Method for protecting an area against pollution by using a cloud of water droplets

• US 5,211,336 A
• Filed: 05/23/1991
• Issued: 05/18/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 05/23/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Desautel
• Original Assignee: ZEUS Wireless (Proxim Wireless Corporation)
• Inventors: Issartel, Eric, Kaidonis, Aristide
• Primary Examiner(s): Stormer, Russell D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): HOGE, GARY CHAPMAN
• Application Number:
  US07/703,868
• Time in Patent Office: 726 Days
• Field of Search: 239/1, 239/2.1, 239/14.1, 169/43
• US Class Current: 239/1
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 3/0292 by spraying extinguishants directly into the fire A62C3/0242 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 99/0072 using sprayed or atomised water
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 5/03 characterised by the use of gas , e.g. electrostatically assisted pneumatic spraying B05B5/04, B05B5/043, B05B5/047 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 7/0075 Nozzle arrangements in gas streams

Abstract

Method for protecting an area, in particular against fire, by emission of a cloud of water droplets, comprising at least two of the three successive stages, in an order which is appropriate to the problem faced:

a first stage, corresponding to remote fire prevention, in which droplets are emitted which are smaller than 100 micrometers, suitable in particular for rehydrating plants,

a second stage, used in proximal prevention, which comprises in addition the emission of droplets of 100 to 300 micrometers, giving a more long lasting mist,

and a third stage, for immediate prevention, in which droplets of 300 to 800 micrometers are added to the previous droplets, for a drizzle effect.

Claims

1. Method for protecting an area, against pollution by forming a cloud of water droplets, which may contain an additive, over the area to be protected the method comprising at least two of the three following stages, in an order which is predetermined:

a) a stage in which the droplets formed essentially have a diameter less than 100 micrometers,

b) a stage in which the droplets formed essentially comprise 10 to 50% by weight of droplets of a diameter less than 100 micrometers, and the remainder of droplets of a diameter between 100 and 300 micrometers,

c) a stage in which the droplets formed comprise 3 to 20% by weight of droplets of a diameter less than 100 micrometers, 20 to 50% by weight of droplets of a diameter between 100 and 300 micrometers, and the remainder of droplets of a diameter between 300 and 800 micrometers.

2. Method according to claim 1 wherein said cloud of water droplets is formed above and around the area to be protected.

3. Method according to claim 2, in which the droplets emitted are formed from water to which a product capable of neutralizing the pollutant has been added.

4. A method according to claim 2, further comprising conveying water from a source to a microatomizer, an atomizer, and a mist-sprayer;

creating droplets of water of 5 to 100 micrometers from the microatomizer,

creating droplets of water of 100 to 500 micrometers, from the atomizer

creating droplets of water of 500 to 800 micrometers from the mist sprayer;

said microatomizer atomizer and mist-sprayer being grouped in proximity to one another, and

creating a current of air carrying and mixing said water droplets in order to form the cloud.

5. The method according to claim 4 wherein the water conveyed to the microatomizer is formed into droplets by breaking up a stream of the water with a jet of compressed air.

6. The method according to claim 4 wherein the water conveyed to the microatomizer is formed into droplets by creating a stationary train of sound shock waves and injecting water into the shock waves.

7. The method according to claim 4 wherein the water conveyed to the microatomizer is formed into droplets by conveying the water at a pressure of 30 bar through a diffuser.

8. The method according to claim 4 further comprising electrostatically charging the droplets of water with a similar electrostatic charge.

9. The method according to claim 4 further comprising electrically charging the droplets by passing the conveyed water through diffusers, injectors or nozzles of electrically charged microatomizers, atomizers and mist sprayers.

10. The method according to claim 4 including transporting said microatomizer, atomizer and mist sprayer to a pollution source.

11. The method of claim 4 further comprising automatically activating the microatomizer, the atomizer and the mist sprayer.