Equipment and method for penetration of objects and injection of fluid into a space

Abstract

 The present invention relates to equipment for making holes by penetration in a surface (1), which equipment (2) comprises a pressure source (9) for supplying a pressurised fluid (5), a nozzle assembly (11), a conduit (12) between the pressure source and the nozzle assembly (11) for supplying the pressurised fluid (5) from the pressure source (9) to the nozzle assembly (11), wherein the pressurised fluid substantially in the form of a jet (6) is made to flow out of the nozzle assembly (11) and towards the surface (1) to penetrate through the same for making a hole and, when the surface has been penetrated, being injected into a space, wherein a vessel (13) containing an additive (8) is connected to an inlet (34, 34') at the nozzle assembly (11) and that the pressurised fluid (5) when being transferred through the nozzle assembly (11) creates a pressure difference that entrains additive from said vessel (8) into the nozzle assembly (11) so that the fluid being made to flow out of the nozzle assembly (11) comprises a mixture of pressurised fluid (5) and additive (8).
The present invention also relates to a method for making at least one hole in a surface (1) and supplying fluid to a space, wherein said at least one hole is produced by penetration.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to equipment for making holes by penetration in a surface, which equipment comprises a pressure source for supplying a pressurised fluid, a nozzle assembly, a conduit between the pressure source and the nozzle assembly for supplying the pressurised fluid from the pressure source to the nozzle assembly, wherein the pressurised fluid substantially in the form of a jet is made to flow out of the nozzle assembly and towards the surface to penetrate through the same for making a hole and, when the surface has been penetrated, being injected into a space.

[0002] It also relates to a method for making at least one hole in a surface and supplying fluid into a space, wherein said at least one hole is produced by penetration, using a pressurised fluid which is made to flow substantially in the form of a jet towards the surface to penetrate through the same for making a hole and, when penetrated, being injected into a space.

Background Art

[0003] In fire fighting, holes are today still made by means of hand tools such as an axe or crowbar, angle grinder and/or cutting machine etc. Newer equipment involves blast frames for blasting a hole. Such blast frames are, however, to be used once and are relatively expensive. The explosive contained in them imposes stringent security requirements for storing and handling.

[0004] In recent years, completely new equipment, which is usually called cutting extinguisher has been developed. An example of such a cutting extinguisher is shown and described in terms of basic construction and function in EP 1 003 591.

[0005] With this equipment and its high pressure system, a fire will be extinguished effectively. The equipment described may also be used for other purposes where it is desirable to cut through a surface and inject a fluid into a space, e.g. in military or policial purposes.

[0006] Of the main components included in the equipment, the pressure source and the vessel for the additive, usually an abrasive, are normally fixedly mounted on or in a fire fighting vehicle, plus a roll for unwinding and winding the tubing and an attachment for storing the lance when not in use.

[0007] In operation, the tubing with the lance mounted is unwound and pulled out to the place of fire where the lance operator performs the making of the hole and fire fighting. The pressure source provides pressurised liquid that is fed from the pressure source in a tubing. The tubing is, somewhere along its extension from the pressure source to the nozzle, connected to a vessel containing the additive so that the additive is brought with the pressurised liquid to the nozzle.

[0008] Another cutting extinguisher is disclosed in WO 2007/032722. This cutting extinguisher comprises in general the same components as the device disclosed in EP 1 003 591, but both the lance and the vessel for the additive may be carried by the operator. For example, the lance may be carried in his hands and the vessel on his back.

[0009] Both the above-mentioned systems have been found to be very effective. However, drawbacks exist and the systems may be further improved.

[0010] One drawback of the known systems is that they may be subjected to wearing and that they therefore need maintenance in order to ensure their reliability.

Summary of the Invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to obviate at least some of the above inconvenience and to provide a device that is effective in use but at the same time does not need as much maintenance as the prior art devices.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, this is achieved by equipment for making holes by penetration in a surface of the kind defined in claim 1. Said equipment comprises a pressure source for supplying a pressurised fluid, a nozzle assembly, a conduit between the pressure source and the nozzle assembly for supplying the pressurised fluid from the pressure source to the nozzle assembly, wherein the pressurised fluid substantially in the form of a jet is made to flow out of the nozzle assembly and towards the surface to penetrate through the same for making a hole and, when the surface has been penetrated, being injected into a space, wherein a vessel containing an additive is connected to an inlet at the nozzle assembly and that the pressurised fluid when being transferred through the nozzle assembly creates a pressure difference that entrains additive from said vessel into the nozzle assembly so that the fluid being made to flow out of the nozzle assembly comprises a mixture of pressurised fluid and additive.

[0013] The equipment as defined in claim 1 can be used in several different applications. For example, it is suitable for use in rescue service in which it is desirable to first penetrate a surface and thereafter spraying or injecting fluid, e.g. extinguishing fluid, through the penetrated surface and into a space on fire. The pressurised fluid may in this application be a liquid, e.g. water. The equipment as defined in claim 1 has several advantages over the prior art devices within this field. Some additives, e.g. abrasives that is used for improving the penetrating effect also wear on the components of the system. By supplying the additive to the system at the nozzle assembly the components of the system subjected to wear of the additive is reduced. Hence, the inventive equipment may require less maintenance than the prior art devices, and if the nozzle assembly, or parts of it, is worn out, only the nozzle needs to be replaced which reduces maintenance costs. Furthermore, by not having the additive passing through the inside of the lance, larger additive particles, e.g. larger abrasive particles, may be used. This has the advantage that it is possible to use e.g. standard abrasives without having to sort out the particles that are too large. This is beneficial in terms of the cost for using the system.

[0014] Another advantage with the inventive equipment is that no pressurised fluid must pass through the vessel containing the additive. Hence, the vessel must not be adapted to withstand considerable pressure. This makes the equipment cheaper and simpler to produce. It also has the advantage that it is easier to replace a used vessel with a new one. Furthermore, it also simplifies the alteration between vessels containing different additives being connected to the nozzle assembly. For example, a vessel containing e.g. abrasive may first be connected to the nozzle assembly and when the surface has been penetrated another vessel containing e.g. foam for improving the extinguishing effect may be connected to the nozzle assembly and injected into the space where the fire is. This may be done without interruption of the supply of pressurized fluid to the fire. Hence, a more efficient penetration and extinguishing operation may be effected.

[0015] In other applications, such as policial and military applications, a vessel containing abrasive may first be connected to the nozzle assembly and when the surface has been penetrated a second vessel containing e.g. gas of some kind may be connected to the nozzle assembly for insertion into the space. Furthermore, in this application, the fluid that entrains the abrasive for penetrating the surface may be a liquid in accordance with the above-described, but it may also be e.g. a gas. It is also possible that only one type of gas is used, i.e. the gas that is pressurised and entrains the abrasive may also be the gas that is to be inserted into the space, hence it is this case not necessary to add a gas as an additive.

[0016] The present invention is suitable for penetration of surfaces such as, but not limited to, roofs, walls, doors etc., in spaces in constructions such as different types of buildings, cisterns, tanks and containers for various purposes and vehicles, trains, ships etc.

[0017] Suitably, the nozzle assembly comprises a first nozzle, a second nozzle and an intermediate chamber.

[0018] This configuration is an effective manner in providing a nozzle assembly that is capable of drawing in an additive from a vessel when a pressurized fluid is being transferred through the nozzle assembly.

[0019] The first nozzle may be seen as an inlet to the intermediate chamber for the pressurized fluid and the second nozzle may be seen as an outlet from the intermediate chamber for the pressurized fluid that may have been mixed with an additive.

[0020] Suitably, said inlet is provided at said intermediate chamber of the nozzle assembly. This configuration has the advantage to provide an efficient drawing in or entrainment of additive to the nozzle assembly. When the pressurized fluid passes trough the first nozzle, the intermediate chamber and the second nozzle a negative pressure or vacuum is created in the intermediate chamber. This negative pressure creates a pressure difference as compared to the vessel containing additive, which draws or entrains the additive from the vessel and into the intermediate chamber where it mixes with the pressurized fluid and thereafter is sprayed out of the second nozzle.

[0021] Suitably, the ratio of the diameters of the first and second nozzles is in the range of 1:2 - 1:4. Preferably, the ratio of the diameters of the first and second nozzles is 1:3. A ratio of diameters between 1:2 - 1:4, and especially 1:3 has proven beneficial to obtain the desired pressure difference that draws or entrains the additive into the nozzle assembly.

[0022] Suitably, the diameter of the first nozzle is in the range of 1 - 7 mm, preferably 1.5 - 3 mm.

[0023] The suitable diameter of the first nozzle, and also the second nozzle, is dependent on the pressure and the flow rate of the fluid. Diameters within the ranges described above have proven to be beneficial in order to obtain the desired entrainment effect of the additive into the nozzle. However, other diameters are conceivable, as well as other ratios between the diameters of the first and second nozzles.

[0024] Suitably, the nozzle assembly is provided at a lance, which is adapted to be carried by an operator. A handheld lance makes it possible for an operator to easily carry the nozzle assembly and penetrate the intended surface. However, the nozzle assembly may also be mounted on e.g. a vehicle such as a fire fighting vehicle, or at an arm connected to such a vehicle. Suitably, the vessel is also portable. The portable vessel may e.g. be provided as a backpack that an operator may carry on his back and thereby have both hands free to e.g. carry the lance on which the extinguishing nozzle assembly is provided. Alternatively, the vessel may be provided at the lance so that an operator carries the lance with the attached vessel in his hands. Providing a portable vessel has advantages in terms of the operator's possibilities to quickly, effectively and accurately regulate, in a simple and convenient manner, the supply of additives or change between different additives depending on what is required and/or desired in the specific situation. This has advantages in terms of usage costs since the supply of e.g. abrasive may then be turned off after a surface has been penetrated. Eventually, an operator may thereafter turn on the supply of another additive, e.g. an additive that improves the extinguishing effect of the fluid or a gas that is to be inserted into the space. It is also advantageous since an operator may alter the connection between the nozzle and different vessels by himself. Hence, a second operator for handling the supply of additive is not necessary.

[0025] A portable vessel that during use is positioned close to the nozzle assembly is also beneficial since the mix of fluid and additive may then be altered more instant, due to the short conduit between the vessel and the nozzle assembly. This is in contrast to when the vessel is positioned remote from the nozzle assembly. In this case, when an operator turns off the supply of additive, the additive in the conduit between the vessel and the nozzle will be drawn into the fluid and sprayed out of the nozzle and hence, the response to the turning off of the additive is slower. The same delay is also present when turning on the supply of additive, if the vessel is positioned remote from the nozzle assembly.

[0026] It may be suitable that the additive in the vessel is an abrasive for improving the penetration or cutting effect. It may also be suitable that the additive in the vessel is an extinguishing foam or extinguishing powder for improving the extinguishing effect. Alternatively, different vessels containing different additives may be provided. An operator may then alter between different additives depending on the specific situation, e.g. adding abrasive for penetration of a surface and thereafter change to extinguishing medium after the surface has been penetrated. Of course, it would also be possible to use different such additives at the same time or in succession.

[0027] Suitably, a valve may be provided in connection to the inlet in order to enable an operator to regulate the supply of additive being moved into the pressurised fluid. Thereby, e.g. abrasive may be provided to the extinguishing nozzle assembly during the penetration phase, and when the abrasive no longer is needed, an operator may terminate the supply of abrasive in a simple manner. Suitably, the nozzle assembly is provided with several inlets that are connected to respective vessels so that different additives may be added to the pressurised fluid. By this, the process of alternating between different additives depending on situation or phase, e.g. penetration or extinguishing or inserting gas, is simplified. Furthermore, if both inlets are provided with a respective valve or other means for regulating the supply of the additive, the process of alternating between different additives is even further simplified.

[0028] Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention it is presented a method for making at least one hole in a surface and supplying liquid into a space, wherein said at least one hole is produced by penetration, using a pressurised fluid which is made to flow substantially in the form of a jet towards the surface to penetrate through the same for making a hole and, when penetrated, being injected into a space, wherein a pressure difference is created in order to entrain an additive from a vessel and into the pressurised fluid before the pressurised fluid is being made to flow towards the surface or into the space.

[0029] By this, an additive may be added to the pressurised fluid in an efficient manner. The additive may e.g. be an abrasive for improving the penetration or cutting capabilities of the pressurised fluid, extinguishing foam or powder for improving the fire fighting capabilities of the pressurised fluid or gas that is to be injected into a space. It is also possible to use different forms of additives simultaneously or consecutively. Adding the additive by using a pressure difference that draws or entrains the additive has the advantage that it is simple for an operator to change between different additives. Another advantage is that by the entraining of additive into the fluid, the pressurised fluid does not have to pass through e.g. the vessel containing the additive. Hence, the additive may be supplied from a vessel that does not need to be able to withstand the pressure of the pressurised fluid.

[0030] Suitably, the pressurised fluid is made to pass a nozzle assembly before it flows out against said surface, wherein said nozzle assembly is connected to said vessel containing said additive, wherein said pressure difference is created by said pressurised fluid when passing through said nozzle assembly.

[0031] This has proven to be a beneficial manner in entraining the additive into the pressurised fluid. Furthermore, by adding the additive at the nozzle assembly, the additive does not have to move a long distance together with the pressurised fluid. This may be advantageous since certain additives, e.g. abrasives, may wear on the components of the system when they are moved inside the components together with the pressurised fluid. Thus, adding the additive at the nozzle assembly may lower the need for maintenance of the system. Furthermore, since the additive is added to the fluid in the nozzle assembly, the response time for regulating, e.g. turning on and off the supply of additive, is very short. This is in contrast to adding the additive to the fluid remote from the nozzle and thereafter transferring the mix of fluid and additive in a conduit to the nozzle. In this case, when the supply of additive is e.g. turned off, the mix of fluid and additive in the conduit will be sprayed out of the nozzle and more additive than desired is used. Hence, the present invention is beneficial in terms of usage costs. Also, when turning on the supply of additive, a more instant response, i.e. supply of additive, is obtained with the present invention.

[0032] Suitably, the nozzle assembly that said pressurised fluid passes through when the pressure difference is created comprises a first nozzle, a second nozzle and an intermediate chamber. This design has proven to create a beneficial pressure drop, or a negative pressure, so that an additive thereby is entrained into the pressurised fluid.

[0033] The above-described equipment is suitably used for first penetrating a surface and thereafter spraying pressurised fluid into a space. It may e.g. be used for firstly penetrating a surface and thereafter spraying or injecting fluid, preferably liquid, into a space on fire. It may also be used for firstly penetrating a surface and thereafter spraying or injecting gas into a space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which schematically illustrates a currently preferred embodiment, and in which:

Fig 1 is a schematic perspective view of the equipment in use; and

Figs 2a and 2b are cross-sectional views of the nozzle arrangement;

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0035] The invention will now for exemplary purposes be described in a currently preferred embodiment that is intended for rescue service work.

[0036] When making a hole by cutting in or penetrating a surface 1, e.g. a roof, walls, doors etc. using the equipment according to the invention generally designated 2 in case of fire 3 in spaces 4 in such constructions as different types of buildings, cisterns, tanks and containers for various purposes and vehicles, trains, ships etc. for fire fighting, this making of the hole by cutting or penetration occurs by means of a pressurised extinguishing liquid 5 which after penetration is injected into the space 4 on fire in the form of a jet 6, which is quickly evaporated and assists in extinguishing the fire 3.

[0037] The extinguishing liquid 5 is usually ordinary water to which one or more liquid and/or pulverulent additives 8 are added to improve the penetration and/or extinguishing effect. Such an additive 8 is an abrasive, for example a sandblasting agent with sand or some other abrasive material, which increases the penetration speed through the surface 1. Another additive can be an extinguishing foam or an extinguishing powder or the like, which during injection of the extinguishing liquid 5 into the space 4 on fire in combination with the fine mist, that is formed by the microdroplets created by the pressurised liquid when being sprayed into the space on fire, quickly cools the fire gases 7 and, thus, additionally promotes the effective fire fighting. The equipment 2 according to the invention as illustrated in the drawing comprises as main components a pressure source 9 for providing the pressurised extinguishing liquid 5, a lance 10 with an extinguishing nozzle assembly 11 for discharging the extinguishing liquid, which will be described in greater detail below, a conduit or tubing 12 between the pressure source 9 and the extinguishing nozzle 11 for supplying the extinguishing liquid 5, and a vessel 13 which contains an additive 8 such as an abrasive to be added to the extinguishing liquid. It also comprises means, not shown, for turning on and off, and also for regulating, the supply of the extinguishing liquid.

[0038] In the shown preferred embodiment, the pressure source 9 is suitably a high pressure pump fixedly mounted in a fire fighting vehicle 14. To the outlet of the high pressure pump, the tubing 12 is connected, which preferably is arranged to be unwound from and wound onto a reel 15 which is suitably also mounted in the fire fighting vehicle 14. At its other end, the tubing 12 is connected to the lance 10 and its extinguishing nozzle 11.

[0039] The lance 10 and the associated extinguishing nozzle assembly 11 is supported and operated by an operator, usually a fireman, to perform the making of the hole and the fire fighting.

[0040] With specific reference to figs 2a and 2b, the extinguishing nozzle assembly 11 will now be described in greater detail. The nozzle assembly 11 I comprises a first nozzle 31, a second nozzle 33 and an intermediate chamber 32 arranged between said first and second nozzles 31, 33. It also comprises at least one inlet 34, shown in fig 2a, or several inlets 34, 34', shown in fig 2b, that is provided on the surface of said intermediate chamber 32. Each inlet 34, 34' is connected to a conduit or tubing 35, 35' leading from a vessel 13 containing additive 8, or in the case of several inlets, different vessels 13 that may contain different additives 8. When a liquid is transferred from the pressure source 9, through the tubing 12 and to the first nozzle 31, the liquid will be sprayed or jetted into the intermediate chamber 32. This creates a negative pressure or a vacuum in the intermediate chamber 32. This negative pressure will create a pressure difference that draws or entrains additive from a vessel through the tubing 35 and into the intermediate chamber 34. When the liquid thereafter is further transferred to the second nozzle 33, it will bring the additive with it. Thus, the liquid exiting the second nozzle 33 is mixed with additive.

[0041] In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of the first nozzle 31 is about 2.5 mm and the diameter of the second nozzle 33 is about 7.5 mm, i.e. the ratio of the diameters is approximately 1:3. Preferably, the first nozzle 31 is centered towards the second nozzle 33 so that the jet stream of pressurized liquid that exits the first nozzle 31 does not wear on the sides of the second nozzle 33. The suitable diameter of the first nozzle, and also the second nozzle, is dependent on the pressure and the flow rate of the liquid and other diameters than those described above are conceivable, as well as other ratios between the diameters of the first and second nozzles.

[0042] It is possible, as disclosed in figs 2a and 2b, to provide the inlet or inlets 34 with a damper or valve 36 in order to provide for the operator to be able to regulate the supply of the additive. By this, a sufficient amount of abrasive may for example be provided during the penetration phase. Thereafter the operator may regulate the valve 36 in the inlet 34 that is connected to the tubing leading to the vessel containing abrasive in order to prevent any more abrasive from being drawn into the nozzle assembly, since the abrasive may not be needed any more. Hence, the use of abrasive may be more efficient. If the equipment is provided with several inlets, as is disclosed in fig 2b, the operator may then open the valve in the inlet 34' that is connected to a tubing 35' leading to another vessel 13 containing e.g. extinguishing foam or powder in order for the foam or powder to be drawn into the nozzle assembly and being ejected together with the liquid, in the form of fine mist, over the fire.

[0043] In the case with two or more inlets, it is also possible to have both valves 36, 36' open or closed at the same time. This may be advantageous in cases where no additive is needed or in cases where two or more different kinds of additives are needed at the same time.

[0044] If the equipment is provided with one inlet at the nozzle, the operator may instead move the tubing 35, 35' to another vessel after the valve has been closed. When the tubing is positioned in the second vessel, the operator may open the valve 36, 36' and allow a second additive to be entrained into the flow of pressurised fluid.

[0045] The manoeuvring means 37, 37' for the valve 36 or valves 36, 36' are schematically shown in figs 2a and 2b and they may be provided in several different manners. For example, they may be provided at a handle of a handheld lance, in a manner similar to a throttle twist-grip of a motorcycle, and being connected to the valve 36 or valves 36, 36' by e.g. a wire. It or they may also be provided as a hand lever or knob that is arranged adjacent the valve or valves. It or they may also be provided at the tubing 35 or tubings 35, 35'. In that case it or they may e.g. be provided as a means that, when manoeuvred to a closed position, squeezes the tubing so that no additive may pass through. The valve or valves may e.g. be provided as a needle valve or needle valves.

[0046] The pressure source 9 in the present system is preferably capable of delivering pressurised liquid at a pressure in the order of 150 - 400 bar, preferably 300 bar, and at a flow rate in the order of 15 - 60 I/min, preferably 25 - 60 I/min. In some applications the pressure may exceed the values above and amount to say 400 bars or more, and also the flow rate may exceed that mentioned above and amount to say 100 I/min or more.

[0047] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the extinguishing nozzle is arranged on a lance adapted to be handheld by an operator. In that case, the operator 16 may quickly, effectively and accurately regulate, in a simple and convenient manner, the supply of the additive 8 to the extinguishing liquid 5 as desired and required. In the shown preferred embodiment, the operator also carries the vessel 13, in which case he preferably carries the lance 10 with his hands and the vessel on his back. Alternatively, the vessel 13 can be fixedly or detachably mounted directly on the lance 10, in which case the operator 16 suitably carries the unit consisting of the lance and the vessel with his hands. In an even further alternative, the vessel 13 may be handheld and may be arranged on the ground adjacent the operator 16. The vessel 13 does not need to meet any special requirements, and e.g. a plastic container comprising the additive may be used.

[0048] In another alternative of the present invention, the whole system, including the extinguishing nozzle assembly may be arranged on e.g. a fire-brigade vehicle. The nozzle assembly 11 may then be supported at the outer free end of an arm that is e.g. connected to the vehicle.

[0049] Of course, the invention must not be considered to be limited to the shown and described embodiment and the alternatives mentioned, but can be modified and supplemented optionally within the scope of the appended claims.

[0050] For example, it is possible to combine the present invention with a previously known system, e.g. of the kinds discussed in WO 2007/032722 or EP 1 003 591, in order to provide a more versatile system for the users. When a user needs to utilize the cutting capabilities of the previously known systems, he may utilize that system and when penetration of a surface is desired, it is possible to exchange the nozzle assembly to a nozzle assembly in accordance with the present invention.

[0051] The present invention has been described in a preferred embodiment that is intended for use in rescue service equipment, with the purpose of first penetrating a surface and thereafter spraying extinguishing liquid into a space on fire. However, other applications of the inventive concept are also conceivable. It is for example possible to use the present invention in e.g. military or policial equipment in which it is desirable to first penetrate a surface and thereafter spray gases or other substances, e.g. pulverulent material, through the penetrated surface and into a space. In these cases, another fluid than liquid may be used.

Claims

1. Equipment for making holes by penetration in a surface (1), which equipment (2) comprises:

a pressure source (9) for supplying a pressurised fluid (5);

a nozzle assembly (11);

a conduit (12) between the pressure source and the nozzle assembly (11) for supplying the pressurised fluid (5) from the pressure source (9) to the nozzle assembly (11),
wherein the pressurised fluid substantially in the form of a jet (6) is made to flow out of the nozzle assembly (11) and towards the surface (1) to penetrate through the same for making a hole and, when the surface has been penetrated, being injected into a space
characterised in that a vessel (13) containing an additive (8) is connected to an inlet (34, 34') at the nozzle assembly (11) and that the pressurised fluid (5) when being transferred through the nozzle assembly (11) creates a pressure difference that entrains additive from said vessel (8) into the nozzle assembly (11) so that the fluid being made to flow out of the nozzle assembly (11) comprises a mixture of pressurised fluid (5) and additive (8).

2. Equipment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nozzle assembly (11) comprises a first nozzle (31), a second nozzle (33) and an intermediate chamber (32).

3. Equipment as claimed in claim 2, wherein said inlet (34, 34') is provided at said intermediate chamber (32) of the nozzle assembly (11).

4. Equipment as claimed in any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the ratio of the diameters of the first and second nozzles (31, 33) is in the range of 1:2 - 1:4.

5. Equipment as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the ratio of the diameters of the first and second nozzles (31, 33) is 1:3.

6. Equipment as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the diameter of the first nozzle (31) is in the range of 1 - 7 mm, preferably 1.5 - 3 mm.

7. Equipment as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims, wherein the nozzle assembly (11) is provided at a lance (10), which is adapted to be carried by an operator.

8. Equipment as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims, wherein the vessel (13) is portable.

9. Equipment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the additive (8) in the vessel (13) is an abrasive for improving the penetration effect.

10. Equipment as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims, in which the additive (8) in the vessel (13) is extinguishing foam or extinguishing powder for improving the extinguishing effect.

11. Equipment as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a valve (36, 36') is provided in connection to the inlet (34, 34') in order to enable an operator to regulate the supply of additive being moved into the pressurised fluid.

12. Equipment as claimed in any one of the preceeding claims, wherein the nozzle assembly (11) is provided with several inlets (34, 34'), which are connected to respective vessels (13) so that different additives may be added to the pressurised fluid.

13. A method for making at least one hole in a surface (1) and thereafter supplying fluid into a space, wherein said at least one hole is produced by penetration, using a pressurised fluid (5) which is made to flow substantially in the form of a jet (6) towards the surface (1) to penetrate through the same for making a hole and, when penetrated, being injected into a space (4)
characterised in that a pressure difference is created in order to entrain an additive (8) from a vessel (13) and into the pressurised fluid (5) before the pressurised fluid is being made to flow towards the surface or into the space.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the pressurised fluid is made to pass a nozzle assembly (11) before it flows out against said surface (1), wherein said nozzle assembly (11) is connected to said vessel (13) containing said additive (8), wherein said pressure difference is created by said pressurised fluid when passing through said nozzle assembly (11).

15. Use of equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for firstly penetrating a surface and thereafter spraying pressurised fluid into a space.

Drawing