阅读说明：本技术 用于熄灭火焰前锋的方法和灭火装置 (Method for extinguishing a flame front and fire extinguishing device ) 是由 R·科斯梅尔 F·赫尔姆森 T·海德曼 M·戴维斯 T·古特 于 2019-06-03 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于熄灭气体管线(2)中的火焰前锋的方法,其中,所述方法具有以下步骤：(a)在超压下将灭火剂引入到所述气体管线(2)的灭火区域(L)中,此外,(b)将阻隔液体引入到所述气体管线(2)的阻隔区域(S)中,从而所述阻隔液体保留在所述阻隔区域(S)中,使得流经所述气体管线(2)的气体在所述阻隔区域(S)中必须流经所述阻隔液体。(The invention relates to a method for extinguishing a flame front in a gas line (2), wherein the method comprises the following steps: (a) introducing a fire extinguishing agent into a fire extinguishing area (L) of the gas line (2) at an overpressure, and furthermore (b) introducing a barrier liquid into a barrier area (S) of the gas line (2), whereby the barrier liquid remains in the barrier area (S), so that gas flowing through the gas line (2) has to flow through the barrier liquid in the barrier area (S).)

1. A method for extinguishing a flame front in a gas line (2), wherein the method has the following steps:

(a) Introducing a fire extinguishing agent under overpressure into a fire extinguishing area (L) of the gas line (2), and furthermore,

(b) Introducing a barrier liquid into a barrier region (S) of the gas line (2) such that the barrier liquid remains in the barrier region (S) such that gas flowing through the gas line (2) has to flow through the barrier liquid in the barrier region (S).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the barrier liquid introduced into the barrier region (S) prevents a flame front from moving from one side of the barrier region (S) to the other side of the barrier region (S).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the barrier liquid is introduced into the gas line (2) temporally after the extinguishing agent.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fire extinguishing agent is simultaneously the barrier liquid.

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extinguishing area (L) and the barrier area (S) coincide at least partially in space, in particular one of said areas (L, S) is completely part of the other area (S, L).

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a closure is opened, in particular a valve is switched on or a membrane (8) is broken, for introducing the extinguishing agent into the extinguishing area (L).

7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the overpressure breaks a membrane (8) that separates the extinguishing agent flow-technically from the extinguishing area (L) for introducing the extinguishing agent into the extinguishing area (L).

8. a fire extinguishing device (10) for a gas line (2), wherein the fire extinguishing device (10) has at least one container (12) for receiving a fire extinguishing agent and a barrier liquid and is arranged for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Fire extinguishing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the fire extinguishing apparatus (10) comprises a reservoir (14) with compressed gas or a gas generator for generating an overpressure.

10. Fire extinguishing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the at least one container (12) is provided for receiving the extinguishing agent and the barrier liquid, wherein the container (12) preferably has at least one extinguishing agent space (16) and at least one barrier liquid space (18), which are preferably flow-technically connected or connectable to each other.

11. Fire extinguishing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the extinguishing agent and the barrier liquid are releasable separately from each other, i.e. can be introduced into the extinguishing area or the barrier area.

12. Fire extinguishing device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that it has at least one detector (28) for arrangement in the gas line (2), wherein the detector (28) is provided for detecting a flame front, wherein the fire extinguishing device (10) has an electronic control device (30), in particular an electronic data processing device, which is provided for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 on the basis of detector data of the at least one detector (28).

Technical Field

the present invention relates to a method for extinguishing a flame front in a gas line and according to a second aspect to a fire extinguishing device for a gas line.

Background

Gas lines are transport devices for gases, in particular for combustible gases. This relates, for example, to pipelines in which gas (e.g., natural gas) is transported over long distances. But this can also involve shorter gas lines, such as a transport line between a refinery and a gas tank, or a transport line from a transport vehicle to a gas tank.

In such gas lines through which the combustible gas flows, there is always a risk that the combustible gas is ignited, for example by the formation of sparks. Such sparks can occur due to a defective electrical device (e.g., sensor) or due to electrostatic discharge. A flame front forms as a result of ignition of the gas in the gas line, which flame front spreads in the gas line. This can lead to serious damage to the gas lines and also to the environment of the gas lines.

Particular risks arise from the following: this flame front reaches a storage tank or a gas vehicle (e.g., a gas tank) attached to a gas pipeline and explodes the amount of gas stored therein. Such catastrophic events can result in significant property and environmental damage.

The gas line is therefore advantageously provided with means to prevent such a catastrophic event. This can be, for example, a quenching device or a flame arrester.

Flame arrestors are assemblies that are fixedly mounted in a gas pipeline and that have a plurality of flow openings through which flowing gas can pass, but through which flames are blocked. As a result, the flame arrester, due to its construction, necessarily increases the flow resistance in the gas line. This can result in, for example, gas lines and pumps that deliver gas having to be larger in size. In particular, the flame arrester is disadvantageous when using gases with impurities, since it can become contaminated with impurities and lead to a reduced flow rate. In such installations, the flame arrester must often be cleaned or replaced with great effort.

Extinguishing devices are known, for example in the form of extinguishing nozzles, through which an extinguishing agent is injected into a pipeline at high pressure when a spark is detected inside the pipeline or a flame is detected. For this purpose, for example, a pressure cell is provided, which injects a predetermined amount of extinguishing agent.

After the flame front has been generated in the gas line, there is in principle a risk of this flame front reappearing. In particular, defective electrical components contain a high risk of continued ignition of the gas. This is particularly problematic in snuffing devices having pressure cells, since at least one cell is consumed for each snuffing process. So that the extinguishing process can be performed only as many times as there are cartridges. A possibility to counteract this is to shut down the respective gas line, for example by stopping the supply of further gas. However, this results in no further gas flowing through the gas line and the gas line is at least temporarily no longer functional.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a method for extinguishing a flame front of a gas line and a fire extinguishing device for carrying out the method, with which the above-mentioned disadvantages can be reduced.

The invention solves the task by means of a method for extinguishing a flame front in a gas line, having the following steps:

(a) The fire suppressant is introduced into the extinguishing area of the gas line at an overpressure and, in addition,

(b) The barrier liquid is introduced into the barrier region of the gas line such that the barrier liquid remains in the barrier region such that gas flowing through the gas line must flow through the barrier liquid in the barrier region.

The flame front should be extinguished by the extinguishing agent. For this purpose, the extinguishing agent is introduced into the extinguishing region of the gas line at an overpressure. In the simplest case, this extinguishing area is the area inside the gas line in which the extinguishing agent exerts its extinguishing effect.

An overpressure is to be understood in particular as a pressure above atmospheric standard pressure. The pressure prevailing in the gas line in normal operation, also referred to as the operating pressure, is preferably introduced at an overpressure relative to this operating pressure. The overpressure relative to the operating pressure is preferably at least 2bar, particularly preferably at least 5 bar. The overpressure is preferably at least 10bar, particularly preferably at least 20bar, relative to atmospheric standard pressure.

By means of the overpressure, in particular, a smaller extinguishing agent quantity can be used than without such an overpressure, since by means of the overpressure a better and finer atomization of the extinguishing agent (e.g. water) can be achieved, wherein the total surface of the extinguishing agent increases in proportion to its volume. Furthermore, a larger fire extinguishing agent quantity can be introduced into the gas line per time unit. This is advantageous for the targeted and precise extinguishing of the flame front moving at high speed with a sufficiently large extinguishing agent quantity. The overpressure is preferably selected such that at least half of the extinguishing agent, in particular all of the extinguishing agent, is introduced into the gas line within 30 milliseconds.

In addition, a barrier liquid is introduced into the barrier region of the gas line. In the simplest case, the barrier region is the region inside the gas line in which the barrier liquid acts as a barrier. This means that the barrier liquid remains in the barrier area, so that the gas flowing through the gas line has to flow through the barrier liquid. Thus, the liquid constitutes a barrier against other flame fronts. It is preferred to use a non-flammable liquid, especially water, as the barrier liquid. It is possible and advantageous in some embodiments of the invention to introduce at least a part, in particular all, of the barrier liquid into the gas line at overpressure. This can more quickly generate a barrier effect against liquid. However, there is generally a higher risk of failure due to the devices required for applying the pressure, if necessary. It is particularly preferred that the barrier liquid is introduced into the gas line only under the influence of gravity.

According to the invention, the barrier liquid remains in the barrier region of the gas line, so that gas flowing through the gas line has to flow through the barrier liquid in the barrier region. In particular also according to the invention, there is a mixing or layering of the barrier liquid and the extinguishing agent through which the gas must flow. This means that at least one point of the flow-through cross-section of the gas line is completely filled with the barrier liquid or with a mixed or layered portion of barrier liquid and extinguishing agent. Thus, the gas flowing through the gas line cannot flow past the liquid but must pass through the barrier thus formed.

Such barriers offer the following advantages on the one hand: a second or other flame front reaching the barrier region cannot pass through and/or be extinguished by the barrier liquid. On the other hand, gas can also flow through the gas line and through the barrier liquid. Thus, despite the increased flow resistance by the barrier liquid, the functionality of the gas line is substantially ensured. It is to be noted here that the flow rates and quantities are limiting values which are specific to the respective configuration of the fire-extinguishing device.

With the method according to the invention, it is thus possible to operate the gas line without having to have flame protection or flashover protection which increases the flow resistance. In the event of a first flame front, it is extinguished with a fire extinguishing agent. In this case, the barrier liquid introduced into the barrier region effectively prevents any possible breakdown of other flame fronts.

Preferably, the barrier liquid introduced into the barrier region prevents the flame front from moving from one side of the barrier region to the other side of the barrier region.

preferably, the barrier liquid is introduced into the gas line only after the fire extinguishing agent in time.

Thus, fire extinguishing agent is first introduced into the gas line for extinguishing the flame front, followed by introduction of barrier liquid into the barrier area. This is effected temporally one after the other, also understood in particular to mean that the introduction of extinguishing agent and barrier liquid partially overlaps in time, whereas the main part of the barrier liquid is introduced into the gas line after the extinguishing agent.

In this way, it is possible in particular to extinguish the flame front first by means of the extinguishing agent dosed for this purpose and the time accuracy required for extinguishing the fire, and then to introduce a much smaller barrier liquid with respect to the time accuracy. Furthermore, various media, in particular liquids, can be used as extinguishing agents and barrier liquids in order to thus meet different requirements.

Preferably, the fire extinguishing agent is simultaneously a barrier liquid.

Preferably, the fire extinguishing area and the blocking area coincide at least partially in space, in particular one of these areas is completely part of the other area.

Preferably, the extinguishing of the fire and the introduction of the barrier liquid are effected in the same area inside the gas line. The device required for introducing the extinguishing agent and the barrier liquid can thus be configured as a single component, for example, since these extinguishing agent and barrier liquid do not have to be arranged at positions spaced apart from one another in particular.

Preferably, the blocking area and/or the extinguishing area are located inside the gas line in a space specially configured for this purpose. The space is for example part of a separate fire extinguishing device which is mounted or integrated into the gas line. Since the barrier liquid increases the flow resistance after extinguishing the first flame front, the gas line should be restored to its original state. This can be achieved particularly simply if the separate extinguishing device can be replaced. Alternatively or additionally to this, the space of the gas line serving as the barrier region and/or the extinguishing region has a discharge device by means of which barrier liquid can be discharged from the barrier region. For this purpose, the gas lines are shut off and the gas flow is interrupted.

Advantageously, the closure is opened, in particular the valve is switched on or the membrane is broken, for introducing the extinguishing agent into the extinguishing area.

Preferably, the membrane separating the extinguishing agent from the extinguishing area in terms of flow technology is broken by the overpressure in order to introduce the extinguishing agent into the extinguishing area. For this purpose, a pressure impulse is preferably applied to the extinguishing agent. This pressure impulse is additionally applied in addition to the overpressure that the extinguishing agent is capable of withstanding, which is present in itself.

For a method for extinguishing a flame front in a gas line, high failure reliability and low error-susceptibility are very advantageous, since failure of the method can lead to serious disasters. The extinguishing agent is introduced into the extinguishing area through the thus damaged membrane by the overpressure applied to the extinguishing agent, thereby providing a high failure reliability. In particular, a valve is not necessarily required for introducing the extinguishing agent. Rather, it is preferred to apply only a pressure impulse to the extinguishing agent, which is configured so that it breaks the membrane so strongly.

The membrane can be made of plastic, in particular PTFE, for example. However, it is also possible and advantageous in some embodiments of the invention that the membrane can also consist of a metal or an alloy. This enables, for example, higher pressures to be achieved in the extinguishing agent container without the membrane being destroyed. Preferably, the membrane is destroyed only by additional pressure shocks. Normally there is normal pressure in the extinguishing agent before triggering the device. The only pressure impulse to destroy the membrane is preferably applied to the fire suppressant. Preferably, the membrane has at least one, preferably a plurality of material weaknesses. These material weaknesses are formed, for example, by microperforations of the film, grooves introduced into the film or regions of reduced material thickness, which do not impair the tightness of the film for the extinguishing agent. Of course, combinations of different material weaknesses are also possible. By selecting the type of material weakness and its position in the membrane, it is preferably predetermined, in particular by a plurality of membranes, how and where the membrane is destroyed by the pressure impact, in a reproducible manner. This results in particular in an increased fault and operational reliability.

According to a further aspect, the invention solves this object by a fire-extinguishing device having at least one container for receiving a fire-extinguishing agent and a barrier liquid and being provided for carrying out the method described herein.

It is possible and advantageous in certain embodiments that the fire extinguishing device can be fitted to an existing gas line. For this purpose, the extinguishing device is arranged, for example, on a gas line and the gas line is provided with at least one opening through which an extinguishing agent and a barrier liquid can be introduced into the gas line. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for simple retrofitting of existing gas lines with a fire extinguishing device according to the invention.

However, it is also possible and advantageous in certain embodiments for the extinguishing device to have at least one space which is integrated into the gas line and thus becomes an integral part of the gas line. If the flame front in the space of the extinguishing device, which in the installed state becomes an integral part of the gas line, is extinguished, the flame front in the gas line is regarded as extinguished. Thus, in this embodiment, the fire extinguishing device is not arranged outside the gas line, but is integrated into the gas line, so that the gas flows through the space of the fire extinguishing device.

At least one space of the fire extinguishing device has at least two openings through which gas flows from an input line section of the gas line through the fire extinguishing device into an output line section of the gas line. The extinguishing device preferably has an inlet line flange and an outlet line flange for integrating the extinguishing device, by means of which flanges the extinguishing device is connected to the inlet line section and the outlet line section of the gas line. Thus, in operation of the gas line, gas flows from the input line section of the gas line through the at least one space of the fire extinguishing device into the output line section. The fire extinguishing device is thus part of the gas line in the mounted state.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous in that the at least one space is configured and dimensioned specifically for the function of the fire extinguishing device (i.e. extinguishing and blocking). Therefore, local conditions of the gas lines must be taken into account less. The fire-extinguishing device can be replaced in particular as a whole, for example after a fire-extinguishing process has been carried out. However, the fire extinguishing device can also have a discharge device for the barrier liquid, with which the barrier liquid can be discharged from the barrier region. In this way, the fire extinguishing device can also continue to be operated without it being completely replaced, for example after a fire extinguishing process. If the membrane is damaged for introducing the extinguishing agent, it can be replaced, for example. Preferably, however, the extinguishing agent container with the membrane is replaced as a whole, so that no work has to be done inside the extinguishing device itself.

preferably, the fire extinguishing area and/or the barrier area is located in at least one space of the fire extinguishing device. It is particularly preferred that both areas are located in the same space of the fire extinguishing device. Preferably, the openings of the space through which the gas flows in and/or the openings through which the gas flows out are located below the level of the barrier liquid, which constitutes said level after the barrier liquid has been introduced into the barrier region. Preferably, only one of the two openings is located below the liquid level. This ensures that gas flowing through the gas line must flow through the barrier liquid in the barrier region. In particular, the barrier liquid level is also understood to mean that the extinguishing agent still present is present together with the barrier liquid, in particular in a mixed manner.

Preferably, the fire extinguishing device has at least one container for receiving an extinguishing agent and at least one container for receiving a barrier liquid. Due to the spatial separation of the two media, it is possible in particular to select different media as extinguishing agent and barrier liquid. In addition, different volumes can be easily provided.

Preferably, the extinguishing agent and the barrier liquid are the same liquid, in particular water, wherein preferably at least one additive is mixed with the extinguishing agent and/or the barrier liquid, which additive can be chosen to be the same but can also be chosen to be different in the two liquids. Such additives are, for example, substances which influence the viscosity or the density. However, it may also be advantageous in some embodiments for the barrier liquid and the fire extinguishing agent to be different liquids or mixtures of different liquids. This makes it possible to coordinate different purposes of use of the liquid, for example.

Preferably, the container for receiving the extinguishing agent, which is also referred to as the extinguishing agent container, is under pressure when filled with extinguishing agent and the extinguishing device is ready. For this purpose, the extinguishing agent container is not completely filled with extinguishing agent, for example, wherein pressure is applied by the amount of gas present in the extinguishing agent container. This pressure causes an overpressure when the extinguishing agent is introduced at least partially, in particular completely, into the extinguishing area.

Particularly preferably, the fire extinguishing device has a pressure generating device, by means of which a pressure impulse can be applied to the extinguishing agent. For example, this relates to a gas reservoir with compressed gas, which can be introduced into the extinguishing agent container via a valve, in particular via a fast switching valve. The pressure generating device advantageously relates to a gas generator, known for example from airbags or the like. Here, for example, a pyrotechnic propellant (treibadung) containing sodium azide or guanidine nitrate is used.

preferably, the extinguishing agent container is separated from the gas line or the space of the extinguishing device, which is part of the gas line, only by the membrane. Preferably, the membrane is constructed as described above.

Preferably, the at least one container is configured for receiving a fire suppressant and a barrier liquid, wherein the container preferably has at least one fire suppressant space and at least one barrier liquid space. Preferably, the at least one extinguishing agent space and the at least one barrier liquid space are flow-technically connected or at least connectable to each other. The extinguishing agent space and the barrier liquid space can also be present without structural separation.

The extinguishing agent is preferably introduced into the extinguishing region of the gas line through an opening, which is optionally closed by a membrane. Due to the flow-technical connection between the extinguishing agent space and the barrier liquid space, it is also possible to introduce the barrier liquid into the gas line through the same opening. If necessary, a flow-technical connection must be established for this purpose.

The extinguishing agent space and the barrier liquid space are preferably separated by a partition wall. In the partition wall there are preferably one or more valves which open when a barrier liquid should be introduced into the barrier region. Alternatively or additionally to this, the separating wall is perforated and has at least one opening which establishes a flow-technical connection between the extinguishing agent space and the barrier liquid space.

Alternatively, the extinguishing agent space and the barrier liquid space can also be arranged in two separate members, where the members together constitute the container.

the spatial and structural separation between the extinguishing agent space and the barrier liquid space allows to replace, remove or maintain or clean only one of said spaces.

It is particularly preferred that the extinguishing agent space is at least partially, but preferably completely, surrounded by the barrier liquid space. Preferably, the plurality of barrier liquid spaces are arranged radially outside around the central fire suppressant space. The individual barrier liquid spaces are preferably in flow-technical connection. In this way, for example, the extinguishing agent can be introduced into the extinguishing agent space by a pressure impulse applied to the extinguishing agent in the extinguishing agent space, wherein the barrier liquid subsequently flows out of the barrier liquid space and is thus introduced into the barrier region. It is thus possible in a structurally simple manner to apply the pressure impulse only to the extinguishing agent space and to apply the necessary pressure to the extinguishing agent space. In addition, it is particularly simple to introduce the barrier liquid only after the extinguishing agent in this way.

Preferably, the extinguishing agent and the barrier liquid can be released separately from each other, i.e. can be introduced into the extinguishing area or the barrier area.

Preferably, the fire-extinguishing device has at least one detector for arrangement in or on the gas line, wherein the detector is provided for detecting a flame front, wherein the fire-extinguishing device has an electronic control device, in particular an electronic data processing device, which is provided for carrying out the method described here on the basis of the detector data of the at least one detector.

For detecting flame fronts, it is advantageous if at least one detector is arranged in the gas line for detecting such flame fronts. Such detectors are, for example, spark detectors or infrared flame detectors. The at least one detector is preferably arranged spatially in front of the fire extinguishing device with respect to the gas flow direction in the gas line. Particularly preferably, the fire extinguishing device has at least two, particularly preferably at least five detectors, which can be arranged in particular at different distances from the fire extinguishing device in the gas line.

The fire extinguishing device, in particular the introduction of a fire extinguishing process, is controlled by an electronic control device as a function of a detector signal (which is coded, for example, for the purpose of detected sparks or detected flame fronts). It is particularly preferred that the extinguishing process is introduced depending on the distance of the respective detector detecting the spark or flame front from the extinguishing device. Particularly preferably, the diffusion speed of the flame front is determined on the basis of the time intervals between the detector signals of the different detectors, taking into account the spatial distance between the respective detectors, and the extinguishing process is triggered as a function of the diffusion speed thus determined.

Drawings

The invention is elucidated in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Shown here are:

Figure 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a fire extinguishing apparatus according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fire suppression apparatus of FIG. 1, and

Fig. 3 the fire suppression apparatus of fig. 1 and 2 in a state integrated into a gas line.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a fire extinguishing device 10 according to the invention, which can be integrated into a gas line 2 by means of an inlet line flange 22 and an outlet line flange 20. In operation, gas flows through the supply line connection 22 into the interior 4 of the fire extinguishing device 10 and from there into the exterior 6. The inner space 4 is configured to open downwards so that gas flows into the outer space 6. Here, the gas leaves the fire extinguishing device 10 through the outlet line flange 20. If the progress of the flame front is not impeded by the fire suppression apparatus 10, the flame front generally moves in the opposite direction, i.e., enters the fire suppression apparatus 10 through the outlet line flange 20 and exits the fire suppression apparatus through the inlet line flange 22.

Above the inner space 4 and the outer space 6 a container 12 is arranged. The container 12 has a central cylindrical extinguishing agent space 16. The extinguishing agent space is completely surrounded on the sides by a hollow cylindrical barrier liquid space 18. The extinguishing agent space 16 and the barrier liquid space 18 are separated from each other by a surrounding perforated partition wall 17. The extinguishing agent space 16 and the barrier liquid space 18 are in permanent flow connection via the perforations of the perforated partition wall 17.

In the ready state of the fire extinguishing device 10, the extinguishing agent space 16 and the barrier liquid space 18 are filled with liquid, in particular with water. The liquid in the extinguishing agent space 16 is here the extinguishing agent and the liquid in the barrier liquid space 18 is here the barrier liquid.

The extinguishing agent space 16 is separated from the interior space 4 in terms of flow technology by a membrane 8. The membrane 8 almost completely constitutes the bottom surface of the cylindrical extinguishing agent space 16. Above the container 12 a reservoir 14 with compressed gas is arranged. The compressed gas present in particular in the reservoir 14 with compressed gas has a pressure of at least 5bar relative to atmospheric standard pressure. The reservoir 14 can be brought into flow-technical connection with the container 12 by means of a pressure gas line. For this purpose, the pressure gas line has a quick-switching valve 15 inside it. By opening the opening of the fast switching valve 15, gas under pressure can be introduced from the reservoir 14 into the extinguishing agent space 16 of the container 12.

The membrane 8 is destroyed by the pressure impact which is applied here to the extinguishing agent in the extinguishing agent space 16, and the extinguishing agent enters the interior space 4 under overpressure. The extinguishing area L is correspondingly situated in this inner space 4.

After the fire suppressant has passed through the destroyed membrane 8 into the interior space 4, the barrier liquid also flows from the barrier liquid space 18 through the perforated portion of the perforated partition wall 17 into the fire suppressant space and correspondingly also through the destroyed membrane into the interior space 4. The barrier liquid also flows into the outer space 6 via the bottom-side opening, via which the inner space 4 is in flow-technical connection with the outer space 6. All the liquid remaining in the fire extinguishing device (i.e. barrier liquid and, if necessary, extinguishing agent) constitutes the liquid surface. The volume of the barrier liquid is dosed such that it constitutes, by itself, a liquid level above the bottom-side opening of the inner space 4. The same high liquid level is formed in the inner space 4 and the outer space 6. This liquid level exceeds the bottom-side opening of the inner space 4, which entails that the gas flowing into the fire extinguishing device 10 must forcibly flow through the liquid. Thereby creating a barrier to liquid against other flame fronts.

Now, the container 12 contains no more liquid, except for a possible remaining amount of liquid. Correspondingly, the reservoir 14 no longer contains compressed gas. In other words, it is no longer possible to continue extinguishing the fire with the aid of the extinguishing device. However, this is not necessary either, because of the barrier effect against liquids.

If the fire extinguishing device is now to be put into a ready state again, the barrier liquid can be discharged, for example, by means of the discharge device 23. Subsequently, it is only necessary to replace the broken membrane 8 and to fill the container 12 again with liquid and to refill the reservoir 14 with gas under pressure. Alternatively, it is also possible to replace the empty container 12 and the empty reservoir 14 with a filled container and reservoir.

Fig. 2 shows the fire extinguishing device 10 of fig. 1 in a perspective view. An input line flange 22 and an output line flange 20 for attachment to the gas line 2 are visible. It is furthermore visible that a cylindrical container 12, in which a fire suppressant space 16 and a barrier liquid space 18 are arranged. The extinguishing agent space can be brought into flow connection with the reservoir 14 by means of a pressure gas line with a fast switching valve 15. The reservoir 14 contains compressed gas. It can also be seen that the fire extinguishing device 10 has a cover 25 and a base 27, wherein they are connected to a cylindrical housing in which the interior space 4 and the exterior space 6 are located, by means of a cover flange 24 and a base flange 26, respectively.

Preferably, the container 12 and the reservoir 14 with compressed gas are fixedly connected with the lid 25. In particular, the cover 25 can thereby be exchanged together with the container 12 and the reservoir 14 for the purpose of again creating the operational capability of the fire extinguishing device 10. For this purpose, the membrane 8 is preferably arranged centrally in the cover 25. The cover flange 24 preferably has a recess corresponding to the membrane 8. In this way, in particular, the damaged membrane 8 can also be replaced by replacing the cover 25. In particular, work inside the fire extinguishing device 10 can be omitted.

Fig. 3 shows the fire extinguishing device of fig. 1 and 2 in a state integrated into the gas line 2. In the fire extinguishing device 10 shown in fig. 3, unlike in fig. 1, the inlet line flange 22 is shown on the left and the outlet line flange 20 on the right. Thus, in FIG. 3, the gas passes through the fire suppression apparatus 10 from left to right, with the flame front in the opposite direction (i.e., from right to left).

As can be seen from fig. 3, the fire extinguishing device 10 is connected to the gas line 2 via a flange on the supply line section 19 corresponding to the supply line flange 22. The outlet line flange 20 is connected to the outlet line section 21 of the gas line 2 via a corresponding flange. A detector 28 is arranged in the inlet line section 19 of the gas line 2. These detectors are assigned to the fire-extinguishing device 10 and are provided for detecting flame fronts. For example, a spark detector is referred to herein. The detector 28 sends a detector signal, e.g. encoded for detected sparks or detected flame front, to the electronic control device 30. The electronic control device 30 controls the fast switching valve 15 based on these detector signals. For example, if one of the detectors 28 detects a flame front in the gas line 2, it will send a corresponding detector signal to the electronic control device 30. Then, the electronic control device controls the quick switching valve 15 and opens it. The point in time of opening is also determined, for example, from the distance of the respective detector 28 from the fire suppression device 10. The extinguishing process already described before is introduced by opening the fast switching valve 15.

List of reference numerals

2 gas pipeline

4 inner space

6 outer space

8 film

10 fire extinguishing device

12 container

14 reservoir with compressed gas

15 quick switching valve

16 fire extinguishing agent space

17 perforated partition wall

18 blocking liquid space

19 input line section

22 input pipeline flange

21 output line section

20 output pipeline flange

23 discharge device

24 cover flange

25 cover

26 bottom flange

27 bottom part

28 Detector

30 electronic control device

L fire extinguishing area

And an S-barrier region.