JP2011188876A - Foam chamber - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily detect breakage of a glass plate. <P>SOLUTION: The foam chamber 1 is mounted in foam fire-extinguishing equipment set in a storage tank T with higher internal pressure than atmospheric pressure. The foam chamber 1 includes a foam outlet 4a connected in contact with the storage tank T and a foaming device 2 communicating with the foam outlet 4a via a shielding part S formed of a glass plate 10. The form chamber 1 also includes a detecting means for detecting breakage of the glass plate 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a foam fire extinguishing facility provided in a storage tank or the like for storing dangerous materials such as petroleum, and more particularly to a foam chamber used in the foam fire extinguishing facility.

  Various facilities and the like having the storage tank are generally provided with a foam fire extinguishing equipment. Some of such foam fire extinguishing equipment includes a foam chamber. The foam chamber is attached to the side surface of the gas layer above the storage tank, and in the event of a fire in the storage tank, the foam aqueous solution is foamed at a specified magnification, and the liquid level in the storage tank is covered with fire extinguishing foam. It is.

  This foam chamber is equipped with a foam fire extinguishing equipment provided in a storage tank having an internal pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, and has a foam discharge port connected to the storage tank, and a blocking portion formed by the foam discharge port and a glass plate. And a shielding member for closing the outlet portion of the cylindrical main body. A glass plate is used as the shielding member because the contents of the storage tank correspond to the secondary side corrosive environment by the vaporized gas and are installed in the coastal area, and the primary side is exposed to the outside air. This is to cope with salt damage caused by sewage.

  In this foam chamber, the outlet portion is normally closed with a glass plate, but in the event of a fire, the glass plate is destroyed by the foam discharge pressure, so that the fire-extinguishing foam is discharged into the storage tank from the foam discharge port, Suffocation extinction is performed (for example, refer to Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  Since the glass plate is easily broken, it may be damaged by a pressure increase in the storage tank or an earthquake. Therefore, it must be detected frequently, but this detection is performed visually by opening the hatch of the bubble chamber in which the glass plate is built.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 57-42454 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 57-50051

  Since the bubble chamber hatch is generally provided near the top of the storage tank, which is higher than the height of the detection worker, when performing the detection operation, the hatch and the ground are moved up and down a ladder or stairs. Must travel between. Therefore, it takes time and labor, and the detection operation cannot be performed efficiently. In addition, ascending and descending the ladder and the like is dangerous, and there is a problem in safety.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to easily detect breakage of the glass plate.

  The present invention is equipped with a foam fire extinguishing equipment provided in a storage tank having an internal pressure equal to or higher than atmospheric pressure, via a foam discharge port connected to the storage tank, and a blocking portion formed by the foam discharge port and a glass plate. And a foam chamber that communicates with each other, further comprising a detecting means for detecting breakage of the glass plate.

  The detecting means for detecting breakage of the glass plate according to the present invention comprises a conductive pattern in close contact with the surface of the glass plate and means for detecting disconnection of the conductive pattern. The conductive pattern according to the present invention is characterized in that the conductive pattern is in close contact with the primary glass surface of the blocking part and includes a coating layer for protecting salt damage. The detection means for detecting breakage of the glass plate according to the present invention comprises an ultrasonic probe at an edge of the glass plate, and detects breakage of the glass plate by a change in ultrasonic waves. The detecting means for detecting breakage of the glass plate according to the present invention comprises a projector and a light receiver that are provided at an edge of the glass plate and whose optical axes intersect at a predetermined angle. It is characterized by detecting breakage.

The detecting means for detecting breakage of the glass plate according to the present invention includes a weight locked to an edge of the glass plate, and a means for mechanically displaying a breakdown as the weight is dropped due to breakage of the glass plate. It is characterized by providing. The glass plate of the present invention is formed of tempered glass.

  Since the present invention is provided with detection means for detecting breakage of the glass plate, as in the conventional example, the detection worker ascends and descends a ladder and opens and closes the hatch to visually detect the glass plate. Even without this, it is possible to know the breakage of the glass plate. Therefore, the detection cost can be greatly reduced and the detection operation can be performed safely as compared with the conventional example. It is also possible to perform remote monitoring using the detection means.

  The detecting means for detecting the breakage of the glass plate includes a conductive pattern in close contact with the surface of the glass plate, and a means for detecting disconnection of the conductive pattern. Breakage of the glass plate can be detected. The detection means includes an ultrasonic probe at the edge of the glass plate, and can detect breakage of the glass plate by a change in reflected ultrasonic waves. The detection means includes a projector and a light receiver that are provided at the edge of the glass plate and whose optical axes intersect at a predetermined angle, and can detect breakage of the glass plate by a change in reflected light. The detection means includes a weight locked to the edge of the glass plate, and a means for mechanically displaying a breakdown as the weight is dropped due to breakage of the glass plate. Alternatively, the breakage of the glass plate can be confirmed from the outside by a mechanical destruction display.

  Since the conductive pattern of the present invention is in close contact with the primary glass surface of the blocking portion and includes a coating layer for protecting salt damage, the conductive pattern can be prevented from corroding and stable over a long period of time. The glass plate can be monitored.

  Since the glass plate of the present invention is formed of tempered glass, when the glass plate is damaged, the glass plate is broken in half due to the nature of the tempered glass that is shattered by its internal pressure. In addition, it is possible to prevent the detection means from becoming inoperative and to reliably detect breakage.

It is a front view which shows 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the principal part of FIG. 1, and is an enlarged view of a interruption | blocking part. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion circled by a chain line in FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows the other Example of 1st Embodiment of this invention, and is a figure corresponding to FIG. It is an enlarged view of the glass plate of a normal state. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion circled by a chain line in FIG. 6. It is an enlarged view of the glass plate of a damage state. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion circled by a chain line in FIG. 8. It is a front view which shows 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and is a figure corresponding to FIG. FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of a blocking unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a normal state, and FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating a state in an abnormal state. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows 3rd Embodiment of this invention, and is a figure corresponding to FIG. FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of a blocking portion according to a third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13A is a view showing a normal state, and FIG. 13B is a view showing a state in an abnormal state. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows 4th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a portion circled by a chain line at the top of FIG. 14. It is XV-XV sectional drawing of FIG. 4, and is a top view of a interruption | blocking part. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a portion circled by a chain line at the bottom of FIG. 14 and shows a state in which the sign board is fried. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a part circled by a lower chain line in FIG. 14 and a part of an enlarged side view of the sign board mechanism.

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. A foam chamber 1 equipped with a foam fire extinguishing equipment is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper gas layer of a storage tank having an internal pressure equal to or higher than atmospheric pressure, for example, a tank T for storing dangerous substances such as oil. The foam chamber 1 includes a foam discharge port 4 a connected to the storage tank T, and a foamer 2 connected to the foam discharge port 4 a through a blocking portion S formed by the glass plate 10.

  On the upper inner peripheral surface of the tank T, a deflector 4b facing the opening opened in the tank T through a connecting pipe flange-connected to the foam discharge port 4a is disposed. The bubble discharge port 4 a communicates with the bubble chamber 4. The bubble chamber 4 is provided with a blocking portion S. The blocking portion S is provided with a glass plate 10 that closes the upper end of the cylindrical main body 3. The blocking portion S protrudes into the bubble chamber 4 and faces a hatch 19 provided on the ceiling of the bubble chamber 4 with a predetermined interval.

  The glass plate 10 is formed in a disc shape, and a conductive pattern 11 is in close contact with one surface thereof. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the conductive pattern 11 is formed by concentrically connecting a plurality of C-shaped electric wires 11 a to 11 f that are electrically connected to each other, or as shown in FIG. 5, a so-called double spiral shape. To form a single conductive path. And the means to detect the disconnection of the said conductive pattern is provided, and the failure | damage of the said glass plate 10 is detected.

The conductive pattern 11 can be disposed on either the upper surface 10b or the lower surface 10a of the glass plate 10, but is attached to the primary side of the blocking portion S, that is, the lower surface 10a of the glass plate 10 for the following reason. It is desirable.
a: The secondary side of the blocking portion S, that is, the upper surface 10b of the glass plate is in an environment of corrosive gas due to vaporization of the contents of the storage tank T.
b: When the glass plate 10 is cracked due to an increase in the internal pressure of the storage tank T, a crack occurs in the primary side direction of the glass plate 10, that is, in the direction of the lower surface 10a of the glass plate 10.
c: The primary side of the blocking part S, that is, the lower surface 10a of the glass plate 10, is exposed to the outside air through the air intake port 2a of the foamer 2, and salt damage is caused because the storage tank T is generally located in the coastal area. Easy to receive. However, it can protect against salt by coating.

  Since the lower surface 10a of the glass plate 10 is coated with fluororesin or the like to cope with salt damage, corrosion, etc., the conductive pattern 11 is formed on the coating layer 16 as shown in FIGS. Covered. The connection portion 12 of the conductive pattern 11 is accommodated in the annular recess 13 of the glass plate holding member 18. The connection part 12 is connected to a detection circuit (not shown) which is a damage determination part. The peripheral edge portion 10c of the glass plate 10 is accommodated in the annular recess 13 and is sandwiched between the upper seal ring plate 20a and the lower seal ring plate 20b.

  Here, the detection circuit is determined to be normal when a current is passed through a conductive pattern by an external power supply or an internal power supply and is determined to be normal, and when there is no conductivity, it is determined to be abnormal and the alarm means is operated.

  A holding member 14 is provided on the upper surface of the holding member 18. The holding member 14 is fixed to the holding member 18 by tightening bolts 15, and the upper and lower sides sandwiching the glass plate 10. Since the side seal ring plates 20a and 20b are pressed, they are sealed. Note that P represents a foam aqueous solution supply pipe connected to the base end portion of the cylindrical main body 3, and 19 represents a hatch (detection lid portion) provided at the upper end portion of the foam chamber 4.

The operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
“When the glass plate is not damaged” (Normal)
Since a current flows through the conductive pattern 11, the detection circuit determines that the detection circuit is normal and does not issue an alarm. .

“If the glass plate is broken” (when abnormal)
When the glass plate 10 is damaged due to an earthquake or the like and a crack R is generated, the conductor of the conductive pattern 11 is cut and no current is supplied as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, so that the detection circuit breaks the glass plate (abnormal). It judges that and issues an alarm. Therefore, it turns out that the glass plate 10 is damaged. This alarm is continued unless an alarm cancel operation is performed.

  As this alarm means, a light emitter such as a flashlight may be provided in a conspicuous place outside the foam chamber 1 so that it can be visually confirmed, or an acoustic device such as an electronic siren is provided to provide an alarm sound. You may be able to confirm it.

  When an electronic device is used, the detection circuit connected to the conductive pattern 11 is equipped with a storage box on the outer wall of the foam chamber 1, and the driving power source is supplied from a separate power supply device via an external electric wire. Alternatively, a power supply device that combines a power generation device such as a solar cell and a capacitor may be provided outside the foam chamber 1. In addition, when a solar cell is used, electric circuit construction can be omitted.

  When remotely monitoring the breakage detection result of the glass plate 10, an electric wire is connected to both ends of the conductive pattern 11, and the electric wire is connected to a monitoring device provided at a monitoring station to check whether the conductive pattern 11 is conductive. Should be constantly monitored. Further, a disconnection signal may be transmitted from the detection circuit to a monitoring station via a wireless transmitter.

  In addition, since this conductive pattern 11 is disconnected before the glass plate 10 is completely broken, it is possible to know the breakage at the initial stage of breakage. For example, when a gas such as a gas is stored in the storage tank T, there is a risk that the gas leaks to the outside from the damaged portion even if the glass plate 10 is slightly damaged. Coping is extremely important.

  A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. The same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 9 have the same names and functions. The main difference between this embodiment and the above-mentioned embodiment is that an ultrasonic probe 23 is used in place of the conductive pattern as detection means for detecting breakage of the glass plate.

  That is, in this embodiment, an ultrasonic probe is installed in close contact with the edge (end face) 10e of the glass plate 10 and connected to a detection circuit (not shown). Here, the detection circuit means that an ultrasonic probe emits an ultrasonic pulse, receives an ultrasonic wave reflected and returned as an electrical signal, emits an ultrasonic pulse, and returns to the time and its time. When the peak value is within the predetermined range, it is judged normal, and when the time from returning the ultrasonic pulse to returning is shorter than the predetermined range, and when the peak value is larger than the predetermined range If this is the case, it is determined that there is an abnormality and the alarm means is operated.

“When the glass plate is not damaged” (Normal)
The ultrasonic pulse L1 emitted from the ultrasonic probe 23 at a wide angle in front of the ultrasonic probe 23 travels along the inner lower surface 10a of the glass plate 10 and is reflected by the end surface 10e of the glass plate 10 to the ultrasonic probe 23. Come back. Therefore, it turns out that there is no reflection by the crack of the glass plate 10. FIG.

“If the glass plate is broken” (when abnormal)
The ultrasonic pulse L2 emitted from the ultrasonic probe 23 travels along the surface of the glass plate and travels toward the end surface 10e of the glass plate 10, but when there is a crack R in the middle, the crack portion R The light is reflected and returned to the ultrasonic probe 23. As a result, the distance is shorter than the normal reflection and a large signal is generated, and the time until the light is reflected and returned is shortened. The signal and time are detected by a detection circuit to detect breakage of the glass plate 10. The detection circuit is stored in a storage box installed on the outer wall of the foam chamber 1. The processing of the glass plate breakage detection result is performed in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

  A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. The same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 11 have the same names and functions. The main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that a light emitter 30b and a light receiver 30a are used in place of the conductive pattern as detection means for detecting breakage of the glass plate.

  That is, in this embodiment, a pair of a light emitter 30b and a light receiver 30a whose optical axes intersect at a predetermined angle are installed on an edge (end face) 10e of the glass plate 10 and connected to a detection circuit (not shown). . Here, the detection circuit emits a light pulse at a wide angle from the light emitter in front of it, receives the light reflected and returned as an electric pulse at the light receiver, and the time from when the light pulse is emitted until it returns. When the peak value is within a predetermined range, it is determined as normal, and when the time from when the light pulse is emitted until it returns is shorter than the predetermined range, and when the peak value is lower than the predetermined range. When it is a large value, it is judged as abnormal and the alarm means is operated.

“When the glass plate is not damaged” (Normal)
Light L3 from the light emitter 30b travels along the lower surface 10a inside the glass plate 10, is reflected by the end surface 10e of the glass plate 10, and reaches the light receiver 30a. Therefore, it turns out that there is no reflection by the crack of the glass plate 10. FIG.

“If the glass plate is broken” (when abnormal)
Light L4 from the light emitter 30b travels along the lower surface 10a inside the glass plate 10 and travels toward the end surface 10e of the glass plate 10, but if there is a crack R in the middle, it is reflected by the cracked portion R. It reaches the light receiver 30a. As a result, the distance is shorter than the normal reflection and a large signal is generated, and the time until the light is reflected and returned is shortened. By detecting the signal and time by a detection circuit, breakage of the glass plate 10 is detected, and an alarm or the like is issued. The processing of the glass plate breakage detection result is performed in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

  A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 18. The same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 13 have the same names and functions. The main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that, instead of the conductive pattern, the following means for mechanically displaying the destruction is used as a detection means for detecting breakage of the glass plate. . That is, in this embodiment, the annular recess 13 of the glass plate holding member 18 is provided with a hook 40 that is locked to the peripheral edge portion 10c of the glass plate 10, and the peripheral edge portion 10c is formed by the seal members 42 and 43. Surrounded and sealed.

  One end of a wire 47 with a weight 45 is engaged with the hook 40, and the other end of the wire 47 is connected to an end of a rod-like member 52 fixed to the inner side of the rotating shaft 50. The rotating shaft 50 is supported by a bearing 49 that passes through the wall surface on the primary side of the blocking portion S of the foam chamber 1. The length of the wire 47 is preferably set so as not to contact the foaming device 2 so as not to damage the foaming device 2 when the weight 45 falls. For example, a rod-shaped member 56 provided with a red marker plate 54 is fixed to the outside of the rotary shaft 50 supported by the bearing 47. The sign plate 54 is an example of a means for mechanically displaying the destruction, and is always stored in the sign cover 58.

“When the glass plate is not damaged” (Normal)
Since the hook 40 is held by being held by the edge 10e of the glass plate 10, the weight 45 does not fall. Therefore, the sign plate 54 does not rotate and is not exposed from the sign cover 58.

“If the glass plate is broken” (when abnormal)
When the glass plate 10 is broken, the hook 40 that has been hooked on the edge 10e of the glass plate 10 to lock the weight 45 is dropped, so that the weight 45 falls. Then, since the rod-shaped member 52 is pulled by the wire 47 and rotates the rotating shaft 50, the marker plate 54 supported by the same rotating shaft 50 is also rotated by about 180 degrees to be in a vertical state. As a result, the sign plate 54 appears from the inside of the sign cover 58, so that the breakage of the glass plate 10 can be visually confirmed from the outside.

  In addition, since this mechanical mechanism may not operate | move at the crack grade of the glass plate 10, it is preferable to form this glass plate with a tempered glass. Since the tempered glass is shattered by internal pressure when it is broken, the mechanical mechanism can be operated reliably. If a limit switch is provided at the position of the sign plate 54 or instead of the sign plate 54, the signal of this switch can be confirmed by a light emitter or an acoustic device as in the first embodiment. It is also possible to monitor remotely by sending a detection signal to the outside.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Form chamber 2 Foamer 3 Cylindrical main body 10 Glass plate 10a Lower surface 10e of glass plate 11 Edge of glass plate 11 Conductive pattern 12 Connection part 16 Coating layer 19 Hatch 23 Ultrasonic probe 30a Light receiver 30b Light emitter 45 Weight 54 Label Board

Claims (7)

Foam is installed in a foam fire extinguishing equipment provided in a storage tank having an internal pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, and is connected to a foam discharge port connected to the storage tank via a blocking portion formed by the bubble discharge port and a glass plate. A foam chamber comprising:
A foam chamber comprising a detecting means for detecting breakage of the glass plate.   2. The foam according to claim 1, wherein the detecting means for detecting breakage of the glass plate comprises a conductive pattern in close contact with the surface of the glass plate and means for detecting disconnection of the conductive pattern. Chamber.   The foam chamber according to claim 2, wherein the conductive pattern is in close contact with a primary glass surface of the blocking portion and includes a coating layer for protecting salt damage.   The detection means for detecting breakage of the glass plate includes an ultrasonic probe at an edge of the glass plate, and detects breakage of the glass plate by a change in ultrasonic waves. Foam chamber.   The detecting means for detecting breakage of the glass plate includes a projector and a light receiver provided at an edge of the glass plate and whose optical axes intersect at a predetermined angle, and detects breakage of the glass plate by a change in reflected light. The foam chamber according to claim 1.   The detecting means for detecting the breakage of the glass plate includes a weight locked to an edge of the glass plate, and a means for mechanically displaying a break as the weight is dropped due to the breakage of the glass plate. The foam chamber of claim 1, wherein:   The foam chamber according to claim 6, wherein the glass plate is made of tempered glass.

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