Abstract: A fire suppression system includes a high pressure inert gas source configured to provide a first inert gas output and a low pressure inert gas source configured to provide a second inert gas output. A distribution network is connected with the high pressure inert gas source and the low pressure inert gas source to distribute the first inert gas output and the second inert gas output throughout a confined space. A volume reduction system is positioned within the confined space and includes a seal member. The seal member is selectively deployable between a first position and a second position to isolate a first volume of the confined space from a second volume of the confined space and reduce an amount of the first inert gas output and the second inert gas output required to respond to a fire threat within the confined space.

Abstract: A foam chamber of a fire suppressant system having a closable testing outlet is disclosed. The foam chamber can operate in a testing mode and an operation mode. The invention has an inlet conduit for accepting a fire suppressant fluid attached to an expansion conduit. An expansion enclosure having two closable outlets is also attached to the inlet conduit and surrounds the expansion conduit. One outlet empties into the expansion enclosure. The other outlet extends through the wall of the expansion enclosure and empties outside of the expansion enclosure. Both of the closable outlets can be fitted with either an unbreakable seal or a frangible seal. If the foam chamber is configured for normal operation, the unbreakable seal is placed on the outlet that extends through the wall of the expansion enclosure and a frangible seal is placed on the outlet that empties into the expansion enclosure.

Abstract: The flame arrester is optimized for installation within fuel containers, such as fuel tanks and portable fuel containers, or immediately within the neck of the tank or spout of the container. The flame arrester has an elongate, generally cylindrical skeletal frame having opposing first and second ends. The first end is configured as a mounting flange adapted for permanent, immovable installation within the tank or container. The frame is covered by a woven or nonwoven textile material, or alternatively, by a porous or foraminous sheet material. Fuel and vapors pass through the cylindrical textile wall, the porosity of the textile serving to prevent flame propagation through the textile material. The frame is formed of a flexible, fuel-impervious plastic material to allow the flame arrester to be bent or curved for installation within a curved tube or the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automatically activated fire suppression system providing a system that releases fire suppressant foam, or aqueous film forming material (“AFFF”) over a flammable material contained within a storage tank or gas tank, when a heat sensor comprised of glass, plexi-glass or plastic, is compromised (i.e. melted, or broken) by temperatures in the container indicating that the flammable material is are at or near combustion levels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire resistant material comprising a matrix of thermosetting elastomeric resin of the silicone resin type wherein endothermic fillers are incorporated as well as to a high pressure storage tank coated with said material, processes for the preparation thereof and uses thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing a gas cloud has a solid fence mounted around the tank and at least one mesh fence on the upper edge of the fence. Sprayers on the header are oriented towards the fence and connected to a source of liquid. A cover with openings is mounted on the upper edge of the fence. Mounted pipes are in the openings. Gas detectors and heat radiation detectors are arranged between the tank and the fence and are connected to a system controlling supplying the liquid into the sprayers. If gas leaks from the tank, horizontal spreading of the gas cloud is restricted by creating a film of liquid on a mesh fence. The cloud is diluted with air to safe concentration by restricting the vertical spread of the cloud in the mesh fence and by dividing the cloud escaping from the zone into separate streams.

Abstract: A method for extinguishing a full, or substantially full, surface liquid tank fire including addressing large tank, difficult fuel, structural impediment, timing and plunge zone issues, the attack including throwing at least one primary stream over a tank wall, the stream landing with a force of impact in, and defining, a plunge zone; the method including potentially achieving flame collapse leaving a plunge zone flame and subsequently, at least for a period of time, diminishing force of impact per unit area of a primary stream upon said plunge zone flame; alternately the method includes achieving a partial flame collapse including collapse against back tank wall portions and subsequently diminishing stream impact force upon a plunge zone including moving a plunge zone forward in the tank; the method also includes extinguishing a full surface heavy liquid tank fire by teasing the fire prior to employing a non-feathered stream to create a foam blanket; the method may include restaging to create a secondary foo

Abstract: The invention relates to an element (7) intended to decrease the risk of explosion when handling fuel inside a container (1). The element is adapted to be positioned inside the container and is arranged to suppress a possible combustion of the fuel inside the container. The invention also relates to a use of such an element inside a container to decrease the risk for explosion when handling fuel.

Abstract: A method for extinguishing a full surface liquid tank fire including addressing plunge zone issues, the attack including throwing at least one primary stream over a tank wall, the stream landing with a force of impact in, and defining, a plunge zone; the method including extinguishing a full surface heavy liquid tank fire by teasing the fire prior to employing a non-feathered stream to create a foam blanket.

Abstract: A barrier system including a plurality of buoyant members, at least some of the plurality of buoyant members having a heat-resistant core, a median layer thrilled on an outer surface of the heat-resistant core, and an antistatic layer formed on an outer surface of the median layer, wherein at least some of the plurality buoyant members are configured for adhering to other buoyant members.

Abstract: A vapor barrier for flammable liquid storage tanks provides a gas impermeable layer for covering the surface of a flammable liquid stored within a conventional flammable liquid storage tank, a tanker, a vessel, or the like. The vapor barrier is formed from a plurality of spherical buoyant members. Each spherical buoyant member has a heat-resistant core or shell, a heat-reactive intumescent or flame retardant layer formed on an outer surface of the heat-resistant core, an antistatic and oil-phobic layer formed on an outer surface of the heat-reactive intumescent layer, and an adhesive layer on an outer surface of the heat-reactive intumescent layer. The vapor barrier may further be used with liquid storage tanks in which separation between the liquid and vapor phases is beneficial to prevent oxidation or other undesirable reactions.

Abstract: A system for reducing flammability has a heat exchanger that cools ullage from a tank, condenses vapors within the ullage, and returns the cooled ullage and vapors to the tank.

Abstract: A method for extinguishing a full surface liquid tank fire including addressing plunge zone issues, the attack including throwing at least one primary stream over a tank wall, the stream landing with a force of impact in, and defining, a plunge zone; the method including achieving flame collapse leaving a plunge zone flame and subsequently, at least for a period of time, diminishing force of impact per unit area of a primary stream upon said plunge zone flame; alternately the method includes achieving a partial flame collapse including collapse against back tank wall portions and subsequently diminishing stream impact force upon a plunge zone including moving a plunge zone forward in the tank; the method also includes extinguishing a full surface heavy liquid tank fire by teasing the fire prior to employing a non-feathered stream to create a foam blanket.

Abstract: An aboveground fueling facility for storing and dispensing a combustible fluid such as gasoline includes a double-wall storage tank provided in a fuel storage section where the tank is constructed and arranged to store the combustible fluid in a fire resistant tank and box. The facility further includes a dispenser section for dispensing the fuel and an isolating wall which separates the fuel storage section from the dispenser section. The isolating wall is preferably a fire wall and in part defines a fuel supply chamber. An access door provides access for a person to enter or exit the fuel supply chamber. A user may obtain self-service of fuel at the dispenser section which may also be secured by a door. Fire resistant panels are also used as the exterior box structure for the facility and also provide a display or advertising function.

Abstract: A vapor barrier for flammable liquid storage tanks provides a gas impermeable layer for covering the surface of a flammable liquid stored within a conventional flammable liquid storage tank, a tanker, a vessel, or the like. The vapor barrier is formed from a plurality of spherical buoyant members. Each spherical buoyant member has a heat-resistant core or shell, a heat-reactive intumescent or flame retardant layer formed on an outer surface of the heat-resistant core, an antistatic and oil-phobic layer formed on an outer surface of the heat-reactive intumescent layer, and an adhesive layer on an outer surface of the heat-reactive intumescent layer. The vapor barrier may further be used with liquid storage tanks in which separation between the liquid and vapor phases is beneficial to prevent oxidation or other undesirable reactions.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system for a floating or fixed roof hydrocarbon or petro chemical storage tank includes an above-ground storage tank having a cylindrically shaped upwardly extending annular wall and a floating or fixed roof on top of the storage tank. The tank also includes a sensor for detecting fire or smoke in the above-ground storage tank and a mass of fire extinguishing materials and a dispenser for dispensing the fire extinguishing materials inwardly across the top of the storage tank upon sensing a fire within the tank. Further, a sub-terrian tank having a capacity greater than the capacity of the above-ground storage tank is disposed below the above-ground storage tank and is connected to the above-ground storage tank so that the hydrocarbon or petro chemical liquid from the bottom of the above-ground storage tank can be almost immediately emptied into the sub-terrain storage tank.

Abstract: The vapor barrier for flammable liquid storage tanks provides a gas impermeable layer for covering the surface of a flammable liquid stored within a conventional flammable liquid storage tank, a tanker, a vessel or the like. The vapor barrier is formed from a plurality of spherical buoyant members. Each spherical buoyant member has a heat-resistant core or shell, a heat-reactive intumescent or flame retardant layer formed on an outer surface of the heat-resistant core, and an antistatic and oil-phobic layer formed on an outer surface of the heat-reactive intumescent layer. The vapor barrier may further be used with liquid storage tanks in which separation between the liquid and vapor phases is beneficial to prevent oxidation or other undesirable reactions.

Abstract: Portable wall-attachable firefighting monitor apparatus and method of use, including structure designed in combination to affix a monitor to a wall rim portion.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for extinguishing industrial tank fires of flammable/combustible liquid including achieving flame collapse, and subsequent to flame collapse achieving collapse of a remaining “smiley face”.

Abstract: Fire fighting method and apparatus including pumping at least 2000 gpm water from large water reservoir toward an industrial hazard and adding, in an around-the-pump system, at least one water additive from a source to the pumped water through a fitting established on the suction side of the pump, the fitting in fluid communication between the reservoir outlet and the suction side.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fire safety apparatus for a high-pressure gas storage system which can suitably ensure the fire safety of the high-pressure tank. Preferably, a flame transfer member having superior flammability is provided outside the high-pressure tank having a tank valve on a first end thereof. The flame transfer member extends a second end of the high-pressure tank to the tank valve, so that when a fire occurs, the flame transfer member rapidly burns creating flames and transfers heat from the origin of the fire to a PRD (pressure relief device) provided on the tank valve.

Abstract: A fire suppression system includes a container for supplying a fire suppression agent into a compartment to be protected. The container communicates with a flow line leading to the compartment. A control controls the fire suppression system, and a valve on the flow line delivers a variable pressure to the flow line from the container. Further, a system is disclosed and claimed wherein a single gas supply communicates through a manifold to each of a plurality of compartments. In addition, a system is disclosed and claimed wherein a primary gas supply container switches to secondary gas supply containers once a pressure within the primary gas supply container drops below a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An automotive fuel tank storage system includes a fuel storage tank installed in a vehicle and a barrier fluid tank containing a supply of barrier fluid. A distribution system connected with the barrier fluid tank and with the fuel storage tank distributes barrier fluid about the outer periphery of the fuel contained within the storage tank in the event of a collision event, creating a boundary layer of more viscous fluid which inhibits exfiltration of the fuel from the fuel storage tank.

Abstract: The device of the present invention is located in a closed containment enclosure surrounding a storage bin and comprises a closed tank (28) positioned on the storage bin containing a liquid (26) and having a fireproof shield enclosing the tank and a liquid level control system for controlling the level of liquid in the tank with the tank (28) comprising at least one opening in communication with the closed container enclosure, and at least one internal chamber in direct communication with the storage bin via a flue pipe and at least one external chamber in direct communication with the containment enclosure via said at least one opening.

Abstract: An automotive fuel storage system includes a fuel storage tank and a binder fluid tank containing a supply of binder fluid. A mixer system connected with the binder fluid tank and the fluid storage tank mixes binder fluid throughout fuel contained within the storage tank, so as to increase the bulk viscosity of the fuel stored within the tank restricting the ability of the fuel to flow from the tank in the event of a collision of the vehicle.

Abstract: A fire protection device has a panel having a plurality of channels formed there through. A plurality of containers is used for holding a fire suppression material. Each container is placed in one of the plurality of channels. An attachment device is used for removably coupling the fire protection device to a structure to be protected.

Abstract: The invention relates to an element (7) intended to decrease the risk of explosion when handling fuel inside a container (1). The element is adapted to be positioned inside the container and is arranged to suppress a possible combustion of the fuel inside the container. The invention also relates to a use of such an element inside a container to decrease the risk for explosion when handling fuel.

Abstract: An enhanced range and landing pattern, straight stream and fog, fire fighting nozzle including solid bore and annular discharge ports wherein the nozzle discharges an inner stream surrounded by an outer stream.

Abstract: The invention provides a self contained firefighting apparatus that is mounted on the side of a storage tank. This firefighting device employs a cylinder of compressed gas used as the driver for the “Aqueous Film Forming Foams” (AFFF) that is released by a bladder or piston system once the heat sensor located at the end of the dispensing outlet pipe is activated. A predetermined amount of the AFFF agent5 is then distributed onto the inferno depriving the fire of the necessary oxygen needed to fuel the continued combustion, thereby extinguishing the fire within seconds. 5 The amount of AFFF agent needed is based upon the particular or specific circumference of the storage tank requiring the storage tank fire suppression system.

Abstract: A device for generating or storing electrical or mechanical energy is described, having an encapsulation in which at least one element of the device serving to generate or store electrical or mechanical energy, or a fuel tank, is positioned, and having a container for a flame-retardant substance. According to the invention, it is provided that the substance stored in the container releases a flame-retardant component if need be.

Abstract: A blanket (103) providing a plurality of pockets (109) in which to contain fire suppression compound (211). A blanket (103) can be wrapped around a container of flammable liquid to resist fire resulting from a ballistic attack. Fire suppression compound (211) carried in a pocket (109) may be provided as a plurality of sub-portions individually disposed in a respective pouch (214). End caps (106) may also be included to further surround a container with fire suppression compound (211).

Abstract: A device for suppressing and/or extinguishing a fire associated with a container may include a housing defining a hollow sleeve and a column configured to be received within the hollow sleeve. The column may define a first chamber, a second chamber, at least one aperture, and a piercing end configured to pierce a barrier. The first chamber may be configured to receive an expansion agent, and the second chamber may be configured to receive a fire extinguishing agent. The device may be configured such that upon activation of the expansion agent, the column extends from the housing so as to enable the piercing end to penetrate the container and to enable the fire extinguishing agent to be delivered into an interior of the container via the at least one aperture.

Abstract: One or more aspects of the present invention is directed to a fire suppression system for use with an oil and vapor recovery system, such as for example, a system having a float system for adjusting the height of oil and vapor recovery intakes. The float system is preferably adjustable to allow connection of additional floats to maintain buoyancy and keep the vapor intake above the level of the oil in the holding tank and to maintain the oil intake above the level of the water contained in the holding tank. Vapor is drawn out of the holding tank using a vacuum assisted siphon. Oil can be withdrawn from the holding tank by suction or simply by letting the oil flow into an outlet by gravity. By reversing the flow of the existing suction pipes or by providing additional inlet pipes to the nozzles, fire suppression or other chemicals can be added to the tank without having to gain physical access to the tanks, thereby potentially saving lives, money as well as the fluids within the tanks.

Abstract: A method for attenuating deflagration pressure produced by combustion of combustible gas in a defined region of a process vessel. The method generally comprises selecting and placing attenuating material in the defined region of the process vessel, wherein the selected attenuating material maintains its physical shape under the operating conditions. The attenuating material should occupy at least 20% of the volume of the defined region of the process vessel. Use of the inventive method may be beneficially applied for the safe operation of oxidation reactors with flammable, high hydrocarbon concentration feeds in order to attain increased productivity.

Abstract: The present invention concerns embodiments of a portable fluid-transporting system for mounting on a land-driven vehicle, such as a loader, and methods for their use. In an illustrated embodiment, a fluid-transporting device includes at least one fluid container, or tank, that is mountable to and completely removable from a vehicle. The container is configured to be carried by the vehicle such that at least a portion of the container is supported in front of the forward end of the vehicle. In particular embodiments, the container is generally U-shaped and includes a forward-container portion and first and second side-container portions extending from respective ends of the forward-container portion.

Abstract: A motor vehicle filler pipe flame arrester and fuel flow straightener configured to effectively quench a moving flame front, while providing laminar fuel flow therethrough. A multi-channel (or multi-cell) configuration, most preferably a honeycomb configuration, provides effective flame arresting due to its heat sink capacity and large effective surface area for flame arrestment, while attendantly limiting availability of fuel and oxygen to the flame, thereby providing quenching of a flame wave as it propagates through the channels. Service station pump nozzle shut-off sensor disruption is avoided because the channels encourage laminar flow of the fuel through the multi-channel filler pipe flame arrester and fuel flow straightener.

Abstract: A fire-fighting piercing nozzle device having two chambers for extinguishing and monitoring fires within a storage unit. The fire-fighting piercing nozzle device includes a dispensing system for dispensing fire-fighting materials onto a fire, a temperature measuring system for measuring the temperature within a storage unit to determine the location of a fire, and a combustion gas extraction system for extracting a sample of combustible gas from a storage unit to determine the location of a fire or to determine whether the fire has been properly extinguished. The fire-fighting piercing nozzle device includes a nozzle tip, a plurality of extenders (if necessary), and a head connector.

Abstract: Described herein is a fire-extinguishing method of a pool fire utilizing water mists, wherein the water mists are discharged so as to surround the flame base portion of a pool fire virtually without a gap, directed not to the burning surface and the flame base portion directly, but to any of positions of the flame center axis from a plurality of positions on the side of the burning surface, while water mists are being discharged toward the flame center axis above the flame base portion from a plurality of positions above the burning surface, so that the fire is extinguished.

Abstract: A highly efficient flame arrester adapted for use in preventing an external flame from backflashing upstream in a pipe, or a conduit, or a stream carrying a flammable substance. The flame arrester comprises a contained layer of nested ellipsoids formed from expanded metal sheets made from magnesium alloy foil. The arrester is useful in fuel tanks, combustion systems, sea-going tankers, hot water or space heaters, and the like.

Abstract: A highly efficient flame arrester adapted for use in preventing an external flame from backflashing upstream in a pipe, or a conduit, or a stream carrying a flammable substance. The flame arrester comprises a contained layer of nested ellipsoids formed from expanded metal sheets made from magnesium alloy foil. The arrester is useful in fuel tanks, combustion systems, sea-going tankers, hot water or space heaters, and the like.

Abstract: A canister fire extinguishing assembly includes a device that is adapted for removably coupling to a fire extinguisher. The device includes a container that has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The peripheral wall has an upper edge. A mounting is attached to an outer surface of the peripheral wall for removably mounting the fire extinguisher to the container. A valve actuating assembly is removably coupled to the extinguisher. The valve actuating assembly is adapted for actuating a valve of the fire extinguisher and for directing pressurized fire extinguishing composition therein into the container when smoke is detected within the container or a temperature of greater than 50° C. is detected.

Abstract: A fire fighting vehicle having a boom system includes a working assembly attached to an end portion of the boom system. The working assembly comprises a frame pivotally mounted at a midpoint of the frame to the end portion of the boom. The frame carries a mechanical actuator that is connected to a tool capable of piercing an exterior of a structure when the mechanical actuator is actuated.

Abstract: A fire protection device for holding a fire extinguishing agent. The device is made from a dual-face enclosure coupled to one another through internal ribs, and is configured such that a single chamber defined by the faces and ribs is configured to contain all of the agent. The coupling between the ribs and the two panel faces promotes transfer of an energy source, such as ballistic impact, explosion or excessive temperature, to the front face to promote cracking and subsequent shattering of the front face in a brittle manner. This opening up of the front face releases the fire extinguishing agent in a thorough and well-dispersed manner.

Abstract: The present invention presents a system for packaging fire suppressing material. An outer membrane is configured to support and release a fire suppression material when impacted by a ballistic or incendiary round. An inner membrane is configured to support and release the fire suppression material when impacted by a ballistic or incendiary round, and the inner membrane and the outer membrane is connected to form at least one cell holding the fire suppression material. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the inner and outer membranes suitably form a bubble pack filled with a fire suppression powder. Further, the inner and outer membranes may be combined with a lightweight honeycomb panel to form a lightweight and simple system to support fuel tanks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for pneumatically controlling the operation of a water cannon such that the need for electrically power in the immediate vicinity of the water cannon is substantially avoided.

Abstract: An fire-fighting system for arresting a fire in a flammable or combustible liquid storage vessel comprising a portable discharging apparatus and a portable installation apparatus. The portable discharging apparatus receives a fire-fighting agent from a supply hose and applies the fire-fighting agent to arrest a fire in a storage vessel. The portable discharging apparatus can be attached to a distal end of the portable installation apparatus so that the portable discharging apparatus can be mounted on a storage vessel. Furthermore, a plurality of portable discharging apparatuses can be mounted on a single storage vessel, using the same portable installation apparatus, to provide a large amount or a variety of fire-fighting agents or to provide fire-fighting agents at a specific location on the storage vessel. The portable installation apparatus can be extended to a variety of lengths so that it can mount a portable discharging apparatus on a variety differently sized storage vessels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combustion suppressing cartridge for attachment to the outer surface of a fuel tank. The cartridge has a casing which surrounds a cavity. A quantity of combustion suppressing material is provided in the cavity. The casing is sized and shaped so that a plurality of cartridges may be affixed in a scattered arrangement to the outer surface of the fuel tank. The cartridges may be affixed to the fuel tank before installation or as a retrofit, to an installed fuel tank without need to remove the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for explosion suppression. The apparatus includes a flange proximate a volume wherein explosions are to be suppressed, a burst seal affixed to the flange, and a spreader insert proximate the flange. The seal is made to burst when pressure is applied to it. The insert defines apertures therethrough that form the shape of at least one annulus. The apertures are aligned with the seal, so that suppressant supplied to the insert passes through the insert into the protected volume. The insert directs suppressant passed therethrough under pressure with an effective explosion suppressing spread of at least 90 degrees.

Abstract: A highly efficient flame arrester adapted for use in preventing an external flame from backflashing upstream in a pipe, or a conduit, or a stream carrying a flammable substance. The flame arrester comprises a contained layer of nested ellipsoids formed from expanded metal sheets made from magnesium alloy foil. The arrester is useful in fuel tanks, combustion systems, sea-going tankers, hot water or space heaters, and the like.

Abstract: An expandable metal product for use in extinguishing fires and in the prevention of or protection against explosions. The product is a continuous sheet of magnesium alloy foil having discontinuous slits in spaced apart lines parallel to each other but transverse to the longitudinal dimension of the sheet. The invention is also directed to the expanded form of the product, either in sheets which may be used for preventing fires or explosion or in the form of shaped ellipsoids for use in a passive inerting system for fuel tanks.