WO2023196011A1

WO2023196011A1 - Mobile plant for producing firefighting agents

Info

Publication number: WO2023196011A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/046951
Authority: WO
Inventors: Javier CASTRO; Manuel Martinez
Original assignee: Perimeter Solutions Lp
Priority date: 2022-04-05
Filing date: 2022-10-18
Publication date: 2023-10-12

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to mobile plants for producing firefighting agents. The firefighting agents include suppressants (e.g., foam concentrates and foam-forming solutions) and retardants. The plants of the present disclosure are rapidly deployable and portable. The plants can be in the form of a containerized system that is suitable for moving generally to any location via suitable transports (e.g., trucks, trains, planes, ships, etc.) as needed to provide the manufacture of firefighting agents on-site.

Description

MOBILE PLANT FOR PRODUCING FIREFIGHTING AGENTS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to mobile plants for producing firefighting agents. The firefighting agents include suppressants (e.g., foam concentrates, foam concentrate solutions and foam-forming solutions) and fire retardants, including long-term fire retardants and their solutions. The plants of the present disclosure are rapidly deployable and portable. The plants can be in the form of a containerized system that is suitable for moving generally to any location via suitable transports (e.g., trucks, trains, planes, ships, etc.) as needed to provide the manufacture of firefighting agents on-site.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] As compared to conventional stationary plants, the present mobile plants allow the firefighting agents (also referred to herein as agents, suppressants, and/or retardants) to be manufactured closer to or at the location where they are needed (e.g., at the site of a fire or the site where aircraft used for releasing agents are located), thus allowing the firefighting agent to be more rapidly deployed. The present mobile plants may also provide savings in terms of manufacturing costs by reducing storage and shipping costs. For example, instead of shipping a completed agent to a site, the plants may utilize the site’s local resources (e.g., water) to make a desired final product. For example, a firefighting foam concentrate may be prepared by dilution of a so-called “super concentrate” on-site with the super concentrate having reduced volume as compared to the finished foam concentrate and, thus, lower shipping and storage costs. The same considerations apply to fire retardant concentrates as well.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Generally, the plants of the present disclosure contain the necessary equipment to blend, control quality and package the firefighting agent. It is to be understood the plants are suitable for preparing various firefighting agents, including firefighting suppressants (e.g., foam concentrates) and firefighting retardants. The plants may be used to form an agent that may require additional preparation prior to use, for example, a fire retardant concentrate that is further diluted prior to use to form a fire retardant solution, or the plant may be used to prepare the final product, e.g., a foam-forming solution that is aspirated for use as a fire suppressant.

[0004] Various aspects of the present invention involve mobile plants for making firefighting suppressants (foams) in batch processes, including those incorporating one or more additives such as a polymer(s) into the firefighting agent. Other additives that may be incorporated in accordance with the present description include solvents (e.g., solvents such as butyl carbitol, butyl glycol, and others) and others and antifreeze additives (e.g., propylene glycol, glycerine, and other suitable antifreeze components).

[0005] Various other aspects of the present invention are directed to mobile plants for making firefighting suppressants (e.g., foam concentrates) in continuous processes. Other aspects of the present invention include continuous preparation of fire retardants, including those which involve dilution of fire retardant concentrates to prepare the final fire retardant solution.

[0006] Other aspects of the present invention are directed to mobile plants for making fire retardant concentrates in both batch and continuous processes.

[0007] As detailed herein, aspects of the present disclosure involved in the operation of mobile plants can be adapted to conventional, stationary plants as well. For example, aspects of the present disclosure are suitable for adapting to continuous processes for the preparation of firefighting agents in conventional, stationary plants.

[0008] Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0009] Fig. 1 depicts a container for use in a mobile plant of the present disclosure including tanks, scales, valves, tanks, etc.

[0010] Fig. 2 depicts a container for use in a mobile plant of the present disclosure including a mixing tank.

[0011] Fig. 3 depicts a top view of a first container for use in a mobile plant of the present disclosure. [0012] Fig. 4 depicts a top view of a second container for use in a mobile plant of the present disclosure.

[0013] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a control system suitable for a mobile plant of the present disclosure.

[0014] Fig. 6 depicts process flow for a continuous operation for preparing a firefighting agent of the present disclosure.

[0015] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Plants of the present disclosure are implemented in one or more mobile containers (e.g., shipping containers), as generally depicted in the accompanying Figs. For example, in certain embodiments the plant is housed within two maritime shipping containers (typically having a length of 40 feet, i.e., approximately 12 meters). However, it is to be understood the plant may also be implemented in a single mobile container or more than two mobile containers.

[0017] Fig. 1 depicts a first container 100 for use in a mobile plant of the of the present disclosure including a water demineralization treatment plant or system 105, a water tank 109, scales 113A and 113B for supporting and weighing receptacles, and plumbing (including pipes, valves, pumps, fittings, connectors, etc.) for moving the various fluids (e.g., water, fire suppressant, additives/ingredients, etc.) between different components of the plant and other appurtenant apparatus.

[0018] In certain embodiments, this first container may also include a control room/lab (not shown in Fig. 1). In certain other embodiments, the mobile plant is controlled remotely.

[0019] The mobile plant is connected to a source of water, typically a storage tank or a local (e.g., municipal) water supply. Although not required, in either case the water supply of the mobile plant is typically connected to a demineralization system for demineralizing the water to be used in the plant of the present disclosure. Incorporation of a demineralization system is typically included where foam concentrates are the desired product. [0020] Typically, the water demineralization system is fluidly connected to a local (e.g., municipal) water supply and demineralizes the water (e.g., the local/municipal water) therefrom. In certain embodiments, the water demineralization system utilizes ionic exchange to demineralize the water, although other types of demineralization systems are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] In certain embodiments, e.g., plants for making fire retardant concentrates, the container may include a water storage tank that is not permanently fluidly connected to a water supply. In such embodiments, the water source may be filled and/or replenished prior to each use and/or deployment.

[0022] More generally, various embodiments of the present invention may utilize a conventional water storage tank that is filled and/or replenished as necessary.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 1, the first container includes one or more water tanks to hold the demineralized water after the water leaves the water demineralization system. As explained in more detail herein, other additives/ingredients are mixed with the demineralized water to create the agent produced in the plant.

[0024] With reference to Fig. 1, the first container 100 includes one or more scales (e.g., two scales) 113A, 113B for supporting receptacles (e.g., containers, totes, drums, pales) 117A, 117B containing ingredients of the agent to be produced. In various embodiments, the scale(s) is (are) a pallet weighting scale. Each scale may support one of the receptacles.

[0025] The receptacles can serve two (broadly, at least one) purposes. First, the receptacles can hold the additives/ingredients (e.g., super concentrates) that are added to the demineralized water to create the firefighting agent (e.g., suppressant). Second, the receptacles can receive the firefighting agent after it has been made. The same receptacle can both hold the additives/ingredients and then, after being emptied of them, receive the fire suppressant.

[0026] Alternatively, the receptacle(s) holding the additives/ingredients can be replaced with another receptacle(s) (e.g., a second, empty receptacle) that then receives the firefighting agent. Placing the receptacle(s) on the scales allows the control system of the plant to monitor the weight of the receptacles and the contents therein. [0027] The first container may be divided into two spaces: an operations space and a manufacturing space. If divided in this manner, the water demineralization system, water tank, scales, and plumbing housed in the first container are all disposed in the manufacturing space. The control room/lab is disposed in the operations space. Typically, the operations and manufacturing spaces are bifurcated to inhibit the possibility of cross-contamination between the two spaces, often by fixed structure such as a wall or other divider. The operations space includes all the necessary equipment to perform quality control analysis of the manufactured agent.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the first container can include the following equipment disposed in the operations space: pH-meter, refractometer, densimeter, precision scales, surface tension meter, viscosimeter, thermometer, cryostat, stirrer, and other lab equipment (e.g., beakers, pipettes, graduated cylinders, etc.).

[0029] Fig. 2 depicts a second container 200 including a mixing or blending tank 201, a tank scale assembly supporting the mixing tank (e.g., a plurality of load cells 205A and 205B), and plumbing 209 (including pipes, valves, pumps, fittings, connectors, etc.) for moving the various fluids between different components of the plant and its containers.

[0030] The mixing tank receives the demineralized water and the additives/ingredients and mixes them together to create the firefighting agent. The mixing tank includes one or more inlets 213 for receiving the demineralized water and additives/ingredients and an outlet for discharging the agent 217. The inlet and outlet are fluidly coupled to the plumbing (e.g., pipes). The mixing tank includes one or more (e.g., three) blenders or agitators 221 A, 22 IB, 221C for mixing the demineralized water and the additives/ingredients together. Each blender may include a blade or stirrer operatively coupled to a prime mover (e.g., electric motor) for moving (e.g., rotating) the blade 225A, 225B, 225C.

[0031] Generally, a scale assembly supports the mixing tank. In one embodiment, the scale assembly includes a plurality of load cells (e.g., two, three, four, five or six load cells) supporting the mixing tank, although other arrangements are within the scope of the present disclosure. The scale assembly allows the control system of the plant to monitor the weight of the mixing tank. [0032] Again with reference to Fig. 1, the plumbing of the plant housed by the first container includes pipes fluidly connecting the water demineralization system, the water tank and the receptacles to the mixing tank, a first pump 121 and associated valve for moving demineralized water into the mixing tank, a second pump 125 and associated valve for moving additives/ingredients from a first receptacle to the mixing tank, a third pump 129 and associated valve for moving additives/ingredients from a second receptacle to the mixing tank.

[0033] The plumbing further includes first and second inlet receptacle connectors or fittings (broadly, first and second inlets) 133A, 133B configured to connect to respective outlet ports of the first or second receptacles to fluidly connect the first and second receptacles to the plumbing. Preferably, the pipes of the plumbing connected to the first and second inlet receptacle connectors are flexible to allow the connectors to be moved to accommodate slightly different placement positions of the receptacles on the scales. The second and third pumps are downstream of the respective first and second inlet receptacle connectors to draw the additives/ingredients from the receptacles and move them into the mixing tank. The plumbing also includes first and second outlet receptacle connectors or fittings (broadly, first and second outlets) 137A, 137B configured to connect to respective inlet ports of the first or second receptacles to fluidly connect the first and second receptacles to the plumbing. The firefighting agent flows into the receptacles via the first and second outlet receptacle connectors.

[0034] Once again with reference to Fig. 2, the plumbing of the plant housed by the second container includes pipes fluidly connecting the water demineralization system, the water tank and the receptacles to the mixing tank, a first pump and associated valve for moving demineralized water into the mixing tank, and a fourth pump 237 and associated valve for moving the firefighting agent from the mixing tank to the first and second receptacles. The fourth pump is upstream of the first and second outlet receptacle connectors and downstream of the mixing tank to move or draw the firefighting agent from the mixing tank and move the fire suppressant to the first and second receptacles.

[0035] Additionally, the plumbing of the plant can also include connectors or fittings for releasably fluidly coupling the plumbing (e.g., pipes) of the first and second containers.

[0036] The first container also typically includes a water port configured to be fluidly coupled to the local water supply or a water storage tank to supply the plant with water (e.g., mineralized water). The first container may also include a wastewater port configured to be fluidly coupled to the local wastewater system to discharge wastewater from the plant.

[0037] The first and/or second container can also each include an electrical port configured to be electrically coupled to the local electrical grid to supply the plant with electricity. In certain embodiments, only one of the first or second containers includes the electrical port. In such embodiments, the plant includes an electrical connector that electrically couples the first and second containers together, so that the power received by the electrical port of one container is transferred to the other container.

[0038] The first and/or second container can also each include a hydraulic (e.g., air) port configured to be fluidly coupled to a hydraulic pressure source (e.g., an air compressor). Some of the components of the plant, such as the valves, may require hydraulics (e.g., compressed air) to operate. In this case, it is understood the first and/or second containers include all the necessary hydraulic lines to distribute the hydraulic fluid (e.g., compressed air) to the necessary components. In one embodiment, only one of the first or second containers includes the electrical port. In this embodiment, the plant includes a hydraulic connector that fluidly couples the first and second containers together, so that the hydraulic fluid received by the hydraulic port of one container is transferred to the other container.

[0039] The water port, electrical port and/or hydraulic port can be grouped together to form a port assembly and be positioned along one of the walls of the first or second container. For example, the port assembly may be disposed along one of the side walls of the first container. The first container may include a port hatch that covers and protects the port assembly when closed for transport. The port hatch can be opened to access the port group and make the different connections therewith.

[0040] It is understood the components of the plant can be moved around within and/or between the different containers. For example, in other embodiments, components shown in the first container herein may be in a different container.

[0041] All containers (e.g., the first and second containers) are each generally cuboids with a bottom wall, opposite first and second side walls, opposite first and second end walls, and a top wall. The first and second containers each fully enclose respective interiors, in which the components of the plant are generally disposed. The first container generally includes a side door for the manufacturing space along the first side wall, one or more bay doors aligned with the scales along the second side wall (for allowing the receptacles to be inserted and removed from the manufacturing space, such as via a forklift), and a second container door adjacent the second end wall. In one embodiment, one or both of the end walls are conventional shipping container doors. One or more of the walls of the first and second containers can include vents. If necessary, the first container includes a lab door for the lab/control room adjacent the first end wall.

[0042] The second container typically includes a first container door along a side wall that is arranged to align with the second container door of the first container so an operator can move between the first and second containers without having to leave the containers. The first container may include a first container hatch along an end wall arranged to align with a second container hatch along a side wall of the second container.

[0043] Figs. 3 and 4 depict top views of first and second containers, respectively, in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0044] Fig. 3 depicts a first container 300 including lab door 305, bay doors 309, side door 313 and a second container door 317. Within the first container 300 is operations space 301A and manufacturing space 301B. The first container also includes scales 321A, 321B.

[0045] This container may be configured to operate in accordance with the foregoing discussion or be adapted to operate in any other suitable arrangement.

[0046] It is to be understood the first container 100 of Fig. 1 may contain any or all of the components of the first container 300 of Fig. 3, and vice versa.

[0047] Fig. 4 depicts a second container 400 including a first container door 401 (configured to be mated or meet with first container door 317 of the first container 300) and mixing tank 405 containing mixers 409 A, 409B, and 409C.

[0048] It is to be understood second container 200 of Fig. 2 may contain any or all of the components of the second container 400 of Fig. 4, and vice versa. [0049] In certain embodiments, the first and second containers are configured to be arranged in an L-shape at the site. In the L-shape, the first and second container doors align with each other to allow an operator to move freely between the containers. Other arrangements of the containers relative to one another are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0050] The connections (e.g., electrical, fluid, hydraulic) between the first and second containers can take place at the interface between the first and second containers when in the L- shape. For example, the first and second containers may include hatches that align with each other when the containers are arranged in the L-shape that can be opened to establish the connections and closed/sealed for transport.

[0051] Fig. 5 depicts a schematic of a control system suitable for operating a plant 500 of the present disclosure.

[0052] A controller is incorporated that includes a processor and a tangible storage medium. The processor reads and executes instructions stored on the tangible storage medium for performing the different functions of the plant as described herein. The controller can be an independent piece of equipment or integrated into other pieces of equipment such as the remote server and/or the user interface. Instructions can embody different recipes for various firefighting agents.

[0053] A user interface allows a user to interact with and/or adjust the setting(s) of the control system and can include a display (e.g., a screen) and/or user input (e.g., buttons). The control system can include more than one user interface (e.g., touch screens) positioned around the plant. In one embodiment, the user interface is a computer (e.g., a laptop), which may be disposed in the lab/control room.

[0054] A printer may be incorporated to create labels/tags for the manufactured firefighting agent.

[0055] The control system typically includes an ID Reader that reads an identifier, e.g., a machine-readable marking (such as a barcode, QR code, etc.), an RFID tag, etc. on the receptacles to determine/confirm the identity of the receptacles and the contents therein. [0056] Further included in the control system is a communication port that communicatively couples the control system to the remote server, such as via the internet.

[0057] The control system also typically incudes a remote server that monitors the operations of the plant by receiving data in real time and is suitable for sending instructions to the controller to control/operate the plant.

[0058] Other components such as valves, pumps, the mixing tank, scales, and the water demineralization system can be operated/controlled by the controller to make the firefighting agent.

[0059] In various embodiments, the controller automatically operates the various components of the plant to automatically manufacture the firefighting agent.

[0060] The controller runs software (e.g., the processor-executable instructions) that allows the control system to complete, among others, the following steps: (i) issuance of a work order according to the quantity and product (e.g., fire suppressant (agent)) selected (e.g., determine the amount of demineralized water and additives/ingredients needed to make a user specified quantity of a selected type of fire suppressant); (ii) automatically manufacture the fire suppressant (agent); and (iii) operate the pumps and valves to add the demineralized water and additives/ingredients (broadly, raw materials) to the mixing tank in the required sequence. Overall, the controller controls that the right quantity is added via the measurements taken by the receptacle scales and mixing tank scale assembly, verifies only the approved additives/ingredients are transferred to the mixing tank via the ID reader scanning/reading the identifier on the receptacles, controls the stirring speed and time of the stirrers in the mixing tank, supports the packaging by controlling the recipient filling, and connects the plant to headquarters (e.g., the remote server). All the data generated during the manufacturing process (e.g., sensors, video cameras, quality control results, etc.) are transferred to headquarters. Such control can be, and typically is conducted in real time.

[0061] In accordance with the foregoing, the present disclosure includes mobile plants for making a firefighting agent, the plant generally comprising a water demineralization system configured to demineralize water; a water tank configured to hold demineralized water; at least one scale configured to support a receptacle holding at least one raw material; a mixing tank configured to receive and mix the demineralized water and the at least one raw material to create a firefighting agent; plumbing fluidly connecting the water demineralization system, the water tank, and the mixing tank; and at least one container sized for transport and housing the water demineralization system, the water tank, the at least one scale, the mixing tank, and the plumbing.

[0062] The raw materials utilized in such plants generally include all ingredients of the firefighting agent to be produced. In connection with both foam (suppressants) and retardants the raw materials, or ingredients typically include a concentrated version of the final product. For example, a raw material is typically a composition in a concentrated form of the final product that requires dilution prior to use. Other ingredients thus include water and one or more other various ingredients. The additional water may be supplied as a separate ingredient alone or may be combined with one of the other various ingredients.

[0063] One additional ingredient is a polymer to be incorporated, typically provided by a source of the polymer in the form of an aqueous mixture that supplies all or a portion of the water added to the concentrate. Alternatively, the source of polymer (or other additive) may generally comprise the polymer (additive) while the water for the final product is provided by a separate water source that does not other ingredient(s).

[0064] Plants of the present disclosure further include receptacles for holding these and all other ingredient and scales for supporting the receptables required for the various ingredients.

[0065] As detailed above, plants of the present disclosure typically include at least one container, often two containers. In such embodiments, the first container houses the water demineralization system, the water tank, and the scales; and a second container houses the mixing tank.

[0066] For operation of the plant, suitable plumbing is incorporated. For example, the first container may house a first portion of the plumbing and the second container houses a second portion of the plumbing. Generally, the plumbing includes one or more connectors configured to fluidly connect the first and second portions of the plumbing to one another. The details of the plumbing are selected based on the components of the containers and the particular arrangement of the components. [0067] Often, the two (first and second) containers are configured to be arranged in an L- shape.

[0068] When first and second containers are utilized, the first container typically includes a first door and the second container includes a second door. The doors are arranged to be aligned with one another when the first and second containers are placed at a site.

[0069] The first container includes a first hatch and the second container includes a second hatch, the first and second hatches arranged to be aligned with one another when the first and second containers are placed at a site to permit the plumbing to pass therethrough.

[0070] The plumbing includes at least one inlet receptacle connector configured to be fluidly connected to the receptacles to receive the at least one raw material.

[0071] The plumbing includes at least one outlet receptacle connector configured to be fluidly connected to the receptacles to deliver the firefighting agent to the receptacle.

[0072] Typically, the container(s) of the are shipping containers, thus facilitating their transport.

[0073] The containers typically include a bay door aligned with the one or more scales, the bay door sized and shaped to allow a receptacle to be placed on and removed from the corresponding scale.

[0074] The containers typically contain the bay door aligned with the one or more scales.

[0075] Further, the plants typically contain one or more of a water port configured to connect to a local water source, an electrical port configured to connect to a local electrical source, or a hydraulic port configured to connect to a hydraulic source.

[0076] As noted, the plants of the present disclosure comprise a control system configured to automatically manufacture the firefighting agent.

[0077] The plant typically includes an identification (“ID”) reader configured to read an identifier of the at least one receptacle to confirm the identity of the at least one receptacle and/or contents of the at least one receptacle. The ID reader confirms the at least one receptacle or the contents thereof correspond to a receptacle or contents thereof for which there is an issued work order and that the at least one receptacle or the contents thereof have been approved by a quality control system, operator, and/or program. In particular, the ID reader allows recording and identifying (e.g., tracking) the origin (e.g., lot number) of the raw materials which allows confirmation of quality assurance of the raw materials and provides information for use in later processes.

[0078] A remote server is communicatively coupled to the plant for its operation.

[0079] The plants of the present disclosure typically further comprise a quality control lab, the quality control lab including one or more of a pH-meter, a refractometer, a densimeter, a precision scale, a surface tension meter, a viscosimeter, a thermometer, a cryostat, and/or a stirrer.

[0080] Various aspects of the present invention are directed to processes for making firefighting agents utilizing the mobile plants described herein. Such processes may be operated on a batch or continuous basis. Accordingly, various embodiments of the present invention are directed to batch processes for making firefighting agents utilizing any of the mobile plants described herein, while various other embodiments are directed to continuous processes for making firefighting agents utilizing any of the mobile plants described herein.

[0081] Various aspects of the present invention are directed to a mobile plant for continuously making a firefighting agent. Generally, the plant comprises a vessel containing a firefighting agent concentrate; a vessel containing an aqueous mixture comprising at least one raw material; a mixing tank configured to receive and mix the firefighting agent concentrate and the aqueous mixture to form the firefighting agent; a holding tank configured to receive the firefighting agent from the mixing tank; conduit for transferring the firefighting agent concentrate from the vessel to the mixing tank, wherein the conduit is fluidly connected to a pump and a flow meter; conduit for transferring the aqueous mixture from the vessel to the mixing tank, wherein the conduit is fluidly connected to a pump and a flow meter; a sensor configured to monitor the level and/or amount of firefighting agent in the holding tank; and a control system.

[0082] To provide continuous operation, the control system is configured to monitor the flow of firefighting agent concentrate and aqueous mixture through the respective conduits and to provide a continuous flow of at least one or both of the concentrate and aqueous mixture into the mixer for mixing to form the firefighting agent. Firefighting agent is continuously removed from the mixing tank and introduced into the holding tank while firefighting agent concentrate and/or aqueous mixture are introduced into the mixing tank. [0083] Typically, the control system is configured to adjust the volumetric flow rate of the concentrate and/or aqueous mixture to provide a desired and/or pre-determined volumetric flow rate into the mixer. The control system is also typically configured to adjust the volumetric flow rate of concentrate and/or aqueous mixture into the mixer in response to the level or amount of firefighting agent in the holding tank.

[0084] It is to be further understood that various aspects of the present invention are directed to continuous processes for making firefighting agents that are not necessarily conducted in a mobile plant, but rather are conducted in a conventional, stationary plant. Accordingly, various aspects of the present invention are directed to continuous processes as described above operated in a conventional, stationary plant. For example, the present disclosure relates to continuous processes for preparing firefighting agents utilizing a control system configured to monitor the flow of a firefighting agent concentrate and an aqueous mixture to be provided to a mixer for forming the firefighting agent. Firefighting agent is continuously produced within the mixing tank and removed therefrom. Such continuous processes include monitoring and adjusting as necessary the flow rates of the concentrate and aqueous mixture into the mixing tank and removal of the firefighting agent therefrom.

[0085] Fig. 6 depicts a process flow 600 for a continuous process of the present disclosure. The process utilizes a vessel for the super concentrate 601 and (as shown) a vessel for the polymer additive solution 605. However, it is to be understood the present disclosure is not limited to such an additive being used or a polymer being used as the only additive. The depicted process is suitable for use with any desired mixture of ingredients. The process further includes a control unit 609 configured to monitor and control introduction of the super concentrate and additive (polymer) into the mixer 613. The process further utilizes a holding tank 617 and tank level sensor 621. The control system and tank level sensor are configured to provide continuous operation via monitoring, controlling, and/or adjusting the volumetric flow of super concentrate and/or polymer solution into the mixer, and/or monitoring, controlling, and/or adjusting the amount and/or level of firefighting agent in the holding tank. As noted above, such processes are suitable for use in both mobile plants and conventional, stationary plants.

[0086] Moreover, in various embodiments of plants of the present disclosure, the weighing scales and load scales can be replaced by flow meters. For example, with reference to Fig. 1 first inlet receptacle connector/fitting 133A and scale 113B can suitably be flow meters. By way of further example, and with reference to Fig, 2 load cells 205A and 205B can be replaced by flow meters as well. Flow meters are particularly suitable for use in continuous processes for preparing firefighting agents of the present disclosure. However, it is to be understood that flow meters may be utilized in batch processes as well.

Firefighting agents

[0087] Firefighting agents produced by the present plants include suppressants (e.g., firefighting foam concentrates) and retardants.

[0088] Firefighting foam concentrates produced by the present plants generally include one or more surfactants, one or more solvents, and optionally one or more inorganic salts and/or one or more organic salts. Such components are typically included in the super concentrate diluted to form the firefighting agent (concentrate). The concentrates (agents) produced by the present plants further typically include a polymer blended with the super concentrate as detailed herein.

[0089] Firefighting suppressant agents (e.g., foam concentrates) produced by the plants of the present disclosure are suitable for use as aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) and alcohol- resistant aqueous film- forming foams (AR- AFFF). Such foams are suitable for use against Class-B fires (e.g., fires fueled by flammable liquids). Other firefighting suppressant agents produced by the plants of the present disclosure include synthetic fluorine-free film formingfoams (SFFF) and synthetic fluorine-free alcohol resistant film-forming foams (SFFF-AR).

[0090] Fire retardant agents that may be produced by the present plants generally include a fire retardant component selected from ammonium phosphate-based retardants, e.g., monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), and ammonium polyphosphate (APP). Other suitable fire retardants include magnesium chloride.

[0091] Fire retardant agents may be a fire retardant concentrate prepared from a fire retardant super concentrate by dilution thereof utilizing a plant of the present disclosure. The fire retardant concentrate may then be diluted to form a fire fighting solution at the site of application or within aircraft utilized to deliver and apply the fire retardant. [0092] Alternatively, a fire retardant concentrate may be diluted with water to form a fire retardant solution utilizing a plant of the present disclosure. The fire retardant solution is then applied, typically using suitable aircraft such as a helicopter or airplane.

[0093] Accordingly, various aspects of the present invention are directed to processes for preparing a fire retardant concentrate in accordance with the foregoing discussion utilizing, for example, a mobile plant including plant first and second containers as discussed above. Other aspects are directed to preparing a fire retardant solution in accordance with the foregoing discussion utilizing, for example, a mobile plant including first and second containers as discussed above.

[0094] These processes may be conducted as batch or continuous processes.

[0095] Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

[0096] When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0097] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

[0098] As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying Figures shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A mobile plant for making a firefighting agent, the plant comprising: a water demineralization system configured to demineralize water; a water tank configured to hold demineralized water; at least one scale configured to support a receptacle holding at least one raw material; a mixing tank configured to receive and mix the demineralized water and the at least one raw material to create a firefighting agent; plumbing fluidly connecting the water demineralization system, the water tank, and the mixing tank; and at least one container sized for transport and housing the water demineralization system, the water tank, the at least one scale, the mixing tank, and the plumbing, wherein: the at least one raw material comprises a firefighting agent concentrate and a source of a polymer; and the plant further comprises a receptable for holding the firefighting agent concentrate and a scale configured to support the receptacle holding the firefighting agent concentrate and a receptacle for holding the polymer source and a scale configured to support the receptacle holding the polymer source.

2. The plant of claim 1, wherein the firefighting agent is selected from firefighting suppressants and firefighting retardants.

3. The plant of claim 2, wherein the firefighting agent is a firefighting suppressant selected from a firefighting foam or a firefighting foam forming solution.

4. The plant of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one container comprises: a first container housing the water demineralization system, the water tank, and the scales; and a second container housing the mixing tank.

5. The plant of claim 4, wherein the first container houses a first portion of the plumbing and the second container houses a second portion of the plumbing, and the plumbing includes one or more connectors configured to fluidly connect the first and second portions of the plumbing to one another.

6. The plant of claim 4 or 5, wherein the first and second containers are configured to be arranged in an L-shape.

7. The plant of any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first container includes a first door and the second container includes a second door, the first and second doors arranged to be aligned with one another when the first and second containers are placed at a site.

8. The plant of any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the first container includes a first hatch and the second container includes a second hatch, the first and second hatches arranged to be aligned with one another when the first and second containers are placed at a site to permit the plumbing to pass therethrough.

9. The plant of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plumbing includes at least one inlet receptacle connector configured to be fluidly connected to the receptacles to receive the at least one raw material.

10. The plant of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plumbing includes at least one outlet receptacle connector configured to be fluidly connected to the receptacles to deliver the firefighting agent to the receptacle.

11. The plant of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one container comprises at least one shipping container.

12. The plant of any of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a control system configured to automatically manufacture the firefighting agent.

13. The plant of any of claims 1 to 12, further comprising an identification (“ID”) reader configured to read an identifier of the at least one receptacle to confirm the identity of the at least one receptacle and/or contents of the at least one receptacle.

14. The plant of claim 13, wherein the ID reader confirms the at least one receptacle or the contents thereof correspond to a receptacle or contents thereof for which there is an issued work order and that the at least one receptacle or the contents thereof have been approved by a quality control system, operator, and/or program.

15. The plant of any of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a remote server configured to be communicatively coupled to the plant and operate the plant.

16. The plant of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the at least one container includes a bay door aligned with the one or more scales, the bay door sized and shaped to allow a receptacle to be placed on and removed from the corresponding scale.

17. The plant of claim 16, wherein the first container contains the bay door aligned with the one or more scales.

18. The plant of any of claims 1 to 17, further comprising one or more of a water port configured to connect to a local water source, an electrical port configured to connect to a local electrical source, or a hydraulic port configured to connect to a hydraulic source.

19. The plant of any of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a quality control lab, the quality control lab including one or more of a pH-meter, a refractometer, a densimeter, a precision scale, a surface tension meter, a viscosimeter, a thermometer, a cryostat, and/or a stirrer.

20. A mobile plant for continuously making a firefighting agent, the plant comprising: a vessel containing a firefighting agent concentrate; a vessel containing an aqueous mixture comprising at least one raw material; a mixing tank configured to receive and mix the firefighting agent concentrate and the aqueous mixture to form the firefighting agent; a holding tank configured to receive the firefighting agent from the mixing tank; conduit for transferring the firefighting agent concentrate from the vessel to the mixing tank, wherein the conduit is fluidly connected to a pump and a flow meter; conduit for transferring the aqueous mixture from the vessel to the mixing tank, wherein the conduit is fluidly connected to a pump and a flow meter; a sensor configured to monitor the level and/or amount of firefighting agent in the holding tank; and a control system configured to monitor the flow of firefighting agent concentrate and aqueous mixture through the respective conduits and to provide a continuous flow of at least one or both of the concentrate and aqueous mixture into the mixer for mixing to form the firefighting agent, wherein firefighting agent is continuously removed from the mixing tank and introduced into the holding tank while firefighting agent concentrate and/or aqueous mixture are introduced into the mixing tank.

21. The plant of claim 20, wherein the control system is configured to adjust the volumetric flow rate of the concentrate and/or aqueous mixture to provide a desired and/or predetermined volumetric flow rate into the mixer.

22. The plant of 20 or 21, wherein the control system is configured to adjust the volumetric flow rate of concentrate and/or aqueous mixture into the mixer in response to the level or amount of firefighting agent in the holding tank.

23. The plant of any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the firefighting agent is selected from firefighting suppressants and firefighting retardants.

24. The plant of claim 23, wherein the firefighting agent is a firefighting suppressant selected from a firefighting foam or a firefighting foam forming solution.

25. A method of making a firefighting agent utilizing the mobile plant as shown and/or described herein.