JP4889911B2 - Improved fire-extinguishing nozzle including pressure control, chemical and exhaust functions - Google Patents

Abstract

A selectively automatic fire fithting nozzle a method of use including adjustable means (ST) of limiting a range of automatic adjustement (B) of a discharge orifice of the nozzle, providing an option of selecting a constant pressure for a first fraction of a discharge window and selecting a relatively constant flow for a second fraction.

Description

[0001]
This application is a national phase of PCT / US98 / 20061 filed September 25, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 080,846 filed April 6, 1998. This is a continuation-in-part of US Application No. 09 / 284,561, which is an application. The entire contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
Field of Invention
The present invention relates to fire extinguishing and fire fighting nozzles, and more particularly to nozzles for extinguishing or preventing large industrial grade fires including flammable liquid fires and / or nozzles for steam suppression, Includes improvements in pressure control, exhaust and chemical exhaust functions.
Background of the Invention
Prior patents related to the present invention include: (1) U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,461 (Williams) relating to self-exhaust foam spray nozzles, and (2) U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,159 relating to ambient channeling additive fluid nozzles. And (3) U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,275,243, 5,167,285 and 5,312,041 (Williams) for chemical and fluid or duel fluid ejection nozzles. It is done. Related to the prior art of automatic nozzles are: (4) McMilian / Task Force Tips US Pat. Nos. 5,312,048, 3,684,192 and 3,863,844, and Thompson / Elkhart. US Patent Nos. Re29,717 and 3,893,624 to Brass. Note also Peck US Pat. No. 5,678,766 and Baker PCT publication WO 97/38757.
[0002]
Maintaining a constant discharge pressure from the nozzle can absorb the change in the head pressure as it is due to the flow rate of the nozzle, and its discharge range and “authority” tend to be constant. In applications, a fixed fire-extinguishing nozzle is particularly useful when venting at a substantially constant or target pressure, self-controlling, which is called the “influence” of the exhaust stream, and the range of the stream Tend to dominate Keeping the discharge pressure constant makes the delivery of the stream in a fixed range nearly unchanged.
[0003]
One specific application in which a self-control nozzle may be useful is a fixed protection system that includes a permanent nozzle around a location that is subject to leakage of toxic chemicals. In the event of a leak, a permanent, constant pressure nozzle configuration, possibly under remote control, is activated to provide a pre-designed curtain of water / mist and contain all toxic vapors. In such a situation, the discharge is configured and regulated for a relatively constant flow as is normally done for the nozzle, whereas the nozzle is fluid (with some degree) and a certain range and influence. It may be optimal to discharge the water. While operating under varying head pressure conditions, water / fog formed with a nearly constant range and influence will more reliably screen a preselected area from a fixed location.
[0004]
In most cases, the nozzle is configured to deliver a preset gallon flow per minute assuming a normal head pressure, such as 100 psi at the nozzle. In such a design, the flow rate is kept more constant than in range because the head pressure that is actually available to the nozzle in an emergency can vary. Alternatively, if the nozzle is configured to target and control the discharge pressure, the flow rate will change with changes in the delivered pressure while keeping the range more constant.
[0005]
The present invention effectively discharges the extinguishing fluid at a preselected discharge pressure and range up to the targeted flow rate, and then maintains a relatively constant flow rate while increasing the discharge pressure and range. An improved improved pressure control nozzle is disclosed. The preselected exhaust pressure can be, for example, about 100 psi, but the preselected pressure can vary and, more optimally, can be selected to be about 120 psi. Similarly, a targeted flow rate is selected. The selection of this targeted flow rate can be approximate. The design of the present invention combines the advantages of maintaining the range at a lower supply pressure while maintaining the flow rate at a higher supply pressure, thereby requiring a self-exhaust function of foam concentrate and fluid chemicals such as dry powder While meeting the minimum range of requirements while more easily accommodating the ability to release.
[0006]
The present invention includes improved exhaust technology for both peripheral and central channeling, which can be particularly useful in automatic nozzles or in releasing chemicals such as dry powder.
[0007]
A typical fire extinguishing nozzle can be tuned and designed to operate over a flow range, such as 500 to 2000 gallons per minute, at a particular exhaust pressure (usually assumed to be about 100 psi). In automatic nozzles, the nozzle design introduces a self-adjusting baffle close to the nozzle discharge in order to select and self-control the pressure while changing the flow. In general, when the fluid pressure in such a baffle that is sensed directly or indirectly is considered to be set below the selected pressure, the baffle is constructed in combination with the nozzle body to the effective size of the discharge orifice. “Squeezed”. When directly or indirectly sensed pressure is accumulated in the baffle and reaches or exceeds a preselected pressure, the baffle squeezing stops and, if necessary, increases the effective size of the nozzle discharge orifice. It is comprised so that it may shift. In general, the expansion continues until the discharge pressure is reduced to a selected value. Adjusting the outlet size changes the flow rate, but the discharge tends to have a certain “influence” and range.
[0008]
The present invention achieves a hybrid pressure control and flow control system. The flow of the automatic nozzle and the design of the embodiments are themselves described in detail in the above application, which is incorporated herein by reference. The present invention includes further improvements in self-regulating nozzles. To explain the basics of the nozzle, the fire-extinguishing nozzle defines a conduit for the fire-extinguishing fluid that terminates at the discharge orifice.
The fire extinguishing fluid is usually water and may be treated and discussed herein as water, but it will be appreciated that nozzle technology is applicable to a variety of fire extinguishing fluids. The conduit and discharge orifice structure are usually designed in combination to restore the fire fighting fluid pressure obtained from the fluid source to a practical level. Pressure recovery affects range.
[0009]
In the normally predictable pressure and flow range for fire extinguishing fluid (the industry standard source of pressure water can be expected to vary between 75 psi and 150 psi), the nozzle body conduit and discharge orifice are effective. Or it can be designed to define a practical flow window. For example, a “2.5 inch” nozzle can be adjusted to effectively flow between 150 and 600 GPM, whereas a “16 inch” nozzle can be 4,000 and 16,000 GPM. Can be adjusted to effectively flow between, both of which are affected when the supply pressure or amount changes.
[0010]
The automatic or manual adjustable discharge orifice is designed to be adjusted within the flow efficiency of the nozzle body. The flow rate of fluid through the nozzle can vary within the effective flow window of the nozzle, taking into account changes in source supply and pressure. The minimum effective flow window includes the minimum effective “gap” size or the minimum effective width of the normally circular discharge orifice. Below a certain “gap” size, the wall thickness of the drained water decreases, the water wall tends to collapse, and the nozzle discharge performance deteriorates. On the other hand, the “gap” can be so large that the bore structure of the fixed conduit itself dominates the discharge. Thus, there is a practical limit to the flow of water that can effectively flow through the bore of the nozzle.
[0011]
Needless to say, adjustable discharge orifices can conventionally be designed with respect to adjustable baffles in the conduit, but the elements of the nozzle structure that at least partially define the discharge orifice, including the outer wall, are theoretically: It can be adjustable. For convenience, reference is made to the conventional design with respect to an adjustable baffle provided in the conduit, where adjustment of the baffle forward and backward dominates the gap size. There is a range where such adjustment is effective. That range is related to the effective or practical flow window of the nozzle.
[0012]
The given conduit and discharge orifice are responsible for defining a “k” factor for the nozzle. The flow rate and discharge pressure are given by the equation r = k (p) ^1/2 Are related by Here, r is a flow rate, p is a discharge pressure, and k is a “k” coefficient. It can be seen that for a constant k, the flow varies with the square root of the pressure. For fixed conduits and discharge orifices, the discharge pressure p increases with increasing supply pressure from the fluid source, and the flow rate “tends” to remain relatively constant, at least compared to the pressure. This is because the flow rate only increases with the square root of the pressure.
[0013]
An “auto” nozzle has a discharge orifice that is automatically adjustable. The automatically adjustable discharge orifice is typically designed to maintain a selected discharge pressure, such as 100 psi. Such automatic nozzles typically include a means for sensing the discharge fluid pressure, and a discharge orifice (sometimes referred to as a “gap”) until the sensed discharge pressure is approximately the pre-selected discharge pressure. There is a biasing means configured to adjust. (The term “zpproximately” is used throughout the specification because the automatic nozzle design is only “almost” accurate.) As a result of sensing and adjustment, the discharge orifice or The gap is narrowed or widened and the sensed discharge pressure is approximately the selected discharge pressure. As the discharge orifice or gap narrows, the flow rate through the nozzle is reduced. As the gap widens, the flow rate of fluid through the nozzle increases. However, as noted above, if the nozzle discharge orifice remains fixed, the discharge pressure will change with the supply pressure, but the nozzle “k” will remain fixed and the flow rate will remain fixed. "Tend to be". (The flow rate only changes with the square root of the pressure).
[0014]
A relatively constant flow rate of the fluid stream is advantageous when the foam concentrate is metered into the fluid stream at a certain percentage (eg, 3% or 6%). This is because it is possible to install a metering device on the foam concentrate. In addition, a relatively constant flow rate with a high discharge pressure may be desirable in some situations. For example, high pressure helps the concentrate form better foam. In a nozzle that discharges chemicals such as dry powder in a fire extinguishing fluid, it may be desirable to limit the flow rate of the fluid to avoid unwanted wetness of the powder. Furthermore, nozzles that are adjusted without restriction to produce a selected discharge pressure can waste water if the supply of water is restricted.
[0015]
Thus, a relatively constant flow rate from the nozzle may be advantageous in some situations, but if the supply pressure is weak or the nozzle is installed at a fixed distance from the fire, then the comparison A constant pressure may be advantageous. (A constant pressure tends to maintain the nozzle range as the flow rate changes). During a single fire, the relative importance of constant pressure and constant flow can change.
[0016]
The hybrid selection automatic nozzle of the present invention provides the best of two areas. Adjustable stop (or any other such adjustable means) is a self-adjustable discharge for flow up to a predetermined point (in the nozzle effective flow window), as in an automatic nozzle. An orifice can be set up to be provided. The range can be maintained as the supply pressure decreases. However, when the target fluid flow rate in the nozzle is reached, the discharge orifice stops adjusting, such as by a stop. While the discharge pressure increases with the supply pressure, the fluid flow rate tends to remain nearly constant (again, increasing only in proportion to the square root of the pressure). Thus, a metered foam concentrate at a preselected rate is more reliable at a fixed flow rate.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention has a selective auto-extinguishing nozzle that includes a nozzle body having a conduit that terminates at a discharge orifice. The discharge orifice can be automatically adjusted within range. The nozzle body has a stop that can be adjusted to limit the automatic adjustment range of the orifice. This stop can be any simple or complex adjustable means to limit the range of automatic adjustment of the orifice. Preferably, a stop or adjustable means is provided on the nozzle body so that the nozzle flows at a variable flow rate / constant pressure relative to the flow rate up to the target flow rate and as long as the target flow rate is required, the variable pressure / constant pressure is maintained. Divide the effective nozzle flow window to flow at the flow rate.
[0017]
The present invention maintains a selected fire extinguishing fluid discharge pressure for the fluid flowing through the flow nozzle up to the target flow rate, and exceeds the selected discharge pressure as long as the target flow rate is reached. A method that includes (almost) increasing. The selected automatic fire extinguishing nozzle is also preferably a self-exhaust foam spray nozzle, more preferably a self-measuring self-exhaust foam spray nozzle.
[0018]
The present invention can be better understood when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment is considered in conjunction with the following drawings.
[0019]
The drawings are primarily for illustration purposes. It will be appreciated that the structure has been simplified and details have been omitted so as to illustrate certain aspects of the present invention. For clarity, the scale is not followed.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
In general, a nozzle having an “adjustable” baffle to discharge a fire extinguishing fluid at a selected pressure uses a biasing means to counter the natural movement of the adjustable baffle outward in response to the fluid pressure. . This outward movement tends to open the effective size of the discharge orifice. Most simply, the biasing means biases with a backward force equal to the desired or selected fluid pressure force on the front baffle surface. Thus, the forward movement of the baffle is balanced against the biasing pressure behind the baffle at the selected pressure. The front baffle surface is the surface that the baffle presents to the fire extinguishing fluid that moves from the outlet through the outlet.
[0020]
Theoretically, the biasing force can be provided by a spring that presents a substantially constant biasing force at a selected pressure over an adjustment range of the baffle between the ends that is only approximately half an inch. The selected pressure can be 100 psi. Alternatively, the adjustable baffle head can be designed to define a chamber within the baffle head and present a front surface and a rear surface on which the main fire fighting fluid acts. Of course, the chamber defined within the baffle head has means to allow a portion of the fire extinguishing fluid to enter the chamber. In such a design, the effective back pressure surface area typically exceeds the effective front pressure surface area of the baffle. However, the fluid pressure within the baffle is expected to be at least slightly less than the pressure applied to the front facing baffle surface. This tends to be inconsistent with the fact that, at least in the preferred embodiment herein, the area of the rear pressure surface presented to the fluid in the baffle exceeds the area of the front pressure surface presented to the baffle. In this way, the fluid in the baffle acts on a larger surface area, and even when the value is low, in some cases, the baffle can be driven backwards through the nozzle against the flow of fluid. By predicting the pressure difference at different source pressures outside and within the baffle, and by predicting the difference in effective area presented to the fluid pressure at different head pressures and flow rates, the "equilibrium in the targeted fluid pressure" A "baffled" is designed. Needless to say, a spring mechanism can always be applied to increase the biasing force provided by the main fire fighting fluid pressure applied to the front and rear faces of the baffle head. A relief valve is provided to allow fluid to exit the chamber if the baffle adjustment changes or changes the volume of the defined baffle chamber as caused by sliding the baffle over the stationary piston.
[0021]
For a more complete discussion and illustration, reference is made to the patent applications incorporated herein by reference. These applications disclose, among other things, the use of at least one relief valve to increase accuracy and speed of balance and reduce unnecessary searching or hysteresis. The relief valve discharges fluid pressure from one or the other of the baffles, preferably from within the baffle chamber, when the fluid pressure changes from the target pressure. In such discharge, normally, the baffle moves outward toward one of the arrangement ends of the baffle as illustrated. Movement outward or toward the outer edge reduces the fluid pressure on the baffle. This reduction in fluid pressure closes the relief valve again, allowing fluid pressure accumulation on the rear side of the baffle. The accumulation of fluid pressure on the rear side of the baffle is limited on the front face of the baffle, taking into account the continuous “bleeding” relief valve used in the design and other biasing elements such as all springs. The fluid pressure of the airflow helps to adjust the baffle toward an equilibrium position that is balanced with the fluid pressure on the rear face of the baffle.
[0022]
The illustrated relief valve senses the primary fire extinguishing fluid pressure presented to the front baffle surface area in the nozzle somewhat directly, or somewhat indirectly the more auxiliary fluid pressure generated in the chamber in the baffle. Perceive. Such design differences, or other design differences that one skilled in the art can conceive, are merely a matter of design choice and engineering simplification.
[0023]
One function selected for the relief valve is to achieve a situation where a balanced pressure position is successively approached from the same direction, which can be movement out of the baffle or movement inward of the baffle. To help. Such a design may facilitate processing with a higher degree of accuracy around the equilibrium point with less searching and higher speed in achieving equilibrium.
[0024]
The present invention also provides an improved self-exhaust function that is particularly useful and useful in pressure control nozzles, as in the referenced and incorporated applications, and fluid chemicals such as dry powders with or without automatic nozzles. An improved exhaust and pressure control design useful in venting is taught.
[0025]
In operation, the self-adjusting automatic function relies on an adjustable baffle that adjusts, at least in a significant portion, in response to the primary fire extinguishing fluid pressure presented either on the front side or the rear side of the baffle surface. Thus, the baffle operates at least in part as a two-way piston that seeks a balanced pressure position. The nozzle fluid provides fluid pressure and acts on both sides of the baffle. The pressure acting in the reverse direction is at least a function of the forward pressure. Preferably, the pressure surface opposite the baffle is larger than the front pressure surface of the baffle. It will be appreciated that the front pressure surface of the baffle may actually vary and be a function of the pressure and flow rate through the nozzle, as well as the baffle design and nozzle size. Although it is possible to design a baffle with a balanced position where the front pressure surface multiplied by the target forward pressure is equal to the rear pressure surface multiplied by the opposite pressure, such balancing techniques are In practice, it is difficult to perform. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, at least one relief valve is used. The preferred embodiment further uses a relief valve to relieve pressure in the opposite direction. In a preferred embodiment, the area of the counter pressure surface is greater than the area of the front pressure surface. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, when the relief valve is closed, generally the area of the counter pressure surface multiplied by the counter pressure is greater than the area of the front baffle surface multiplied by the front pressure. This causes the nozzle to be biased and closed for significant values of forward pressure. As the baffle closes, the forward pressure at the baffle head tends towards the maximum deliverable pressure at the nozzle. At a point near the front target pressure, the one or more relief valves begin to open, relieve pressure on the opposite side of the baffle, balance the baffle head open, and adjust outward. Preferably, the relief valve is constructed to an adjustable degree so that it selects a position where the relief valve is partially opened and can be placed in such a position without undue search, and the front surface at the target pressure. Multiplied by the target pressure is equal to the area of the counter pressure surface multiplied by the counter pressure, taking into account the relief valve system opening.
[0026]
1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B illustrate embodiments of the selective automatic fire extinguishing nozzle of the present invention. The embodiments of FIGS. 1A through 1C, 2A, 2B, and 3A herein are illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3D, 4C, 4D, 5A, 5B, and 5A of the applications referenced and incorporated above. Similar to the embodiment of 5C and FIG. 1A, 1B and 1C herein illustrate a pilot valve 42 located on the piston 26. FIG. The floating baffle head B is controlled by the pilot valve 42 and moves outward to the right to widen the gap 220. FIG. 1A illustrates a gap 220 suitable for a 1000 GPM flow, whereas FIG. 1B illustrates a gap 220 suitable for a 2000 GPM flow, and FIG. 1C illustrates a gap 220 suitable for a 4000 GPM flow. To do. Water W flows from left to right through the nozzle body of FIG. Foam concentrate FC or chemical C flows through the foam / chemical tube 28. In contrast to FIGS. 3 to 6 of the prior application, what is new in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C is the flow stop ST. The flow stop is illustrated as being set for a “4000 GPM” gap 220 size, illustrated in FIG. 1C. In the preferred embodiment shown, the flow stop ST is successfully secured to a portion of the piston 26. The inner surface of the floating baffle head B is a flow stop ST When reaching or touching, the floating baffle head B stops adjusting further outward or to the right. As water supply and pressure increase, the gap 1C Is maintained in the state shown in FIG. The discharge pressure increases while the flow rate remains at about 4000 GPM. The pilot valve 42 is assumed to be set to a preselected pressure, such as 100 psi. When the water supply and pressure from the source produces a pressure in the baffle head that is greater than the preselected pressure, as in the previous nozzle, the pilot valve 42 leaks fluid from the baffle chamber and the floating baffle. The head B moves to the outside or the downstream side, and widens the gap formed between the floating baffle head B and the nozzle body. In all three drawings, a pattern control sleeve S is shown as is normally done in a spray nozzle. For clarity, the sleeve is always shown in the “spray” pattern position.
[0027]
2A and 2B illustrate an embodiment similar to FIGS. 1A-1C. 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B show the flood plate 300 attached to the floating baffle head B by pins 308. FIG. The flood plate can be adjusted to apply foam, as in FIGS. 2A and 3B. In this case, the plug 302 is attached to the flood plate 300. Alternatively, the nozzle can be adjusted for the application of hydrogen chloride, as in FIGS. 2B and 3A. In this case, the chemical substance extension pipe 304 is fixed to the flood plate 300. The adjustable chemical flow choke 306 is typically provided with a chemical extension tube 304. Thus, the nozzle embodiment of FIGS. 2B and 3A is configured to release not only water but also dry chemicals. The embodiment of the nozzle of FIG. 2A is configured to release not only water but also foam concentrate. 2A and 2B, the flow stop ST illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B is shown achieving a fully closed position of the nozzle. Other flow stops ST may be installed by the design of the preferred embodiment such that the baffle head B moves to the position illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 3A and 3B.
[0028]
In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a set of stops ST is provided. Each stop has a different shank length to dominate a different gap size. However, one stop may be provided so as to be adjustable by a screw. Other equivalent means may be used to limit the floating baffle head or the like in forward or downstream movement.
[0029]
The nozzle shown in FIGS. 2A and 3B is adjustable to be used with a self-measuring self-exhaust nozzle, as more fully disclosed in the above-referenced and incorporated patent applications.
[0030]
In operation, the adjustable nozzle is assumed to be set to target a preselected discharge pressure, such as 100 psi. As in the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 3B, the operator selects a stop that approximately targets the predetermined flow rate. The operator fixes the stop at a position provided on the fixed piston. The floating baffle head then maintains a fixed pressure until it is stopped by abutting the end of a flow stop that extends through the piston into the baffle chamber. Thereafter, when the supply pressure rises and the supply flow becomes moderate, the discharge pressure at the nozzle rises. The gap is kept constant and the flow rate is kept almost constant.
[0031]
While presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it should be clearly understood that the invention is not limited thereto and may be embodied and implemented in various ways within the scope of the following claims.
[0032]
The above disclosure and description of the invention are examples and descriptions thereof, and various changes in size, shape and material, and details of the illustrated system can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention is claimed using terminology that is conventionally dependent on the expression, such as a single element description including one or more and a two element description including two or more. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1A is a cutaway view illustrating an embodiment of a selective automatic fire extinguishing nozzle with a flow stop.
FIG. 1B is a cut-away view illustrating an embodiment of a selective automatic fire extinguishing nozzle with a flow stop.
FIG. 1C is a cut-away view illustrating an embodiment of a selected automatic fire extinguishing nozzle with a flow stop.
FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of a selective automatic fire extinguishing nozzle having a flood plate suitable only for foam exhaust technology.
FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of a selection automatic fire extinguishing nozzle suitable for one embodiment of a chemical application.
FIG. 3A illustrates a set of stops constructed for nozzles for targeting different flow rates.
FIG. 3B illustrates a set of stops constructed for nozzles for targeting different flow rates.

Claims (2)

A foam / chemical tube through which the foam concentrate or chemical flows; and
A fire extinguishing fluid conduit terminated with a discharge orifice capable of adjusting the gap through which the fire extinguishing fluid passes to a maximum gap size ;
A floating baffle head mounted on the foam / chemical tube and changing the gap of the discharge orifice by moving along the foam / chemical tube;
A pilot valve that controls movement of the floating baffle head along the foam / chemical tube;
A selective automatic fire extinguishing nozzle with an adjustable flow stop to limit movement of the floating baffle head along the foam / chemical tube ,
The fire extinguishing fluid conduit and the discharge orifice surround the foam / chemical tube;
To expand until the gap size of less than the maximum gap size the gap to maintain a constant discharge pressure is limited by said adjustable flow-stop according to the flow rate of the extinguishing fluid increases, the floating baffle The head moves while being controlled by the pilot valve to automatically adjust the gap of the discharge orifice, and when the gap reaches the gap size less than the maximum gap size, the floating baffle head is moved by the flow stop. Limited, the gap allows the fire extinguishing fluid to pass at a substantially constant flow rate;
Wherein the adjustable flow stop, the discharge orifice provided on the downstream side from the range adjustably limited to that selection automatically extinguishing nozzle that the gap is automatically adjusted. The selective automatic fire-extinguishing nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the flow stop limits forward movement of a floating baffle that defines the gap.

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