Patent Application
20190308043
Ordinary dry chemical fire suppression agents are effective for fighting various classes of fires, such as class B (combustible liquids/gases) and class C (electrical) fires. These agents are not, however, useful for class A (combustible nonmetal solids) or lithium battery (considered a type of class B) fires. Lithium battery fires burn at extremely high temperatures, and can react violently with liquid and compressed gas agents. Therefore, extinguishing a lithium battery fire typically requires specially-developed chemical agents to smother and deprive the fire of oxygen, as well as absorb heat. These agents, however, may not be effective at fighting class A through C fires. Similarly, class A specific fire suppression agents, such as water and foam, may not be effective at fighting lithium battery, class B, or class C fires.
Commercial vehicles (e.g., buses, coaches, aircraft, etc.) can be at risk for multiple classes of fire, especially given the recent prevalence of lithium ion battery fires caused by personal electronic devices. Transportation regulations may require fire extinguishers and/or fixed fire systems throughout a vehicle, and they often contain different fire suppression agents based on the most likely type or types of fire in that space. A single fire suppression agent suitable for use with multiple classes of fire may be more effective and economical.
A fire suppression agent suitable for suppressing a lithium battery fire includes a bicarbonate powder and exfoliated vermiculite particles blended with the bicarbonate powder.
A fire suppression system includes a vessel, and a fire suppression agent contained within the vessel. The fire suppression agent includes a bicarbonate powder and exfoliated vermiculite particles, and is capable of suppressing a lithium battery fire.
A method of making a fire suppression agent suitable for suppressing a lithium battery fire includes combining an amount of exfoliated vermiculite particles and a bicarbonate powder.
The present invention is directed to a hybrid fire suppression agent and a system employing the fire suppression agent. The fire suppression agent is a mixture of a dry chemical agent and vermiculite particles. Vermiculite is a naturally-occurring, mineral that, when raw, consists of thin flakes with microscopic layers of water. Raw vermiculite can be exfoliated to create expanded, lightweight particles that are highly absorbent and non-reactive. Vermiculite can be effective at extinguishing lithium battery fires, and can further make the hybrid agent effective at extinguishing class A fires. When combined with the dry chemical agent, the hybrid agent can be used to fight multiple classes of fires.
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In exemplary embodiments of systems 10 and 110, fire suppression agent 12 is stored as a mixture of the dry chemical agent and vermiculite. In alternative embodiments of systems 10 and 110, the vermiculite can be stored separately from the dry chemical agent until triggered to mix upon or just before discharge. A separate storage configuration can help extend the shelf life of the vermiculite and/or dry chemical agent, as well as to prevent potential degradation of any compound within fire suppression agent 12. Such configurations can include, for example, independent, separate storage vessels for fixed or larger systems, or a container/storage pack within a larger vessel for portable and handheld units. Any of the disclosed embodiments can further include gas generators, or be super-pressurized with nitrogen or other gases or mixtures to facilitate discharge of fire suppression agent 12.
The disclosed fire suppression agent and systems have many benefits. The vermiculite is effective against class D fires, fires involving lithium batteries, and class A fires, while the dry chemical agent is effective against class B and C fires. Besides commercial vehicles, the disclosed fire suppression agent and system can be used in other transportation industries (e.g., railroad, maritime, etc.), factories, laboratories, private residences, and more.
The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible embodiments of the present invention.
A fire suppression agent suitable for suppressing a lithium battery fire includes a bicarbonate powder and exfoliated vermiculite particles blended with the bicarbonate powder.
The fire suppression agent of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
In the above fire suppression agent, a concentration of the vermiculite particles can range from 5% to 40% by weight.
In any of the above fire suppression agents, a D90 diameter of the vermiculite particles can be less than 70 microns.
In any of the above fire suppression agents, a D50 diameter of the vermiculite particles is less than 35 microns.
In any of the above fire suppression agents, the bicarbonate powder can include a compound selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and combinations thereof.
Any of the above fire suppression agents can further be capable of suppressing a fire comprising at least one of a combustible nonmetal solid, a combustible fluid, and an electrical component.
A fire suppression system includes a vessel, and a fire suppression agent contained within the vessel. The fire suppression agent includes a bicarbonate powder and exfoliated vermiculite particles, and is capable of suppressing a lithium battery fire.
The fire suppression system of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
The above fire suppression system is further capable of suppressing fire comprising at least one of a combustible nonmetal solid, a combustible fluid, and an electrical component.
Any of the above fire suppression systems can further include a nozzle for selectively discharging the fire suppression agent.
Any of the above fire suppression systems can further include a sensor configured to detect a fire.
In any of the above fire suppression systems, the sensor can be one of a smoke detector, thermal sensor, ultraviolet sensor, and infrared sensor.
In any of the above fire suppression systems, the vessel can be portable.
In any of the above fire suppression systems, the vessel can be incorporated into a fixed fire suppression system.
In any of the above fire suppression systems, a concentration of the vermiculite particles can range from 5% to 40% by weight.
In any of the above fire suppression systems, the bicarbonate powder can include a compound selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and combinations thereof.
A method of making a fire suppression agent suitable for suppressing a lithium battery fire includes combining an amount of exfoliated vermiculite particles and a bicarbonate powder.
The method of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
In the above method, a concentration of the vermiculite particles can range from 5% to 40% by weight.
In any of the above methods, the bicarbonate powder can include a compound selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and combinations thereof.
In any of the above methods, the fire suppression agent is further capable of suppressing fire comprising at least one of a combustible nonmetal solid, a combustible fluid, and an electrical component.
Any of the above methods can further include adding the fire suppression agent to a vessel to form a fire suppression system.
While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
