WO2018114856A1

WO2018114856A1 - Extinguishing apparatus and method of extinguishing a fire by suction

Info

Publication number: WO2018114856A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/083395
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Paul ARSIN
Original assignee: Arsin Jean Paul
Priority date: 2016-12-19
Filing date: 2017-12-18
Publication date: 2018-06-28
Also published as: FR3060401A1

Abstract

An extinguishing apparatus (12) comprises an extinguishing liquid dispensing circuit comprising at least a first extinguishing liquid ejection port (42); a tubular suction channel (14) having a free first end (16) forming an inlet opening (18) and a second end (20) forming an outlet opening (22); and a suction unit (10) for creating a partial vacuum at the outlet opening (22) of the tubular suction channel (14). The first extinguishing liquid ejection port (42) opens into the inside of the suction channel (14) and is closer to the inlet opening (18) than to the outlet opening (22) of the tubular suction channel (14), preferably at the free first end (16) of the tubular suction channel (14) or less than 30 cm from the free first end (16) of the tubular suction channel (14).

Description

EXTINGUISHING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRE BY SUCTION

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method of extinguishing a fire. STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

In DE102005031860 is described a portable fire fighting apparatus, comprising two tubes, one suction and the other discharge, an operator can handle independently of each other to suck flames or ignited materials, and drive oxygen-deficient gases back to the fire source to smother the fire. The tubular suction duct and the discharge tube open into a common manifold, equipped with a rotor driven by an internal combustion engine. Finally, the apparatus comprises an extinguisher liquid tank, and an extinguishing liquid distribution circuit connecting the extinguisher liquid tank to the collector. The device operates as follows. The motor drives the rotor which generates a vacuum at the end of the suction tube. The tubular suction duct, directed towards the source of the fire, sucks the flames, the hot gases and the incandescent matters. On arrival in the collector, they are brought into contact with water and are stifled when the water is sprayed. The mixture of gases thus cooled is discharged by the discharge tube to the source of the fire, to smother the latter. The vaporization of the water in the manifold contributes to the discharge of the gases in the discharge tube. The apparatus also includes an engine exhaust gas exhaust duct, which opens into the discharge tube. Under certain circumstances, the unit can operate without the addition of fire extinguishing liquid. A fire-fighting apparatus derived from the foregoing is described in DE102004023386.

With such devices, the risk of rapid deterioration of the tubular suction pipe and the motor rotor, or inflammation of the tubular suction pipe and propagation of the entire device, is high. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of the state of the art and to provide means to achieve a safe fire extinguishing by suction. To do this is proposed, according to a first aspect of the invention, an extinguisher apparatus comprising: an extinguishing liquid distribution circuit comprising at least a first extinguishing liquid ejection orifice; a tubular suction duct having a first free end forming an inlet opening and a second end forming an outlet opening; and a suction unit for creating a vacuum at the outlet opening of the suction pipe. According to the invention, the first extinguishing liquid ejection orifice opens into the suction duct and is closer to the inlet opening than to the outlet opening of the suction duct. In practice, the extinguishing liquid is a liquid may be water, possibly mixed with additives, or any liquid to extinguish a fire. The vaporization of the extinguishing liquid sprayed by the first ejection orifice causes a cooling of the sucked substances and gases and a smothering of the flames in the suction pipe. The closer the first ejection port is to the inlet opening of the suction tubular conduit and the earlier the action of the extinguishing liquid, thus protecting the tubular suction duct. Preferably, the first ejection orifice is located at the first free end of the suction pipe or at least 30 cm from the first free end of the suction pipe.

To maximize cooling and allow recondensation evaporated extinguishing liquid before its exit from the tubular suction pipe, the extinguishing liquid distribution circuit may advantageously comprise a plurality of additional extinguishing liquid ejection orifices distant one after the other. others and the first ejection port along a suction axis of the suction pipe. It is also possible, for a given section of the tubular suction duct, several extinguishing liquid ejection orifices distributed on the circumference of the section, for example two diametrically opposed ejection orifices, or three ejection ports at 60 ° or 90 ° from each other.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the vacuum group comprises a vacuum vessel and a vacuum generator, the outlet opening of the suction tubular conduit opening into the vacuum vessel, the vacuum generator being suitable. to generate a depression in the vacuum vessel or at least at the second end of the suction pipe. The vacuum generator may include a motor driving a rotor causing a depression or a swirling flow inside the vacuum tank.

Preferably, the vacuum chamber comprises at least a first filter for retention of suction and protection of the vacuum generator, located between the outlet opening of the suction pipe and the vacuum generator. According to one embodiment, the first filter is disposed at a mouth of the vacuum generator.

Alternatively, and according to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the first filter forms a bag inside which opens the second end of the tubular suction duct. We can predict that the first filter is able to let the extinguishing liquid. The vacuum vessel may then further comprise a second filter for retention of sucked-up material and protection of the vacuum generator, located between the first filter and the vacuum generator, the second filter being impermeable to the extinguishing liquid. The second filter may advantageously form a bag inside which the first filter is located.

Where appropriate, the first filter may be adapted to retain liquids having a viscosity greater than the viscosity of the water. According to a preferred embodiment, the extinguishing liquid distribution circuit comprises a fire extinguisher liquid tank and a fire extinguisher pump for discharging extinguishing liquid from the reservoir the first extinguishing liquid ejection orifice. Preferably, the apparatus is designed so that in an operating position of the suction system, the extinguishing liquid reservoir is disposed below the vacuum tank.

The vacuum vessel preferably comprises one or more openings for communication with the extinguishant liquid tank, each communication opening being provided with a check valve.

To prevent the extinguishing liquid accumulates in the vacuum tank, it preferably comprises a desiccation mass, which can upholster the bottom or some walls.

In the previously described assumption of a first extensible liquid permeable filter and a second filter impermeable to extinguishing liquid, it can be provided particularly advantageously that the extinguishant liquid reservoir communicates with the vacuum tank, offering a return path to the extinguishing liquid, the distribution circuit being thus a circuit so to speak closed, with low losses. In practice, the extinguisher pump and the suction unit may comprise a common motor, preferably an electric motor, preferably with a nominal power greater than 2000 W.

May be provided in the extinguishing fluid distribution circuit, a valve for controlling the flow of extinguishing liquid at the or ejection orifices. It can be expected that the degree of opening of this valve is adjusted by hand. It can also be provided that the degree of opening of this valve is controlled according to one or more measured variables, for example one or more temperature and / or pressure data measured for example in the suction pipe, and / or in the depression tank, or one or more quantities representative of the state of the drive motor of the suction unit, for example a magnitude representative of a speed of rotation of the drive motor of the suction or power group consumed by the drive motor of the group suction. If the pump of the extinguishing liquid distribution circuit is driven independently of the suction unit, it can also be provided that the drive motor of this pump is provided with a variable speed or torque variator, which is controlled according to one or more physical quantities measured among the preceding quantities.

Similarly, one can provide a speed controller, torque or power in the supply circuit of the drive motor of the suction unit. It is expected that this drive is adjusted manually and / or it is controlled according to one or more measured quantities, including one or more physical quantities previously mentioned.

Preferably, the tubular suction duct is arranged to allow to move and orient in space the inlet opening relative to the suction tank.

In particular, the suction pipe may comprise a flexible intermediate pipe between the first free end and the second end.

Preferably, the tubular suction duct comprises a rigid tube at the end of which is formed the inlet opening, and a connecting sleeve passing through a wall of the tank and forming the second end and the opening Release.

The channel of the water distribution circuit preferably comprises a rigid portion fixed inside the rigid tube and a flexible portion secured to the flexible intermediate pipe.

The extinguisher device is intended to be used by an operator in the domestic or professional setting. It can have the dimensions of a domestic vacuum cleaner, if necessary portable. However, for professional use by Firefighting forces can be provided a larger device, integrated for example a firefighting vehicle.

According to another aspect of the invention, it relates to a method of extinguishing a fire, in particular with the aid of an extinguishing apparatus as described above, characterized in that one draws a flame or a hearth through an inlet opening at a first free end of a suction tubular conduit having at a second end a vacuum outlet opening, while spraying the interior of the suction tubular conduit a extinguishing liquid by at least one extinguishing liquid ejection orifice situated inside the suction pipe, closer to the inlet opening than to the outlet opening of the suction pipe, preferably at the first end of the tubular suction duct or within 30 cm of the first end of the tubular suction duct.

Naturally, it is advantageous to direct the inlet opening at the first free end of the suction tubular conduit to the flame or the hearth, and if necessary to move the first free end of the tubular conduit relative to the second end of the tubular duct, taking advantage of the flexibility of a median portion of the tubular duct.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate: FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a part of a fire extinguisher apparatus according to a embodiment of the invention, comprising a suction group; - Figure 2 is a schematic view of a suction pipe of the extinguishing apparatus, to be connected to the suction unit of Figure 1; FIG. 3, a cross-section of the suction tubular duct of FIG. 2. For clarity, the identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs throughout the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In Figure 1 is illustrated a suction unit 10 of a fire extinguisher apparatus 12 for cooperating with a suction pipe 14 illustrated in Figure 2.

The tubular suction duct 14 has a first free end 16 forming an inlet opening 18 and a second end 20 forming an outlet opening 22 opening into a vacuum vessel 24 of the suction unit 10, which comprises in addition, a vacuum generator 26, consisting of a motor 28, having a nominal power greater than 1500 W and preferably greater than 2000 W, which drives a rotor with blades 30 for generating a vortex or a depression in the vacuum tank 24 or at least at the second end 20 of the suction tubular duct 14. [0032] The vacuum tank 24 is provided with a first filter 32 for holding and protecting the vacuum generator 26, located between the outlet opening 22 and the vacuum generator 26, and which forms a first bag inside which opens the second end 20 of the suction tubular conduit 14.

The first filter 32 is permeable to air and water, but capable of retaining dust, solids 34, and preferably liquids having a viscosity greater than the viscosity of the water, especially the oils. In particular, it is possible to use a woven or non-woven non-flammable material, for example a glass fiber fabric, possibly impregnated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or silicone, or any other material offering the desired flame retardancy and permeability properties. The vacuum vessel 24 further comprises a second filter 36 for retention and protection of the vacuum generator 26, located between the first filter 32 and the vacuum generator 26, and forming a second bag inside which found the first filter 32. The second filter 36 is breathable but impermeable to water. The extinguisher apparatus 12 further comprises a fire extinguishing liquid distribution circuit, in this case water. This distribution circuit here comprises a water reservoir 38, a pipe 40 penetrating into the tubular suction pipe 14 and provided with ejection orifices 42, 44 opening into the suction pipe conduit 14, and a water pump 46 connected to a suction pipe 48 opening into the bottom of the tank 38 and provided with a screen 50, for sucking water from the water tank 38 and forcing water back to the orifices 42, 44. This water pump 46 is here disposed inside the vacuum vessel 24 and driven by a motor independent of that of the suction group 10. A filling line 52 opening outwardly of the vacuum tank 24 and closed by a removable plug 54 makes it possible to fill the water tank 38.

Remarkably, the ejection orifices 42, 44 include one or more first ejection orifices 42 (shown in detail in Figure 3), located in direct proximity of the inlet opening 18 of the tubular duct. suction nozzle 14, preferably less than 30 cm from the inlet opening 18 of the suction tubular duct 14. The ejection ports also include a plurality of additional ejection ports 44 distributed therein of the suction tubular duct 14 along a suction axis of the suction tubular duct 14. [0037] The suction duct 14 preferably comprises a rigid tube 14.1, for example made of flame retardant reinforced plastic, at the end 16 of which is formed the inlet opening 18, a flexible intermediate pipe 14.2 flame retardant reinforced plastic, and a connecting sleeve passing through a wall of the tank and forming the end 20 and the outlet opening 22. The pipe 40 of the water distribution circuit also comprises a rigid portion 40.1, for example copper, fixed inside the tube 14.1 and a flexible portion 40.2 integral with the flexible pipe 14.2. This arrangement makes it possible to move and orient in space the inlet opening 18 with respect to the suction vessel 24.

In an operating position of the fire extinguishing device 12, the water tank 38 is disposed below the vacuum tank 24. The vacuum tank 24 comprises a bottom 56 provided with one or more openings 58 of communication with the reservoir of extinguishing liquid 38, each communication opening 58 being provided with a non-return valve 60. The bottom 56 of the vacuum vessel 24 is lined with a desiccant mass 62. The second filter 36 communicates with the reservoir 38 by a return pipe 64. [0039] The suction unit can be fixed or mounted on wheels 66.

The extinguisher apparatus 12 operates in the following manner.

After starting the motor 28 of the vacuum generator 26 and that of the water pump 46, the user positions the free end 16 of the suction pipe 14 at the base of the fire or at the flame to extinguish, so as to suck fire or flame through the inlet opening 18. The gases and combustion materials are sucked into the suction pipe 14, where they mingle immediately with the water sprayed by the ejection ports. The water sprayed by the ejection orifices 42 closest to the inlet opening 18 vaporizes by absorbing a large part of the surrounding heat and stifling the flames. The further one moves away from the inlet opening 18 of the suction tubular conduit 14, the lower the temperature of the aspirated mixture. The water sprayed by the ejection orifices 44 furthest from the inlet opening makes it possible to lower the temperature in the suction tubular conduit 14 below the vaporization temperature, so that a part of the initially vaporized water liquefies before reaching the outlet opening 22 of the suction tubular duct 14.

The suction mixture 68 enters the bag constituting the first filter 32, where the solids 34 are retained as well as the oils. The water and the gases pass through the first bag 32, the water 70 is retained in the second bag 36 from which it flows into the tank 38. The air 72 continues its path through the rotor 30 of the suction to be evacuated to the outside by grids 74, if necessary through one or more additional filter stages, upstream and / or downstream of the rotor. In use, the fire extinguisher 12 is water-efficient, since most of the water sprayed into the tubular suction pipe 14 and vaporized in contact with hot materials and gases, is liquefied before in the second bag 36. The flow of water and the suction power can be adjusted manually by the user if necessary. Alternatively, provision can be made for controlling the suction power and the water flow rate as a function of measured physical quantities, which may in particular include one or more of the following quantities: one or more temperatures measured in the suction pipe and or in the vacuum vessel, one or more pressures or pressure differences measured in the suction pipe and / or the vacuum vessel.

Where appropriate, it can provide an additional water ejection directly into the bag constituting the first filter 32. The ejection orifices 42, 44 may be optionally arranged to fog the ejected water.

In another embodiment, the separation between the gases and the solids and liquids aspirated is carried out not by filter bags, but by centrifugation in a vortex generated by the vacuum generator 26 in the vacuum tank.

The water pump 46 can be arranged indifferently inside or outside the vacuum tank 24.

The tubular suction duct 14 may consist of one or more tubes. The material used may be a plastic or composite material, for example a laminated material with an inner cylindrical sleeve and a plastic outer coating.

The flexible portion 40.2 of the pipe 40 of the water distribution circuit can be disposed inside the flexible intermediate pipe 14.2 and separate from the suction circuit at the connecting sleeve passing through a wall of the tank.

Naturally, the examples shown in the figures and discussed above are given for illustrative and not limiting. The fire extinguisher device described above has the dimensions of a domestic vacuum cleaner. However, for professional use by the fire-fighting forces, it is possible to provide a larger device, integrated for example with a fire-fighting vehicle.

One can provide a recovery tank extinguishing liquid separate tank 38, which amounts to remove the return pipe 64. In this case, the second filter 36, which takes the function of recovery tank, must also have a sufficient dimension.

It is explicitly provided that one can combine the different embodiments illustrated to propose others. It is emphasized that all the features, as they are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present description, drawings and attached claims, even if concretely they have been described in relation to other specified characteristics, both individually and in any combination, may be combined with other characteristics or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or meaningless.

Claims

Extinguishing apparatus (12) comprising:

an extinguishing liquid distribution circuit comprising at least a first ejection orifice (42) for extinguishing liquid;

a tubular suction duct (14) having a first free end (16) forming an inlet opening (18) and a second end (20) forming an outlet opening (22);

a suction unit (10) for creating a vacuum at the outlet opening (22) of the suction tubular duct (14);

characterized in that the first ejection orifice (42) for extinguishing liquid opens into the suction duct (14) and is closer to the inlet opening (18) than to the outlet opening (22) of the tubular suction duct (14), preferably at the first free end (16) of the suction tubular duct (14) or less than 50 cm, preferably less than 30 cm from the first free end ( 16) of the suction pipe (14).

Extinguishing apparatus (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that the extinguishing liquid distribution circuit comprises a plurality of additional ejection ports (44) for extinguishing liquid, spaced from each other and from the first ejection port (42) along a suction axis of the suction tubular conduit (14).

Extinguishing apparatus (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction unit (10) comprises a vacuum vessel (24) and a vacuum generator (26), the outlet opening (22) of the suction pipe (14) opening into the vacuum vessel (24), the vacuum generator (26) being adapted to generate a vacuum in the vacuum vessel (24) or at least at the second end (22) of the suction pipe (14).

Extinguishing apparatus (12) according to claim 3, characterized in that the vacuum vessel (24) has at least one first filter (32) for holding and protecting the vacuum generator, located between the outlet opening ( 22) and the vacuum generator (26).

5. Extinguishing apparatus (12) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first filter (32) forms a first bag inside which opens the second end (22) of the suction pipe (14).

6. Apparatus extinguisher (12) according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that the first filter (32) is adapted to pass the extinguishing liquid.

Extinguishing apparatus (12) according to claim 6, characterized in that the vacuum vessel (24) further comprises a second filter (36) for holding and protecting the vacuum generator, located between the first filter (32). and the vacuum generator (26), the second filter (36) being impermeable to the extinguishing liquid, the second filter preferably forming a second bag inside which the first filter (32) is located.

Extinguishing apparatus (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extinguishant liquid distribution circuit comprises a reservoir (38) of extinguishant liquid and a pump (46) with extinguishing liquid for discharging extinguishing liquid. from the reservoir (38) to the first ejection orifice (42) for extinguishing liquid.

9. extinguisher apparatus (12) according to claim 7 in combination with claim 8, characterized in that the second filter (36) communicates with the reservoir (38) extinguishing liquid.

Extinguishing apparatus (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction pipe (14) is arranged to allow the inlet opening (18) to be moved and oriented in space with respect to the suction vessel (24).

Extinguishing apparatus (12) according to claim 10, characterized in that the suction pipe (14) has a flexible intermediate pipe (14.2) between the first free end (16) and the second end (20).

Extinguishing apparatus (12) according to claim 11, characterized in that the suction pipe (14) comprises a rigid tube (14.1) at the end of which is formed the inlet opening (18), and a sleeve connecting a wall of a tank and forming the second end (20) and the outlet opening (22).

Extinguishing device (12) according to claim 12, characterized in that the pipe (40) of the water distribution circuit comprises a rigid part (40.1) fixed inside the rigid tube (14.1) and a flexible part ( 40.2) integral with the flexible intermediate pipe (14.2).

Process for extinguishing a fire, in particular using an extinguisher apparatus (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a flame or a hearth is sucked by an inlet opening (18) at a first free end (16) of a suction tubular duct (14) having at a second end (20) an outlet opening (22) in depression while spraying the interior of the tubular duct suction (14) an extinguishing liquid through at least one ejecting orifice (42) of extinguishing liquid situated inside the suction tubular duct (14), closer to the inlet opening (18) than the outlet opening (22) of the suction tubular duct (14), preferably at the first end (18) of the suction tubular duct (14) or within 30 cm of the first end (16) tubular suction duct (14). Fire extinguishing method according to claim 14, characterized in that the inlet opening at the first free end of the tubular suction duct is directed towards the flame or the hearth, by displacing the first end free of the tubular conduit relative to the second end of the tubular conduit, and deforming a flexible median portion of the tubular conduit.