REDUCING OXYGEN LEVELS TO PREVENT FIRE FROM ANY SOURCE WHILE STILL PROVIDING BREATHEABLE AIR AT 15/16% OXYGEN

Human beings have altered ambient air for hundreds of years. It has been used successfully in the medical field for the past forty years. Reduction of oxygen in the air by replacement with nitrogen effectively extinguishes fire. This effect is due to a changed mixing ration of oxygen and nitrogen with fewer oxygen molecules available for the combustion process.

AIR COMPRESSORS AND NITROGEN GENERATOR

Nitrogen generators produce up to 99.9% pure, commercially sterile nitrogen from a compressed air supply. All membrane nitrogen generators include a 0.01 micron membrane filter which ensure the nitrogen is completely free of suspended impurities. By adding an optional third filter we can make food and dairy applications approved by United States Department of Agriculture. This would filter out 99.99% of the 0.01 micron particles.

 The generators utilized are the most efficient systems available with high recovery rates and lower operating cost than most other membrane systems. The nitrogen generator use proprietary membrane separation technology. The membrane divides the air into two streams: one is 95-95.5% pure nitrogen, and the other is oxygen -rich with carbon dioxide and other trace gases. The generator separates air into its component gases by passing inexpensive conventional compressed air through bundles of individual hollow fiber semi-permeable membranes. Each fiber has a perfectly circular cross section and a uniform bore through its center. Because the fibers are so small, a great many can be packed into a limited space, providing an extremely large membrane surface area that can produce a relatively high volume product stream.

Compressed air is introduced to the center of the fibers at one end of the module and contacts the membrane as it flows through the fiber bores. While oxygen, water vapor and other trace gases permeate the membrane fiber and are discharged through a permeate port, the nitrogen is contained within the hollow fiber membrane, and flows through the outlet port of the module. Water vapor also permeates through the membrane; therefore, the nitrogen gas is very dry.

 The fire prevention systems are complete and ready to operate as delivered to job site with carefully matched components engineered for easy installation operation and long term reliability.
Both the air and nitrogen generators are free standing and housed in attractive cabinets. The Standard system features include; high efficiency coalescing prefilters with automatic membrane final filter. Installation consists of simple connecting a standard compressed air line to the inlet and connecting the outlet to the nitrogen line. The membrane system offers the advantages of no moving parts and no electrical requirements there is no complicated operating procedure to learn or labor intensive monitoring involved.

Simply select the purity your process requires, set the flow and pressure, and within minute’s high purity, dry nitrogen is available for immediate use and fire prevention. Once the system is operating, it requires little monitoring. The only maintenance involves changing the coalescing filter cartridges and activated carbon filter periodically, which is a ten minute procedure. Both generators are very quiet and compact to save on floor space.

OXYGEN MONITORING DEVICE

The oxygen monitoring device is a compact gas system that is ideal for the continuous monitoring of inert gas storage areas, confined spaces and other locations where low oxygen levels may pose a hazard to personnel. Unlike electrochemical sensor cells our unit provides stable oxygen readings even in areas where temperature and humidity levels are changing. The heart of the monitoring system is a long lasting zirconium sensor, which responds to low oxygen conditions within 15 seconds and provides accurate measurements over a wide temperature and humidity range. The zirconium 02 sensor cell will operate continuously for five or more years and requires virtually no maintenance. There are no zero calibrations to adjust and it was built for reliability and long lasting monitoring abilities. Ideally suited for confined spaces the 02 deficiency monitor does not drift or lose sensitivity when temperature changes. The electronics are housed in nema 4xIP 65 weather resistance housing. Currently used by NASA.

Sensor cell is supervised 24/7.The 02 monitors microprocessor is continuously monitoring the 02 cell electrical outputs and is capable of detecting any variation of normal sensor cell operation when it happens. Sensor faults are displayed on the front panel and also sent to remote control devices for the built –in fault relay. The oxygen digital monitor has built in user selectable dual level alarm relays and a system fault for connecting to horns and strobes. It also has a 4-20 mA output for connecting to remote controllers, fire alarms, systems and PLC’s.This open protocol permits communications to a central computer or controller. Options also allow daisy chain configuration from monitor to monitor for large facilities; this lowers the installation wiring costs. Optional wireless communications, Combined with 02 monitor can transmit continuous Oxygen monitoring data without the use of hard wire connections.

PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE

Pressure relief valve utilizes a flange mounted design; this economical vent provides maximum flow capacity and high efficiency. The improved vent uses a reduced number of standard components thus minimizing maintenance and replacement costs. Standard materials of construction include aluminum, iron, steel and 316 stainless steel. This selection of materials is suitable for applications in corrosive and toxic environments.
 To ensure alignment and seating, the pressure pallet used is both peripheral and center stem guided. For added reliability and extended service, the diaphragm is cushion seated and constructed of FEP Teflon contributing to high resistance to adhesion of ice and gum formation. Seat rings are field replaceable.

 For additional protection, a weather hood and a coarse mesh screen surrounding the entire valve prevent foreign matter from entering the valve. A standard flanged base for sizes 2 inch through 24 inch will fit 150 lb. ANSI flanges.Flangedbase materials are aluminum and cast iron for 150 Lb flat face flange, and cast steel, ductile iron and stainless steel for 150 braided face flanges. Relief valves vary according to project size.

ASPIRATING SMOKE DETECTORS

By using ultra sophisticated fire detection systems which will take air samples through a filter assembly to screen out large airborne dust particles. Once inside the air-sampling detector the samples are exposed to a high-intensity and broad spectrum light source. The incident light scattered from smoke particles in the air sample passes through a series of optical components to a solid state light receiver. The light is converted to an electronic signal and passes to the control system.

 At the control module the signal is processed and presented in the monitored area. Depending upon smoke levels and the preprogrammed alarm levels, the appropriate output signals are generated. The first of three staged alarms signal levels (ALERT) may simply indicate that the system has detected something out of the ordinary and consequently should be investigated. The second level (ACTION) indicates that a potential fire exists and that emergency procedures should begin. The third level (FIRE) signifies an actual fire condition which will not occur using Resources fire prevention system.

 Wiring used is a comprehensive fault tolerant 2-wire communications loop. It links the detectors, displays, programmers, and a remote unit on a daisy chain loop. This allows for a number of units to be programmed together from one or more locations and automatically detects communication failures. One of the key elements in the performance of this system using aspirating smoke detection is the network of sampling pipes that actively transport air from a protected area to the system.

SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS

The fast mask positive pressure emergency escape breathing apparatus features an automatic inflating head harness for safe and fast (3 seconds) donning of the facemask, which requires limited training before use while providing immaculate protection escaping from a wide variety of hazardous environments. The facemask is instantly activated when the mask is deployed and can be reset in the event of a non emergency. In a large facility SCBA would be required for each employee to comply with OSHA.

MISCELLANEOUS

Warning signs will be posted at the entrance of the protected area, indicating caution, authorized personnel only, low oxygen levels, as well as both an electronic and battery operated oxygen monitoring device allowing employees to view oxygen concentration in room prior to entering. Alarms on main oxygen monitoring device equipped with both audible sounds and strobe lights will activate if the preprogrammed oxygen levels are breached either high or low oxygen concentrations.

Door strips similar to ones used in freezer warehouse or Air guard system, to be installed in distribution centers having frequent door opening, (when recommended.) Resources software to determine necessary equipment size. Software to place distribution (delivery) of nitrogen so it mixes homogeneously in area being protected. Software regulating amount of nitrogen to be delivered and controlled.

Special ceiling tiles to be used when required keeping air pressure controlled. The tighter the facility the less the energy cost, similar to air conditioning. Control unit to be visible and protected. Outside piping from compressor to be steel, inside PVC or similar material. Compressor and generator housed inside when possible. Magnahilix to be used to determine air pressure inside fire protected facility. Each installation is an engineering project. Personnel safety is a primary issue and no factor of greater importance.
 
 It cost approximately one cent per KWH to continually operate an air compressor with cost of one Horse Power $ 100 to 120 dollars per year. The operating cost is derived from the following equation;

(1 cent per KWH)(.746KW per HP)(8760hours per year)

It is recommended that any person working in this environment receive a medical check up to ensure they will not be affected by this atmosphere. This environment is not for general public but rather for controlled access, by healthy employees. The above information is intended as a rule of thumb in preparing energy cost for the operation of this fire prevention system.