Air Mover Device And Method For Firefighting

Abstract

The invention includes an air mover device used for fire mitigation and protection. The core component is an air mover unit whose discharge airstream can be positioned using air rudders to provide air flows in optimum directions and capacity to counter unwanted fire progression or to promote fires in cases of back-burns. Additional support components include a power supply, its fuel source, a speed control mechanism for the air mover, an air mover inlet protective screen, a sparger unit to impart suppressant or retardant into the airstream, and instrumentation and controls to ensure function and safety of equipment and personnel. This device can be on a static or mobile platform, towed or self-propelled and can be locally or remotely controlled.

Claims

1. An air mover device for use in firefighting, comprising: an air mover unit to produce a selected volume and velocity of a discharged airstream therefrom; a transmission for speed control coupled to said air mover unit for control of the volume and velocity of the discharged airstream; an air mover driver connected to the air mover unit to provide power to said air mover unit; a first air rudder communicating with said discharged airstream to selectively and controllably direct the discharged airstream in a lateral direction; a second air rudder communicating with said discharged airstream to selectively and controllably direct the discharged airstream in a vertical direction; and a sparger unit communicating with said discharged air stream that injects a suppressant or retardant into the discharged air stream.

2. The device of claim 1, further including: a protective screen located at an inlet of the air mover unit.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein: the protective screen has a self-cleaning function and comprises a plurality of rollers driven by a motor.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein: said air mover driver is controlled locally or remotely.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein: a speed of the air mover unit is controlled locally or remotely to establish a range of air flow volumes and air velocities to address varying fire situations encountered.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein: at least one air rudder is controlled locally or remotely to direct an airstream laterally left to right and right to left.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein: at least one air rudder is controlled locally or remotely to direct an airstream vertically up and down and down and up.

8. The device of claim 1, further including: a platform secured to and arranged to support said air mover device.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein: said platform is incorporated on a towed trailer assembly or incorporated on a motorized transport vehicle.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein: said sparger unit includes a sparger pump that is controlled to provide varying output pressures to thereby control through-flow restrictions output flow rates of the aerosolized suppressant or retardants from a sparger unit.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein: more than one air mover device may be employed on a single platform.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein: associated instrumentation can be monitored locally and/or remotely.

13. A method of fighting a fire using an air mover device, comprising: providing an air mover device comprising: (a) an air mover unit to produce a selected volume and velocity of a discharged airstream therefrom; (b) a transmission coupled to said air mover unit for control of the volume and velocity of the discharged airstream; (c) an air mover driver connected to the air mover unit to provide power to said air mover unit; (d) a first air rudder communicating with said discharged airstream to selectively and controllably direct the discharged airstream in a lateral direction; (e) a second air rudder communicating with said discharged airstream to selectively and controllably direct the discharged airstream in a vertical direction; (f) a sparger unit communicating with said discharged air stream to inject a suppressant or retardant into the discharged air stream; locate and approach a fire requiring control; position the air mover device at a desired location in proximity to the fire; energize the air mover unit to produce the selected volume and velocity of the discharged airstream; selectively operate the first and second rudders to directionally control the discharged airstream; and selectively operate the sparger unit to inject a desired amount of the suppressant or retardant over a selected period of time.

14. An air mover device for use in firefighting, comprising: an air mover unit to produce a selected volume and velocity of a discharged airstream therefrom; a speed control element coupled to said air mover unit for control of the volume and velocity of the discharged airstream; at least one air rudder communicating with said discharged airstream to selectively and controllably direct the discharged airstream in a desired direction; an air mover driver connected to the air mover unit to provide power to said air mover unit; and a sparger unit communicating with said discharged air stream that injects a suppressant or retardant into the discharged air stream.

15. The device, according to claim 14, wherein: said at least one air rudder includes a first air rudder that directs the discharged airstream in a desired lateral direction.

16. The device, according to claim 14, wherein: said at least one air rudder includes a second air rudder that directs said discharged airstream in a desired vertical direction.

17. The device of claim 14, further including: a protective screen located at an inlet of the air mover unit.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein: the protective screen has a self-cleaning function and comprises a plurality of rollers driven by a motor.

19. The device of claim 14 wherein: said air mover driver is controlled locally or remotely.

20. The device of claim 14 wherein: the at least one air rudder is controlled locally or remotely to direct an airstream laterally or vertically.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one of more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and area not to be construed as limiting the invention.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the air mover device of the invention in one preferred embodiment, illustrating the air mover in the form of a fan or blower for air movement;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the air mover device of the invention in another preferred embodiment, illustrating the air mover incorporating a propeller for air movement;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an air mover device platform, according to another preferred embodiment, enabling the air moving device to be mobile;

[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of another air mover device platform, according to another preferred embodiment, again enabling the air moving device to be mobile;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an air mover sparger located at an air mover discharge;

[0027] FIG. 6 is a schematic end view showing discharge control surfaces of an air mover device;

[0028] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing the discharge control surfaces of the air mover device of FIG. 6;

[0029] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of an inlet of a protective traveling screen of an air mover device; and

[0030] FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of the inlet of the protective traveling screen of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Referring FIG. 1. an air mover device of the invention is shown in a plan view. The device includes a fossil fuel source (101) as a power supply to a driver (102) via a fuel pump (111). Other power options may include electrical power, such as generated from a generator, a battery, or photovoltaic sources (not shown). The driver is connected to a transmission (103), speed reducer, or throttle control component that allows a large range of rotational speeds for an air mover unit (104), thus offering a range of airstream flows and airstream velocities.

[0032] An air mover unit (104) of the invention may include centrifugal and axial fans or blowers, specially designed fans or blowers, and propellers of two or more blades, including counter rotation arrangements. An inlet of the air mover unit may include an inlet screen (105) of various configurations, including a traveling screen arrangement which is intended to maintain an inlet screen clear of debris to protect air mover components in hostile fire environments.

[0033] A sparger unit (106) may be installed at the discharge area of the air mover unit (104). The sparger unit (106) may be employed to disburse suppressant or retardant compounds into a discharged airstream of the air mover unit. The sparger unit is connected via piping to an upstream pump (107) which in turn is connected via piping to a tank (108) for storing and supplying retardant or suppressant compounds. The pump (107) may be powered electrically (by battery, photoelectric, or other electric source) or mechanically from an air mover driver. Downstream of the sparger unit (106) is a control surface assembly (109) which enables a discharge airstream to be directionally controlled, both vertically and laterally.

[0034] The control surface assembly (109) includes at least one air rudder (109A) for controlling the lateral direction of the airstream and at least one air rudder (109B) for controlling the vertical direction of the airstream.

[0035] A control console (110) is provided for component control of the air mover device. The control console is spaced remotely from the airstream inlet. In addition to component controls, the control console may include instrumentation such as temperature, tank level indications, vibration monitoring, and other monitoring instrumentation for major components. Such instrumentation provides control and safety measures for proper operation of the device and to provide safety for operating personnel. Further, controls of the air mover device of the invention may be achieved locally or remotely, and monitoring instrumentation may be transmitted to remote locations.

[0036] FIG. 2 depicts a plan view of another embodiment of the air mover device of the invention. As shown, this embodiment includes a fossil fuel source (201) as a fuel supply to a driver (202) via a fuel pump (211). As with the first embodiment, other sources of power may be used including electrical power from a generator, a battery, or photovoltaic sources (not shown). A driver is connected to a transmission (203), speed reducer or throttle control component enabling a large range of rotational speeds for an air mover unit (204), thus offering a range of airstream flows and airstream velocities.

[0037] An air mover unit (204), like the first embodiment, may include centrifugal and axial fans or blowers, specially designed fans or blowers, and propellers of two or more blades, including counter rotation arrangements. An inlet of an air mover unit (205) may include an inlet screen (205) including a traveling screen arrangement intended to maintain an inlet screen clear of debris to protect air mover components in hostile fire environments. Inlet screen materials can be any appropriate size of wire mesh supported by a variety of tubing or other structural supports to stiffen the wire mesh and to prevent wire mesh distortion.

[0038] Again, like in the first embodiment, a sparger unit (206) may be installed at the discharge area of an air mover unit (204 to disburse suppressant or retardant compounds into a discharged airstream of an air mover unit. A sparger unit is again connected via piping to an upstream pump (207) which in turn is connected via piping to a tank (208) for storing and supplying retardant or suppressant compounds. A control surface assembly (209) again enables a discharge airstream to be directionally controlled, both vertically and laterally.

[0039] A control surface assembly (209) includes at least one air rudder (209A) for controlling the lateral direction of the airstream and at least one air rudder (209B) for controlling the vertical direction of the airstream.

[0040] Once again similar to the first embodiment, a control console (210) is provided for component control of an air mover device. A control console may also include desired instrumentation such as temperature, tank level indications, vibration monitoring, and other monitoring instrumentation for major components. The instrumentation provides control and safety for personnel and efficient and safe operation of the device. Controls of the air mover device of the invention may also be achieved locally or remotely, and monitoring instrumentation may be transmitted to remote locations.

[0041] FIG. 3 depicts an option for providing mobility for an air mover device. Specifically, FIG. 3 shows a transport platform (301) with wheels (302). A schematic representation of an air mover unit (300) is shown mounted on the transport platform (301).

[0042] FIG. 4 depicts another option to provide mobility, namely a platform (301) with a track drive (303) such as employed in a bulldozer or other tracked vehicle.

[0043] A platform according to any embodiment of the invention may be constructed of any materials to provide adequate strength to support an air mover device such as aluminum or steel. A platform may be towed in a trailer configuration, or the platform may be incorporated directly on a motorized transport vehicle.

[0044] The components of an air mover device may be secured to a platform by bolts, welds, skids, or other means to ensure stability. An optimum design of securing components of a device to a platform allows components of the device to be easily removed and replaced with similar components with different performance characteristics, depending on the intended application.

[0045] FIG. 5 depicts an end view of a sparger unit according to embodiments of the invention. When initiated, a pump (401) transfers suppressant or retardant from a storage tank (402) via piping to a circumferential configuration of an air mover (404) sparger (403). A “sparger” unit according to the invention is an array of one or more orifices or apertures spaced around a circumferential length of piping at a discharge end of an air mover. Orifices/apertures emit a selected suppressant/retardant compound(s) under pressure into the airstream located at the air mover discharge end (405). The emission is preferably achieved to aerosolize the compound(s) for maximum distribution across the airstream. Aerosolization enables more effective entrainment and dispersion into an air mover discharge airstream. A sparger unit may be installed either upstream or downstream of the control surface assembly and either upstream or downstream of an air mover.

[0046] FIG. 6 depicts a front view configuration of control surfaces (502 and 503) located downstream of a discharge of an air mover (501). As shown, there are two sets of control surfaces. One set of these control surfaces (503) is designed to move laterally to direct a discharge airstream from an air mover unit. A second set of control surfaces (502) is designed to move vertically to direct a discharge airstream from an air mover unit. The arrangement of control surfaces as provided allows an airstream to be optimally directed without having to move the air mover unit.

[0047] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the configuration of control surfaces of FIG. 6.

[0048] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a configuration of an air mover unit inlet traveling screen that may be required in hostile fire environments with airborne debris. Specifically, FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of an inlet of a protective traveling screen of an air mover device and FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of the inlet of the protective traveling screen.

[0049] Any inlet of an air mover unit of the invention can be fitted with an inlet screen (shown as 105 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) which may be generally described as a static tube and/or wire cage to protect rotating components of the air mover unit and to thus maintain the general integrity of an air mover unit by preventing entry of debris that could compromise operation. An inlet screen of the invention may be provided with or without a traveling (self-cleaning) screen portion. Since an inlet screen for an air mover unit without a traveling screen as a portion of this protective screen is a simple, obvious configuration, only a version of a traveling screen is depicted in this figure.

[0050] According to embodiments of the invention, a traveling screen will automatically remove by mechanical means, any objects trapped in a screen to keep a screen clear of debris and protect equipment while maintaining an uninterrupted flow of inlet air to an air mover unit. A traveling screen could be installed parallel and/or perpendicular to an inlet airstream. The traveling screen is preferably a flexible screen that is rotated by a motor (601) powered by a power supply (602), mechanical or electrical, and connected at roller 604B to sprockets (603A,B, and C) via a drive chain (609) which in turn are connected to rollers (604A, B, and C) that serve to maintain the motion and cleanliness of the traveling screen.

[0051] An upper roller (604A) serves as an upper support and guide for a traveling screen. Roller 604A is supported by a shaft (605A) which is mounted at each end into a support bearing (606A1 and 606A2). Shaft 605A and its bearings (606A1 and 606A2) are supported by vertical sides (607A and 607B) of a roller/screen assembly. The vertical sides are attached to a platform base.

[0052] Roller 604B is supported by a shaft (605B) which is mounted at each end into a support bearing (606B1 and 606B2). Shaft 605B and its bearings (606B1 and 606B2) are supported by vertical sides 607A and 607B of a roller screen assembly which are attached to the platform base. Roller 604B according to one embodiment may be a stiff bristle that is capable of sweeping trapped debris away from the screen material as the screen is rotated and meshed into the bristle composition of roller 604B.

[0053] Roller 604C is located outside of the screen and below roller 604B. Roller 604C is also supported by a shaft (605C) mounted at each end into a support bearing (606C1 and 606C2). Shaft 605C and its bearings (606C1 and 606C2) are supported by vertical sides 607A and 607B of an assembly which are attached to a platform base. Roller 604C may be an auger type brush to catch debris falling from roller 604B. Roller 604C transports debris to each end of roller 604C by a reverse thread design of brush configuration on one end relative to the other.

[0054] It is preferable for rollers 604B and 604C to be mounted below a platform base (609) to ensure the debris removed from the screen is not entrained back into the inlet airstream.

[0055] A screen portion (608) is sufficiently flexible and sufficiently rigid to maintain its integrity and still be rotatable around rollers 604A and 604B. Screen material position will be maintained by a sprocket-like end piece at each end of rollers 604A and 604B. The flexibility will be established by hinge joints at appropriate intervals which extend transversely across an entire dimension of a screen material.

[0056] A traveling screen assembly is supported on an air mover device platform base by an arrangement of supports (607A and 607B).

[0057] Current firefighting apparatuses depend on suppressant and/or retardant compounds for direct combat against a fire. These compounds depend on a storage tank inventory. The inventory of these compounds is therefore limited, and when used with continuous flow, will last only a matter of minutes. While retardants and suppressants have unique attributes of heat capacity and/or fire-resistant coatings to eliminate heat and/or flame, these compounds must be applied with precision and are extremely limited in quantity when in a remote fire area due to general absence of replenishment capabilities.

[0058] The present invention relies on the use of high volume, high velocity air movement control. Air is essentially infinite in quantity and availability. Therefore, the limitation on performance of this invention is limited only by the fuel inventory available to supply power to an air mover. Regardless of the type of power source (e.g., fossil fuel or electric), the air mover device of the invention can remain on the scene to effectively fight the fire for many hours, not a few minutes. A generated airstream can be directed both horizontally and vertically with the use of air rudders.

[0059] An airstream from an air mover device of the invention can be applied at high volumetric flow rates for hours rather than minutes. Hours of operation may provide a substantial factor in fire suppression through cooling. It takes approximately 6,000 cubic feet of air to equal the heat capacity of one gallon of water (not including latent heat of vaporization of water which accounts for nearly 1000 BTU/lb), but much of the water stream evaporates before reaching the flames. The motive force of the directed airstream is not diminished by the heat.

[0060] An air mover device of the invention may serve in a fire suppression manner by having its airstream directed at the flames to force the flames “back on black”, i.e., forcing the flames back onto already burned fuel areas.

[0061] An air mover device of the invention has application in a suppression manner through the use of a device sparger unit which will introduce an aerosolized stream of suppressant or retardant into an air mover discharge airstream. The inventory of suppressant/retardant would be limited as in current fire apparatus.

[0062] An airstream from an air mover device of the invention can be used for indirect fire attack by countering or redirecting natural and fire-generated air flows and thus altering fire direction and behavior. The high volume, high velocity airstream, when properly directed, can provide a vector of air flow that can change the course of the flame front. An air mover discharge airstream also can redirect or repel smoke or embers from a fire, resulting in protection of designated property.

[0063] In a back-burn effort, an airstream from an air mover device of the invention can promote flame generation and flame direction by applying an airstream discharge to a back-burn flame front. Speed control of an air mover can start fanning a flame front at low speed/low flow while a back-burn flame front is initiated close to an air mover. As a flame front progresses away from an air mover, air mover speed can be progressively increased to maintain the effectiveness of a generated airstream to push a back-burn further and further away from an air mover to increase the back-burn area. In this manner a back-burn process may be accomplished more quickly and with more control despite possibly encountering contrary, naturally generated air flows.

[0064] Other functions that can be achieved by the air mover device of the invention include: (1) Creating “anchor points” from which additional fire lines or suppression efforts may safely extend; (2) Creating fire breaks with the force of a developed airstream directed at very close proximities to the ground; (3) Providing a safe zone in the lee of a device airstream for fire crews and/or civilians for possible protection or escape from a fire danger zone; (4) Providing a method of drying back-burn fuels to promote ignition and control of the back-burn process; (5) Gathering test data by establishing prescribed moisture content in fuels for studies in back-burn efforts; and (6) Assisting in cold trailing efforts to both identify and extinguish remaining hot spots.

[0065] An air mover device of the invention can be designed and installed to provide reliability in hostile fire environments and will be monitored with onboard instrumentation (with local and/or remote readouts) to ensure its design limits are not exceeded during its deployment. This may include a sprinkler system to provide fire suppression for device components. An air mover device with its components may be controlled locally or remotely using controls and signals from a control and instrumentation console mounted on a device platform. A device may be installed as a stationary platform or a mobile platform, either on a towed platform or on a motorized platform. There may be variations between one device and another depending on the specific needs of the situation in which it may be deployed. Fire conditions may demand different specifics regarding air device attributes or components, (such as air mover flow rates, suppression material inventory, sparger output, device intake protection screens, platform ruggedness, etc.), but the basic components of a device will remain similar. More than one air mover device may be mounted on the same platform as space and needs permit, and more than one device may be employed in any given fire situation.

[0066] Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents.