Suppression of fires in confined spaces by pressurization
First Claim
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1. A method of extinguishing a fire in a habitable space while maintaining an environment suitable for human sustenance and activity therein, which comprises:
- sealing off the space to prevent gas escapement;
diffusing nitrogen gas at a pressure greater than ambient into said space initially at ambient pressure and uniformly mixing said nitrogen with the gases within said habitable space and adding said diffused nitrogen gas into said confined space until the oxygen % by volume is from 10-15% with a partial pressure of oxygen of from 0.2-0.3 atmospheres with an increase in total gas pressure to 1.5 to 2.0 atmospheres;
whereby the reduced oxygen % by volume is sufficient to extinguish the fire and the partial pressure of oxygen is sufficient to sustain human life and permit work activity within the increased pressure environment.
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Abstract
A process for suppressing fires in confined spaces without damage to contained equipment or loss of habitability for personnel which comprises adding nitrogen to the area to increase the total gaseous pressure within the confined area while retaining the partial pressure of oxygen in the area at a level that will support life while the percent by volume of oxygen is not sufficient to support combustion.
28 Citations
1 Claim
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1. A method of extinguishing a fire in a habitable space while maintaining an environment suitable for human sustenance and activity therein, which comprises:
- sealing off the space to prevent gas escapement;
diffusing nitrogen gas at a pressure greater than ambient into said space initially at ambient pressure and uniformly mixing said nitrogen with the gases within said habitable space and adding said diffused nitrogen gas into said confined space until the oxygen % by volume is from 10-15% with a partial pressure of oxygen of from 0.2-0.3 atmospheres with an increase in total gas pressure to 1.5 to 2.0 atmospheres;
whereby the reduced oxygen % by volume is sufficient to extinguish the fire and the partial pressure of oxygen is sufficient to sustain human life and permit work activity within the increased pressure environment.
- sealing off the space to prevent gas escapement;
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Current AssigneeG. H. Fielding, Homer W. Carhart, R. G. Gann
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Original AssigneeG. H. Fielding, Homer W. Carhart, R. G. Gann
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InventorsCarhart, Homer W., Fielding, G. H., Gann, R. G.
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Primary Examiner(s)Ward, Jr., Robert S.
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Assistant Examiner(s)Mar, Michael
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Application NumberUS05/418,346Time in Patent Office592 DaysField of Search169/46,47,66,68,71,74,89,11,12US Class Current169/46CPC Class CodesA62C 99/0018 using gases or vapours that...
