WO2023100160A1

WO2023100160A1 - Fire-extinguishing system

Info

Publication number: WO2023100160A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/061768
Authority: WO
Inventors: Omri GOLAN; Eran Roth
Original assignee: Lehavot Production & Protection (1995) Ltd.
Priority date: 2021-12-05
Filing date: 2022-12-05
Publication date: 2023-06-08
Also published as: GB2613568A; GB202117564D0

Abstract

A fire-extinguishing kit, system, and method for extinguishing fire in a chamber using pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent. The system includes a plurality of pipes, each including a plurality of orifices, each orifice having a length L and a width W, such that L>W; a temperature sensor adapted to output signals relating to a temperature in the chamber; a pressurized reservoir containing the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent, and a controller associated with the temperature sensor and with the pressurized reservoir. In a monitoring mode, the reservoir is mechanically connected to the pipes, and in a fire-extinguishing mode the reservoir is in fluid communication with the pipes. The controller is adapted to receive an input from the temperature sensor, and, in response, to transition the system to the fire-extinguishing mode and to trigger release of the fire-extinguishing agent from the reservoir, via the pipes and orifices.

Description

FIRE-EXTINGUI SHING SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems, kits, and methods for extinguishing fire, and mores specifically to systems, kits, and methods for extinguishing fire in a chamber, such as in a motor chamber of a vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to some teachings of the present invention there is provided a fireextinguishing system for extinguishing fire in a chamber using pressurized dry fireextinguishing agent, the system including: a plurality of pipes, each including a plurality of orifices; a temperature sensor adapted, when installed in the chamber, to output signals relating to a temperature in the chamber; a pressurized reservoir containing the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent; and a controller associated with the temperature sensor and with the pressurized reservoir, wherein, in a monitoring operative mode the pressurized reservoir is mechanically connected to at least one of the plurality of pipes, and in a fire-extinguishing operative mode the pressurized reservoir is in fluid communication with the plurality of rigid metal pipes, and wherein, the controller adapted to receive an input from the temperature sensor, and, responsive to the input, to transition the system to the fire-extinguishing operative mode and to trigger release of the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent from the pressurized reservoir, via the rigid metal pipes and the orifices.

According to some teachings of the present invention there is provided a vehicle, including: a motor disposed within a motor chamber; at least one chamber other than the motor chamber; and the fire-extinguishing system described herein, wherein the plurality of pipes and the temperature are disposed on a ceiling of at least a portion of the motor chamber, and the reservoir and the controller are disposed in one of the at least one chamber other than the motor chamber. According to some teachings of the present invention there is provided a kit, adapted to be connected to a pressurized source containing pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent, to form a fire-extinguishing system in a chamber, the kit including: a plurality of pipes, each including a plurality of orifices, the rigid metal pipes dimensioned to be installed on a surface of the chamber, and adapted to be connected to the pressurized source; and a temperature sensor adapted to output signals relating to a temperature in the chamber; wherein the pipes and the orifices are devoid of nozzles.

According to some teachings of the present invention there is provided a method of installing a fire-extinguishing system in a target venue, the target venue having a first chamber and at least one other chamber, the method including:

(a) mounting a plurality of pipes, each including a plurality of orifices and being devoid of nozzles, onto a surface of the first chamber;

(b) mechanically connecting the plurality of pipes to a source of pressurized dry fireextinguishing agent, such that, in a fire-extinguishing operative mode, the plurality of pipes will be in fluid communication with the source of pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent;

(c) mounting a temperature sensor to the surface of the first chamber, the temperature sensor adapted to output signals relating to a temperature in the first chamber; and

(d) associating the temperature sensor and the source of pressurized dry fireextinguishing agent with a controller adapted to receive temperature input from the temperature sensor, and responsive to receipt of a temperature input, to trigger release the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent, via the pipes and orifices, into the first chamber.

According to some teachings of the present invention there is provided a method of monitoring and/or extinguishing a fire in a chamber, the method including:

(a) from a temperature sensor mounted in the chamber, receiving a temperature input indicative of a temperature in the chamber;

(b) responsive to the temperature input meeting at least one predetermined criterion, releasing flow of a pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent, from a pressurized source into the chamber, via a plurality of orifices disposed in a plurality of pipes mounted onto a surface of the chamber, wherein the released agent does not flow out of the plurality of pipes via a nozzle.

In some embodiments, the method further includes: (c) from an operator interface accessible by an operator and disposed outside of the chamber, receiving an operator engagement input indicative of the operator engaging an operator interface; and

(d) responsive to the operator engagement input, releasing flow of the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent, from the pressurized source into the chamber, via the plurality orifices disposed in the plurality of pipes mounted onto a surface of the chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. Throughout the drawings, like-referenced characters are used to designate like functionalities, but not necessarily identical elements.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a system for extinguishing fire in a chamber, according to an embodiment of the teachings herein;

Figures 2A and 2B are schematic drawings of exemplary arrangements of rigid pipes forming part of the system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the teachings herein;

Figure 3 is a schematic drawing of an exemplary orifice in the pipes of Figures 2A and 2B, according to embodiments of the teachings herein;

Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of an exemplary arrangement of the system of Figure 1 in a functional setting including a chamber in which fire is to be extinguished;

Figure 5 is a schematic flow chart of a method of installing the system of Figure 1, according to embodiments of the teachings herein; and

Figure 6 is a schematic flow chart of a method of using the system of Figure 1 to extinguish fire in a chamber, according to embodiments of the teachings herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Systems, kits, and methods are described herein for extinguishing a fire in a chamber, such as in a motor chamber of a vehicle.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section that follows, the term “pipe” is meant to include pipes having different cross sectional profiles, such as circular, oval, rectangular, or polygonal profiles.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section that follows, the term “nozzle” relates to a fluid discharge unit, which, when assembled to a distribution pipe, a first end of the nozzle connects to an orifice of the pipe and an opposing end of the nozzle is in fluid communication with a surrounding environment. Often, a longitudinal axis of the nozzle is at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the pipe. The nozzle is meant to include nozzles having different cross sectional profiles, including circular, oval, rectangular, or polygonal profiles.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section that follows, the term “rigid pipe” relates to a pipe whose shape -the shape of the profile as well as the arrangement of the longitudinal axis of the pipe - cannot be changed by application of force by the hands of a standard human being, without use of a machine. A rigid pipe is inflexible, using force applied by the hands of a standard human being without tools, and is not resilient, in that if it is bent out of shape, for example using force applied by a tool, it does not independently regain its original shape.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section that follows, the term “motor chamber” relates to any chamber having a motor or an engine disposed therein, such as a motor of a vehicle, a chamber housing machinery having an associated motor, e.g. a pumping mechanism associated with a motor, and the like.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section that follows, the term “vehicle” relates to any motor-operated vehicle. The term “vehicle” includes land-based vehicle (such as cars, trucks, buses, trains, trams, and the like), water-based vehicles (such as boats, ships, submarines, and the like), and aircraft (such as airplanes and helicopters).

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section that follows, the term “storage chamber” relates to any chamber in which multiple items are stored. The items may be perishable or non-perishable, and may be electronic or non-electronic. Exemplary storage chambers include a warehouse, a personal or family storage unit, a cargo hold, a server farm, a shelving area of a store or market, and the like. As used herein in the specification and in the claims section that follows, the term “dry fire-extinguishing agent” relates to any dry powder or gas suitable for extinguishing a fire.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section that follows, the term “or” is considered as inclusive, and therefore the phrase “A or B” means any of the groups: “A”, “B”, and “A and B”.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section that follows, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is equivalent to an inclusive "or", and includes any one of "only A", "only B", or "A and B". similarly, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" is equivalent to an inclusive "or", and includes any one of "only A”, "only B", "only C”, "A and B", "A and C", "B and C", or "A and B and C".

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section that follows, the term “periodically” relates to an action or a measurement carried out at regular intervals having a fixed period therebetween, such as once every minute, once every hour, once every day, once every week, etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section that follows, the term “intermittently” relates to an action or a measurement carried out at intervals which need not necessarily have a fixed period therebetween, or even a well-defined schedule. For example, an intermittent action may be carried out in response to a specific occurrence, such as a user request, or a signal provided by a sensor such as an orientation or location sensor.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims section that follows, the term “substantially” is defined as “at least 95% of the term being described”.

Reference is now made to Figure 1, which is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a system 100 for extinguishing fire in a chamber 102, according to an embodiment of the teachings herein.

As seen, system 100 includes a plurality of pipes 104, each including a plurality of orifices 106 disposed along a longitudinal perimeter of the pipe. As explained in further detail hereinbelow, a surface area of each orifice 106 is substantially flush with an exterior surface of the pipe in which the orifice is formed. The orifices, and the pipes, do not have nozzles extending therefrom.

Pipes 104 are adapted to be disposed on a surface of chamber 102, in which it is desireable to extinguish fires if such were to occur. For example, the pipes may be disposed on the ceiling of the chamber.

In some embodiments, pipes 104 may be rigid pipes, for example metal pipes or rigid plastic pipes. Use of rigid pipes is advantageous in that it reduces complexity of installation. Specifically, the installer need not worry about the orientation of the orifices relative to each other, since the pipes cannot rotate about their own axis changing the relative orientation of the orifices. Additionally, the installer does not need to worry about bending of the pipes, or alignment thereof.

In some embodiments, pipes 104 may be flexible pipes.

A temperature sensor 108, which may be in the form of a temperature detecting tube or cable, is also disposed within chamber 102, and is adapted to output signals relating to a temperature in the chamber. Typically, pipes 104 are disposed about temperature sensor 108.

Reference is now additionally made to Figures 2A and 2B, which are schematic drawings of exemplary arrangements of rigid pipes 104 forming part of system 100. In some embodiments, pipes 104 are connected to each other using connectors 110, as seen in Figs. 1 and 2A. In some embodiments, the connected pipes form a closed shape. For example, the closed shape may be a polygon as shown in Figure 2A, or may be an ellipse as shown in Figure 2B. Similarly, any other closed shape, such as a circle or an oval, may be formed by pipes 104. The connectors 110 may be rigid connectors or flexible connectors. For example, flexible connectors 110 may be used when the surface onto which pipes 104 are mounted includes two levels, such that pipes 104 are to be arranged in two different levels. This is particularly important since the pipes themselves are not flexible, and cannot span the two different levels. As another example, in some embodiments the pipes may be connected to form a forked shape.

Pipes 104 are associated with a pressurized reservoir 112 containing a pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent 114, such as a pressurized fire-extinguishing powder or a pressurized fire-extinguishing gas. Reservoir 112 may form part of system 100, or may be merely associated therewith.

In a fire-extinguishing operative mode of system 100, reservoir 112 is in fluid communication with pipes 104, and in a monitoring operative mode of the system, reservoir 112 is mechanically connected to pipes 104, but typically is not in fluid communication with the pipes. In some embodiments, in which reservoir 112 is not very close to pipes 104 (see for example Figure 4), a connector tube 116 may connect reservoir 112 and one of pipes 104, mechanically and/or fluidly. The connector tube may be a flexible tube or a rigid tube, and typically is long enough to cover the distance between reservoir 112 and one of pipes 104, without causing strain on the connector tube or sagging thereof.

A controller 120 is functionally associated with temperature sensor 108, and with reservoir 112, for example via a local network, or via suitable wires and connections. Controller 120 is adapted to receive inputs from temperature sensor 108, and in response to some received inputs, to trigger release of pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent 114, from reservoir 112, for the agent to be distributed via pipes 104 and orifices 106 into chamber 102. Operation of system 100, and specifically of controller 120, is described hereinbelow with respect to Figure 6. In some embodiments, controller 120 may be a computing device, including a processor and a storage medium storing instructions to be executed by the processor, during operation of controller 120 and of system 100.

In some embodiments, system 100 may further include an operator interface 122, which is functionally associated with controller 110. Operator interface 122 is typically placed in a location accessible to an operator of system 100. Operator interface 122 typically includes an operator engageable button 124 which, when engaged by an operator, provides an input to controller 120, which input activates the controller to trigger release of agent 114 from reservoir 112 into chamber 102, via pipes 104 and orifices 106.

Operator interface 122 may further include a display 126, on which a status of system 100, or readings of temperature sensor 108, may be displayed to the operator. In some embodiments, the display may be replaced by one or more visual indicators, such as LED lights, adapted to indicate the current status of the system to the operator. For example, the indicators may include specific indicators for the system being OK, having a fault, there being a fire in chamber identified by the system, and an alarm indicator. As another example, a single visual indicator may provide different indications relating to different states of the system - for instance green for the system being OK, yellow for the system having a fault, red for a fire in chamber identified by the system, and flashing red as an alarm indicator.

In some embodiments, operator interface 122 is functionally associated with temperature sensor 108 and with reservoir 112 via controller 120. In other embodiments, operator interface 122 may be functionally associated directly with temperature sensor 108 and with reservoir 112, for example via a network.

In some embodiments, during the monitoring operative mode of the system, fireextinguishing agent 114 is held within reservoir 112 at a pressure in the range of 25-35 bar, and typically in a pressure of 30 bar. However, upon release of agent 114 from reservoir 112, the pressure rapidly drops to 15 or 17 bar.

In some embodiments, fire-extinguishing agent 114 comprises a majority of mono- ammonium-phosphate. In some such embodiments, fire-extinguishing agent 114 comprises at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% mono-ammonium-phosphate. In some embodiments, fire-extinguishing agent 114 comprises a first subset of particles having a first diameter, a second subset of particles having a second diameter, and a third subset of particles having a third diameter. In some embodiments, the first diameter is in the range of 35-45 micron, and the first subset comprises 30-60% of the fireextinguishing agent. In some embodiments, the second diameter is in the range of 55-80 micron, and the second subset comprises 10-35% of the fire-extinguishing agent. In some embodiments, the third diameter is in the range of 100-150 micron, and the third subset comprises 1-20% of the fire-extinguishing agent.

Reference is now additionally made to Figure 3, which is a schematic drawing of an exemplary embodiment of one of orifices 106 in pipes 104. Figure 3 shows a surface of an oval orifice 106 having a length L and a width W, where the length L is greater than the width W, i.e., L>W. This structure is particularly suitable for release of a pressurized dry fireextinguishing agent, such as gas or powder, while being less suitable for release of a fireextinguishing liquid.

In some embodiments, for example for release of agent 114 having three particle diameters as described above, a dimensionless aspect ratio ASP between the length L and the width ff (i.e. ASP = L: W) is in the range of 1.1 : 1 to 4: 1.

In some embodiments, ASP is at least 1.2: 1, at least 1.3: 1, at least 1.35: 1, at least 1.4: 1, at least 1.45:1, or at least 1.5: 1.

In some embodiments, ASP is at most 4: 1, at most 3.8: 1, at most 3.5: 1, at most 3.2: 1, at most 3: 1, at most 2.75: 1, or at most 2.5: 1.

In some embodiments, ASP is 2: 1.

Although Figure 3 shows an oval orifice 106, the orifices may have any suitable shape having the designated dimensions, such as an oblong shape, an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, a polygonal shape having rounded comers, or an irregular shape.

Pipes 104, orifices 106, and reservoir 112 are dimensioned and configured such that, in a fire-extinguishing operative mode of system 100, when the pressurized dry fireextinguishing agent flows through the pipes, the fire-extinguishing agent is distributed out of each orifices 106 at an average rate in the range of 30g/s to lOOg/s of the pressurized agent, in order to fill the chamber with agent within a delay duration of at most 45 seconds and for an extinguishing duration of at least 10 seconds.

Pipes 104, orifices 106, and reservoir 112 are dimensioned and configured such that, in a fire-extinguishing operative mode of system 100, when the pressurized dry fireextinguishing agent flows through the pipes, the fire-extinguishing agent is distributed out of all of orifices 106 together at an average rate in the range of 400g/s to lOOOg/s of the pressurized agent, in order to fill the chamber with agent within a delay duration of at most 45 seconds and for an extinguishing duration of at least 10 seconds. For example, system 100 may be installed in a bus, in order to prevent or extinguish fire in a motor chamber of the bus, as described hereinbelow with respect to Figure 4. Typically, a motor chamber of a bus has a foot print of 2.5 m², and a volume of 4 m³. In some embodiments, in the exemplary setting of a bus motor chamber, pipes 104 may be circular pipes having an outer diameter of 15mm and a wall thickness of 1mm. Pipes 104 may have a length in the range of 60cm to 100cm, having orifices 106 distributed at regular distances along each pipe, where the length L of the orifices is 4mm and the width of the orifices is 2mm. For example, orifices 106 may be separated from each other by 10cm, such that each pipe includes 8 to 10 orifices 106. In some embodiments, some of the orifices may be closed, for example by suitable plugs, to control the rate of distribution of agent 114 from pipes 104. For example, the number of open orifices in system 100 may be in the range of 15-20. The total surface area of the orifices 106 in system 100, or of such open orifices, is selected to ensure distribution of agent 114 at the desired rate. In the exemplary embodiment in which the pipes are disposed within a motor chamber of a bus as described above, the total surface area of orifices 106 may be in the range of 100mm² to 200mm².

In some embodiments, the chamber has a volume of at least 1.2m³, at least 1.5 m³, or at least 2 m³.

In some embodiments, the chamber has a volume of at most 50 m³, at most 40 m³, at most 30 m³, at most 25 m³, at most 20 m³, at most 15 m³, at most 10 m³, or at most 8 m³.

In some embodiments, the chamber has a volume in the range of 1.2 m³ to 20 m³, 1.2 m³ to 15 m³, 1.2 m³ to 10 m³, 1.2 m³ to 8 m³, 1.5 m³ to 7 m³, or 2 m³ to 6 m³. In some embodiments, the number of active, or open, orifices 106 in pipes 104, per cubic meter of volume of the chamber, is in the range of 2 to 8 active orifices per m³, in the range of 1 to 6 active orifices per m³, or in the range of 2 to 6 active orifices per m³. In some embodiments, the system includes 4 active orifices per cubic meter of the chamber, such that a system installed in a chamber having a volume of 4 m³, would include 16 open, active orifices.

In some embodiments, the weight of dry fire-extinguishing agent 114 in reservoir 112 is sufficient to extinguish a fire in a chamber having a predetermined volume.

In some embodiments, the average weight of agent 114 for extinguishing a fire in a chamber is at least O.5kg/m³, at least 0.75 kg/m³, at least 1 kg/m³, at least 1.5 kg/m³, or at least 2 kg/m³. In some embodiments, the orifices 106 in each of pipes 104 are all disposed along a single longitudinal line of the pipe, such that when the pipe is installed, all the orifices are oriented in the same direction. In some such embodiments, when the pipes 104 are installed in a chamber 102, each pipe is arranged with its orifices oriented in a different direction, so that, in the fire-extinguishing operative mode of system 100, agent 114 is distributed to the entire volume of the chamber. For example, when the chamber 102 is a motor chamber of a bus, as shown in Figure 4, and when system 100 includes four pipes 104 arranged in a square, as shown in Figure 2A, one of the pipes may be arranged such that orifices 106 of each pipe are oriented toward a different one of an upper portion of the chamber, disposed above the pipes 104; a lower portion of the chamber, disposed below pipes 104; a front portion of the chamber; and a supply of a flammable material feeding the motor or used for operating the motor, such as a motor oil supply or a fuel tank supplying fuel to the motor.

In some embodiments, each of pipes 104 has the orifices 106 therein oriented in different directions. For example, each pipe may have a first subset of orifices oriented in a first direction and a second subset of orifices oriented in a second direction, different from the first direction. As another example, each pipe may have orifices oriented in three or four different directions. When mounted in chamber 102, the pipes may be arranged such that at least some of the orifices of the pipes are oriented toward each of the four directions listed herein.

It is a particular feature of the teachings herein that pipes 104 and orifices 106 are completely devoid of nozzles. The arrangement of pipes 104 and of orifices 106 enables safe and successful coverage and fire-extinguishing in chamber 102, while avoiding the need for pointing each nozzle separately and accurately to a desired direction.

Additionally, pipes 104 and at least some of orifices 106 are completely devoid of covers, during the monitoring operative mode of system 100 as well as during the fireextinguishing operative mode of the system, for the entire lifetime of the system.

In typical prior art systems, and generally in systems having circular orifices in the pipes or at the ends of nozzles, the orifices tend to become blocked by dust and dirt. In order to avoid this problem, prior art systems include covers which close the orifices while the system is monitoring. Such covers are typically blown off the nozzles, by the pressure of a fire extinguishing agent, when the system is in a fire-extinguishing mode. The covers are typically made of plastic, silicone, or another polymeric or elastomeric material. One of the disadvantages of use of covers is that the covers must be regularly maintained or replaced, in order to prevent their disintegration. Typically, the covers are replaced, or treated, once in six months or once a year, to prevent their degradation or disintegration. Failure to replace the covers may cause the nozzles, or orifices, to become blocked by the material of the neglected cover, for example because the cover disintegrated within the bore or orifice. Consequently, use of pipes or nozzles having circular bores or orifices requires regular and significant maintenance, including regularly replacing the covers of the bores. Such maintenance can be extremely time consuming, labor intensive, and error prone, particularly when operating a large number of fire extinguishing systems, such as when operating a fleet of buses or other vehicles.

The inventors have surprisingly found that when orifices 106 are not circular, but rather have two distinct dimensions L and W as described hereinabove, the orifices are less prone to blockages by dust and dirt than nozzles having circular bores as used in the prior art. Alternately, even if orifices 106 become blocked, the initial pressure when the fire extinguishing agent is released into pipes 104 is sufficient to unblock the orifices, so that the agent can flow out of the orifices as necessary. Consequently, there is no need to cover orifices 106, as is in the case with prior art systems including nozzles.

In some embodiments, at the time of installation of system 100, each orifice 106 facilitates flow of the dry fire-extinguishing agent at a rate of Ro g/s. It is a particular feature of the teachings herein that each orifice 106 as disclosed herein facilitates flow of the dry fire-extinguishing agent at a rate of Rt g/s following a duration t. In some embodiments, Rt is at least at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% of Ro. In some embodiments, duration t is at least one year, at least two years, at least three years, or at least five years from installation. In some embodiments, during the entire duration t, the orifices are uncovered and no maintenance actions are carried out to unblock the orifices.

It is a particular feature of the teachings herein that the system extinguishes a fire using total flooding of the chamber in which the fire is to be extinguished with the fireextinguishing agent, rather than local application of the fire-extinguishing agent.

In some embodiments, for example for installation of system 100 as described hereinbelow with respect to Figure 5, components of the system may be provided to the user as a kit, for the user to connect and install. Such a kit may include pipes 104 pre-formed with orifices 106, optional covers to close some of orifices 106, temperature sensor 108, connectors 110, reservoir 112, controller 120, and/or operator interface 122. In some embodiments, the kit is devoid of covers for covering the orifices. Reference is now made to Figure 4, which is a schematic drawing of an exemplary arrangement of system 100 in a functional setting within a bus 150 including a motor chamber 152 of the bus housing a bus-motor 154.

As seen, pipes 104 are mounted on or adjacent a ceiling 156 of the motor chamber 154. Similarly, though not explicitly shown, temperature sensor 108 (Figure 1) is mounted on or adjacent ceiling 156 of the motor chamber. Pressurized reservoir 112 and controller 120 are disposed outside of motor chamber 154, in another chamber 158. Connector tube 116 extends from chamber 158 to motor chamber 152, to mechanically and, in a fireextinguishing operative mode, fluidly, connect reservoir 112 and pipes 104. It is to be appreciated that in order to ensure proper function of controller 120 and of system 100, chamber 158 in which the controller is disposed must have a minimal risk of fire.

As discussed hereinabove, the pipes 104 are typically arranged so that orifices 106 are directed toward four different portions of the chamber 152 or of the bus engine compartment, including toward a front of the bus (where people may be sitting), toward a supply of a flammable fluid feeding motor 154, and toward portions of chamber 152 to facilitate complete coverage of the volume of the chamber.

Operator interface 122 is typically disposed within a driver chamber 160, or within a main chamber, of the bus, within reach of the driver. For example, operator interface 122 may form part of the dashboard of the bus. As such, if the driver wishes to actively and expressly activate system 100 to release fire-extinguishing agent 114 within motor chamber 152, the driver may engage button 124 disposed on the dashboard.

It is to be appreciated that while Figure 4 illustrates system 100 installed in a bus, the system may be installed in a similar manner in any type of vehicle, and particularly in any type of heavy vehicle, such as a truck, tractor, farming vehicle, and the like. Similarly, the system may be installed in water-based vehicles such as boats and ships, or in aircraft, such as airplanes and helicopters.

It is to be appreciated that while Figure 4 illustrates system 100 installed in a vehicle, the system may also be installed in an immobile location. For example, system 100 may be used to monitor and extinguish fire in a storage chamber, such as a warehouse or storage room of a store. In this example, pipes 104 and temperature sensor 108 may be disposed on the ceiling of the warehouse or storage room, while reservoir 112 and controller 120 may be disposed within a storefront of the store. Operator interface 122 may also be disposed within the storefront, for example close to the cash register, for a clerk at the store to be able to monitor system 100 and to expressly activate the system, if necessary. It is to be appreciated that the parameters used for extinguishing a fire in a larger chamber, such as the weight per cubic meter of agent, the number of orifices per cubic meter, and the like, may vary than when the system is used in a smaller chamber.

In some embodiments, system 100 may be used to monitor and extinguish fire in a storage unit, such as a metal storage unit used to transport goods on cargo ships, or for long term storage of goods in storage unit parks or facilities. In such embodiments, the system may be devoid of an operator interface, and fire-extinguishing may be automatically triggered by sensor temperature 108 and/or by other sensors, such as smoke detecting sensors.

Reference is now made to Figure 5, which is a schematic flow chart of a method of installing the system 100 in chamber 102, which typically is a chamber in which there is a fire hazard or a desire to prevent or rapidly extinguish fires, according to embodiments of the teachings herein.

As seen in Figure 5, at step S200, the pipes 104 are mounted onto a surface of chamber 102, such as the ceiling of the chamber. In some embodiments, in which individual pipes are connected to each other to form a closed shape, the pipes are connected to each other, using connectors 110, typically prior to mounting thereof. When mounting the pipes 104, they may have orifices 106 oriented in suitable directions, substantially as described hereinabove.

At step S204, the pipes 104 are mechanically connected to a source of pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent, such as reservoir 112, for example by connection tube 116, such that, in the fire-extinguishing operative mode, the pipes will also be in fluid communication with reservoir 112. The source of fire-extinguishing agent is mounted or disposed in another chamber at step S206.

At step S208, temperature sensor 108 is mounted within chamber 102, typically to the ceiling thereof in the vicinity of pipes 104.

It is to be appreciated that steps S200 to S208 may be carried out in any desired or suitable order, as is preferable or convenient for the specific installation.

At step S210, controller 120 is associated with temperature sensor 108 and with the agent source or reservoir 112, for example by setting up a suitable network therebetween or by wired connections. The controller is typically mounted in another chamber, other than chamber 102, at step S212.

In some embodiments, at step S214, operator interface 122 is mounted within an operator chamber in a manner that would be accessible to the operator. In such embodiments, step S212 may further include associating controller 120 with operator interface 122.

In some embodiments, in which the chamber 102 already has a fire-extinguishing system installed therein, the existing fire-extinguishing system is removed at step S216, which typically take place prior to all of steps S200-S214.

Reference is now made to Figure 6, which is a schematic flow chart of a method of using system 100 to extinguish fire in chamber 102, according to embodiments of the teachings herein. The method of Figure 6 includes a monitoring operative mode of system 100, and a fire-extinguishing operative mode.

In the monitoring operative mode, at step S250, temperature sensor 108 provides a temperature input to controller 120, indicating a temperature in chamber 102. At step S252, controller 120 evaluates the received temperature input to determine whether it is indicative of a need to activate the fire-extinguishing operative mode. For example, the temperature input may show an increase in temperature in the chamber, which is indicative of a fire.

If controller 120 determines that the temperature input does not require activating the fire-extinguishing operative mode, the flow remains in the monitoring operative mode.

However, if controller 120 determines that the temperature input requires activating the fire-extinguishing operative mode, at step S254 controller 120 triggers release of pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent from reservoir 112 into pipes 104, by triggering opening of a fluid connection between the reservoir and the pipes. The pressurized dry fireextinguishing agent then flows through pipes 104 and orifices 106, into chamber 102.

In some embodiments, in which system 100 includes operator interface 122, in the monitoring operative mode, at step S256, controller 120 also monitors the operator interface for receipt of an input indicative of the operator engaging button 124. At step S258, if no such input is received, the flow remains in the monitoring operative mode. However, if an input is received from the operator interface indicating that button 124 has been engaged by the operator, the flow proceeds to step S254 and the fire-extinguishing operative mode is activated.

In some embodiments, the temperature input is provided from temperature sensor 108 to controller 120 periodically, for example once every 50 milliseconds, once every 100 milliseconds, once every 250 milliseconds, once every 500 milliseconds, once every 750 milliseconds, once every second, once every 5 seconds, once every 15 seconds, once every 30 seconds, or once every minute.

EXAMPLES

Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with the above description, illustrate the invention in a non-limiting fashion.

EXAMPLE 1

Comparison of systems with respect to a re-ignition test

A fire re-ignition test was conducted using prior art fire extinguishing system, and a fire extinguishing system according to the disclosed technology.

A first fire extinguishing system used for the test, included a plurality of flexible pipes, each terminating, at two ends of the pipe, in a nozzle. A longitudinal axis of each nozzle was substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the pipe. The pipes were arranged to form a substantially square shape, with each nozzle being directed toward the center of the square shape. Each nozzle included a central bore and terminated in ten channels which were in fluid communication with the bore and with the environment. The cumulative surface area of all the channels in all the nozzles in the first system was approximately 180 mm².

The second fire extinguishing system used for the test, in accordance with the disclosed technology, was similar to that illustrated in Figure 2A. The second fire extinguishing system included four rigid metal pipes, each 1 meter long, connected to each other by connectors to form a square. Each pipe included four orifices having the shape shown in Fig. 3, and an aspect ratio of 4mm:2mm, for a total of 16 orifices having a cumulative surface area of approximately 114 mm². The orifices in each of the four pipes were oriented to a different direction, where the orifices in a first pipe were oriented upward, the orifices in a second pipe were oriented downward, the orifices in a third pipe were oriented at a 35 degree angle forward, and the orifices in a fourth pipe were oriented toward an oil supply in the chamber in which the experiment was conducted, as explained hereinbelow.

The pipes of both the first and second systems were each in fluid communication with a dedicated 12 liter canister holding approximately 8kg ABC94 fire extinguishing powder which is pressurized using nitrogen at a pressure of 30 bar. The powder included approximately 94% mono-ammonium phosphate.

The test was designed to evaluate re-ignition of a dripping oil fire, where the oil is dripped at a pressure of 0.2 MPa and at a rate of O.Olkg/min. The test was conducted using each of the first and second fire-extinguishing systems, in a chamber lacking ventilation, in accordance with the following steps: a. an exhaust manifold mock-up tube is pre-heated with a burner prior to the test. Pressurized air was added to the flame for better combustion. The test begins, at time 0, when pre-defined temperatures. b. 30 seconds after the beginning of the test, i.e. after the pre-defined temperature was met, dripping of engine oil was initiated, such that the oil is ignited by the elevated temperature previously obtained. c. 15 seconds later, or 45 seconds after initiating of oil dripping, and while the oil continues dripping, the system being tested was activated to provide its fire extinguishing material. d. The oil continued to drip, until the result of the test is evaluated. e. A system is considered to have passed the test if the fire is extinguished, and does not re-ignite, despite continued dripping of the oil, for a duration of at least 45 seconds. A longer duration in which the fire did not re-ignite is indicative of superior fire-extinguishing abilities, or of an ability to cool the dripping oil, in addition to extinguishing the fire. The experiment is terminated after 5 minutes from activation of the system to provide the fire extinguishing material, or when the fire reignites.

The results of the tests of the first and second systems are provided in Table 1.

TABLE 1

As evident from the results of the re-ignition test conducted on the first (prior art) system and on the second (disclosed technology) system, it is clear that use of orifices arranged in accordance with the disclosed technology is superior to use of nozzles, as found in the prior art, since the system of the present invention ensured fire extinguishing without any re-ignition of the fire, whereas the prior art system enabled the fire to re-ignite.

EXAMPLE 2

Comparison of orifice shapes and dimensions

A fire re-ignition test, as described hereinabove with respect to Example 1, was conducted using two fire extinguishing systems according to the disclosed technology.

A first fire extinguishing system used for the test, included a 3 rigid pipes, each being a meter long and including five circular orifices, where each circular orifice has a diameter of 2mm. The cumulative surface area of all the orifices in all the pipes in the first system was approximately 167 mm².

The second fire extinguishing system included four rigid metal pipes, each 1 meter long, connected to each other by connectors to form a square. Each pipe included four substantially oval orifices having the shape shown in Fig. 3, and an aspect ratio of 4mm:2mm, for a total of 16 orifices having a cumulative surface area of approximately 114 mm². The orifices in each of the four pipes were oriented to a different direction, where the orifices in a first pipe were oriented upward, the orifices in a second pipe were oriented downward, the orifices in a third pipe were oriented at a 35 degree angle forward, and the orifices in a fourth pipe were oriented toward an oil supply in the chamber in which the experiment was conducted, as explained hereinbelow.

The test evaluated re-ignition of a dripping oil fire, where the oil is dripped at a pressure of 0.2 MPa and at a rate of O.Olkg/min. The test was conducted using each of the first and second fire-extinguishing systems, in a chamber lacking ventilation, as described hereinabove with respect to Example 1.

The results of the tests of the first and second systems are provided in Table 2.

TABLE 2

As evident from the results of the re-ignition test conducted on the first system and on the second system, it is clear that use of oval orifices arranged in accordance with the disclosed technology is superior to use of round orifices, since the system using oval orifices ensured fire extinguishing without any re-ignition of the fire, whereas the system including round orifices enabled the fire to re-ignite. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided hereinbelow:

1. A fire-extinguishing system for extinguishing fire in a chamber using pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent, the system including: a plurality of pipes, each including a plurality of orifices; a temperature sensor adapted, when disposed within the chamber, to output signals relating to a temperature in the chamber; a pressurized reservoir containing the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent; and a controller associated with the temperature sensor and with the pressurized reservoir, wherein, in a monitoring operative mode the pressurized reservoir is mechanically connected to at least one of the plurality of pipes, and in a fire-extinguishing operative mode the pressurized reservoir is in fluid communication with the plurality of rigid metal pipes, and wherein the controller adapted to receive an input from the temperature sensor, and, responsive to the input, to transition the system to the fire-extinguishing operative mode and to trigger release of the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent from the pressurized reservoir, via the rigid metal pipes and the orifices.

2. The fire-extinguishing system of embodiment 1, wherein the plurality of pipes are rigid pipes.

3. The fire-extinguishing system of embodiment 1, wherein the plurality of pipes are flexible pipes.

4. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein a surface area of each of the orifices has a length L and a width W (ASP = L:W), where L>W.

5. The fire-extinguishing system of embodiment 4, wherein a dimensionless aspect ratio ASP between the length L and the width W is in the range of 1.1 : 1 to 4: 1.

6. The fire-extinguishing system of embodiment 4 or 5, wherein ASP is at least 1.2.

7. The fire-extinguishing system of embodiment 4 or 5, wherein ASP is at least 1.3.

8. The fire-extinguishing system of embodiment 4 or 5, wherein ASP is at least 1.35.

9. The fire-extinguishing system of embodiment 4 or 5, wherein ASP is at least 1.4.

10. The fire-extinguishing system of embodiment 4 or 5, wherein ASP is at least 1.45.

11. The fire-extinguishing system of embodiment 4 or 5, wherein ASP is at least 1.5.

12. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 4 to 11, wherein ASP is at most 3.75. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 4 to 11, wherein ASP is at most 3.5.

14. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 4 to 11, wherein ASP is at most 3.25.

15. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 4 to 11, wherein ASP is at most 3.

16. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 4 to 11, wherein ASP is at most 2.75.

17. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 4 to 11, wherein ASP is at most 2.5.

18. The fire extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 17, further including the chamber, wherein the pipes are mounted in the chamber.

19. The fire extinguishing system of embodiment 18, wherein the chamber has a volume of at least 1.2m³.

20. The fire extinguishing system of embodiment 18, wherein the chamber has a volume of at least 1.5m³.

21. The fire extinguishing system of embodiment 18, wherein the chamber has a volume of at least 1.8m³.

22. The fire extinguishing system of embodiment 18, wherein the chamber has a volume of at least 2m³.

23. The fire extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 18 to 22, wherein the chamber has a volume of at most 50m³.

24. The fire extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 18 to 22, wherein the chamber has a volume of at most 40m³.

25. The fire extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 18 to 22, wherein the chamber has a volume of at most 30m³.

26. The fire extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 18 to 22, wherein the chamber has a volume of at most 25m³.

27. The fire extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 18 to 22, wherein the chamber has a volume of at most 20m³.

28. The fire extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 18 to 22, wherein the chamber has a volume of at most 15m³.

29. The fire extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 18 to 22, wherein the chamber has a volume of at most 10m³. 30. The fire extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 18 to 22, wherein the chamber has a volume of at most 8m³.

31. The fire extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 18 to 22, wherein the chamber has a volume of at most 6m³.

32. The fire extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 31, wherein a weight of the fire extinguishing agent in the reservoir per cubic meter of volume of the chamber, is at least O.5kg/m³.

33. The fire extinguishing system of embodiment 32, wherein the weight per cubic meter is at least 0.75 kg/m³.

34. The fire extinguishing system of embodiment 32, wherein the weight per cubic meter is at least 1 kg/m³.

35. The fire extinguishing system of embodiment 32, wherein the weight per cubic meter is at least 1.5 kg/m³.

36. The fire extinguishing system of embodiment 32, wherein the weight per cubic meter is at least 2 kg/m³.

37. The fire extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 36, wherein a number of the orifices in the system, per cubic meter of volume of the chamber, is in the range of 1 to 8.

38. The fire extinguishing system of embodiment 37, wherein the number of the orifices per cubic meter of volume of the chamber is in the range of 1 to 6.

39. The fire extinguishing system of embodiment 37, wherein the number of the orifices per cubic meter of volume of the chamber is in the range of 2 to 8.

40. The fire extinguishing system of embodiment 37, wherein the number of the orifices per cubic meter of volume of the chamber is in the range of 2 to 6.

41. The fire extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 40, wherein the total number of the orifices is in the range of 10 to 30.

42. The fire extinguishing system of embodiment 41, wherein the total number of the orifices is in the range of 10 to 25.

43. The fire extinguishing system of embodiment 41, wherein the total number of the orifices is in the range of 10 to 20.

44. The fire extinguishing system of embodiment 41, wherein the total number of the orifices is in the range of 15 to 20.

45. The fire extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 44, wherein the pipes, the orifices, and the reservoir are dimensioned and configured such that, in the fire extinguishing operative mode of the system, when the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent flows through the pipes at a pressure of 17bar, an average rate of distribution of the fire-extinguishing agent out of all of the orifices is in the range of 400g/s to Ikg/s.

46. The fire extinguishing system of embodiment 45, wherein the average rate of distribution of the fire-extinguishing agent out of all of the orifices is in the range of 400g/s to 800g/s.

47. The fire extinguishing system of embodiment 45, wherein the average rate of distribution of the fire-extinguishing agent out of all of the orifices is in the range of 400g/s to 600g/s.

48. The fire extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 47, wherein the pipes, the orifices, and the reservoir are dimensioned and configured such that, in the fire extinguishing operative mode of the system, when the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent flows through the pipes at a pressure of 17bar, an average rate of distribution of the fire-extinguishing agent via each of the orifices is in the range of 30g/s to lOOg/s.

49. The fire extinguishing system of embodiment 48, wherein the average rate of distribution of the fire-extinguishing agent out of each of the orifices is in the range of 30g/s to 80g/s.

50. The fire extinguishing system of embodiment 48, wherein the average rate of distribution of the fire-extinguishing agent out of each of the orifices is in the range of 40g/s to 60g/s.

51. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 50, wherein the surface area of the orifices is flush with an exterior surface area of the pipes.

52. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 51, wherein the orifices are disposed along a longitudinal length of the pipes.

53. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 52, wherein in each of the plurality of pipes, all of the plurality of orifices are oriented in the same direction, and wherein the plurality of pipes are adapted to be disposed on a surface of the chamber such that the orifices of each pipe are oriented in a different direction, so as to extinguish a fire in any location in the chamber.

54. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 52, wherein in at least one of the plurality of pipes, a first subset of the plurality of orifices are oriented in a first direction and a second subset of the plurality of orifices are oriented in a second direction, different from the first direction. 55. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 52, wherein in each of the plurality of pipes, a first subset of the plurality of orifices are oriented in a first direction and a second subset of the plurality of orifices are oriented in a second direction, different from the first direction.

56. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 52, wherein in at least one pipe of the plurality of pipes, the plurality of orifices are arranged in a spiral about the length of the pipe.

57. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 56, wherein the plurality of pipes, and the orifices, are devoid of nozzles.

58. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 57, wherein at least a subset of the plurality of orifices are devoid of covers in the monitoring operative mode of the system.

59. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 58, wherein each of the plurality of orifices is devoid of a cover in the monitoring operative mode of the system.

60. The fire-extinguishing system of embodiment 58 or 59, wherein for each orifice of the orifices which are devoid of the covers in the monitoring operative mode: when the system is in the fire-extinguishing operative mode, at a time to at which the orifice is unblocked, the orifice is adapted to facilitate a first flow rate is Ro g/s of the pressurized fire-extinguishing agent through the orifice; when the system is in the fire-extinguishing operative mode, at a time t later than to, following the system being in the monitoring operative mode for a duration t-to, the orifice is adapted to facilitate a second flow rate R_t g/s of the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent through the orifice; and

Rt is at least 80% of Ro, and the duration t-to is at least one month.

61. The fire-extinguishing system of embodiment 60, wherein R_t is at least 85% of Ro.

62. The fire-extinguishing system of embodiment 60, wherein R_t is at least 90% of Ro.

63. The fire-extinguishing system of embodiment 60, wherein R_t is at least 95% of Ro.

64. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 60 to 63, wherein the duration t-to is at least 3 months.

65. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 60 to 63, wherein the duration t-to is at least 6 months.

66. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 60 to 63, wherein the duration t-to is at least 1 year. 67. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 60 to 63, wherein the duration t-to is at least 2 years.

68. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 60 to 63, wherein the duration t-to is at least 3 years.

69. The fire extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 68, wherein a cumulative surface area of the plurality of orifices, per 1 meter of the plurality of pipes, is in the range of 100mm² to 200mm².

70. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 69, wherein the pipes, the orifices, and the reservoir, are sized and configured such that in the fire-extinguishing operative mode, when the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent flows through the pipes, the fire-extinguishing agent is distributed out of the orifices at a rate of 1 to 2.5 second per kg-

71. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 70, further including at least one connector adapted to connect the plurality of pipes to each other to form a closed shape.

72. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 18 to 71 , wherein the pipes are adapted to be disposed on a surface of the chamber, about the temperature sensor.

73. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 18 to 72, wherein the temperature sensor includes a temperature detection tube, adapted to be mounted onto a surface of the chamber.

74. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 73, further including an operator interface, functionally associated with the controller, the operator interface including an operator engageable button, wherein operator engagement of the operator engageable button provides an operator input to the controller, and the controller is adapted, in response to the operator input, to transition the system to the fire-extinguishing operative mode and to trigger release of the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent from the pressurized reservoir, via the pipes and the orifices.

75. The fire-extinguishing surface of any one of embodiments 72 to 74, wherein the surface of the chamber is a ceiling of the chamber.

76. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 75, wherein the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent includes a majority of mono-ammonium-phosphate.

77. The fire-extinguishing system of embodiment 76, wherein the pressurized dry fireextinguishing agent includes at least 60% mono-ammonium-phosphate. 78. The fire-extinguishing system of embodiment 76, wherein the pressurized dry fireextinguishing agent includes at least 70% mono-ammonium-phosphate.

79. The fire-extinguishing system of embodiment 76, wherein the pressurized dry fireextinguishing agent includes at least 80% mono-ammonium-phosphate.

80. The fire-extinguishing system of embodiment 76, wherein the pressurized dry fireextinguishing agent includes at least 90% mono-ammonium-phosphate.

81. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 80, wherein the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent includes a first subset of particles having a first diameter, a second subset of particles having a second diameter, and a third subset of particles having a third diameter.

82. The fire-extinguishing system of embodiment 81, wherein the first diameter is in the range of 35-45 micron, and the first subset includes 30-60% of the pressurized dry fireextinguishing agent.

83. The fire-extinguishing system of embodiment 81 or 82, wherein the second diameter is in the range of 55-80 micron, and the second subset includes 10-35% of the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent.

84. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 81 to 83, wherein the third diameter is in the range of 100-150 micron, and the third subset includes 1-20% of the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent.

85. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 84, further including the chamber, wherein the chamber is a motor chamber.

86. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 85, further including the chamber, wherein the chamber is a chamber of a vehicle.

87. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 84, further including the chamber, wherein the chamber is a storage chamber.

88. A vehicle, including: a motor disposed within a motor chamber; at least one chamber other than the motor chamber; and the fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 84, wherein the plurality of pipes and the temperature sensor are disposed on a ceiling of at least a portion of the motor chamber, and the reservoir and the controller are disposed in one of the at least one chamber other than the motor chamber. 89. The vehicle of embodiment 88, wherein the at least one chamber other than the motor chamber includes a driver compartment accessible by a driver of the vehicle, and wherein a or the operator interface is disposed in the driver compartment, so as to be accessible to a driver in the driver compartment, during driving of the vehicle.

90. The vehicle of embodiment 88 or 89, wherein the vehicle is a heavy vehicle.

91. A method of installing the fire-extinguishing system of any one of embodiments 1 to 84 in a target venue, the target venue having a first chamber, the method including:

(a) mounting the plurality of pipes, onto a surface of the first chamber;

(b) mechanically connecting the plurality of pipes to the pressurized reservoir, such that, in a fire-extinguishing operative mode, the plurality of pipes will be in fluid communication with the pressurized reservoir;

(c) mounting the temperature sensor to the surface of the first chamber; and

(d) associating the temperature sensor and the pressurized reservoir with the controller.

92. The method of embodiment 91, wherein the target venue has at least one other chamber, the method further including:

(e) mounting the controller in the at least one other chamber.

93. A method of monitoring and/or extinguishing a fire in a chamber using the system of any one of embodiments 1 to 84, the method including:

(a) from the temperature sensor mounted in the chamber, receiving a temperature input indicative of a temperature in the chamber; and

(b) responsive to the temperature input meeting at least one predetermined criterion, releasing flow of the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent, from the pressurized reservoir into the chamber, via the pipes and the orifices.

94. The method of embodiment 93, further including:

(c) from an or the operator interface accessible, receiving an operator engagement input indicative of the operator engaging an operator interface; and

(d) responsive to the operator engagement input, releasing flow of the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent, from the pressurized reservoir into the chamber, via the pipes and the orifices.

95. A kit, adapted to be connected to a pressurized reservoir containing pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent, to form a fire-extinguishing system in a chamber, the kit including: a plurality of pipes, each including a plurality of orifices, the pipes dimensioned to be installed on a surface of the chamber, and adapted to be connected to the pressurized reservoir; and a temperature sensor adapted, when installed in the chamber, to output signals relating to a temperature in the chamber.

96. The kit of embodiment 95, wherein the plurality of pipes are rigid pipes.

97. The kit of embodiment 95, wherein the plurality of pipes are flexible pipes.

98. The kit of any one of embodiments 95 to 97, wherein a surface area of each of the orifices has a length L and a width W, where L>W.

99. The kit of embodiment 98, wherein a dimensionless aspect ratio ASP between the length L and the width ffl (ASP = L: W) is in the range of 1.1 : 1 to 4: 1.

100. The kit of embodiment 98 or 99, wherein ASP is at least 1.2.

101. The kit of embodiment 98 or 99, wherein ASP is at least 1.3.

102. The kit of embodiment 98 or 99, wherein ASP is at least 1.35.

103. The kit of embodiment 98 or 99, wherein ASP is at least 1.4.

104. The kit of embodiment 98 or 99, wherein ASP is at least 1.45.

105. The kit of embodiment 98 or 99, wherein ASP is at least 1.5.

106. The kit of any one of embodiments 98 to 105, wherein ASP is at most 3.75.

107. The kit of any one of embodiments 98 to 105, wherein ASP is at most 3.5.

108. The kit of any one of embodiments 98 to 105, wherein ASP is at most 3.25.

109. The kit of any one of embodiments 98 to 105, wherein ASP is at most 3.

110. The kit of any one of embodiments 98 to 105, wherein ASP is at most 2.75.

111. The kit of any one of embodiments 98 to 105, wherein ASP is at most 2.5.

112. The kit of any one of embodiments 95 to 111, wherein the total number of the orifices is in the range of 10 to 30.

113. The kit of embodiment 112, wherein the total number of the orifices is in the range of 10 to 25.

114. The kit of embodiment 112, wherein the total number of the orifices is in the range of 10 to 20.

115. The kit of embodiment 112, wherein the total number of the orifices is in the range of 15 to 20.

116. The kit of any one of embodiments 95 to 115, wherein the surface area of the orifices is flush with an exterior surface area of the pipes.

117. The kit of any one of embodiments 95 to 116, wherein the orifices are disposed along a longitudinal length of the pipes.

118. The kit of any one of embodiments 95 to 117, wherein in each of the plurality of pipes, all of the plurality of orifices are oriented in the same direction. 119. The kit of any one of embodiments 95 to 117, wherein in at least one of the plurality of pipes, a first subset of the plurality of orifices are oriented in a first direction and a second subset of the plurality of orifices are oriented in a second direction, different from the first direction.

120. The kit of any one of embodiments 95 to 117, wherein in each of the plurality of pipes, a first subset of the plurality of orifices are oriented in a first direction and a second subset of the plurality of orifices are oriented in a second direction, different from the first direction.

121. The kit of any one of embodiments 95 to 117, wherein in at least one pipe of the plurality of pipes, the plurality of orifices are arranged in a spiral about the length of the Pipe-

122. The kit of any one of embodiments 95 to 121, wherein the plurality of pipes, and the orifices, are devoid of nozzles.

123. The kit of any one of embodiments 95 to 122, wherein at least some of the plurality of orifices are devoid of covers in the monitoring operative mode of the system.

124. The kit of any one of embodiments 95 to 123, wherein each of the plurality of orifices is devoid of a cover in the monitoring operative mode of the system.

125. The kit of any one of embodiments 95 to 124, wherein a cumulative surface area of the plurality of orifices, per 1 meter of the plurality of pipes, is in the range of 100mm² to 200mm².

126. The kit of any one of embodiments 95 to 125, further including at least one connector adapted to connect the plurality of pipes to each other to form a closed shape.

127. The kit of any one of embodiments 95 to 126, wherein the temperature sensor includes a temperature detection tube.

128. The system, kit, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the internal diameter of any one of the pipes, and optionally, all of the pipes, is within the range of 9 to 18mm.

129. The system, kit, or method of embodiment 128, wherein the internal diameter of any one of the pipes, and optionally, all of the pipes, is within the range of 10 to 16mm.

130. The system, kit, or method of embodiment 128, wherein the internal diameter of any one of the pipes, and optionally, all of the pipes, is within the range of 12 to 14mm.

It will be appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in 1 a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Similarly, the content of a claim depending from one or more particular claims may generally depend from the other, unspecified claims, or be combined with the content thereof, absent any specific, manifest incompatibility therebetween.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A fire-extinguishing system for extinguishing fire in a chamber using pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent, the system comprising: a plurality of pipes, each including a plurality of orifices, each of the orifices having a surface area having a length L and a width W, where L>W, and wherein a dimensionless aspect ratio ASP between length L and width W is within the range of 1.35: 1 to 4: 1; a temperature sensor adapted, when disposed within the chamber, to output signals relating to a temperature in the chamber; a pressurized reservoir containing the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent; and a controller associated with said temperature sensor and with said pressurized reservoir, wherein, in a monitoring operative mode said pressurized reservoir is mechanically connected to at least one of said plurality of pipes, and in a fire-extinguishing operative mode said pressurized reservoir is in fluid communication with said plurality of pipes, and wherein said controller is adapted to receive an input from said temperature sensor, and, responsive to said input, to transition the system to said fire-extinguishing operative mode and to trigger release of the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent from said pressurized reservoir, via said pipes and said orifices.

2. The fire extinguishing system of claim 1, wherein ASP is within the range of 1.5: 1 to 2.5: 1.

3. The fire extinguishing system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of pipes and the plurality of orifices are devoid of nozzles.

4. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a subset of the plurality of orifices are devoid of covers when said system is in said monitoring operative mode, and for each orifice of said subset: when the system is in said fire-extinguishing operative mode, at a time to at which the orifice is unblocked, the orifice is adapted to facilitate a first flow rate Ro g/s of the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent through the orifice; when the system is in said fire-extinguishing operative mode, at a time t later than to, following said system being in said monitoring operative mode for a duration

29 t-to, the orifice is adapted to facilitate a second flow rate R_t g/s of the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent through the orifice; and

Rt is at least 80% of Ro, and said duration t-to is at least six months.

5. The fire-extinguishing system of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of orifices is devoid of a cover in said monitoring operative mode of said system.

6. The fire-extinguishing system of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein R_t is at least 85% of Ro.

7. The fire-extinguishing system of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein R_t is at least 90% of Ro.

8. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a surface area of each orifice of the plurality of orifices is substantially flush with an exterior surface of one of the plurality of pipes in which the orifice is formed.

9. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the orifices are disposed along longitudinal lengths of the pipes.

10. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the plurality of pipes includes a subset of the plurality of orifices, and wherein, in each of said plurality of pipes, all orifices in a corresponding said subset are oriented in the same direction.

11. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein one of the plurality of pipes includes a subset of the plurality of orifices, and wherein in said one of said plurality of pipes, a first group of orifices of said subset are oriented in a first direction and a second group of orifices of said subset are oriented in a second direction, different from said first direction.

12. The fire extinguishing system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a cumulative surface area of the plurality of orifices is in the range of 100mm² to 200mm².

13. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the orifices are dimensioned such that in said fire-extinguishing operative mode, when the pressurized dry

30 fire-extinguishing agent flows through said pipes and said orifices, the fire-extinguishing agent is distributed out of said orifices at a total rate of 1 to 2.5 second per kg.

14. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising at least one connector adapted to connect said plurality of pipes to each other to form a closed shape.

15. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said temperature sensor comprises a temperature detection tube, adapted to be mounted onto said surface of the chamber.

16. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of claims 1 to 15, further including an operator interface, functionally associated with said controller, said operator interface including an operator engageable button, wherein operator engagement of said operator engageable button provides an operator input to said controller, and said controller is adapted, in response to said operator input, to transition the system to said fire-extinguishing operative mode and to trigger release of the pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent from said pressurized reservoir, via said pipes and said orifices.

17. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein said pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent comprises a majority of mono-ammonium-phosphate.

18. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said pressurized dry fire-extinguishing agent comprises a first subset of particles having a first diameter, a second subset of particles having a second diameter, and a third subset of particles having a third diameter.

19. The fire-extinguishing system of any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising the chamber, wherein the plurality of pipes are mounted onto a surface of the chamber.

20. The fire-extinguishing system of claim 19, wherein said chamber has a volume in the range of 2m³ to 8m³.

21. A vehicle, comprising: a motor disposed within a motor chamber; at least one chamber other than said motor chamber; and the fire-extinguishing system of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein said plurality of pipes and said temperature sensor are disposed on a ceiling of at least a portion of said motor chamber, and said reservoir and said controller are disposed in one of said at least one chamber other than said motor chamber.

22. The vehicle of claim 21, wherein said at least one chamber other than said motor chamber includes a driver compartment accessible by a driver of the vehicle, and wherein a or said operator interface is disposed in said driver compartment, so as to be accessible to a driver in the driver compartment, during driving of the vehicle.

23. A method of installing the fire-extinguishing system of any one of claims 1 to 18 in a target venue, the target venue having a first chamber, the method comprising:

(a) mounting said plurality of rigid metal pipes, onto a surface of the first chamber;

(b) mechanically connecting said plurality of rigid metal pipes to said pressurized reservoir, such that, in a fire-extinguishing operative mode, said plurality of rigid metal pipes will be in fluid communication with said pressurized reservoir;

(c) mounting said temperature sensor to said surface of the first chamber; and

(d) associating said temperature sensor and said pressurized reservoir with said controller.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the target venue further includes at least one other chamber, the method further comprising:

(e) mounting said controller in said at least one other chamber.