Fire Protection System for Fire Protection for Liquid Hazardous Goods and Corresponding Method

Abstract

A fire protection system for fire protection for liquid hazardous material. The system having at least one storage arrangement for storage of the liquid hazardous material in at least one storage vessel, at least one collecting area, and a first plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets, wherein the at least one storage arrangement is configured to direct the liquid hazardous material into the at least one collecting area in the event of escape of the liquid hazardous material from the at least one storage vessel, and wherein the at least one storage arrangement, the at least one collecting area and the first plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets are arranged relative to one another such that a firefighting action can be executed by a extinguishing fluid for use with a non-hazardous material in case of a fire event of the liquid hazardous material.

Claims

1. A fire protection system for fire protection for liquid hazardous material, comprising: at least one storage arrangement for storage of the liquid hazardous material in at least one storage vessel, at least one collecting area, and a first plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets for discharge of an extinguishing fluid, wherein, in the event of escape of the liquid hazardous material from the at least one storage vessel, the at least one storage arrangement is configured to direct the liquid hazardous material into the at least one collecting area, and wherein the at least one storage arrangement, the at least one collecting area and the first plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets are arranged relative to one another such that the first plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets is configured to discharge the extinguishing fluid into the at least one collecting area in case of a fire event of the liquid hazardous material.

2. The fire protection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets is configured to discharge the extinguishing fluid with a first defined directional characteristic that leads to a discharge of the extinguishing fluid in the direction of the collecting area.

3. The fire protection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one storage arrangement comprises at least one fluid-tight elevation which is configured to direct the liquid hazardous material into the at least one collecting area in the event of leaking of the liquid hazardous material from the at least one storage vessel, and wherein the at least one fluid-tight elevation has at least one oblique surface which declines in the direction of the at least one collecting area , in order to direct the liquid hazardous material into the at least one collecting area in the event of leaking of the liquid hazardous material from the at least one storage vessel .

4. The fire protection system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the storage arrangement has at least one fluid barrier element which is connected to the at least one fluid-tight elevation and is configured in order to prevent spreading of the liquid hazardous material into an area outside the at least one collecting area in the event of leaking of the liquid hazardous material from the at least one storage vessel.

5. The fire protection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one storage arrangement comprises at least one fluid-directing element which is configured to direct the liquid hazardous material into the at least one collecting area in the event of leaking of the liquid hazardous material from the at least one storage vessel; and wherein the at least one fluid-directing element has a base area and at least one oblique fluid-directing surface connected thereto, wherein the fluid-directing element is arranged such that the at least one oblique fluid-directing surface declines in a fluid-directing direction of the at least one collecting area, in order to direct the liquid hazardous material into the at least one collecting area in the event of leaking of the liquid hazardous material from the at least one storage vessel.

6. The fire protection system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one fluid-directing element also has at least one lateral surface, wherein the at least one lateral surface is configured in order to prevent spreading of the liquid hazardous material into an area outside the at least one collecting area in the event of leaking of the liquid hazardous material from the at least one storage vessel.

7. The fire protection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one collecting area has a plurality of fluid receptacles configured to receive the liquid hazardous material directed into the collecting area, and wherein the plurality of fluid receptacles is configured to fully accommodate the liquid hazardous material in the event of leaking of the liquid hazardous material from the at least one storage vessel.

8. The fire protection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one collecting area has a length corresponding to an extension length of the at least one fluid-tight elevation, and wherein at least one fluid barrier element, each of which is disposed at a first end and a second end of the length of the collecting area, is configured to prevent spreading of the liquid hazardous material into an area outside the at least one collecting area in the event of leaking of the liquid hazardous material from the at least one storage vessel.

9. The fire protection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets comprises a first subgroup, wherein the first subgroup in each case comprises at least two paired extinguishing fluid outlets that are especially disposed as a unit in block form on the at least one storage arrangement, wherein the at least two paired extinguishing fluid outlets are aligned at a defined angle relative to one another, especially and wherein the defined angle is not less than 30°.

10. The fire protection system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets configured to discharge the extinguishing fluid with a second defined directional characteristic.

11. The fire protection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets comprises a second subgroup, wherein the second subgroup comprises extinguishing fluid outlets disposed individually on the at least one storage arrangement, such that the defined directional characteristic results in discharge of the extinguishing fluid in the direction of the at least one storage arrangement and the at least one storage vessel.

12. A fluid-directing element for use in a fire protection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid-directing element is configured to direct the liquid hazardous material into the at least one collecting area in the event of leaking of the liquid hazardous material from the at least one storage vessel.

13. An extinguishing fluid outlet for use in a fire protection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extinguishing fluid outlet is configured to discharge an extinguishing fluid with a first defined directional characteristic, comprising a directing element including a spray plate element configured to fix the first defined directional characteristic.

14. A unit in block form for use in a fire protection system as claimed in claim 1, comprising: at least two extinguishing fluid outlets configured to discharge an extinguishing fluid with a first defined directional characteristic.

15. A method of providing a fire protection system for fire protection for liquid hazardous material, wherein the method comprises: providing at least one storage arrangement for storage of the liquid hazardous material in at least one storage vessel, providing at least one collecting area, providing a first plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets for discharge of an extinguishing fluid, configuring the at least one storage arrangement to direct the liquid hazardous material into the at least one collecting area in the event of leaking of the liquid hazardous material from the at least one storage vessel, and aligning the at least one storage arrangement, the at least one collecting area and the first plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets relative to one another in such a way that the first plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets is configured to discharge the extinguishing fluid into the at least one collecting area in case of a fire event of the liquid hazardous material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0121] The invention is described in detail hereinafter with reference to the appended figures by preferred working examples.

[0122] FIG. 1 shows a schematic construction of a side view of a fire protection system in a first embodiment;

[0123] FIG. 2 shows a schematic construction of a front view of a fire protection system in the first embodiment;

[0124] FIG. 3 shows a schematic construction of a top view of a fire protection system in the first embodiment;

[0125] FIG. 4 (a) shows a schematic side view of an extinguishing fluid outlet with defined directional characteristic in a first embodiment;

[0126] FIG. 4 (b) shows a schematic top view of an extinguishing fluid outlet with defined directional characteristic in the first embodiment;

[0127] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a unit in block form in one embodiment;

[0128] FIG. 6 (a) shows a schematic perspective view of a fluid-directing element in a first variant;

[0129] FIG. 6 (b) shows a schematic perspective view of a fluid-directing element in a second variant;

[0130] FIG. 6 (c) shows a schematic perspective view of a fluid-directing element in a third variant; and

[0131] FIG. 7 shows a schematic construction of a front view of a fire protection system in a second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0132] FIG. 1 shows, in schematic form and by way of example, a side view of a fire protection system 1 in a first embodiment. The fire protection system 1 comprises storage arrangements 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d, each disposed on fluid-tight elevations 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d. In the specific embodiment of FIG. 1, storage arrangements 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d especially comprise rack arrangements in which storage vessels 60 are disposed. Storage vessels 60 may hereby take the form 0 of different storage vessels, for example canisters, drums or IBCs.

[0133] On each of the storage arrangements 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d are disposed units 30 in block form. In the specific embodiment of FIG. 1, the units 30 in block form each comprise two extinguishing fluid outlets 31 from a first plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets, which, in the specific embodiment of FIG. 1, are configured as sprinklers. Extinguishing fluid outlets 31 are configured here to discharge the extinguishing fluid with a first defined directional characteristic. The first defined directional characteristic is preferably such here that the extinguishing fluid is preferably discharged uniformly in a particular direction and hence does not have a 360° characteristic. The mode of function of an extinguishing fluid outlet 31 with the first defined directional characteristic is elucidated in detail once again hereinafter in relation to FIG. 4.

[0134] Also disposed on the storage arrangements 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d are a number of extinguishing fluid outlets 40 that belong to the second plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets. Extinguishing fluid outlets 40, in the specific embodiment of FIG. 1, are likewise configured as sprinklers and have a second defined directional characteristic for the extinguishing fluid. The second defined directional characteristic is preferably a 360° directional characteristic, under which the extinguishing fluid is discharged uniformly in all directions. Even though, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, extinguishing fluid outlets 40 of the second plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets are disposed on storage arrangements 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d, it is alternatively or additionally also possible for extinguishing fluid outlets 31 of the first plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets to be disposed on one or more of storage arrangements 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d. In addition, even though, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the extinguishing fluid outlets 40 of the second plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets are disposed above the storage vessel 60, these extinguishing fluid outlets 40 of the second plurality, alternatively or additionally together with the extinguishing fluid outlets 31 of the first plurality, may also be disposed at different positions within and/or on storage arrangements 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d.

[0135] The elevations 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d are configured such that storage arrangements 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d are configured thereon. For this purpose, elevations 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d each have a straight surface 22a and 22b (the straight surfaces of elevations 20c and 20d are not numbered for the sake of clarity). Even though elevations 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d in the specific embodiment of FIG. 1 have straight surfaces 22a, 22b as positioning surfaces, the function as a positioning surface in other embodiments may also be provided by the oblique surfaces 21a, 21b if they are designed in sufficiently large dimensions for the purpose.

[0136] The elevations 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d are also configured to direct the liquid hazardous material that has escaped from one of the storage vessels 60 in the direction of the collecting area 200. For this purpose, the elevations 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d each have an oblique surface 21a and 21b (the oblique surfaces of the elevations 20c and 20d are likewise not numbered for the sake of clarity). In some embodiments, the oblique surfaces may especially have a slope of about 1.0%, preferably 1.5%. The oblique surfaces 21a and 21b are configured to direct the liquid hazardous material, if it has escaped from one of the storage vessels 60 disposed in the lowermost level of the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d, in the direction of the collecting area 200.

[0137] The collecting area 200 is hereby formed by the base 300 in the interspace between any two storage arrangements 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d. For instance, the area of the base 300 between the storage arrangements 10a and 10b forms a first collecting area 200, and the area of the base 300 between the storage arrangements 10c and 10d forms a second collecting area 200.

[0138] The first and second collecting areas 200 each comprise a plurality of fluid receptacles 201 (only one in each case can be seen in FIG. 1 due to perspective), configured as depressions in the respective collecting area 200—and hence in the base 300. Since the first and second collecting areas 200 are formed by the base 300 in the interspace between the storage arrangements 10a and 10b or 10c and 10d, the first and second collecting areas 200 have a length corresponding to that of storage arrangements 10a and 10b or 10c and 10d. The first and second collecting areas 200 thus have a first end—at the starting point of the storage arrangement 10a and 10b or 10c and 10d—and a second end — at the end point of the storage arrangement 10a and 10b or 10c and 10d. In the specific embodiment of FIG. 1, the first and second collecting areas 200 each have a fluid barrier element 202 at their respective first and second ends (only one is shown in FIG. 1 due to perspective), which blocks the fluid flow of the liquid hazardous material in longitudinal direction of the first and second collecting areas 200.

[0139] The storage arrangement 10a and 10b, and 10c and 10d, further comprises a plurality of fluid-directing elements 70 that are disposed beneath the storage vessels 60 in the higher levels of the storage arrangement 10a and 10b, and 10c and 10d. The fluid-directing elements 70 have at least one base surface and an oblique fluid-directing surface connected thereto, as described once again in detail in association with FIG. 5.

[0140] The functioning of the fluid-directing elements 70 basically corresponds to the functioning of the fluid-tight elevation 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d, except that the fluid-directing elements 70 exert this function for the storage vessels 60 that are not at the lowermost level of the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d. For instance, the fluid-directing elements 70, in the event of leaking of the liquid hazardous material from a storage vessel, have the effect that the liquid hazardous material cannot escape either to the reverse side of the storage arrangement 10a and 10b, and 10c and 10d, or to the sides of the storage arrangement 10a and 10b, and 10c and 10d, but is instead directed downward via the oblique fluid-directing surface in the direction of the collecting area 200.

[0141] The fire protection system 1 of FIG. 1 further comprises a roof arrangement 400 on which a plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets 50 is disposed. In the specific embodiment of FIG. 1, the extinguishing fluid outlets 50 are implemented as sprinklers. The extinguishing fluid outlets 50 likewise have a second defined directional characteristic, especially a 360° directional characteristic—for the extinguishing fluid that exits therefrom. Even though the extinguishing fluid outlets 40 and the extinguishing fluid outlets 50 in the specific embodiment of FIG. 1 have the same directional characteristic, it will be appreciated at this point that the extinguishing fluid outlets 40 and the extinguishing fluid outlets 50 may have different directional characteristics. In some embodiments, the extinguishing fluid outlets 40 and extinguishing fluid outlets 50 may also be configured such that different portions of the extinguishing fluid outlets 40 and/or different portions of the extinguishing fluid outlets 50 have different directional characteristics. In some embodiments, every extinguishing fluid outlet from the plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets 40 and/or the plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets 50 may have a different directional characteristic. Further combinations are conceivable.

[0142] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the fire protection system of FIG. 1. Identical elements are identified by the same reference numerals, and so these are not specifically discussed again hereinafter. For instance, FIG. 2 shows the storage arrangement 10a in which storage vessels 60 are stored. The storage arrangement 10a is disposed atop the fluid-tight elevation 20a, implemented as described in relation to FIG. 1.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 2, the storage arrangement 10a has two lateral fluid barrier elements 23a that interact in a fluid-tight manner with the fluid-tight elevation 20a in order to prevent the liquid hazardous material from flowing away via the sides of the storage arrangement 10a. In addition, the storage arrangement 10 has a fluid barrier element 24a on the reverse side, which interacts in a fluid-tight manner with the fluid-tight elevation 20a in order to prevent the liquid hazardous material from flowing away via the reverse side of the storage arrangement 10a. In this way, it is possible for the liquid hazardous material that has escaped from the storage vessels 60 in the lowermost level of the storage arrangement 10a to be directed via the oblique surface 21a (not shown) into the collecting area 200.

[0144] As likewise shown in FIG. 2, the collecting area 200 comprises a plurality of fluid receptacles 201, configured as depressions in the base 300. The dimensions of the fluid receptacles 201 here are preferably such that they can accommodate the contents of an entire storage vessel 60. This can prevent spread of the liquid hazardous material over a large area and hence keep the fire area small in the case of a fire event, in order to be able to fight the fire event in a localized manner. The liquid hazardous material thus collects not in the collecting area 200 but primarily in the fluid receptacles 201.

[0145] In addition, the collecting area 200 comprises at least two fluid barrier elements 202 disposed at the first and second ends of the collecting area 200, in order to prevent the liquid hazardous material from spreading in longitudinal direction of the storage arrangement 10a. In the specific embodiment of FIG. 2, these fluid barrier elements 202 are implemented as oblique elements. The fluid barrier elements 202 may alternatively, analogously to the fluid barrier elements 23a, be implemented as elements that run vertically relative to the base.

[0146] FIG. 2 additionally shows a plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets 40 disposed within the storage arrangement 10a. In the specific embodiment of FIG. 2, these extinguishing fluid outlets 40 are especially executed as sprinklers, which are configured to distribute the extinguishing fluid, for example water, a low-expansion foam, a medium-expansion foam and/or a combination thereof, with a 360° directional characteristic over the storage surfaces of the storage arrangement 10 and the storage vessels 60. In this way, it is possible to fight a fire event directly when it occurs upon leaking from the storage vessel 60 and prior to being directed into the collecting area. This prevents spreading of the fire event.

[0147] FIG. 2 also shows a front view of the units in block form, on which are disposed, in the specific embodiment of FIG. 2, depending on the position, one or two extinguishing fluid outlets 31. The units 30 in block form are disposed here on positioning elements 11a, 12a, 13a of the storage arrangement 10a, especially on the rack uprights of a rack. These extinguishing fluid outlets 31 are aligned here such that, by means of their first defined directional characteristic, they distribute the extinguishing fluid along the collecting area 200, especially via the fluid receptacles 201, in order to thus be able to fight any fire events. The discharge direction of the extinguishing fluid outlets is shown by way of example in FIG. 2 by the dotted arrows A and B.

[0148] The alignment of the extinguishing fluid outlets 31 is now elucidated in detail in relation to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows a top view of the storage arrangements 10a and 10b and the intervening collecting area 200 with the fluid receptacles 201. Disposed on the positioning element 12a of the storage arrangement 10a and the positioning element 12b of the storage arrangement 10b is a unit 30 in block form, configured to accommodate two extinguishing fluid outlets 31 with the first defined directional characteristic. As shown by the top view of the unit 30 in block form, the extinguishing fluid outlets 31 are arranged such that their central axes are aligned at a certain angle relative to one another. In the specific embodiment of FIG. 3, this angle is 120°. In other embodiments, however, it may also be less, especially between 90° and 119° or more, especially 121° to 180°. This alignment and the directional characteristics of the extinguishing fluid outlets 31 make it possible to cover the entire collecting area 200 by means of the extinguishing fluid outlets 31 on the units 30 in block form. FIG. 3 shows the direction in which the extinguishing fluid can be discharged once again in schematic form by means of arrows A and B.

[0149] A specific configuration of an extinguishing fluid outlet 31 with a directional characteristic for the extinguishing fluid is described once again hereinafter in relation to FIG. 4. In this context, FIG. 4 (a) shows a side view of the extinguishing fluid outlet 31, and FIG. 4 (b) shows a top view of the extinguishing fluid outlet 31. The extinguishing fluid outlet 31, in the specific embodiment of FIG. 4, is implemented as a sprinkler having an outlet opening 301 and a spray plate 302. If the sprinkler is triggered, for example due to a change in temperature, extinguishing fluid is discharged from the outlet opening 301. In the specific embodiment of FIG. 4, the sprinkler 301 is particularly configured to discharge water or a foam, especially a low-expansion or medium-expansion foam, as extinguishing fluid with the defined directional characteristic. In order to discharge a foam, the sprinkler 301 is preferably configured to achieve a foaming rate of more than 0.5, preferably of more than 1.0, even more preferably of more than 1.5, even more preferably of between 1.5 and 20.

[0150] When the extinguishing fluid exits from the discharge opening 301, the spray plate 302, by virtue of its specific arrangement, has the effect that the extinguishing fluid exiting from the discharge opening 301 in the direction of the spray plate 302 is deflected by the spray plate 302, as shown by arrow C, and is thus aligned in the appropriate direction together with the extinguishing fluid that has already exited in that direction. Thus, a directional characteristic of the extinguishing fluid is achieved which, depending on the arrangement of the spray plate 302 and the sprinkler 31 in relation to the fire protection area, enables discharge of the extinguishing fluid directed to a specific position.

[0151] The arrangement of at least two extinguishing fluid outlets 31 from the first plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets of the unit 30 in block form is elucidated hereinafter in relation to FIG. 5.

[0152] More particularly, FIG. 5 shows a unit 30 in block form, configured such that two extinguishing fluid outlets, especially two sprinklers as described in association with FIG. 4, can be arranged thereon at a particular angle relative to one another. In the specific embodiment of FIG. 5, this angle between the central axes of sprinkler 31 and of sprinkler 31′ is about 30°. For installation on the unit 30 in block form, the sprinklers 31, 31′ are applied in the direction of the arrow to the installation surfaces 32, 32′ such that the extinguishing fluid inlet thereof is connected to an extinguishing fluid outlet on the respective installation surface 32, 32′. The unit 30 in block form also has an extinguishing fluid inlet 33 via which the extinguishing fluid can be conducted through the unit 30 in block form to the sprinklers 31, 31′, in order to conduct it via the extinguishing fluid outlets of the unit 30 in block form into the extinguishing fluid inlets of the sprinklers 31, 31′. The unit 30 in block form thus enables mounting of the extinguishing fluid outlets, especially the sprinklers 31, 31′, in a fixed arrangement on the rack arrangement. This simplifies installation.

[0153] The functioning of the fluid-tight elements 70 is now elucidated once again in relation to FIG. 6. In this regard, FIG. 6 (a) shows a schematic perspective view of a fluid-directing element 70 in a variant which is configured for arrangement on a starting or final position of a storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, and FIG. 6 (b) shows a schematic perspective view of a fluid-directing element 70′ in a variant configured for arrangement on the opposite side, i.e. likewise at the starting or final position of a storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. FIG. 6 (c), moreover, shows a schematic perspective view of a fluid-directing element 70″ in a variant configured for arrangement in the middle in a storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d.

[0154] The fluid-directing element 70 according to FIG. 6 (a) has a base area 74, a first lateral surface 71, a reverse-side surface 72 and an oblique fluid-directing surface 75. In the specific embodiment of FIG. 6, the first lateral surface 71 and the reverse-side surface 72 are configured to extend roughly vertically with respect to the plane which is formed by the base area 74, specifically in an opposite direction to the fluid-directing direction of the fluid-directing surface 75. When the fluid-directing element 70 is inserted into the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, this means that the first lateral surface 71 and the reverse-side surface 72 extend vertically relative to the base surface in the direction of the roof arrangement 400. The fluid-directing surface 75 extends obliquely in the opposite direction, preferably at an angle of 30°, even further preferably 45°, further preferably 60°. When the fluid-directing element 70 is inserted into the rack arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, this means that the fluid-directing direction extends obliquely in the direction of the base 300.

[0155] The fluid-directing element 70′ of FIG. 6 (b) is constructed analogously to the fluid-directing element of FIG. 6 (a), but as a mirror-image thereof, in order thus to form the counterpart for the opposite end of the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. The fluid-directing element 70′ according to FIG. 6 (b) thus has a base area 74, a second lateral surface 71′, a reverse-side surface 72 and an oblique fluid-directing surface 75, wherein the directions of extension of the second lateral surface 71′ and of the reverse-side surface 72, and of the fluid-directing surface 75, are executed analogously to the variant of FIG. 6 (a), and reference is therefore made at this point to FIG. 6 (a) for the sake of clarity.

[0156] The fluid-directing element 70″ of FIG. 6 (c) is likewise executed similarly to the fluid-directing elements of FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b), with the fluid-directing element 70″ having no lateral surface since it is executed for the middle arrangement, i.e. the arrangement between the fluid-directing elements 70 and 70′ in the case of three-position storage. The functioning of the base surface 74, the reverse-side surface 72 and the fluid-directing surface 75 corresponds to that of FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b), and reference is therefore again made at this point especially to the observations relating to FIG. 6 (a).

[0157] The fluid-directing elements 70 and 70′ also have one connecting element each (not shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b)), respectively disposed on the opposite side from the first or second side element and configured for connection to a further fluid-directing element. The fluid-directing element 70″ has two connecting elements (not shown in FIG. 6 (c)) that are disposed on the two sides of the fluid-directing element 70″ and are configured for connection to one fluid-directing element each.

[0158] The connecting elements may particularly be executed as overlapping segments of the base surface 74 and of the fluid-directing surface 75 and are especially configured to connect the fluid-directing elements 70, 70′ and 70″ to one another in a fluid-tight manner. This connection can be secured here by any securing element, for example rivets, screws or the like.

[0159] There follows an elucidation of the manner of function of the fluid-directing elements in relation to FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (c).

[0160] Depending on the mode of storage—either three-position storage in which three storage vessels 60—or pallets with storage vessels disposed thereon—are disposed between two positioning elements of the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, or two-position storage, in which two storage vessels 60—or pallets with storage vessels disposed thereon—are disposed between two positioning elements of the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d—either three fluid-directing elements 70, 70″ and 70′ or two fluid-directing elements 70, 70′ are connected to one another by connecting and securing the connecting elements of the individual fluid-directing elements to one another in a fluid-tight manner. The fluid-directing elements 70, 70′, 70″ connected to one another in this way are then inserted into the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. Then, depending on the mode of storage, two or three storage vessels 60 are positioned on the base surfaces 74 of the connected fluid-directing elements 70, 70′, 70″. If liquid hazardous material then leaks from one of the storage vessels 60, this is provided to the base surfaces 74 and spreads out thereon. The liquid hazardous material is prevented here from spreading by the reverse-side surfaces 72 and the first lateral surface 71 and the second lateral surface 71′, in that these function as fluid barriers. As a result, it is possible for the liquid hazardous material to spread only in the direction of the fluid-directing surfaces 75, by means of which it is directed into the collecting area 200, where it is preferably directed into the fluid receptacles 201. This way, the liquid hazardous material may be collected in the fluid receptacles 201 and be extinguished there if necessary. Since the liquid hazardous material in the fluid receptacles 201 has only a low surface area, the spread of a fire is greatly restricted and firefighting can be conducted in a localized manner. This eases firefighting.

[0161] In addition, the manner of function of the fire protection system according to FIGS. 1 to 3 is elucidated with reference to these figures and to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0162] It may be the case that liquid hazardous material escapes from one of the storage vessels 60. If the storage vessel 60 in question is at the lowermost level of the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, the liquid hazardous material will arrive on the fluid-tight elevation 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and spread over the straight area 22a, 22b of the fluid-tight elevation 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. The fluid-tight elevation 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d comprises corresponding fluid barrier elements 23a, 24a for this purpose, which act as a barrier for the spreading liquid hazardous material, such that the liquid hazardous material cannot penetrate the sides of the fluid-tight elevation 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d or the reverse side of the fluid-tight elevation 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, but is instead guided solely via the oblique surface 21a, 21b in the direction of the collecting area 200, in order to be collected there.

[0163] If the storage vessel 60 in question is at a higher level of the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, the liquid hazardous material, after leaking, will arrive on the fluid-directing elements 70, 70′, 70″, which are arranged within the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d as in connection with FIG. 6. Here too, the liquid hazardous material will spread on the straight base surface 74, which serves as a positioning surface for the storage vessel 60. The fluid-directing elements 70, 70′, 70″ are arranged here such that they have a reverse-side face 72 and a first and second lateral face 71, 71′, which serve as fluid barriers for the fluid-directing elements, i.e. prevent the leaked liquid hazardous material from escaping via the sides or reverse face of the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. Instead, the liquid hazardous material is guided via the fluid-directing surface 75, configured as an oblique surface, away from the fluid-directing element 70, 70′, 70″ and hence from the storage vessel 60 in the direction of the collecting area 200, in order to be collected there.

[0164] The liquid hazardous material is typically a combustible liquid having a combustion point down to −7° C., for example. This means that the liquid hazardous material is flammable at room temperature. If it escapes from the storage vessel 60, there is the risk that the liquid hazardous material will ignite, for example as a result of sparking. This fire event results in a temperature rise which can ensure that the first plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets 31 and the second plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets 40, 50, preferably executed as sprinklers in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 5, are triggered. The evolution of heat here is local, such that the only extinguishing fluid outlets triggered are those in the vicinity of the fire event.

[0165] If, for example, liquid hazardous material escapes from a storage vessel at the second-lowest level of the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, the liquid hazardous material, as described above, is distributed over the base surface 74 of the fluid-directing element 70, 70′, 70″. In the event of sparking, the liquid hazardous material can ignite there. This leads to a temperature rise in the area of those extinguishing fluid outlets 40 disposed within the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d in the immediate proximity of the storage vessel 60 in question. These extinguishing fluid outlets 40 are then triggered and release an extinguishing fluid with a 360° spray profile. Since these extinguishing fluid outlets 40 are disposed in the area of the rise in temperature, the extinguishing fluid exiting from the extinguishing fluid outlets 40 will affect the area in which the fire event is occurring.

[0166] In addition, liquid hazardous material is directed in the direction of the collecting area 200 by the arrangement of the fluid-directing elements 70, 70′, 70″.

[0167] Disposed in the collecting area 200 are a plurality of fluid receptacles 201. The number and size of the fluid receptacles 201 is chosen here such that the fluid receptacles 201 can accommodate the entire contents of a storage vessel 60. The fluid receptacles 201 are executed as narrow channels sunk deep into the floor 300. This execution in the form of deep channels allows the liquid hazardous material to collect in the fluid receptacles 201, in which case it has only a low surface area that can be on fire. This enables localized firefighting.

[0168] In the collecting area 200 too, the liquid hazardous material results in a temperature rise. The effect of this is that the extinguishing fluid outlets 31 disposed on the unit 30 in block form on at least one adjusting element 11a, 12a, 13a of the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d are triggered. The extinguishing fluid outlets 31, which are implemented as sprinklers in the specific embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5, result here in a directional characteristic for the exiting extinguishing fluid, as described in connection with FIG. 4. This directional characteristic here is such that the extinguishing fluid exiting from the extinguishing fluid outlets 31 is directed in the direction of the collecting area 200, especially in the direction of the fluid receptacles 201.

[0169] This interaction of extinguishing fluid directed onto a target area and collecting, by means of the fluid receptacles 201, of the liquid hazardous material in the area into which the fluid has been directed results in rapid and controlled extinguishment of the liquid hazardous material. In particular, it is possible by means of this arrangement of extinguishing fluid outlets 31 and fluid receptacles 201 to provide a method that enables control and possibly extinguishing of liquid hazardous materials even by means of an extinguishing fluid which is otherwise typically not usable for hazardous materials of this kind. In order to provide this specific combination, the extinguishing fluid outlets are especially arranged such that they discharge in different directions, as also shown schematically in FIG. 2.

[0170] As mentioned above, it is possible not just to control the liquid hazardous material in the collecting area by means of the extinguishing fluid outlets 31, 40, 50, but also the liquid hazardous material within the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. This may especially be accomplished by means of the extinguishing fluid outlets 40 disposed on the storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, and also by the extinguishing fluid outlets 50 disposed on the roof 400. For this purpose, the fire protection area may be covered virtually completely up to the roof 400.

[0171] The relative mutual arrangement of storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, extinguishing fluid outlets 31, 40, 50 and collecting area 200, especially with the fluid receptacles 201, thus permits control either of liquid hazardous material locally and with standard extinguishing fluids and fighting of any fire events.

[0172] FIG. 7 shows a fire protection system 1′ of the invention in a second embodiment. The embodiment of FIG. 7 corresponds very substantially to the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 and shows a view corresponding to FIG. 2. Identical components are given the same reference numerals. The manner of function of the second embodiment of FIG. 7 also corresponds very substantially to the manner of function of the first embodiment of FIG. 2, and therefore there is no further description of this mode of function hereinafter, and reference is made in this respect to FIG. 2.

[0173] The difference from the embodiment of FIG. 2 is that, in the embodiment of FIG. 7, a number of extinguishing fluid outlets 31 is disposed not just on the units in block form but also on the storage arrangement. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, rather than a second plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets, extinguishing fluid outlets 31 of the first plurality have been arranged individually on the storage arrangement, which are configured to discharge the extinguishing fluid with a first defined directional characteristic.

[0174] In the specific embodiment of FIG. 7, the extinguishing fluid outlets 31 disposed individually on the storage arrangement are particularly configured to wet the storage vessels disposed in the storage arrangement with extinguishing fluid. For this purpose, the extinguishing fluid outlets 31 are preferably disposed at the edges of the individual storage arrangement sections, especially the rack sections, especially on the units 30, 30′ in block form, and are aligned such that the exiting extinguishing fluid arrives on the storage vessels. The discharge direction of the extinguishing fluid outlets 31 is shown schematically in FIG. 7 by the arrows D and E.

[0175] The advantage of this implementation is that a smaller number of extinguishing fluid outlets may be provided in the storage arrangement without reducing fire protection efficiency. This is because the first plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets, by virtue of its first defined directional characteristic, effectively discharges the extinguishing fluid onto a target area, for example one or two of the storage vessels, whereas the extinguishing fluid outlets of the second plurality (as described in connection with FIG. 2) discharge the extinguishing fluid typically in 360°, which means that no focusing on a particular point is possible.

[0176] Although two embodiments have been described above, in which the extinguishing fluid outlets disposed on the storage arrangement are either extinguishing fluid outlets of the first plurality or extinguishing fluid outlets of the second plurality, it will be appreciated at this point that it is also possible to dispose a combination of extinguishing fluid outlets from the first and second plurality on the storage arrangement and/or the roof arrangement in order to fight the fire event. The selection of extinguishing fluid outlets here should particularly be chosen such that it is possible to perform both extinguishing of liquid hazardous material in the collecting area and in the storage arrangement.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0177] Fire protection system 1, 1′ [0178] Storage arrangement 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d [0179] Positioning elements 11a, 12a, 13a [0180] Elevation 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d [0181] Oblique surface 21a, 21b [0182] Straight surface 22a, 22b [0183] Fluid barrier element 23a, 24a [0184] Collecting area 200 [0185] Fluid receptacle 201 [0186] Fluid barrier element 202 [0187] Unit in block form 30, 30′ [0188] First plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets 31, 31′ [0189] Installation surface 32, 32′ [0190] Extinguishing fluid inlet 33 [0191] Outlet opening 301 [0192] Directing element 302 [0193] Floor 300 [0194] Roof arrangement 400 [0195] Second plurality of extinguishing fluid outlets 40, 50 [0196] Storage vessel 60 [0197] Fluid-directing elements 70, 70′, 70″ [0198] Lateral surfaces 71, 72 [0199] Base surface 74 [0200] Fluid-directing surface 75