IMPROVED FIRE FIGHTING NOZZLE AND METHOD INCLUDING PRESSURE REGULATION, CHEMICAL AND EDUCTION FEATURES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to fire fighting and fire preventing nozzles and more particularly to nozzles for extinguishing or preventing large industrial grade fires including flammable liquid fires and/or for nozzles for vapor suppression, and includes improvements in pressure regulating, educting and chemical discharge features, as well as methods of use.

[0002] Prior patents relevant to the present invention include: (1) U.S. Patent No. 4,640,461 (Williams) directed to a self educting foam fog nozzle; (2) U.S. Patent No. 5,779,159 (Williams) directed to a peripheral channeling additive fluid nozzle; and (3) U.S. Patent Nos. 5,275,243; 5,167,285 and 5,312,041 (Williams) directed to a chemical and fluid or duel fluid ejecting nozzle. Also relevant is the prior art of automatic nozzles, including (4) U.S. Patent Nos. 5,312,048; 3,684,192 and 3,863,844 to McMillan/Task Force Tips and U.S. Patent Nos. Re 29,717 and 3,893,624 to Thompson/Elkhart Brass. Also of note are U.S. Patent No. 5,678,766 to Peck and PCT Publication WO 97/38757 to Baker.

[0003] US 3,684,192 (McMillan) describes a certain species of automatic pressure regulating fire fighting nozzles. "Automatic pressure regulating" as used in this context indicates a fire fighting nozzle that automatically regulates discharge pressure to proximate some targeted discharge pressure, notwithstanding variations in supply pressure and fluid flow rate through the nozzle.

[0004] Maintaining a constant discharge pressure from a nozzle tends to yield a constant range and "authority" for the discharge while allowing the nozzle flow rate to absorb variations in head pressure. In certain applications, such as vapor suppression, a fire fighting nozzle is useful if it self regulates to discharge at an approximately constant or targeted pressure. The discharge pressure tends to govern what is referred to as the "authority" of the discharge stream and to a certain extent the stream's range, and it can affect the delivery of an appropriate vapor-suppressing fog.

[0005] One application in which a self-regulating nozzle may be useful, thus, is a protection system that includes nozzles permanently stationed around locales that could be subject to the leakage of toxic chemicals. Upon leakage such a permanently stationed configuration of nozzles, probably under remote control, would be optimally activated to provide a predesigned curtain of water/fog to contain and suppress any toxic vapors. In such circumstances it may be optimal for the nozzles to discharge their fluid with a more or less constant range and authority as opposed to having their discharge structured and regulated for a relatively constant flow rate, as is more common among fire fighting nozzles. Water/fog created with a more or less constant range and authority while operating under the conditions of varying head pressure from a fixed nozzle will tend to more reliably form a curtain in a preselected region, again which may be useful for containing escaping vapors from a fixed locale.

[0006] Typically nozzles are structured to deliver pre-set gallon per minute flow rate assuming a nominal head pressure such as 100 psi (6.89 Bar) at the nozzle. As the head pressure actually available to the nozzle in an emergency varies, flow rate remains more consistent with such design than does discharge pressure. Structuring a nozzle to alternately target and regulate its discharge pressure will let flow rate vary more with variations in delivered pressure, but may be an optimal design for certain circumstances.

[0007] According to the invention there is provided an automatic pressure regulating fire fighting nozzle having a variable discharge port defined at least in part by a bafflehead structured to maintain a preselected pressure drop across the port notwithstanding variable fire fighting fluid flow rates, characterised by a system for proportioning foam concentrate into the variably flowing fire fighting fluid at the nozzle discharge port including a foam concentrate passageway having a variable foam concentrate metering orifice arranged to be in fluid communication with fire fighting fluid passing through the nozzle, the orifice at least in part arranged to be defined by a foam metering tube, the bafflehead and foam metering tube connected so as to affect the amount of foam fluid passing through the passageway whereby the degree of openness of the orifice depends upon the relative longitudinal setting of the bafflehead and the connected metering tube.

[0008] Preferably the nozzle includes a relief valve and the effective opposing pressure surface areas of the bafflehead are larger than the effective forward pressure surface areas. Preferably the baffle defines a baffle chamber and the relief valve, if one is utilized, is located at least partially within the baffle chamber.

[0009] The nozzle preferably includes incorporating fluid educting features into the self adjusting nozzle. The fluid educting features are designed particularly for foam concentrate and could provide either central or peripheral channeling of the foam concentrate.

[0010] Preferably also the present invention provides for incorporating a capacity to throw dry chemical with the self adjusting nozzle and the self adjusting and self educting nozzle.

[0011] The invention also provides for enhanced educting features when the second fluid or foam concentrate is channeled peripherally around the wall. These enhanced educting features could be utilized with or without a self adjusting bafflehead. The enhanced educting features include shaping the primary fire fighting fluid stream proximate a nozzle discharge to form an annular stream having a gradually diminishing cross sectional area. The eductive port for the second fluid or foam concentrate opens onto the annular stream just downstream of the minimum of the cross sectional area. The annular stream gradually expands subsequent to reaching the minimum. Additionally small jets for the primary fire fighting fluid may be provided through the peripheral channeling walls to enhance eduction of the second fluid or foam concentrate.

[0012] The present invention, in one important aspect, discloses an improved pressure regulating nozzle designed within its operating limits to effectively discharge a fire extinguishing fluid at a pre-selected or targeted discharge pressure. According to current practice this targeted discharge pressure would likely be approximately 6.89 Bar (100 psi). It is to be understood, however, that the preselected targeted pressure could be easily varied, and a target pressure might more optimally be selected to be 8.27 Bar (120 psi). The present inventive design improves the efficiency of achieving such a target pressure as well as offers a design that more easily combines with self-educting features for foam concentrates and with the capacity to throw fluid chemicals, such as dry powder, from the nozzle.

[0013] In another important aspect the present invention teaches enhanced eductive techniques, for peripheral and central channeling, which enhanced eduction can be particularly helpful in automatic nozzles or when also throwing chemical such as dry powder.

[0014] A typical automatic nozzle designed in accordance with the present invention would be designed to operate over a range of flow rates, such as from 1.89m³ per minute (500 gallons per minute) to 7.57m³ per minute (2000 gallons per minute), at a targeted discharge pressure, such as 6.89 Bar (100 psi). To target a discharge pressure, or to self regulate pressure, the nozzle design incorporates a self-adjusting baffle proximate the nozzle discharge. In general, when fluid pressure at the baffle, sensed more or less directly or indirectly, is deemed to lie below target, the baffle is structured in combination with the nozzle to "squeeze down" on the effective size of the discharge port for the nozzle. When pressure build up at the baffle, as sensed directly or indirectly, is deemed to reach or exceed a targeted pressure, the baffle is structured to cease squeezing down and, if necessary, to shift to enlarge the effective size of the annular discharge port. Such enlargement would continue, in general, until the discharge pressure reduces to the preset target or a limit is reached. Such adjustments in the size of the discharge port cause the flow rate to vary, but the fluid that is discharged tends to be discharged with a more constant "authority" and range, an authority and range associated with the targeted pressure. The instant design is structured to improve the efficiency and reliability of settling upon or around a target pressure.

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention achieves a pressure regulating system by providing a design with an adjustable baffle having what is referred to herein as forward and opposing or reverse fluid pressure surfaces. Pressure from fluid applied to opposing sides of the baffle causes the baffle to respond, at least to an extent, as a double acting piston, although perhaps in a complex manner. The so called forward and reverse directions are referenced to the nozzle axial direction with forward being in the direction of fluid discharge. The forward and reverse pressure surface areas provided by the baffle preferably are not equal. In preferred embodiments the effective pressure surface area of the reverse side exceeds the effective pressure surface area of the forward side. Thus, were the pressure on both surfaces equal, the baffle would automatically gravitate to its most closed position, minimizing or closing the discharge port.

[0016] The effective forward pressure surface area will likely, in fact, vary with pressure and with flow rate. Limited experience indicates that the forward fluid pressure surface area also varies with bafflehead design and nozzle size. Further, in preferred embodiments, although pressure from the primary fire fighting fluid, directly or indirectly, is applied to both forward and opposing fluid pressure surfaces, the value of the reverse pressure is usually less than, although a function of, the pressure on the forward surface.

[0017] A relief valve is preferably provided, such that at or slightly past a targeted pressure the valve can begin to relieve the effective pressure on (at least) one side of the baffle. At least one relief value promises to enhance responsiveness. In preferred embodiments the one side of the baffle upon which pressure is relieved would be the reverse side, the side opposing the forward pressure of the primary fluid on the bafflehead. Specifically, in such an embodiment, when the pressure of the primary fire extinguishing fluid proximate the nozzle discharge causes the pressure sensed by whatever means by the relief valve to exceed a pre-selected value, reverse pressure is relieved on the interior baffle chamber surfaces and the baffle tends to forwardly adjust in response to forward fluid pressure. Alternately, the baffle might simply stabilize at a balanced pressure position in preferred embodiments, with or without the (or a) relief valve slightly bleeding. That is, a nozzle could be designed to achieve a balanced pressure baffle position with or without a relief valve and with or without any bleeding of a relief valve. Use of at least one relief valve, and a bleeding relief valve, are practical expedients.

[0018] To continue the prior example, adjustments forward of a bafflehead may continue until the primary forward fluid pressure at the bafflehead, as sensed directly or indirectly, decreases to or diminishes below a preset relief valve value. Thereupon a closing of the relief valve would be triggered. The bafflehead might stabilize, or if stabilization were not achieved, could adjust backwardly with the relief valve either bleeding or closed, depending on the design, thereby decreasing the effective size of the nozzle discharge port.

[0019] To summarize operations, as the bafflehead adjusts forward and backward, as described above, the discharge pressure declines and increases, respectively. If a discharge pressure declines to, or below, a pre-selected amount, as sensed directly or indirectly, in preferred embodiments as described above, a relief valve would be set so that it tends to close. Closing the relief valve would increase reverse pressure on the baffle. Alternately if a sensed delivered pressure is deemed to increase above a preselected amount, the (or a) relief valve would preferably be set so that it tends to open. With the assistance of the opening and closing of a relief valve, a bafflehead can be encouraged to quickly and efficiently gravitate toward a balanced location wherein the effective pressure on the bafflehead in the forward direction offsets the effective pressure on the bafflehead in the reverse direction, taking into account the degree of openness, and any bleeding, of a relief valve or valves, as well as other factors of the design and the supplied pressure. Of course, other biasing factors on the bafflehead, such as springs, etc. could be present and would have to be taken into account.

[0020] Again, assuming that the reverse pressure surface area afforded by the bafflehead chamber is larger than the effective forward pressure surface area afforded by the bafflehead, and that the reverse side of the baffle is supplied with a measure of fluid pressure from the primary fire fighting fluid as delivered to the nozzle then a bafflehead and nozzle could be designed (ignoring the effects of any relief valve activation) so that as the pressure of the fire extinguishing fluid through the nozzle decreases, the bafflehead adjusts in the reverse direction until it either closes or hits a stop or balances (or triggers a relief valve). Squeezing down on the size of the discharge port raises discharge pressure. Again, as stated above, a design could incorporate. without any relief valves, a balanced pressure position where, at target pressure, the effective pressure on the baffle forward pressure surface offsets the effective pressure on the opposing reverse baffle surface. The design would take into account the fact that the pressures and the areas would be different and would typically vary. In general, however, the bafflehead forward surfaces and reverse surfaces together with the nozzle discharge structure, baffle structure and any relief valves and any other supportive biasing means, should be designed and structured in combination such that a targeted discharge pressure is effectively and efficiently achieved without undue hunting. As mentioned above, a relief valve or valves likely improve the efficiency of the design and, at the balance point, might be optimally structured to be slightly open, or bleeding.

[0021] Further to summarize operations, pressure forward on the bafflehead is the product of the delivered fluid pressure at the effective bafflehead deflecting surface times the effective baffle forward surface area. The opposing pressure on the bafflehead is the fluid pressure developed against the bafflehead opposing surface (preferably the primary fluid operating within a baffle chamber) times the opposing bafflehead surface area. The opposing surface area is preferably larger than the effective forward surface area, and reverse fluid pressure, such as developed within a baffle chamber, is likely less than, although a function of, the delivered fluid pressure at the bafflehead. As stated above, while it is possible to design a self adjusting bafflehead in combination with a nozzle structure such that a bafflehead balances at a targeted pressure without the assistance of any relief valves, a relief valve likely facilitates the speed, sensitivity and efficiency of the design for most nozzle sizes. So, using one or more relief valves, a valve trigger pressure would be selected such that, when fluid pressure on forward baffle surfaces appears to a sensing device to begin to significantly exceed the target pressure, the relief valve opens or at least begins to open. At such point the valve relieves or begins to relieve fluid pressure on one baffle surface, such as the reverse surface, allowing the baffle to stabilize or to begin to readjust. The readjustment affects fluid discharge pressure at the discharge port. One preferred design includes structuring of bafflehead surface area and a relief valve in combination such that with the relief valve closed, the bafflehead essentially closes the nozzle; further, the bafflehead balances at a targeted delivery pressure with the relief valve partially open or bleeding. With the relief valve completely open, the bafflehead would move to its fully open position.

[0022] The present invention has at least three objectives. One objective is to provide an automatic self adjusting nozzle that can accurately, speedily and reliably control nozzle discharge pressure to within a small range. A second objective is to provide a self adjusting nozzle design that adjusts smoothly and accurately in both directions, that is both from a too high pressure situation and from a too low pressure situation toward a target pressure. Structure to accomplish these two objectives has been discussed above. Third and further objectives are to provide an enhanced self educting nozzle design, valuable in its own right and also so that a self-adjusting nozzle can be efficiently combined and incorporated into a self-educting foam/fog nozzle. In addition the enhanced eductive design is useful to incorporate with a nozzle incorporating a capacity for throwing fluid chemicals, such as dry powder. Thus, the invention also relates to improved educting features applicable to various nozzles. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for adjusting a fire fighting fluid port in a fire fighting nozzle to maintain the predetermined pressure drop across the orifice as fire fighting fluid flow rate through the nozzle varies, characterised by proportioning foam concentrate into variably flowing fire fighting fluid at the nozzle discharge port, the proportioning including varying a foam concentrate orifice, in concert with an adjustment of the fire fighting fluid port; and supplying foam concentrate through the concentrate orifice into the fire fighting fluid approximate a pressure drop such that a ratio of foaming concentrate proportioned into variably flowing fire fighting fluid remains approximately constant.

[0023] A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention are considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates in cutaway form, for background purposes, typical structure of a prior art self-educting nozzle that is not self-adjusting.

Figure 2A illustrates in cutaway form one embodiment of the invention for a self-adjusting nozzle, the embodiment having a centralized relief valve.

Figure 2B illustrate in cutaway form an enlarged detail of Figure 2A, namely an embodiment of an adjustable bafflehead with a centrally located pilot relief valve.

Figure 2D also illustrates in cutaway form an embodiment for a self-adjusting nozzle having a non centrally located pilot relief assembly.

Figure 3A illustrates in cutaway form an embodiment of a self-educting and self-adjusting nozzle according to the invention, including transporting and discharging foam concentrate through the center of the nozzle and having a pilot relief assembly that senses pressure within a baffle chamber.

Figure 3B illustrates in greater detail a pilot relief assembly as in Figure 3A wherein pressure is sensed within a baffle chamber.

Figure 3C illustrates an embodiment of an automatic nozzle according to the invention that provides for educting foam concentrate and for peripherally channeling the educted foam concentrate; a pilot relief assembly is illustrated that senses pressure along forward bafflehead surface areas.

Figure 3D illustrates in cutaway form an embodiment of an automatic nozzle according to the invention providing for educting foam concentrate with central channeling for the foam concentrate; a pilot relief assembly is illustrated that senses pressure at a baffle forward surface area.

Figure 3E illustrates in cutaway a detail of Figure 3D, namely, a non-centrally located pilot relief assembly for sensing pressure at a baffle forward surface area.

Figure 4A is included primarily to illustrate one possible location for a flow meter within an embodiment of the present invention; in Figure 4A a self-educting pressure regulating nozzle is indicated where a relief valve has been designed as an annular relief valve encircling the tube that provides educted fluid into a mixing type area of the nozzle. A flow meter is illustrated having an attachment to a visible indicator on the outside of the nozzle, the flow meter itself indicated as residing within the baffle.

Figure 4B illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention wherein a baffle chamber slides over a fixed stem and a fixed piston and a spring located on a fixed stem, the piston being substituted for a relief valve and other embodiments and the spring alternately biasing the piston either out or in depending upon design.

Figure 4C illustrates in cutaway form an embodiment of an automatic nozzle providing for transporting and discharging a fluid chemical, such as a dry powder, through the center and providing a relief valve triggered on baffle chamber pressure.

Figure 4D illustrates in cutaway form an embodiment of an automatic nozzle providing for centrally discharging a fluid chemical with a relief valve triggered on forward baffle surface fluid pressure.

Figure 5A illustrates in cutaway form an embodiment of an automatic nozzle according to the invention providing for enhanced educting and channeling foam concentrate peripherally and for discharging a fluid chemical centrally.

Figure 5B illustrates in cutaway form an embodiment of an automatic nozzle providing for educting foam concentrate peripherally and discharging a fluid chemical centrally, the embodiment of 5B also including a jet for assisting the educting of the foam concentrate.

Figure 5C illustrates an embodiment of an automatic nozzle providing educting foam concentrate peripherally and discharging fluid chemicals centrally, and having a further type of jet eductor for the foam.

Figure 6 illustrates in cutaway an automatic nozzle according to the invention wherein foam concentrate and fluid chemical are both channeled through the nozzle centrally.

Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of an automatic nozzle according to the invention providing for educting foam with enhanced peripheral discharge.

Figure 8 illustrates a nozzle similar to the embodiment of Figure 7, but without the automatic feature.

Figure 9 illustrates an enhanced educting discharge feature wherein the foam concentrate is transported centrally.

The drawings are primarily illustrative. It should be understood that structure may have been simplified and details omitted in order to convey certain aspects of the invention. Scale may be sacrificed to clarity.

In general, a nozzle having an "adjustable" baffle in order to discharge fire extinguishing fluid at a targeted pressure requires a biasing means opposing a natural movement of an adjustable baffle outwards in response to fluid pressure, which outward movement tends to open the effective size of the discharge port. Most simply the biasing means biases with a backward force equal to the force of the desired or targeted fluid pressure upon the forward baffle surfaces. Hence baffle forward movement balances against baffle backward bias pressure at the targeted pressure. Forward baffle surfaces are surfaces that the baffle presents to the fire extinguishing fluid moving through and out of the discharge port. In theory, the biasing force could be provided by a spring that, over the adjustment range of the baffle between its end points, which may be no more than approximately one half of an inch, presents an essentially constant biasing force at the targeted pressure. The target pressure might well be 6.89 Bar (100 psi). Such simple design is indicated in figure 4B.

[0024] Alternately, an adjustable bafflehead could be designed defining a chamber within the bafflehead and presenting forward and backward surfaces against which the primary fire extinguishing fluid could act. It is understood that the chamber defined within the bafflehead would have means for permitting a portion of the fire extinguishing fluid to enter the chamber. In such designs the effective backward pressure surface area would usually exceed the effective forward pressure surface area of the baffle. The fluid pressure within the baffle, however, is expected to be at least slightly less than the pressure exerted on forward facing baffle surfaces. Such tends to counter the fact that the backward pressure surface area presented to the fluid within the baffle, at least in preferred embodiments herein, exceeds the forward pressure surface area presented on the baffle. In such manner the fluid within the baffle acts against a greater surface area and, although lower in value, can potentially drive the baffle backwards against the flow of fluid through the nozzle. Anticipating the difference between the pressures, without and within the baffle, at different source pressures, and anticipating the difference in the effective areas presented to the fluid pressures at different head pressures and flow rates, leads to a design for a "balanced baffle" at a targeted fluid pressure. Spring mechanisms can always be added, it should be understood, to augment the biasing forces provided by the primary fire extinguishing fluid pressure upon the bafflehead forward and backward surfaces.

[0025] It should be understood that if or when baffle adjustment results in a variation of the volume of the defined baffle chamber, as by the baffle sliding over a fixed piston, relief will be provided to vent fluid from inside the chamber.

[0026] The present invention may include the use of at least one relief valve in order to heighten the accuracy and speed of balance and to lessen undue hunting or hysteresis. A relief valve vents fluid pressure from one or the other side of the baffle, preferably from within the baffle chamber, when fluid pressure varies from target pressure. Such venting typically causes the baffle to move, as in an illustrated case, outward toward one of the baffle location end points. A movement outward or toward the outward end direction will cause a decrease in the fluid pressure upon the baffle. Such decrease in fluid pressure could cause the relief valve to again close, permitting again the buildup of fluid pressure upon the back side of the baffle. The build up of fluid pressure upon the back side of the baffle should help adjust the baffle toward a balanced position where the fluid pressure on the forward surfaces of the baffle balances the fluid pressure on backward surfaces of the baffle, including taking into account other biasing elements such as a continuously "bleeding" relief valve and any springs utilized in the design.

[0027] The relief valves illustrated for the instant embodiments sense either rather directly the primary fire extinguishing fluid pressure presented to forward baffle surface areas in the nozzle or sense more indirectly a more secondary fluid pressure generated within a chamber within the baffle. The difference between such designs, or other designs that could occur to those of skill in the art, can largely be a matter of design choice and simplicity of engineering.

[0028] One function selected for a relief valve could be to assist in achieving the situation where a balanced pressure position is consistently approached from the same direction, which could either be the moving outwardly or the moving inwardly the baffle. Such a design may facilitate engineering a higher degree of accuracy around the balance point with less hunting and greater speed in achieving balance.

[0029] The present invention may also include improved self educting features that are particularly helpful and useful in a pressure regulated nozzle, as well as enhanced educting and pressure regulating designs that are useful when throwing fluid chemical such as dry powder, with or without an automatic nozzle.

[0030] Figure 1 illustrates a standard self educting nozzle. FEF indicates a fire extinguishing fluid. Fire extinguishing fluid FEF educts foam concentrate FC by means of eductor E into central fixed stem FS of nozzle N. The mainstream of the fire extinguishing fluid FEF, which is usually water W, flows by fins F, is deflected outwardly by forward baffle deflecting surface 20 and flows out the gap or nozzle discharge part P. Foam concentrate FC and a small amount of fire extinguishing fluid FEF that flows through eductor E by means of jet nozzle J flows through the stem and past mixing plate M, thereafter to mix with the main body of fire extinguishing fluid FEF flowing out of the gap or port P in the nozzle into mixing area 22. Sleeve S adjusts from a backward position shown in Figure 1, for throwing a fog pattern, to a forward position for throwing a "straight stream" pattern. Port P is defined by surface 20 of baffle B and by surface 21 of nozzle N. Nozzle N can be an assembly of parts.

[0031] Figures 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate a pressure regulating or self-adjusting or automatic nozzle N built using a basic structure of a self educting nozzle, but with the foam eduction inlet closed off by module 32. (Photos in the provisional application, above referenced, illustrate the embodiment of figures 2A, 2B and 2C. The photos include the springs utilized). Figures 2A, 2B and 2C are particularly useful in disclosing one embodiment of the automatic pressure regulating feature. The nozzle of figures 2A, 2B and 2C enjoys the simplicity that it is neither self-educting nor is structured to throw dry chemical. In the embodiment of figures 2A, 2B and 2C pilot or relief valve 42 is utilized. The simple design permits the pilot or relief valve to be centered in the stem of the nozzle. Were the center of the nozzle to be utilized to channel either foam concentrate or dry chemical, then a pilot valve associated with the self-adjusting baffle would be better located off center on the baffle. Such alternate design is illustrated in figure 2D, which is also an embodiment of an automatic nozzle without provision for either educting foam or throwing dry chemical, although it could easily be modified to do so. It can be seen that the automatic feature design of figure 2D lends itself to educting foam concentrate or channeling dry chemical through the center of the nozzle.

[0032] Nozzle N of figure 2A illustrates adjustable bafflehead B sliding over fixed support stem 28. Support stem 28 is anchored in stem adapter 29. Fire extinguishing fluid FEF or water W enters nozzle N from the left and flows to the right, exiting port P between surface 20 defined by bafflehead B and surface 21 defined by an element of nozzle N. Provision is made for fire extinguishing fluid to enter the center of support stem 28 thereby pressuring a surface of pilot 42 located essentially within bafflehead B. Pilot 42 presents pilot pressure surface port 40 to expose a pressure sensing surface to the fire extinguishing fluid or water that enters to support stem 28 of nozzle N.

[0033] Piston 26 at the end of support stem 28 is fixed, like support stem 28. Bafflehead B defines a baffle chamber 24 within interior portions of bufflehead B, utilizing fixed piston 26 to form one end of the chamber. A filter 34 is preferably provided to the water inlet of support stem 28 to keep debris from blocking the pilot pressure surface in port 40. Flanged base 36 is known in the art as a means for connecting a nozzle N to a supply of fire extinguishing fluid or water. Filter 34 can be retained by filter retaining nut 35.

[0034] Figure 2C more clearly illustrates the operation of pilot valve 42. Fire extinguishing fluid FEF is present within fixed stem 28 and presses upon pilot control surface 41 within sensing pressure inlet port 40. Fire extinguishing fluid FEF also enters bafflehead B interior chamber 24 via side inlet ports 58 as illustrated by the arrows in figure 2C. Side inlet ports 58 of the embodiment of figure 2C are on the outside of pilot control surface 41. Sliding bafflehead B, sliding over fixed piston 26, is pushed forward by the pressure of fire extinguishing fluid against forward baffle surface 20 and is pushed backwards by the pressure of fire extinguishing fluid within baffle chamber 24 against reverse or opposing bafflehead surfaces 23. In operation reverse surfaces 23 in the embodiment of figure 2C present a greater effective surface area than forward bafflehead surfaces 20, when taking into account the flow of the fluid, from bottom to top in figure 2C, past bafflehead B. A bafflehead reset spring 50 is shown which resets the bafflehead to its closed position absent overriding water pressure. The pressure of the fire extinguishing fluid inside bafflehead chamber 24 is less than the pressure of the fire extinguishing fluid upon forward surfaces 20 of bafflehead B, as determined by testing.

[0035] Pilot control surface 41 in pressure inlet port 40 is biased by pilot bias spring 48. Pilot bias spring 48 sets the value at which the pilot valve opens or at least bleeds. When the pressure against pilot control surface 41 creates a force that overcomes the biasing pressure of pilot bias spring 48, the piston of pilot valve 47 with pilot seal 45 moves forward in the direction of nozzle flow, opening pilot valve 47. Fire extinguishing fluid FEF within bafflehead 24 enters ports and fills chamber 62 within pilot valve 42. When pilot valve 47 opens, fluid from pilot valve chamber 62 flows through pilot valve chamber 64 and further forward and out atmospheric vent holes 56. Piston retaining nut 46 holds fixed piston 26 on fixed stem 28. Floating bafflehead B slides past fixed piston 26 and is sealed by main seal 54 against the surface of fixed piston 56. If or when pilot valve 47 only opens a slight amount then pilot 42 will bleed or leak slowly through chambers 62, 64 and out atmospheric vent holes 56. As fluid is allowed to move out of bafflehead chamber 24 through chamber 62 and chamber 64 and atmospheric vent holes 56 within the pilot valve, pressure is relieved against opposing or reverse interior bafflehead surface 23. As pressure is relieved against surface 23 the force of fire extinguishing fluid pressure against surface 20 can slide bafflehead B forward over fixed piston 26. Guide element 43 of pilot valve 42 serves to guide the movement of the piston of pilot valve 47 within pilot valve 42. Guide 43 can be sealed against fixed stem 28 with guide seals 49. Spring tension adjustment screw 44 can be provided to vary the bias of pilot bias spring 48.

[0036] Figure 2D illustrates an analogous sliding adjustable bafflehead B having an off center pilot relief assembly 42. Pilot relief assembly 42 senses pressure at portions of forward baffle surface 20 of sliding bafflehead B. Pressure is sensed through a sensing pressure inlet port 40 provided for pilot relief assembly 42. Flow indicators 70 are illustrated in Figure 2D utilizing sensors 74 and 72 to give a visual indication and readout of flow to operator. Water inlets 58 in Figure 2D provide ingress into interior bafflehead chamber 24 for the primary fire extinguishing fluid in order to create a reverse pressure or backward pressure against sliding bafflehead B.

[0037] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate a self educting pressure regulating nozzle where foam concentrate FC is channeled centrally through slidable flow metering tube 96 and fixed stem 28. In the preferred design of figures 3A and 3B water W. the typical primary fire extinguishing fluid, enters baffle chamber 24 by means of water inlets 58, passing from the forward surface 20 of the bafflehead B into the chamber 24 and around the backward facing surface 23 of bafflehead B. The pilot relief valve assembly 42 of the embodiment of Figure 3A senses pressure of the fire extinguishing fluid or water W within the baffle chamber 24. Figure 3B offers an enlargement of pilot relief assembly 42 of figure 3A. In the instant design the pilot relief valve or poppet valve 47 is spring biased by pilot bias spring 48 so that the poppet 47 moves from its seat 45 and relieves pressure at one selected relief valve pressure, which in preferred embodiments might be set at about two thirds of a targeted 6.89 Bar (100 psi) nozzle head pressure. Such a value, experience has indicated, is appropriate for a relief valve sensing fire extinguishing fluid pressure within a baffle chamber of a nozzle. The spring biasing pressure set for fluid pressure within the baffle chamber, as in figure 3B, existing tests and experience indicate, would run appropriately 4.48 Bar (65 psi) in order to reach the proper balancing of inward and outward fluid pressure upon forward and backward baffle surfaces to achieve a target pressure of approximately 6.89 Bar (100 psi) while taking into account other biasing such as may be used to return a baffle to a closed position with no flow of water therethrough.

[0038] In Figure 3B when force against pilot control surface 41 is greater than the force of pilot spring 48, pilot relief valve 47 opens emitting fluid from within baffle chamber 24 to flow through pilot relief valve or poppet chamber 64 and out atmospheric vent holes 56. Again, depending upon design, intent and the pressures involved, the pilot relief valve might bleed slightly or open fully.

[0039] Figure 3A incorporates a slidable flow metering tube 96 that slides with bafflehead B over fixed stem 28. Flow metering tube 96 slides over fixed foam metering orifice 94. Foam metering orifice 94, according to its degree of openness, affects the amount of foam educted through foam inlet 90 by water W proceeding through inlet jet 92 and through eductor jet J. In such manner, the relative position of the sliding bafflehead B over stem 28 and within nozzle N can effect the metering or the amount of foam educted through stem 28 and tube 96. Figure 3A further illustrates the option of adding a gauge float assembly 98 connected to a gauge feed pump assembly 100. Foam concentrate FC flows through foam inlet 90 and into stem 28 through foam metering orifice 94. The degree of openness of foam metering orifice 94 depends upon the relative longitudinal setting of bafflehead C and connected foam metering tube 96.

[0040] The embodiments of Figures 3D and 3E are similar to the embodiments of Figures 3A and 3B. The difference is that pilot relief assembly 42, in the embodiments of Figures 3D and 3E, senses water pressure more or less directly at floating bafflehead B forward surface 20.

[0041] The embodiment of Figure 3C illustrates an automatic nozzle providing for self educting foam concentrate but peripherally channels the foam concentrate around portions of the nozzle barrel wall, in lieu of centrally channeling the foam. The central stem in Figure 3C is illustrated as solid. The central stem could, of course, be utilized as a channel for channeling chemical such as dry powder through the nozzle.

[0042] The pilot relief assembly 42 of the embodiment of Figure 3C is similar to that of the embodiment of Figure 3D. Bafflehead B slides on fixed support stem 28 as in the embodiment of Figure 2A. Again a flow indicator 70 is illustrated for providing a visual readout of flow through the nozzle. In the embodiment of Figure 3C foam concentrate FC enters foam inlet 90 and is channeled through peripheral channels 52 to the discharge end of nozzle N. Foam concentrate FC follows a path through peripheral channels 52, which could well be an annular channel ending an annular foam outlet 27. An enhanced or improved educting feature is illustrated in Figure 3C. Nozzle surface 21 and bafflehead surface 20 serve to shape the exiting water stream W. Water stream W is shaped by surfaces 21 and 20 to form a relatively smooth annular stream with a diminishing width across sectional areas down to a minimum width achieved just prior to passing over and past foam outlet 27. The cross sectional width of the annular stream of the water slightly widens when and after passing foam outlet 27. This accommodates the small amount, typically 3 to, 6 percent, of foam concentrate educted into the major water stream W. Water W and the appropriate amount of foam concentrate FC then exit together at port P, the foam concentrate being educted through foam outlet 27 by the passage of water W through the minimum point having width 220, port gap or port P and out into general mixing area 22. Mixing area 22 is indicated rather amorphously by dashed lines. Tests and experience have indicated that the educting force achieved by water W passing over foam outlet 27 is enhanced when the exiting stream is shaped into a relatively smooth annular stream with a diminishing cross sectional area in region 222 over a distance of approximately two times to five times the width 226 of foam outlet 27.

[0043] Figure 4A illustrates one possible location of a flow meter within an embodiment of the present invention. In figure 4A a self-educting pressure regulating nozzle is indicated where a relief valve has been designed as an annular relief valve encircling the tube that provides educted fluid into the mixing plate area of the nozzle. A flow meter is illustrated having an attachment to a visible indicator on the outside of the nozzle. The flow meter itself is indicated as residing within the baffle. Another optional location for a flow meter is simply along the inside wall of the nozzle.

[0044] Figure 4B illustrates an embodiment of the invention that was tested but did not yield the accuracy of the relief valve. In figure 4B a baffle chamber is shown having a baffle that slides over a fixed stem and a fixed piston. The baffle defines a baffle chamber with backward baffle surfaces. Fluid in the baffle chamber operates backwards against the baffle while the fire extinguishing fluid flowing through the nozzle acts against the baffle forward surfaces for forward pressure against the baffle. In the embodiment of figure 4B a spring located around the fixed stem and piston is substituted for the relief valve. The spring could bias the piston either out or in depending upon the spring design.

[0045] Figure 4C illustrates a self adjusting nozzle designed for also throwing a chemical such as a dry powder. Chemical inlet 110 provides a basis for chemical C to enter the nozzle and be centrally channeled through fixed stem 28 and channel 112 in order to be discharged out the front of the nozzle. Pilot relief assembly 42 is illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 4C to be similar to pilot relief assembly 42 of Figure 3A. The embodiment of Figure 4D is again an automatic pressure adjusting nozzle providing for throwing a chemical such as dry powder that is centrally channeled through the nozzle. The embodiment of 4D differs from the embodiment of 4C in that pilot relief assembly 42 senses pressure on forward surfaces 20 of bafflehead B as opposed to interior surfaces of bafflehead chamber 24.

[0046] The embodiment of Figure 5A combines an automatic nozzle that centrally channels and throws dry chemical, such as the embodiment of Figure 4D, with peripheral channeling for foam concentrate such as the embodiment of 3C. Further the eduction for the foam concentrate is enhanced as in the embodiment of Figure 3C.

[0047] The embodiment of Figure 5B is similar to the embodiment of Figure 5A except a foam jet JJ is provided to enhance the eduction of foam concentrate FC into peripheral channels 52 of nozzle N, and the enhanced eduction discharge design of Figure 3A is not utilized. The embodiment of Figure 5C provides an alternate version for the embodiment of Figure 5B wherein foam jet JJ utilizes an alternate design.

[0048] The embodiment of Figure 6 centrally channels both foam concentrate and dry chemical while providing a self adjusting bafflehead.

[0049] The embodiment of Figure 7 is analogous to the embodiment of Figure 3C with the difference that foam jets 200 provide for further enhanced eduction of foam concentrate FC through foam inlet 90 and out foam outlets 27.

[0050] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate nozzles that are not self adjusting. The nozzles of Figure 8 and Figure 9 have a fixed bafflehead FB. Figure 8 illustrates the value of enhanced educting features even in a nonpressure regulating fixed bafflehead nozzle. Foam jet inlet ports 200 are illustrated jetting small portions of water flowing through the nozzle into annular chamber foam paths 52. Surfaces 21 and 20 are shown shaping a relatively smooth annular stream with diminishing cross section for the water just prior to passing over foam outlet 27 at the discharge end or port P of nozzle N. Figure 9 illustrates the enhanced self educting feature for centrally channeled foam concentrate FC. In Figure 9 surfaces 21 and 20 again shape a relatively smooth annular stream of water just adjacent passing over foam port 27, the relatively smooth annular stream of water having a slightly diminishing cross section area down to a minimum area just prior to passing over foam concentrate port 27.

[0051] In operation, as discussed above, the self-adjusting automatic feature of the present invention depends upon an adjustable baffle that adjusts, at least in significant part, in response to primary fire fighting fluid pressure presented both to a forward and a reverse side of a baffle surface. In such a manner the baffle operates at least in part as a two-way piston seeking a balanced pressure position. The nozzle fluid provides a fluid pressure to act against both sides of the baffle. The pressure acting in the reverse direction will be at least a function of the forward pressure. Preferably the reverse pressure surface of the baffle will be larger than the forward pressure surface of the baffle. It is recognized that the forward pressure surface of the baffle may in fact change and be a function of pressure and fluid flow through the nozzle and baffle design and nozzle size. Although it would be possible to design a baffle having a balanced position where the targeted pressure forward times the forward pressure surface equals the reverse pressure times the reverse pressure surface, such a balancing technique is difficult to effect in practice. Hence, preferred embodiments of the present invention utilize at least one relief valve. Preferred embodiments further utilize a relief valve to relieve pressure in the reverse direction. In preferred embodiments the area of the reverse pressure surface is greater than the area of the forward pressure surface. Thus, in preferred embodiments when the relief valve is closed, in general, the reverse pressure times the area of the reverse pressure surface will be greater than the forward pressure times the area of the forward baffle surface. This will dictate that for significant values of forward pressure the nozzle is biased closed. As the baffle closes, the pressure forward at the bafflehead will tend toward its maximum deliverable pressure in the nozzle. At some point near the forward target pressure, one or more relief valves begin to open relieving pressure on the reverse side of the baffle and allowing the bafflehead to balance onto open and adjust outward. Preferably the relief valve builds in a degree of adjustability such that the relief valve can select a partially opened position and settle upon such position without undue hunting and wherein the target pressure times the forward surface at the target pressure equals the reverse pressure times the reverse pressure surface area taking into account the degree of openness of the relief valve system.

[0052] While there are shown and described present preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto, but may otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An automatic pressure regulating fire fighting nozzle (N) having a variable discharge port (P) defined at least in part by a bafflehead (B) structured to maintain a preselected pressure drop across the port notwithstanding variable fire fighting fluid (W) flow rates, characterised by:

a system for proportioning foam concentrate (FC) into variably flowing fire fighting fluid at the nozzle discharge port, including a foam concentrate passageway (28, 90) having therein a variable foam concentrate metering orifice (94), arranged to be in fluid communication with fire fighting fluid passing through the nozzle, the orifice at least in part arranged to be defined by a foam metering tube (96), the bafflehead and foam metering tube connected so as to affect the amount of foam fluid passing through the passageway whereby the degree of openness of the orifice depends upon the relative longitudinal setting of the bafflehead and the connected metering tube.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bafflehead includes a pilot valve (42) sensitive to pressure differential of fluid in the conduit.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the foam concentrate passageway is structured to discharge foam concentrate into the fire fighting fluid proximate the pressure drop (22).

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fire fighting fluid includes an inner conduit (28) and the foaming concentrate orifice includes a variable slot (94, 96) in fluid communication with the inner conduit.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the inner conduit is structured and located (92) such that a portion of fire fighting fluid passes through the inner conduit.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the foaming concentrate passageway is in fluid communication with a source of foaming concentrate pressurized over atmospheric.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the foaming concentrate passageway is in fluid communication with a source of foaming concentrate at ambient pressure.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bafflehead includes a baffle (B) adjustably located proximate a nozzle discharge (P), the baffle providing forward (20) and opposing (23) pressure surfaces in fluid communication with fire fighting fluid and wherein baffle adjustment is affected, at least in part, by fluid pressure upon forward and opposing baffle surfaces; and
at least one relief valve (42) triggered to relieve fluid pressure upon an opposing baffle pressure surface when sensed fire fighting fluid pressure proximate a baffle forward pressure surface exceeds a preselected relief valve pressure.

9. The nozzle of claim 8 wherein the baffle defines a baffle chamber (24) and wherein fire fighting fluid pressure is sensed upon the outside of the baffle chamber.

10. The nozzle of claim 8 wherein the relief valve is located at least substantially within the baffle chamber.

11. The nozzle of claim 1 that includes an eductor (E) attached to the nozzle, structured such that a supply of fire fighting fluid to the nozzle provides an eductive force to educt foam concentrate fluid into the nozzle and to mix the concentrate with at least a preponderance of the fire fighting fluid proximate a nozzle discharge.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the eductor is structured to educt the concentrate into a conduit (28) surrounded by the fire fighting fluid.

13. A method for adjusting a fire fighting fluid port (P) in a fire fighting nozzle (N) to maintain the pre-determined pressure drop across the orifice as fire fighting fluid (W) flow rate through the nozzle varies, characterised by:

proportioning foaming concentrate (FC) into variably flowing fire fighting fluid at the nozzle discharge port, the proportioning including
varying a foam concentrate orifice (94), in concert with an adjustment of the fire fighting fluid port (P); and
supplying foam concentrate through the concentrate orifice into the fire fighting fluid approximate a pressure drop (22) such that a ratio of foaming concentrate proportioned into variably flowing fire fighting fluid remains approximately constant.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein adjusting of the fire fighting fluid port includes setting a pilot valve (42) to maintain a preselected pressure drop.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the pilot valve is biased by a spring (48).

16. The method of claim 13 wherein adjusting a fire fighting fluid orifice includes adjusting a lateral movement of a baffle (B).

17. The method of claim 13 that includes educting foam concentrate into the fire fighting fluid flowing through the nozzle.

18. The method of claim 13 wherein adjusting a fire fighting fluid port includes;
providing an adjustable baffle (B) located proximate a nozzle discharge;
adjusting the location of a baffle with respect to the nozzle discharge, at least in part, by balancing fluid pressure upon forward (20) and opposing (23) baffle surfaces;
sensing fluid pressure proximate a baffle forward pressure surface; and
triggering at least one relief valve (42) to relieve fluid pressure upon opposing baffle pressure surface when sense fluid pressure exceeds a preselected relief valve pressure.

19. The method of claim 18 that includes;
educting foam concentrate (FC) into the nozzle using means (E) attached to the nozzle for providing an eductive force on the concentrate; and
mixing the concentrate with at least a predominant portion of the fire fighting fluid proximate a nozzle discharge (22).

Ansprüche

1. Eine automatische, Druck regulierende Feuerbekämpfungsdüse (N) mit einem variablen Ausstoßkanal (P), der zumindest teilweise durch einen Drosselkopf (B) definiert ist, entworfen, um ungeachtet variabler Flussraten eines Feuerbekämpfungsfluids (W) eine vorgewählte Druckabnahme über den Kanal hinweg aufrechtzuerhalten, gekennzeichnet durch:

ein System zum Dosieren von Schaumkonzentrat (FC) in variabel fließendes Feuerbekämpfungsfluid an dem Düsenausstoßkanal, wobei es einen Schaumkonzentratdurchgang (28, 90) mit einer variablen Schaumkonzentratzumessblende (94) darin umfasst, eingerichtet, um mit durch die Düse gehendem Feuerbekämpfungsfluid in Fluidverbindung zu sein, wobei die Blende zumindest teilweise eingerichtet ist, um durch ein Schaumzumessrohr (96) definiert zu sein, wobei der Drosselkopf und das Schaumzumessrohr verbunden sind, um die Menge an durch den Durchgang gehendem Schaumfluid zu beeinflussen, wobei der Grad an Offenheit der Blende von der relativen longitudinalen Einstellung des Drosselkopfs und des verbundenen Zumessrohrs abhängt.

2. Gerät gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der Drosselkopf ein Steuerventil (42) umfasst, das hinsichtlich des Druckunterschieds des Fluids in der Leitung feinfühlig ist.

3. Gerät gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der Schaumkonzentratdurchgang entworfen ist, um Schaumkonzentrat in der Nähe der Druckabnahme (22) in das Feuerbekämpfungsfluid auszustoßen.

4. Gerät gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei das Feuerbekämpfungsfluid eine Innenleitung (28) umfasst und die Blende für das schäumende Konzentrat einen variablen Spalt (94, 96) in Fluidverbindung mit der Innenleitung umfasst.

5. Gerät gemäß Anspruch 4, wobei die Innenleitung entworfen und positioniert (92) ist, so dass ein Teil des Feuerbekämpfungsfluids durch die Innenleitung geht.

6. Gerät gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der Durchgang für das schäumende Konzentrat in Fluidverbindung mit einer Quelle von schäumendem Konzentrat, das über den Atmosphärendruck unter Druck gesetzt ist, ist.

7. Gerät gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der Durchgang für das schäumende Konzentrat in Fluidverbindung mit einer Quelle von schäumendem Konzentrat bei Umgebungsdruck ist.

8. Gerät gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der Drosselkopf eine Drossel (B) umfasst, die anpassbar in der Nähe eines Düsenausstoßes (P) positioniert ist, wobei die Drossel eine Vorwärts- (20) und eine entgegengesetzte (23) Druckoberfläche bereitstellt, die in Fluidverbindung mit dem Feuerbekämpfungsfluid sind, und wobei die Drosselanpassung zumindest teilweise durch Fluiddruck auf die Vorwärts- und die entgegengesetzte Drosseloberfläche bewirkt wird; und
mindestens ein Entlastungsventil (42), das ausgelöst wird, um Fluiddruck auf eine entgegengesetzte Drosseldruckoberfläche zu entlasten, wenn gefühlter Feuerbekämpfungsfluiddruck in der Nähe einer Drosselvorwärtsdruckoberfläche einen vorgewählten Entlastungsventildruck übersteigt.

9. Düse gemäß Anspruch 8, wobei die Drossel eine Drosselkammer (24) definiert und wobei der Feuerbekämpfungsfluiddruck auf der Außenseite der Drosselkammer gefühlt wird.

10. Düse gemäß Anspruch 8, wobei das Entlastungsventil zumindest im Wesentlichen innerhalb der Drosselkammer positioniert ist.

11. Düse gemäß Anspruch 1, die einen Ejektor (E) umfasst, der an der Düse angebracht ist, entworfen, so dass eine Zuführung von Feuerbekämpfungsfluid zu der Düse eine abführende Kraft bereitstellt, um Schaumkonzentratfluid in die Düse abzuführen und um das Konzentrat in der Nähe eines Düsenausstoßes mit zumindest einem Großteil des Feuerbekämpfungsfluids zu mischen.

12. Gerät gemäß Anspruch 11, wobei der Ejektor entworfen ist, um das Konzentrat in eine von dem Feuerbekämpfungsfluid umgebene Leitung (28) abzuführen.

13. Ein Verfahren zum Anpassen eines Feuerbekämpfungsfluidkanals (P) in einer Feuerbekämpfungsdüse (N), um die zuvor bestimmte Druckabnahme über die Blende hinweg aufrechtzuerhalten, wenn die Flussrate eines Feuerbekämpfungsfluids (W) durch die Düse variiert, gekennzeichnet durch:

Dosieren von schäumendem Konzentrat (FC) in ein variabel fließendes Feuerbekämpfungsfluid an dem Düsenausstoßkanal, wobei das Dosieren Folgendes umfasst:

Variieren einer Schaumkonzentratblende (94) in Übereinstimmung mit einer Anpassung des Feuerbekämpfungsfluidkanals (P) und

Zuführen von Schaumkonzentrat durch die Konzentratblende in das Feuerbekämpfungsfluid in der Nähe einer Druckabnahme (22), so dass ein Anteil von schäumendem Konzentrat, das in variabel fließendes Feuerbekämpfungsfluid dosiert wird, annähernd konstant bleibt.

14. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 13, wobei das Anpassen des Feuerbekämpfungsfluidkanals das Einstellen eines Steuerventils (42) umfasst, um eine vorgewählte Druckabnahme aufrechtzuerhalten.

15. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 14, wobei das Steuerventil mittels einer Feder (48) vorgespannt ist.

16. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 13, wobei das Anpassen einer Feuerbekämpfungsfluidblende das Anpassen einer Seitwärtsbewegung einer Drossel (B) umfasst.

17. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 13, das das Abführen von Schaumkonzentrat in das durch die Düse fließende Feuerbekämpfungsfluid umfasst.

18. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 13, wobei das Anpassen eines Feuerbekämpfungsfluidkanals Folgendes umfasst:

Bereitstellen einer anpassbaren Drossel (B), die in der Nähe eines Düsenausstoßes positioniert ist;

Anpassen der Position einer Drossel hinsichtlich des Düsenausstoßes zumindest teilweise durch das Ausgleichen von Fluiddruck auf die Vorwärts- (20) und die entgegengesetzte (23) Drosseloberfläche;

Fühlen von Fluiddruck in der Nähe einer Drosselvorwärtsdruckoberfläche und

Auslösen von zumindest einem Entlastungsventil (42), um Fluiddruck auf die entgegengesetzte Drosseldruckoberfläche zu entlasten, wenn der gefühlte Fluiddruck einen vorgewählten Entlastungsventildruck übersteigt.

19. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 18, das Folgendes umfasst:

Abführen von Schaumkonzentrat (FC) in die Düse unter Verwendung eines Mittels (E), das an der Düse angebracht ist, um eine abführende Kraft auf das Konzentrat bereitzustellen; und

Mischen des Konzentrats mit zumindest einem überwiegenden Teil des Feuerbekämpfungsfluids in der Nähe eines Düsenausstoßes (22).

Revendications

1. Une buse de lutte contre l'incendie à régulation de pression automatique (N) ayant un orifice à décharge variable (P) défini au moins en partie par une tête de chicane (B) structurée pour maintenir une chute de pression présélectionnée sur l'orifice sans tenir compte des débits de fluide de lutte contre l'incendie (W) variables, caractérisée par :

un système destiné à mettre une proportion de concentré de mousse (FC) dans du fluide de lutte contre l'incendie à écoulement variable au niveau de l'orifice de décharge de buse, incluant un passage pour concentré de mousse (28, 90) dans lequel se trouve une embouchure de dosage pour concentré de mousse variable (94), agencée pour être en communication fluide avec du fluide de lutte contre l'incendie passant à travers la buse, l'embouchure étant au moins en partie agencée pour être définie par un tube de dosage de mousse (96), la tête de chicane et le tube de dosage de mousse étant raccordés de façon à modifier la quantité de fluide mousse passant à travers le passage où le degré d'ouverture de l'embouchure dépend du réglage longitudinal relatif de la tête de chicane et du tube de dosage raccordé.

2. L'appareil de la revendication 1 où la tête de chicane inclut une soupape pilote (42) sensible à un différentiel de pression de fluide dans le conduit.

3. L'appareil de la revendication 1 où le passage pour concentré de mousse est structuré pour décharger du concentré de mousse dans le fluide de lutte contre l'incendie à proximité de la chute de pression (22).

4. L'appareil de la revendication 1 où le fluide de lutte contre l'incendie inclut un conduit interne (28) et l'embouchure pour concentré moussant inclut une fente variable (94, 96) en communication fluide avec le conduit interne.

5. L'appareil de la revendication 4 où le conduit interne est structuré et situé (92) de telle sorte qu'une portion de fluide de lutte contre l'incendie passe à travers le conduit interne.

6. L'appareil de la revendication 1 où le passage pour concentré moussant est en communication fluide avec une source de concentré moussant pressurisé au-delà de la pression atmosphérique.

7. L'appareil de la revendication 1 où le passage pour concentré moussant est en communication fluide avec une source de concentré moussant à pression ambiante.

8. L'appareil de la revendication 1 où la tête de chicane inclut une chicane (B) située de façon ajustable à proximité d'une décharge de buse (P), la chicane fournissant des surfaces de pression avant (20) et opposée (23) en communication fluide avec du fluide de lutte contre l'incendie et où un ajustement de chicane est modifié, au moins en partie, par une pression de fluide sur les surfaces de chicane avant et opposée ; et
au moins une soupape de détente (42) déclenchée pour relâcher la pression de fluide sur une surface de pression de chicane opposée lorsqu'une pression de fluide de lutte contre l'incendie détectée à proximité d'une surface de pression de chicane avant dépasse une pression de soupape de détente présélectionnée.

9. La buse de la revendication 8 où la chicane définit une chambre de chicane (24) et où une pression de fluide de lutte contre l'incendie est détectée sur l'extérieur de la chambre de chicane.

10. La buse de la revendication 8 où la soupape de détente est située au moins substantiellement au sein de la chambre de chicane.

11. La buse de la revendication 1 qui inclut un inducteur (E) rattaché à la buse, structuré de telle sorte qu'une alimentation en fluide de lutte contre l'incendie à la buse fournisse une force d'induction pour induire du fluide de concentré de mousse dans la buse et pour mélanger le concentré avec au moins une prépondérance du fluide de lutte contre l'incendie à proximité d'une décharge de buse.

12. L'appareil de la revendication 11 où l'inducteur est structuré pour induire le concentré dans un conduit (28) entouré par le fluide de lutte contre l'incendie.

13. Une méthode destinée à ajuster un orifice pour fluide de lutte contre l'incendie (P) dans une buse de lutte contre l'incendie (N) pour maintenir la chute de pression prédéterminée sur l'embouchure à mesure que le débit de fluide de lutte contre l'incendie (W) à travers la buse varie, caractérisée par :

proportionner le concentré moussant (FC) dans du fluide de lutte contre l'incendie s'écoulant de façon variable au niveau de l'orifice de décharge de buse, le proportionnement incluant

faire varier une embouchure de concentré de mousse (94), de concert avec un ajustement de l'orifice pour fluide de lutte contre l'incendie (P) ; et

fournir du concentré de mousse à travers l'embouchure pour concentré dans le fluide de lutte contre l'incendie à proximité d'une chute de pression (22) de telle sorte qu'un rapport de concentré moussant proportionné dans du fluide de lutte contre l'incendie s'écoulant de façon variable demeure approximativement constant.

14. La méthode de la revendication 13 où ajuster l'orifice pour fluide de lutte contre l'incendie inclut régler une soupape pilote (42) pour maintenir une chute de pression présélectionnée.

15. La méthode de la revendication 14 où la soupape pilote est décalée par un ressort (48).

16. La méthode de la revendication 13 où ajuster une embouchure pour fluide de lutte contre l'incendie inclut ajuster un déplacement latéral d'une chicane (B).

17. La méthode de la revendication 13 qui inclut induire du concentré de mousse dans le fluide de lutte contre l'incendie s'écoulant à travers la buse.

18. La méthode de la revendication 13 où ajuster un orifice pour fluide de lutte contre l'incendie inclut :

fournir une chicane ajustable (B) située à proximité d'une décharge de buse ;

ajuster l'emplacement d'une chicane par rapport à la décharge de buse, au moins en partie, en équilibrant la pression de fluide sur les surfaces de chicane avant (20) et opposée (23) ;

détecter une pression de fluide à proximité d'une surface de pression de chicane avant ; et

déclencher au moins une soupape de détente (42) pour relâcher la pression de fluide sur la surface de pression de chicane opposée lorsque la pression de fluide détectée dépasse une pression de soupape de détente présélectionnée.

19. La méthode de la revendication 18 qui inclut :

induire du concentré de mousse (FC) dans la buse à l'aide d'un moyen (E) rattaché à la buse destiné à fournir une force d'induction sur le concentré ; et

mélanger le concentré avec au moins une portion prédominante du fluide de lutte contre l'incendie à proximité d'une décharge de buse (22).

Drawing