Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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IMPROVED FIRE FIGHTING NOZZLE AND METHOD
INCLUDING PRESSURE REGULATION,
CHEMICAL AND
EDUCTION FEATURES
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/080,846 filed 4/6/98.
FIELD OF INVENTION
The invention relates to fire fighting and f ire 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.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Prior patents relevant to the instant 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
McMilian/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.
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.
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
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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.
Typically nozzles are structured to deliver pre-set gallon per minute flow
rate
assuming a nominal head pressure such as 100 psi 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.
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 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 120 psi.
The
instant 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.
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.
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 S00
gallons per
minute to 2000 gallons per minute, at a targeted discharge pressure, such as
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-
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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.
The instant 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.
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.
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
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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.
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.
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 revers;.
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.
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
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention includes a pressure regulating nozzle for extinguishing fires
comprising a baffle adjustably located proximate a nozzle discharge. The
baffle
provides forward and opposing pressure services in fluid communication with a
primary fire extinguishing fluid. The baffle adjustment is affected, at least
in part, by
fluid pressure upon the forward and opposing baffle surfaces.
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.
The invention 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.
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.
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.
.35 The annular stream gradually expands subsequent to reaching the minimum.
Additionally small jets for the primary fire fighting fluid may be provided
throu~h the
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peripheral channeling walls to enhance eduction of the second fluid or foam
concentrate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when the
following detailed description of preferred embodiments 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 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, 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 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
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
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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 SA illustrates in cutaway form an embodiment of an automatic nozzle
providing for enhanced educting and channeling foam concentrate peripherally
and for
discharging a fluid chemical centrally.
Figure SB 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 SB also including a jet for assisting the
educting of the
foam concentrate.
Figure SC 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 wherein foam concentrate
and tluid chemical are both channeled through the nozzle centrally.
Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of an automatic nozzle 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.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
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
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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
S 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 100 psi. Such simple design is indicated in figure 4B.
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.
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.
The present invention discloses in particular 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
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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.
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.
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.
The present invention also teaches 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.
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 ? 1 of nozzle N. Nozzle N can be an assembly of
parts.
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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
S 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.
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
io the fire extinguishing fluid or water that enters the support stem 28 of
nozzle N.
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
bafflehead 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.
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
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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.
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.
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
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bafflehead chamber 24 for the primary fire extinguishing fluid in order to
create a
reverse pressure or backward pressure against sliding bafflehead B.
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
S 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 4~ and relieves pressure at one selected relief valve pressure.
which in
preferred embodiments might be set at about two thirds of a targeted 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 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 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.
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.
Figure 3A incorporates a slidable flow metering tube 96 that slides with
bafflehead B over fixed stem 28. Flow metering tube 9f~ ~lir~ee nvPr f;xPrl
fnam
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
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depends upon the relative longitudinal setting of bafflehead C and connected
foam
metering tube 96.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
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 chamher nnPratPc
backwards against the baffle white 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.
Figure 4C illustrates a self adjusting nozzle designed for also throwing a
chemical such as a dry powder. Chemical inlet 1 10 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.
The embodiment of Figure SA 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.
The embodiment of Figure SB is similar to the embodiment of Figure SA 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 SC provides an alternate
version
for the embodiment of Figure SB wherein foam jet JJ utilizes an alternate
design.
The embodiment of Figure 6 centrally channels both foam concentrate and dry
chemical while providing a self adjusting bafflehead.
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.
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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.
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
1 S 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.
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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.
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.
The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and
explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape, and materials. as
well as in
the details of the illustrated system may be made without departing from the
spirit of
the invention. The invention is claimed using terminology that depends upon a
historic
presumptive presentation that recitation of a single element covers one or
more. and
recitation of two elements covers two or more, and the like.
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