphragm valve, produced by MIL Ltd.

7. The high speed control system for diaphragm or piston valves, as in claim 1, wherein said valve is a valve similar to. the known as Saunders type ;D0R0TR Gal diaphragm valve.

8. The high speed control system for diaphragm or piston valves, as in claim 1, wherein said valve is a valve similar to the known as ROLL SEALR diaphragm valve. 102978/2 -18-

9. The high speed control system for diaphragm or piston valves, as in claim 1, wherein said valve is a deluge diaphragm valve, specifically designed for use in fire protection system applications.

10. The high speed control system for diaphragm or piston valves, as in claim 1, wherein said control assembly is a disc partition, installed in said control channel between said actuating chamber and atmosphere; and said disc partition is breakable by said detonator's action and thus capable to initiate the flow from said actuating chamber through said control channel to atmosphere .

11. The high speed control system for diaphragm or piston valves, as in claim 1, wherein said control assembly comprises a fragile glass element placed opposite to said detonator and connected to a quick opening valve; so that, when said detonator is exploded, or the ambient temperature exceeds the predetrmined level, said glass element breaks and causes said quick opening valve to unseal the channel leading to said actuating chamber. 102978/2 -19-

12. The high speed control system for diaphragm or piston valves, as in claim 1, wherein said control assembly comprises a latch, attached to a rod, breakable by said detonator; and said latch when in its initial position, presses a piston, installed in the control channel, causing it to seal said actuating chamber; and when said rod is explosively broken, said latch turns and releases said piston, thus causing the unsealing of said actuating chamber.

13. The high speed control system for diaphragm or piston valves, as in claim 1, wherein said control assembly comprises a piston, installed in said control channel between said actuating chamber and atmosphere; said piston is sealed in said control channel by a plurality of O-rings; and said detonator is placed in conjunction to said piston's first end; and the second end of said piston is free; so that, when said detonator is activated, it explodes and pushes said piston out of said control channel, thus causing the unsealing of said actuating chamber. 102978/2 -20-

14. The high speed control system for diaphragm or piston valves, as in claim 10, wherein in order to reduce the valve's reaction time, said control channel is widened, and a disc partition, installed in said widened control channel, is provided with a plurality of detonators.

15. The high speed control system for diaphragm or piston valves, as in claims 1 to 14 wherein in order to reduce the valve's reaction time, said valve is provided with a plurality of control channels, connecting said actuating chamber to atmosphere; and each of said control channels is provided with said control assembly. For the Applicants, DR