WO2018130644A1 - Interlinked fire inerting gas systems - Google Patents

Interlinked fire inerting gas systems Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018130644A1
WO2018130644A1 PCT/EP2018/050740 EP2018050740W WO2018130644A1 WO 2018130644 A1 WO2018130644 A1 WO 2018130644A1 EP 2018050740 W EP2018050740 W EP 2018050740W WO 2018130644 A1 WO2018130644 A1 WO 2018130644A1
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Prior art keywords
fire
inerting
inerting gas
indoor location
gas system
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2018/050740
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Torbjørn LAURSEN
Original Assignee
Fire Eater A/S
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fire Eater A/S filed Critical Fire Eater A/S
Priority to EP18700992.3A priority Critical patent/EP3568215B1/en
Publication of WO2018130644A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018130644A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • A62C99/0009—Methods of extinguishing or preventing the spread of fire by cooling down or suffocating the flames
    • A62C99/0018—Methods of extinguishing or preventing the spread of fire by cooling down or suffocating the flames using gases or vapours that do not support combustion, e.g. steam, carbon dioxide

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of fire inerting. More particularly, it relates to the field of indoor fire inerting gas systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • an inerting system In the field of indoor fire inerting gas systems, an inerting system is often installed to inert a fire in a specific room or a plurality of rooms. In the procedure of inerting the fire, an amount of inert gas is discharged into the room to reduce the percentage of oxygen in the air of the room. The reduced level of oxygen serves to inert the fire in the room.
  • Certain types of inerting gasses allow people to breathe and function in the room with an oxygen level low enough to inert the fire. The inerting gasses themselves commonly do not contain oxygen but in conjunction with the remaining atmospheric air in the room, they may allow a person in the room to breathe.
  • the gas system is provided as a first type or a second type of gas system.
  • the first type is able to deliver inerting gas to a plurality of indoor locations from centrally stored containers whereas the second type is able to deliver inerting gas to a single indoor location from locally stored containers.
  • each second type gas system includes at least a gas supply, a gas discharger and a sensor for sensing a fire.
  • a second type gas system is presently advantageously installed if only one or a few rooms of a facility are to have a gas system installed. However, if the local system is later desired to be expanded to cover a plurality of rooms, there is presently no readily available way to expand the second type gas system or convert it into a first type gas system.
  • embodiments provide a system for inerting a fire at a plurality of indoor locations, the system comprising at least a first fire inerting gas system configured to detect and inert a fire at a first indoor location, and a second fire inerting gas system configured to detect and inert a fire at a second indoor location, wherein the first fire inerting gas system comprises a first communication module, the second fire inerting gas system comprises a second communication module, and wherein the first and second communication modules are configured for mutual communication.
  • embodiments provide a method for inerting a fire at a plurality of indoor locations, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first fire inerting gas system configured to detect and inert a fire at a first indoor location;
  • first and second communication modules are configured for mutual
  • embodiments provide a method for modifying a system for inerting a fire, the system comprising a first fire inerting gas system configured to detect and inert a fire at a first indoor location, and a second fire inerting gas system configured to detect and inert a fire at a second indoor location, the method comprising the steps of - providing the first fire inerting gas system with a first communication module;
  • an indoor location is to be understood as any indoor location such as, e.g., a room of a building, a room or cargo compartment of a ship or plane, a construction or traffic tunnel or a garage.
  • fire inerting gas system should be understood as a system comprising a container or canister comprising a pressurized fire inerting gas and an outlet structure for release of an amount of the fire inerting gas in controlled manner.
  • the outlet structure commonly comprises a conduit connecting the container or canister to an outlet arranged, e.g., within an indoor space. Release of the inerting gas may, e.g., be controlled by a valve which in turn may be controlled by a control system.
  • the inerting gas system typically also comprises one or more detectors for detecting a fire and/or a condition indicative of the presence of a fire, such as increased temperature, or the presence of smoke and/or particles. Thanks to the first and second communication modules configured for mutual
  • the first and second fire inerting gas systems are able to operate in a cooperative manner, which may improve operation and effectiveness of each of the first and second fire inerting gas systems. More particularly, by allowing the first and second fire inerting gas systems to communicate, they may operate as if they were one system able to deliver inerting gas to a plurality of indoor locations from centrally stored containers.
  • the first fire inerting gas system comprises at least one first container comprising a fire inerting gas, a first conduit connecting the at least one first container with an outlet at the first indoor location and a first control system
  • the second fire inerting gas system comprises at least one second container comprising a fire inerting gas, a second conduit connecting the at least one second container and an outlet at the second indoor location and a second control system.
  • the first and second inerting gas systems are each allowed to be self-contained and be able to operate and be installed independently.
  • each of the first and second fire inerting gas systems may be installed independently and still be allowed to communicate and operate interdependently by virtue of the first and second communication modules.
  • no conduit extends between the first fire inerting gas system and the second indoor location, and wherein no conduit extends between the second fire inerting gas system and the first indoor location.
  • the first and second fire inerting gas systems do not require the possibly extensive infrastructure of the system with centrally stored containers. More particularly, the system with centrally stored containers commonly requires piping between the containers and each of the indoor locations. Such piping is not necessary in embodiments of present invention as each fire inerting gas are each allowed to comprise their own supply of fire inerting gas. Accordingly, present embodiments may ease instalment of a fire inerting gas system able to inert a fire at a plurality of indoor locations. They further allow an existing fire inerting gas system to be conveniently expanded by configuring the existing and the new system with communication capabilities as above. Further, present embodiments allow for a plurality of individual fire inerting gas systems to operate synergistically.
  • each of the first and second inerting gas systems are connected to the first and second communication modules in such a way that information received at the respective communication modules is used for controlling the release of inerting gas into the first and second indoor locations.
  • release of gas at the first indoor location may be partially controlled on the basis of information received at the first communication module.
  • communication module regarding a condition at the second indoor location may be used to partially control the release of gas at the first indoor location.
  • release of gas at the second indoor location may be partially controlled on the basis of information received at the second communication module, and information communicated to the second communication module from the first communication module regarding a condition at the first indoor location may be used to partially control the release of gas at the second indoor location
  • the detection of a fire condition at the first indoor location may be communicated via the first communication module to the second communication module, which in turn may cause the release of inerting gas at the second indoor location, even though a fire has not been detected at the second indoor location.
  • the development of a fire condition at one of the first and second locations such as increasing or decreasing temperature or smoke intensity over time, may be communicated to the other one of the first and second indoor locations and used in control of the release of inerting gas.
  • each of the first and second fire inerting gas system comprises a respective first or second container containing a fire inerting gas.
  • a concentration in percent by volume is referred to as a concentration in percent.
  • a concentration denoted as 9-13% is to be understood as a
  • each of the first and second fire inerting gas systems are configured to be initiated by detection of a fire and/or signs of a fire such as, e.g., elevated temperatures, presence of flue gas, or other indicators of fire.
  • a fire and/or signs of a fire such as, e.g., elevated temperatures, presence of flue gas, or other indicators of fire.
  • concentration of oxygen at around 21% to a target concentration of oxygen at the indoor location in order to inert the fire is preferentially around 8-14%, possibly 10-12%, and thereby low enough to inert the fire and still high enough to allow people to breathe in appropriate circumstances.
  • the target concentration of oxygen may be combined with a target concentration of carbon dioxide of 2-5% being higher than the usual concentration of carbon dioxide in atmospheric air of around 0.05%. Also, at initiation of the first period of time, the air expelled by the first inerting gas delivered into the indoor location does likely not contain any inerting gas.
  • the concentration of oxygen of the inerting gas is preferentially well below the target concentration of oxygen, preferentially the inerting gas is void of oxygen. This allows for bringing down the concentration of oxygen at the indoor location.
  • the concentration of carbon dioxide of the inerting gas is preferentially well above the target concentration of carbon dioxide. In embodiments, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the inerting gas is 4-12%. In one embodiment, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the inerting gas is 4-12%
  • the concentration of oxygen and the concentration of carbon dioxide of the inerting gas may depend on the flooding factor.
  • the flooding factor is a factor commonly known in the field and is a measure of the volume of the inerting gas delivered into the indoor location divided by the volume of the open space of the indoor location. As such, the higher the flooding factor, the closer the concentration of oxygen and/or carbon dioxide in the first inerting gas should be to the target concentration(s).
  • the first fire inerting gas system is configured to deliver a first
  • the second fire inerting gas system is configured to deliver a second predetermined amount of inerting gas along the second conduit into the second indoor location, the second predetermined amount of inerting gas being determined based on the size of the second indoor location.
  • the each of the first and second fire inerting gas systema comprises an interface for receiving input relating to the size of the indoor location and/or the
  • predetermined amount of first inerting gas This allows each system to be readily configured to deliver the predetermined amount of first inerting gas based on the size of the indoor location.
  • 'size' may be understood as volume or area.
  • the predetermined amounts of delivered inerting gas based on the size of the first or second indoor location allows for estimation of the concentrations of, e.g., oxygen obtained after delivery of the inerting gas. Such prediction allows for predetermining the amount of delivered inerting gas to achieve a breathable yet fire inerting concentration of oxygen at the first and second indoor location.
  • the first fire inerting gas system is configured to communicate with the second fire inerting gas system if the first fire inerting gas system detects a fire and/or signs of fire. Because, the second fire inerting gas system is then allowed to know if the first fire inerting gas system detects a fire and/or signs of fire, the second fire inerting gas system is allowed to react even before detecting a fire and/or signs of a fire. This may reduce the change of a fire spreading from the first indoor location to the second indoor location. In embodiments, the second fire inerting gas system is configured to deliver gas to the second indoor location if the first inerting gas system detects a fire and/or signs of fire.
  • the system comprises at least one stand alone detector, the stand alone detector comprising a detector communication module configured to communicate with at least one of the first and second communication modules.
  • the second fire inerting gas system is configured to deliver gas to the second indoor location based on input from at least one stand alone detector of the system.
  • the first and/or second fire inerting gas system is allowed to operate based on input from the detector. As the detector may detect and transmit realtime conditions, the fire inerting gas system(s) may be able to operate based on these realtime conditions and thus optimize performance.
  • the first and/or second fire inerting gas system is allowed to refrain from delivering inerting gas to the respective indoor location until the at least one detector detects a predetermined condition. This may enable saving fire inerting gas until a suitable time when there is a risk of the fire spreading between the first and second locations. Accordingly, present embodiments may increase effectiveness of the use of fire inerting gas and thus further reduce the risk of fire spreading.
  • At least one stand alone detector of the system may be configured to detect flue gas at an indoor location. The presence of flue gas at a given location is a sign of a flow of flue gas from at least one fire to the given location.
  • detection of flue gas by a stand alone detector arranged to detect flue gas a location, e.g., between the first and second indoor locations may be a sign of fire spreading between the first and second indoor locations.
  • the stand alone detector thus may allow the first and/or second fire inerting gas system to take precautious actions and deliver inerting gas to prevent the fire from spreading.
  • At least one stand alone detector of the system may be configured to detect a temperature and/or temperature change at an indoor location.
  • a relatively high and/or rising temperature may be a sign of fire. Particularly, it may be a sign of a spreading or nearing fire.
  • a stand alone detector configured to detect a temperature and/or temperature change at a location, e.g., between the first and second indoor locations may allow the first and/or second fire inerting gas systems to prevent the fire from spreading.
  • At least one stand alone detector of the system may be configured to detect a flow of air. The detected flow of air may be an indicator of the likely hood of a fire spreading between the first and second locations. Accordingly, the stand alone detector of the flow of air may prevent a fire from spreading.
  • At least one stand alone detector of the system may be configured to detect if a closable path leading to the first and/or second indoor location is closed or open. Accordingly, the first and second fire inerting gas systems are allowed to operate on the basis of the closed or open passage.
  • the second fire inerting gas system is configured to deliver gas to the second indoor location if both the first inerting gas system detects a fire and at least one stand alone detector detects that the closable path leading to the first and second indoor location is open. Accordingly, based on input from the at least one stand alone detector, the first and/or second fire inerting gas system refrains from delivering inerting gas to the respective indoor location until needed. Accordingly, present embodiments may increase effectiveness of the use of fire inerting gas and thus further reduce the risk of fire spreading.
  • the first fire inerting gas system comprises at least one first container comprising a fire inerting gas, a first conduit connecting the at least one first container with an outlet at the first indoor location and a first control system
  • the second fire inerting gas system comprises at least one second container comprising a fire inerting gas, a second conduit connecting the at least one second container and an outlet at the second indoor location and a second control system
  • the method comprises the further steps of: providing a stand alone detector for detecting a state of an intermittent pathway between the first indoor location and the second indoor location, the stand alone detector comprising a detector communication module; and
  • the first fire inerting gas system detects a fire at the first indoor location; and o the stand alone detector detects an open state of the intermittent pathway. In this case, the first and second fire inerting gas systems are allowed to operate
  • each comprising a container comprising fire inerting gas, a conduit between the container and respective indoor location and an individual control system.
  • the second fire inerting gas system delivering fire inerting gas to the second indoor location if the first fire inerting gas system detects a fire and the intermittent pathway is in an open state, a fire may be prevented from spreading from the first indoor location to the second indoor location. Further, this is achievable without the need for any conduit extending between the first container and the second indoor location or vice versa.
  • the stand alone detector may detect the open state of the intermittent pathway be detecting any of several conditions directly or indirectly indicative of the intermittent pathway being in an open state such as, e.g., flue gas being in or near the intermittent pathway, a flow of air in or near the intermittent pathway, a closable path forming part of the intermittent pathway being in an open or closed state.
  • Figs. 1-4 illustrates respective first, second, third and fourth embodiments of a system according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • the system 100 is arranged to deliver fire inerting gas at first and second indoor locations, 102 and 202 respectively.
  • the system comprises a first fire inerting gas system 104 at the first indoor location 102, and a second fire inerting gas systems 204 at the second indoor location 204.
  • the first fire inerting gas system 104 comprises a first container 106 containing an amount of pressurized gas, and a first sensor 108 for detecting at least one condition indicative of the presence of a fire at the first indoor location 102.
  • the first sensor 108 is arranged to communicate its output to a first communication module 110 of the first fire inerting gas system 104.
  • the first communication module 110 is arranged to at least partially control the release of inerting gas from the first container 106 via first conduit 112 and first outlet 114 into the first indoor location 102.
  • the second fire inerting gas system 204 comprises a second container 206 containing an amount of pressurized gas, and a second sensor 208 for detecting at least one condition indicative of the presence of a fire at the second indoor location 202.
  • the second sensor 208 is arranged to communicate its output to a second communication module 210 of the second fire inerting gas system 204.
  • the second communication module 210 is arranged to at least partially control the release of inerting gas from the second container 206 via second conduit 212 and second outlet 214 into the second indoor location 202.
  • the first and second communication modules 110, 210 are interconnected via
  • each respective one of the first and second fire inerting gas systems 104 and 204 may be controlled on the basis of information received from the communications module of the other one of the first and second fire inerting gas systems.
  • release of gas from each one of the containers 106 and 206 of the first and second fire inerting gas systems 104 and 204 may thus be partially controlled on the basis of outputs of both of the sensors 108 and 208.
  • the detection, by the second sensor 208, of the condition indicative of a fire at the second indoor location 202 may be communicated via the second communication module 210 to the first communication module 110, so as to allow partial control of the release of gas from the first container 106 on the basis of the condition detected by the second sensor 208.
  • the first and second containers 106 and 206, and the first and second communication modules 110 and 210 are arranged externally of the first and second indoor locations 102 and 202.
  • the containers 106 and 206 as well as the first and second communication modules are arranged internally within the first and second indoor locations.
  • Figs. 3 and 4 further comprises a sensor 302 arranged at a door or window 304 interconnecting the first and second indoor locations 102 and 202, the sensor being configured to detect the open or closed status of the door or wind 304.
  • the sensor is arranged to communicate its output signal to the first and second communication modules 110 and 210, whereby the release of fire inerting gas from the containers 106 and 206 may be partially controlled on the basis of the window or door status.
  • the mass flow of fire inerting gas released from each of the containers 106 and 206 may controlled at an increased level, which is higher than the level at which the mass flow would be increased if the sensor 302 would have detected a closed status of the door or window 304.

Abstract

A system (100) for inerting a fire at a plurality of indoor locations (102, 202) comprises a first fire inerting gas system (104) configured to detect and inert a fire at a one of the indoor locations (102), and a second fire inerting gas system configured to detect and inert a fire at a second one of the indoor locations (202). First and second communication modules (110, 210) are included in the first and second fire inerting gas systems (104, 204) in order to allow communication of information there between, so as to enable partial control of each one of the fire inerting gas systems (104, 204) on the basis of information received from the communication module (110, 210) of the other one.

Description

INTERLINKED FIRE INERTING GAS SYSTEMS FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of fire inerting. More particularly, it relates to the field of indoor fire inerting gas systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the field of indoor fire inerting gas systems, an inerting system is often installed to inert a fire in a specific room or a plurality of rooms. In the procedure of inerting the fire, an amount of inert gas is discharged into the room to reduce the percentage of oxygen in the air of the room. The reduced level of oxygen serves to inert the fire in the room. Certain types of inerting gasses allow people to breathe and function in the room with an oxygen level low enough to inert the fire. The inerting gasses themselves commonly do not contain oxygen but in conjunction with the remaining atmospheric air in the room, they may allow a person in the room to breathe.
In general, the gas system is provided as a first type or a second type of gas system. The first type is able to deliver inerting gas to a plurality of indoor locations from centrally stored containers whereas the second type is able to deliver inerting gas to a single indoor location from locally stored containers. As such each second type gas system includes at least a gas supply, a gas discharger and a sensor for sensing a fire. A second type gas system is presently advantageously installed if only one or a few rooms of a facility are to have a gas system installed. However, if the local system is later desired to be expanded to cover a plurality of rooms, there is presently no readily available way to expand the second type gas system or convert it into a first type gas system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first aspect, embodiments provide a system for inerting a fire at a plurality of indoor locations, the system comprising at least a first fire inerting gas system configured to detect and inert a fire at a first indoor location, and a second fire inerting gas system configured to detect and inert a fire at a second indoor location, wherein the first fire inerting gas system comprises a first communication module, the second fire inerting gas system comprises a second communication module, and wherein the first and second communication modules are configured for mutual communication. In a second aspect, embodiments provide a method for inerting a fire at a plurality of indoor locations, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first fire inerting gas system configured to detect and inert a fire at a first indoor location;
- providing a second fire inerting gas system configured to detect and inert a fire at a second indoor location;
providing the first fire inerting gas system with a first communication module; and providing the second fire inerting gas system with a second communication module, wherein the first and second communication modules are configured for mutual
communication.
In a third aspect, embodiments provide a method for modifying a system for inerting a fire, the system comprising a first fire inerting gas system configured to detect and inert a fire at a first indoor location, and a second fire inerting gas system configured to detect and inert a fire at a second indoor location, the method comprising the steps of - providing the first fire inerting gas system with a first communication module;
providing the second fire inerting gas system with a second communication module; and
configuring the first and second communication modules for mutual communication.
In the present context, an indoor location is to be understood as any indoor location such as, e.g., a room of a building, a room or cargo compartment of a ship or plane, a construction or traffic tunnel or a garage.
The term fire inerting gas system should be understood as a system comprising a container or canister comprising a pressurized fire inerting gas and an outlet structure for release of an amount of the fire inerting gas in controlled manner. The outlet structure commonly comprises a conduit connecting the container or canister to an outlet arranged, e.g., within an indoor space. Release of the inerting gas may, e.g., be controlled by a valve which in turn may be controlled by a control system. The inerting gas system typically also comprises one or more detectors for detecting a fire and/or a condition indicative of the presence of a fire, such as increased temperature, or the presence of smoke and/or particles. Thanks to the first and second communication modules configured for mutual
communication, the first and second fire inerting gas systems are able to operate in a cooperative manner, which may improve operation and effectiveness of each of the first and second fire inerting gas systems. More particularly, by allowing the first and second fire inerting gas systems to communicate, they may operate as if they were one system able to deliver inerting gas to a plurality of indoor locations from centrally stored containers.
In embodiments, the first fire inerting gas system comprises at least one first container comprising a fire inerting gas, a first conduit connecting the at least one first container with an outlet at the first indoor location and a first control system, and the second fire inerting gas system comprises at least one second container comprising a fire inerting gas, a second conduit connecting the at least one second container and an outlet at the second indoor location and a second control system. According to these embodiments, the first and second inerting gas systems are each allowed to be self-contained and be able to operate and be installed independently. Moreover, each of the first and second fire inerting gas systems may be installed independently and still be allowed to communicate and operate interdependently by virtue of the first and second communication modules. In embodiments, no conduit extends between the first fire inerting gas system and the second indoor location, and wherein no conduit extends between the second fire inerting gas system and the first indoor location.
The first and second fire inerting gas systems do not require the possibly extensive infrastructure of the system with centrally stored containers. More particularly, the system with centrally stored containers commonly requires piping between the containers and each of the indoor locations. Such piping is not necessary in embodiments of present invention as each fire inerting gas are each allowed to comprise their own supply of fire inerting gas. Accordingly, present embodiments may ease instalment of a fire inerting gas system able to inert a fire at a plurality of indoor locations. They further allow an existing fire inerting gas system to be conveniently expanded by configuring the existing and the new system with communication capabilities as above. Further, present embodiments allow for a plurality of individual fire inerting gas systems to operate synergistically.
Generally, each of the first and second inerting gas systems are connected to the first and second communication modules in such a way that information received at the respective communication modules is used for controlling the release of inerting gas into the first and second indoor locations. Thus, release of gas at the first indoor location may be partially controlled on the basis of information received at the first communication module. Thus, information communicated to the first communication module from the second
communication module regarding a condition at the second indoor location may be used to partially control the release of gas at the first indoor location. Likewise release of gas at the second indoor location may be partially controlled on the basis of information received at the second communication module, and information communicated to the second communication module from the first communication module regarding a condition at the first indoor location may be used to partially control the release of gas at the second indoor location
In one example, the detection of a fire condition at the first indoor location may be communicated via the first communication module to the second communication module, which in turn may cause the release of inerting gas at the second indoor location, even though a fire has not been detected at the second indoor location. Also, the development of a fire condition at one of the first and second locations, such as increasing or decreasing temperature or smoke intensity over time, may be communicated to the other one of the first and second indoor locations and used in control of the release of inerting gas.
In embodiments, each of the first and second fire inerting gas system comprises a respective first or second container containing a fire inerting gas.
In the present context, a concentration in percent by volume is referred to as a concentration in percent. Moreover, a concentration denoted as 9-13% is to be understood as a
concentration being 9-13 percent by volume.
In embodiments, each of the first and second fire inerting gas systems are configured to be initiated by detection of a fire and/or signs of a fire such as, e.g., elevated temperatures, presence of flue gas, or other indicators of fire. When fire is detected, it is desirable to relatively quickly bring down the oxygen content from the common atmospheric
concentration of oxygen at around 21% to a target concentration of oxygen at the indoor location in order to inert the fire. The target concentration of oxygen is preferentially around 8-14%, possibly 10-12%, and thereby low enough to inert the fire and still high enough to allow people to breathe in appropriate circumstances. The target concentration of oxygen may be combined with a target concentration of carbon dioxide of 2-5% being higher than the usual concentration of carbon dioxide in atmospheric air of around 0.05%. Also, at initiation of the first period of time, the air expelled by the first inerting gas delivered into the indoor location does likely not contain any inerting gas. However, eventually part of the air expelled from the indoor location by the inerting gas will itself contain inerting gas and accordingly, to reach the target concentration of oxygen, the concentration of oxygen of the inerting gas is preferentially well below the target concentration of oxygen, preferentially the inerting gas is void of oxygen. This allows for bringing down the concentration of oxygen at the indoor location. Similarly, the concentration of carbon dioxide of the inerting gas is preferentially well above the target concentration of carbon dioxide. In embodiments, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the inerting gas is 4-12%. In one embodiment, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the inerting gas is 4-12%
In general, the concentration of oxygen and the concentration of carbon dioxide of the inerting gas may depend on the flooding factor. Moreover, the flooding factor is a factor commonly known in the field and is a measure of the volume of the inerting gas delivered into the indoor location divided by the volume of the open space of the indoor location. As such, the higher the flooding factor, the closer the concentration of oxygen and/or carbon dioxide in the first inerting gas should be to the target concentration(s).
In embodiments, the first fire inerting gas system is configured to deliver a first
predetermined amount of inerting gas along the first conduit into the first indoor location, the first predetermined amount of inerting gas being determined based on the size of the first indoor location, and the second fire inerting gas system is configured to deliver a second predetermined amount of inerting gas along the second conduit into the second indoor location, the second predetermined amount of inerting gas being determined based on the size of the second indoor location.
In embodiments, the each of the first and second fire inerting gas systema comprises an interface for receiving input relating to the size of the indoor location and/or the
predetermined amount of first inerting gas. This allows each system to be readily configured to deliver the predetermined amount of first inerting gas based on the size of the indoor location.
In present context, the term 'size' may be understood as volume or area.
The predetermined amounts of delivered inerting gas based on the size of the first or second indoor location allows for estimation of the concentrations of, e.g., oxygen obtained after delivery of the inerting gas. Such prediction allows for predetermining the amount of delivered inerting gas to achieve a breathable yet fire inerting concentration of oxygen at the first and second indoor location.
In embodiments, the first fire inerting gas system is configured to communicate with the second fire inerting gas system if the first fire inerting gas system detects a fire and/or signs of fire. Because, the second fire inerting gas system is then allowed to know if the first fire inerting gas system detects a fire and/or signs of fire, the second fire inerting gas system is allowed to react even before detecting a fire and/or signs of a fire. This may reduce the change of a fire spreading from the first indoor location to the second indoor location. In embodiments, the second fire inerting gas system is configured to deliver gas to the second indoor location if the first inerting gas system detects a fire and/or signs of fire. This may further reduce the change of a fire spreading from the first indoor location to the second indoor location. In embodiments, the system comprises at least one stand alone detector, the stand alone detector comprising a detector communication module configured to communicate with at least one of the first and second communication modules. In one embodiment, the second fire inerting gas system is configured to deliver gas to the second indoor location based on input from at least one stand alone detector of the system. According to these embodiments, the first and/or second fire inerting gas system is allowed to operate based on input from the detector. As the detector may detect and transmit realtime conditions, the fire inerting gas system(s) may be able to operate based on these realtime conditions and thus optimize performance.
Further, based on input from the at least one stand alone detector, the first and/or second fire inerting gas system is allowed to refrain from delivering inerting gas to the respective indoor location until the at least one detector detects a predetermined condition. This may enable saving fire inerting gas until a suitable time when there is a risk of the fire spreading between the first and second locations. Accordingly, present embodiments may increase effectiveness of the use of fire inerting gas and thus further reduce the risk of fire spreading. At least one stand alone detector of the system may be configured to detect flue gas at an indoor location. The presence of flue gas at a given location is a sign of a flow of flue gas from at least one fire to the given location. Accordingly, detection of flue gas by a stand alone detector arranged to detect flue gas a location, e.g., between the first and second indoor locations may be a sign of fire spreading between the first and second indoor locations. The stand alone detector thus may allow the first and/or second fire inerting gas system to take precautious actions and deliver inerting gas to prevent the fire from spreading.
At least one stand alone detector of the system may be configured to detect a temperature and/or temperature change at an indoor location. A relatively high and/or rising temperature may be a sign of fire. Particularly, it may be a sign of a spreading or nearing fire.
Accordingly, a stand alone detector configured to detect a temperature and/or temperature change at a location, e.g., between the first and second indoor locations may allow the first and/or second fire inerting gas systems to prevent the fire from spreading. At least one stand alone detector of the system may be configured to detect a flow of air. The detected flow of air may be an indicator of the likely hood of a fire spreading between the first and second locations. Accordingly, the stand alone detector of the flow of air may prevent a fire from spreading. At least one stand alone detector of the system may be configured to detect if a closable path leading to the first and/or second indoor location is closed or open. Accordingly, the first and second fire inerting gas systems are allowed to operate on the basis of the closed or open passage.
In embodiments, the second fire inerting gas system is configured to deliver gas to the second indoor location if both the first inerting gas system detects a fire and at least one stand alone detector detects that the closable path leading to the first and second indoor location is open. Accordingly, based on input from the at least one stand alone detector, the first and/or second fire inerting gas system refrains from delivering inerting gas to the respective indoor location until needed. Accordingly, present embodiments may increase effectiveness of the use of fire inerting gas and thus further reduce the risk of fire spreading.
In embodiments of the method according to the invention, the first fire inerting gas system comprises at least one first container comprising a fire inerting gas, a first conduit connecting the at least one first container with an outlet at the first indoor location and a first control system, and the second fire inerting gas system comprises at least one second container comprising a fire inerting gas, a second conduit connecting the at least one second container and an outlet at the second indoor location and a second control system, and wherein the method comprises the further steps of: providing a stand alone detector for detecting a state of an intermittent pathway between the first indoor location and the second indoor location, the stand alone detector comprising a detector communication module; and
- the second inerting gas system delivering fire inerting gas to the second indoor
location if:
o the first fire inerting gas system detects a fire at the first indoor location; and o the stand alone detector detects an open state of the intermittent pathway. In this case, the first and second fire inerting gas systems are allowed to operate
interdependently, while at the same time being self-contained each comprising a container comprising fire inerting gas, a conduit between the container and respective indoor location and an individual control system. By virtue of the second fire inerting gas system delivering fire inerting gas to the second indoor location if the first fire inerting gas system detects a fire and the intermittent pathway is in an open state, a fire may be prevented from spreading from the first indoor location to the second indoor location. Further, this is achievable without the need for any conduit extending between the first container and the second indoor location or vice versa. The stand alone detector may detect the open state of the intermittent pathway be detecting any of several conditions directly or indirectly indicative of the intermittent pathway being in an open state such as, e.g., flue gas being in or near the intermittent pathway, a flow of air in or near the intermittent pathway, a closable path forming part of the intermittent pathway being in an open or closed state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention will now be described in further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figs. 1-4 illustrates respective first, second, third and fourth embodiments of a system according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The system 100 according to the invention shown in Figs. 1-4 is arranged to deliver fire inerting gas at first and second indoor locations, 102 and 202 respectively. The system comprises a first fire inerting gas system 104 at the first indoor location 102, and a second fire inerting gas systems 204 at the second indoor location 204. The first fire inerting gas system 104 comprises a first container 106 containing an amount of pressurized gas, and a first sensor 108 for detecting at least one condition indicative of the presence of a fire at the first indoor location 102. The first sensor 108 is arranged to communicate its output to a first communication module 110 of the first fire inerting gas system 104. The first communication module 110 is arranged to at least partially control the release of inerting gas from the first container 106 via first conduit 112 and first outlet 114 into the first indoor location 102.
As shown in Figs. 1-4, the second fire inerting gas system 204 comprises a second container 206 containing an amount of pressurized gas, and a second sensor 208 for detecting at least one condition indicative of the presence of a fire at the second indoor location 202. The second sensor 208 is arranged to communicate its output to a second communication module 210 of the second fire inerting gas system 204. The second communication module 210 is arranged to at least partially control the release of inerting gas from the second container 206 via second conduit 212 and second outlet 214 into the second indoor location 202.
The first and second communication modules 110, 210 are interconnected via
communications link 300 in order to allow each respective one of the first and second fire inerting gas systems 104 and 204 to be controlled on the basis of information received from the communications module of the other one of the first and second fire inerting gas systems. In particular, release of gas from each one of the containers 106 and 206 of the first and second fire inerting gas systems 104 and 204 may thus be partially controlled on the basis of outputs of both of the sensors 108 and 208. Thus, for example the detection, by the second sensor 208, of the condition indicative of a fire at the second indoor location 202, may be communicated via the second communication module 210 to the first communication module 110, so as to allow partial control of the release of gas from the first container 106 on the basis of the condition detected by the second sensor 208.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first and second containers 106 and 206, and the first and second communication modules 110 and 210 are arranged externally of the first and second indoor locations 102 and 202. In the embodiments of Figures 2 and 4, the containers 106 and 206 as well as the first and second communication modules are arranged internally within the first and second indoor locations.
The embodiments of Figs. 3 and 4 further comprises a sensor 302 arranged at a door or window 304 interconnecting the first and second indoor locations 102 and 202, the sensor being configured to detect the open or closed status of the door or wind 304. The sensor is arranged to communicate its output signal to the first and second communication modules 110 and 210, whereby the release of fire inerting gas from the containers 106 and 206 may be partially controlled on the basis of the window or door status. For example, in the event of the detection of a condition of a fire at one of the sensors 108 or 208 and simultaneous detection of an open door or window status, the mass flow of fire inerting gas released from each of the containers 106 and 206 may controlled at an increased level, which is higher than the level at which the mass flow would be increased if the sensor 302 would have detected a closed status of the door or window 304.

Claims

1. A system for inerting a fire at a plurality of indoor locations, the system comprising at least a first fire inerting gas system configured to detect and inert a fire at a first indoor location, and a second fire inerting gas system configured to detect and inert a fire at a second indoor location, wherein the first fire inerting gas system comprises a first communication module, the second fire inerting gas system comprises a second communication module, and wherein the first and second communication modules are configured for mutual communication.
2. A system for inerting a fire according to claim 1, wherein the first fire inerting gas system comprises at least one first container comprising a fire inerting gas, a first conduit connecting the at least one first container with an outlet at the first indoor location and a first control system, and wherein the second fire inerting gas system comprises at least one second container comprising a fire inerting gas, a second conduit connecting the at least one second container and an outlet at the second indoor location and a second control system.
3. A system for inerting a fire according to claim 1 or 2, wherein no conduit extends between the first fire inerting gas system and the second indoor location, and wherein no conduit extends between the second fire inerting gas system and the first indoor location.
4. A system for inerting a fire according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first fire inerting gas system is configured to communicate with the second fire inerting gas system if the first fire inerting gas system detects a fire and/or signs of fire.
5. A system for inerting a fire according to claim 4, wherein the second fire inerting gas system is configured to deliver gas to the second indoor location if the first inerting gas system detects a fire and/or signs of fire.
6. A system for inerting a fire according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises at least one stand alone detector, the stand alone detector comprising a detector communication module configured to communicate with at least one of the first and second communication modules.
7. A system for inerting a fire according to claim 6, wherein at least one stand alone detector of the system is configured to detect flue gas at an indoor location.
8. A system for inerting a fire according to claim 6 or 7, wherein at least one stand alone detector of the system is configured to detect a temperature and/or temperature change at an indoor location.
9. A system for inerting a fire according to any of claims 6-8, wherein at least one stand alone detector of the system is configured to detect a flow of air.
10. A system for inerting a fire according to any of claims 6-9, wherein at least one stand alone detector of the system is configured to detect if a closable path leading to the first and/or second indoor location is closed or open.
11. A system for inerting a fire according to claim 10, wherein the second fire inerting gas system is configured to deliver gas to the second indoor location if both the first inerting gas system detects a fire and at least one stand alone detector detects that the closable path leading to the first and second indoor location is open.
12. A system for inerting a fire according to any of claims 6-10, wherein the second fire inerting gas system is configured to deliver gas to the second indoor location based on input from at least one stand alone detector of the system.
13. A method for inerting a fire at a plurality of indoor locations, the method comprising the steps of: - providing a first fire inerting gas system configured to detect and inert a fire at a first indoor location;
providing a second fire inerting gas system configured to detect and inert a fire at a second indoor location;
providing the first fire inerting gas system with a first communication module; and - providing the second fire inerting gas system with a second communication module, wherein the first and second communication modules are configured for mutual
communication.
14. A method for inerting a fire according to claim 13, wherein the first fire inerting gas system comprises at least one first container comprising a fire inerting gas, a first conduit connecting the at least one first container with an outlet at the first indoor location and a first control system, and wherein the second fire inerting gas system comprises at least one second container comprising a fire inerting gas, a second conduit connecting the at least one second container or second canister and an outlet at the second indoor location and a second control system, and wherein the method comprises the further steps of: providing a stand alone detector for detecting a state of an intermittent pathway between the first indoor location and the second indoor location, the stand alone detector comprising a detector communication module; and
- the second inerting gas system delivering fire inerting gas to the second indoor location if:
o the first fire inerting gas system detects a fire at the first indoor location; and o the stand alone detector detects an open state of the intermittent pathway.
15. A method for modifying a system for inerting a fire, the system comprising a first fire inerting gas system configured to detect and inert a fire at a first indoor location, and a second fire inerting gas system configured to detect and inert a fire at a second indoor location, the method comprising the steps of providing the first fire inerting gas system with a first communication module;
providing the second fire inerting gas system with a second communication module; and
configuring the first and second communication modules for mutual communication.
PCT/EP2018/050740 2017-01-12 2018-01-12 Interlinked fire inerting gas systems WO2018130644A1 (en)

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EP17151195 2017-01-12

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Citations (5)

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US20080196907A1 (en) * 2005-01-21 2008-08-21 Amrona Ag Inertization Method For Preventing Fires
US20110253396A1 (en) * 2008-10-07 2011-10-20 Amrona Ag Inert gas fire-extinguishing system for reducing the risk of an extinguishing fires in a protected room
EP2404645A2 (en) * 2010-06-17 2012-01-11 Kidde Technologies, Inc. Programmable controller for a fire prevention system

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2274784A (en) * 1939-12-28 1942-03-03 Cardox Corp Fire protection system for large airports
EP1312392A1 (en) * 2001-11-15 2003-05-21 Wagner Alarm- und Sicherungssysteme GmbH Method and device for extinguishing fires in tunnels
US20080196907A1 (en) * 2005-01-21 2008-08-21 Amrona Ag Inertization Method For Preventing Fires
US20110253396A1 (en) * 2008-10-07 2011-10-20 Amrona Ag Inert gas fire-extinguishing system for reducing the risk of an extinguishing fires in a protected room
EP2404645A2 (en) * 2010-06-17 2012-01-11 Kidde Technologies, Inc. Programmable controller for a fire prevention system

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