Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
2093162
A FIRE SIMULATOR FOR FIRE FIGHTER TRAINING
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention is directed to a conflagration sim-
ulator system including a portable flame generator and con-
trol means therefor.
BACKGROUND ART
Accidental fires are an ever-present phenomena, and
the provision of fire fighting equipment and the training of
ordinary civilians as well as fire righters to handle that
equipment effectively is an important and ongoing task.
Statistically, regarding only the matter of
personal injuries associated with fire fighting training,
some 6,000 injuries occur annually, ranging from minor burns
or blisters to life threatening occurrences. In addition,
about 6 training deaths take place each year.
Traditionally, over the past several decades use
has been made of simulated "real fires", set in special
buildings or open pits constructed of concrete and/or metal,
in an effort to provide realistic training without undue risk
to the participants.
Such provisions suffer from a number of drawbacks,
namely: the facilities are expensive to construct and main-
tain, and are fixed, such that participants must travel to
the facility; the setting of such "real fires" generates con-
ditions of considerable danger, with great difficulty being
encountered in controlling the fire; the fires generate un-
duly high temperatures, up to about 1200 to 1400 degrees F.,
greatly in excess of the safe 550 degrees F. upper limit
tolerated by fire resistant safety suits; and the fuels used
generate large quantities of atmospheric pollution as well as
ground pollution.
Recent efforts over the last decade to overcome
these drawbacks have resulted in the provision of flame
tanks, set in-ground or above ground, using gaseous or li~uid
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fuels such as propane, including over-water combustion such
as that illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 5,055,050, Rogers et
al. Gaseous combustion over water is shown in U.S. Patent
No. 3,038,064.
Certain other aspects of fire fighting trainer pro-
visions are illustrated in U.S. Patent Nos . 3,675,342;
4,303,396; 4,861,270, Ernst et al.; 4,983,124, Ernst et al.;
and 5,052,933, Rogers et al.
In the teaching of U.S. Patent No. 5,055,050 there
is described a pilot flame device for igniting gaseous pro-
pane fuel. The use of an electronic ignlter is contem~lated
as an alternative source of lgnltion.
These simplistic provisions are evidently intended
only to initiate ignit`ion, and evidently overlook the
practical realities of the conditions of use of such a simu-
lator, wherein large quantities of liquid propane are pro-
jected through a water bath. The propane expands by some 900
volumes as it flashes to gas and is ignited, while the water
of the bath is being rapidly supplemented by the liquid fire
fighting agents such as foam as well as dry chemicals and
water. As a conseguence, some of the gas is temporarily
absorbed in the bath and overflows with the liquid contents
of the bath. Meanwhile, there is~a continuing possibility of
the extinguishing of the unProtected pilot flame by the in-
coming extinguishants.
Experience by the present inventors over the last
decade in evolving propane gas by pumping liquid propane
through a water bath, in a fashion similar to that described
in the foregoing Rogers et al. patent has shown that there
exists a strong likelihood of the accumulation of propane gas
in and about the apparatus. To this fact must be added the
likelihood that the injected smell ingredient normally added
to the propane to facilitate its detection becomes absorbed
by the water present, so that the presence of such
extraneous, non-combu~ted gas is not evident by smell.
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These difficulties are compounded by the fact that
stoichiometric or combustible gas concentrations may not be
consistently and continuously present, but may evolve over
time, subsequent to a burn.
Hence, there is an urgent need for the capability
to ensure the continuing presence of an unquenched pilot
flame of significant size, capable of igniting persisting gas
traces both during and after the main burn, even when the
apparatus is shut down, and the burn terminated.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
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The present invention provides a pilot igniter
flame apparatus for use with a combustor tank, to provide a
substantially inextinguishable pilot flame during and even
subsequent to the presence of a conflagration in the tank,
the pilot flame being substantially impervious to the ingress
of fire fighting media into the tank.
In a preferred embodiment the pilot flame apparatus
includes an independently controllable fuel supply, oxygen
supply and independently energized ignition means. The
oxygen supply generally comprises an air source, such as an
air bottle.
The subject apparatus may be used in training
personnel in the handling of a range of fire fighting equip-
ment, and may be in the form of a portable embodiment, having
a range of operation to simulate different degrees and
different types of fire.
The use of a portable embodiment of conflagration
generator enables people to be trained near, or even within
their working locations, and avoids the expense of traveling
to a fixed installation, with undue time lost from work,
etc.
The apparatus may be used indoors or out of doors.
Also, it may be used in a variety of settings, in coniunction
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with other facilities to realistically simulate disaster
scenarios such as aircraft crash sites, house fires, etc.
The size of fire pan stipulated by the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) of the United States is
2-feet by 3-feet, for basic training.
The subject apparatus may be incorporated with
this, or with a 4-foot by 6-foot combustor tank, which also
is portable, and can be interconnected to create a variety of
fire "signatures".
While the use of gaseous propane is preferred in
the case of the pilot burner, it will be understood that
gaseous or liquid propane is readily utilized in the combust-
or tank.
In a preferred embodiment the subject pilot igniter
flame apparatus may be installed at one end of the combustor
tank, having the elongated slotted barrel of the igniter
flame apparatus extending longitudinally into the tank in
substantial coincidence with the main axis of the tank, and
the downward facing slot of the igniter flame tube preferably
located above, and in close proximity, from 1 to 3 inche~
above the surface of the~water in the combustor taink.
Protective side flanges extending downwardly from
the flame tube slot serve to deflect and minimize the impact
of impinging fire fighting agents, but allows the fire to be
attacked from the most advantageous angle, regardless of the
orientation of the flame tube.
The tank water level is regulated by an overflow
stand pipe located within the tank such that the ingress of
liquid and solid fire fighting agents into the tank does not
effectively raise the level of liquid within the tank.
The presence of fire fighting agents on the surface
of the water does not cause impingement into the tube, being
effectively overcome by the pressure of the igniter flame,
which exceeds atmospheric pressure, owing to the overpressure
of the fuel and air supplies.
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The end of the igniter tube is open to atmosphere,
tending to project an igniter flame therefrom, and precluding
any choking tendency caused by temporary obfuscation of the
fire tube slot or slots due to undue bubbling of the tank
water contents under full fuel flow, maximum conflagration
conditions.
It will be understood that in training personnel in
fire fighting the simulator does not react in the manner of a
- normal Class A, B, C, or D fire, because of the liquid sur-
face dynamics generated through the release of vapour.
Accordingly, the efforts of a trainee/trainees in dealing
with the fire requires regulation of the main fuel supply, as
a conditioned feed back, to motivate and reward the trainee
or trainees, as an indication of having followed correct pro-
cedures. This responsive fuel regulation is effected by the
operator of the simulator, who holds a manually operated
regulating switch device, to effect such regulation of the
main fuel supply, with consequent modulation of the fire.
The controlling device may be hand-held, with a
single or mutli-position switch for various fuel supply set-
tings. It also embodies a dead-man on/off switch, being held
in the activated condition by the thumb or by the grasp of
the operator. Release of the holder's grip, or relaxation of
~; thumb pressure shuts down~the burn.
While preferably having the switch hard-wired the
; use of radio control therefor, or the additional provision of
radio controlled shut-down over-ride devices also is contem-
plated.
~ The two modules of the sub~ect apparatus comprise:
; 1) the combustor tank (which can be cart-mounted~;
and~
2) the cart-mounted fuel and oxygen (air) supplies,
with the ;igniter energy supply also mounted on
the fueI ~cart, both carts being movable by
hand.
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In a preferred embodlment the carts are readily handled by a
single individual, thereby permitting a single trained opera-
tor to transport and set up the module elements of the
system, and to then exercise an effective supervisory train-
ing role.
The carts may comprise the appliance-transporter
type of cart, incorporating 2 wheels and with supporting
tread belts to facilitate traversing stairs and loading and
unloading from a plck-up truck.
The present invention thus provides a pilot ingiter
flame apparatus for continuously igniting combustible gases
in a combustion-hostile environment, the apparatus comprising
a housing having a combustible gas source, an oxygen source
and an ignition source connected thereto; a flame tube pro-
jecting from the housing for the outward passage therethrough
of combusting gas, the flame tube having an extended outlet
area for the access of gases therethrough, the outlet being
downwardly oriented in protective relation, in use, with the
combusting gas, to prevent dousing thereof, in use.
The aforesaid apparatus preferably includes pro-
tective baffle means to substantially preclude the impinge-
ment of quenching media lnto the flame tube.
The above referred-to oxygen supply may comprise a
compressed gas supply, such as bottled air.
The flame; igniter preferably may comprise an
electronic ignition, such as a low voltage arrangement, in-
cluding a power pack therefor.
The power pack may comprise a 12-volk battery.
The invention further comprises the aforesaid pilot
igniter flame apparatus in combination with a water bath in-
cluding combustlon-gas~evolving means.
The combined water bath and igniter may be car~-
mounted, to facil~Ltate transportation thereof.
The combustible gas source, the oxygen source, and
the self-contained igniter energy means may all be mounted
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;i upon a wheeled cart for ready transportation thereof. This
may include a source of li~uid fuel for the combustor tank.
The foregoing system may include a remote control
~ in controlling relation with the burner system, to terminate
'I flame propagating operation thereof.
~ The present invention further provides a dead-man
I remote controlling means connected by cable to the apparatus.
¦ The present invention further comprises a conflag-
~ ration simulator system, having a substantially inextinguish-
j able pilot flame generator ~or use in combination with a com-
} bustor water bath, the operation thereof comprising the steps
Of:
locating the bath in a desired location for fire
~ighting, and filling the bath with water to a predetermined
depth; ;~
connecting the fuel supply to the bath;
an oxygen supply and an ingition energy source to
the pilot flame~generator;
activating the ignition energy source and the valve
means which establishes fuel supply and the oxygen supply to
establish a pilot flame adjacent the surface of the water;
activating burner fuel supply, whereby fuel rises
above the water and is ignited into a conflagration; and
the pllot flame being maintained alight during
activation of the burner fuel supply, to ensure completed
combustion of substantially all fuel released from the burner
fuel supply.
A hand-held wand igniter may also be used to
inltiate combustion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Certain~ embodlments of the present invention are
described herein, without limitation of the invention there-
to, reference being made to the accompanying drawings where-
in;
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Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cart-mounted
combustor tank;
Figure 2 is a schematic side view, in section, of
the tank portion of the Figure 1 embodiment;
Figure 3 is a partial schematic front end view
taken at 3-3 of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a schematic rear view of the cart-
mounted control module, with fuel, air and ignition provi-
sions;
Figure 5 is a perspective view from the rear show- `~
ing the tank-module and the supply and control module in con-
nected relation; and
Figure 6 is a schematic view of the system of the
present invention.
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BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, the combustor
module 10 comprises a tank 12 mounted upon cart 14, with
igniter and burner control housing 16 at the rear end, and
; the flame tube 17 of the pilot igniter projecting forwardly
thereof. The main burn fuel supply pipe 20 also extends from
the housing 16, being located at the bottom of the tank. A
weir pipe 22 serves as the overflow drain, and determines the
water level within the tank 12.
The flame tube 17 is provided with protective side
flanges 26, to limit the ingress of impinging fire suppres-
sants, laterally, into the tube 17.
Propane~ connection 27, air connection 29 and
electrical connection 30 extend rearwardly of the housing 16.
A removable stainless steel flame guard cover 24 is shown in
phantom.
Referring~to Figures 4 and 5, a second cart module
32 includes electrical control cabinet 34 with a 115-volt
battery charger 36 for 12-volt battery 37.
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The arrows "A" indicate the preferred "attack"
directions of the trainees, along the sides of the tank 12,
being directed normal to the main axis of the pilot flame
tube 17, as the suggested direction, but not being limited to i
that angle of attack. ~ `
The cart 32 also carries propane bottle 42, and air
bottle 44, which connect to quick disconnect hose connectors ~ i
27 and 29 of the tank cart module 10.
A remote control 40 connects with the tank-cart `
module, to connector 45, in shut down relation therewith. ` ~i
Referring to Figure 6, the control system 16 is in
controlling relation with the pilot burner of flame tube 17.
A drain valve 60 serves to empty the tank 12.
The propane tank 42 has outlet valve 65. Dual feed
lines connect with fast acting, quarter turn close off cocks
67, which connect with pressure regulating valves 70. One `
feed line 69 connects with hand-held light-up wand 74, which
is equipped with an adjustable pressure regulating shut off
valve 72, for manual light-up of the system.
The other propane gas feed line 71 connects with
the control housing 16, through quick disconnect 27, to 2
electrical solenoid shut-o~f valves 57, providing a double-
block positive gas shut-off, actuated by the dead-man control
so.
In use, a trained operator can readily off-load and
position the 2 modules of the system in a desired training
location. The modules are readily connected together and
prepared for action~. Such preparation includes filling the
cumbustor tank 12, to the overflow level of weir stand-pipe
22.
With the trainees suitably garbed and equipped with
the prescribed fire flghting equipment suited to their class
of duty, the fuel pressure regulating valves are set to a
pre-determined setting to give an appropriate level of burn.
The pilot flame is then usually ignited, and its purpose
explained to the trainees.
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¦ The main burner gas supply is then turned on, and
3 the extinguishing exercise commenced. During this exercise
', the operator retains the dead-man switch in his hand in a
de-activated condition, so that the burn can proceed.
In some instances it may be advisable for the
operator to initially demonstrate the total effectiveness of
the dead-man control to a neophyte group of trainees, to
overcome any undue fear of the situation. During the burn,
as the trainees show a certain level of proficiency commen-
surate with their expected performance, the operative will
reduce the intensity of the burn, as a feed-back to "reward"
the participants for their efforts.
¦ In the illustrated embodiment the fuel supply and
associated distribution and control arrangement is directQd
to a single propane cylinder, arranged to deliver gaseous
propane. HowevQr, the fuel supply and control arrangements
may be readily modified by those skilled in the art in order
to accommodate the provision of li~uid propane to the main
burn fuel supply pipe 20.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art
that the existence of an unquenchable pilot light adds sign-
ificantly to the safety of such proceedings, particularly in
vlew of the intense conflagration that can ensue with a
maximum burn.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
This lnvention has significant safety significance,
as well as serving as a reassurance for neophyte trainee fire
fighters. It also is conservative of man-power, in its
operation.
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