BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device for fire and/or smoke control and to a method for fire and/or smoke control. The concept fire and/or smoke control may regard fighting fire and/or fighting smoke, containing it by treating the surrounding area of a seat of fire and/or seat of smoke, or -on the contrary- stimulating a seat of fire in order to promote complete combustion, should this be the wiser option. Fire and smoke control often takes place by means of hosing pressurised water onto the seat of fire and/or seat of smoke and its surroundings. Via a hose the water is received from a water supply on a motor vehicle, which is provided with a tank, pump and hose (in the Netherlands called a "tankautospuit" or TAS, -water tender- and in Belgium called "pompwagen" pump vehicle) and once that supply has run out, via the (pump of the) motor vehicle and a via a further hose, from a fire hydrant and/or a natural source, in particular surface water.

It has turned out that the fire and/or its consequences may grow worse as a result of using water in extinguishing a fire. Fire water may for instance be a means of spreading substances that are flammable, which for instance took place in the fire at a chemical compound in Moerdijk, the Netherlands in 2011 , where flammable oil spread over the water. The -excessively hosed- water furthermore also damages objects and structures that are not damaged by fire and smoke, resulting in the water damage exceeding the actual fire damage and sometimes even constituting up to 70-80% of the overall damage. Moreover the water discharged is an environmental burden because of the pollutions included therein, resulting in sewage water, ground water and surface water becoming (highly) polluted.

There is a need therefore for an option to limit the use of water in the control of fire and/or smoke.

Controlling fire and/or smoke often requires several devices to be deployed, such as a hose including nozzle for water under high pressure, a hose including a nozzle for water under low pressure, a foam nozzle, successively or at least partially simultaneously. The location where it all takes place may be complex. There is a need for a multifunctional, single device for fire and/or smoke control.

There is furthermore a need for an effective and safe way of effecting complete combustion.

There is furthermore a need for a device for and method of controlling fire and/or smoke that provides a high degree of safety to fire brigade personnel.

There is furthermore a need for a device for and method of protecting premises adjoining a seat of fire or smoke from the effects of fire and heat.

There is furthermore a need for controlling fires in tunnels and protecting the structure against the effects of fire and heat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a device for and/or method of providing fire and/or smoke control by which controlling the fire can be realised using/utilizing a limited amount of water.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device for and/or method of fire and/or smoke control with a high degree of efficiency. It is an object of the invention to provide a versatile, multiple deployable device for fire and/or smoke control. It is an object of the invention to provide a device for and/or method of fire and/or smoke control which under the circumstances given can offer a relatively high degree of safety to fire brigade personnel.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device for and/or method of fire and/or smoke control with which fire brigade personnel can remain at a safe distance from the seat of fire and/or seat of smoke and/or the tools to be deployed can be kept at a safe distance from the seat of fire and/or seat of smoke. It is an object of the invention to provide a compact device for fire and/or smoke control which can have a large capacity.

For achieving at least one of these objects, according to one aspect, the invention provides a device for fire and/or smoke control, comprising a frame and at least one turbo-jet engine arranged on the frame, the engine having a centre line, an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and comprising a funnel lead-through arranged in particular at least partially, in particular at least substantially entirely downstream from the turbo-jet engine, wherein the funnel lead-through defines a first conical passage, in particular at least a substantially circular conical passage, narrowing in flow direction, between a relatively wide inlet opening and an outlet opening, which passage is in line with the centre line of the turbo-jet engine, wherein the inlet opening of the conical passage has a surface that is larger than that of the outlet opening of the turbo-jet engine, preferably several tens of times as large, in particular more than approximately 100 times as large.

By using a turbo-jet engine an area can be treated that lies at great distance from the device. The cooperation between the turbulent exhaust gas flow leaving the turbo-jet engine at high speed and the conical passage creates a strong ambient-air-drawing effect. As a result a considerable flow rate of -relatively cool- air from the ambient can be pulled in and dragged/drawn along, thus effecting a considerable temperature drop relative to the high temperature (700-800°C) of the exhaust gas flow. Here the flow rate of ambient air may be so high relative to the exhaust gas flow that the temperature in the resulting gas/air mixture may end (well) below 100°C. As a result the device can safely be deployed in the control of fire/smoke in spaces in which persons may be present and the safety of fire brigade personnel is also increased.

The flow rate of the gas/air mixture discharged by the device may furthermore be large, as a result of which the effectiveness when being used in expelling smoke is enhanced.

The safety is furthermore promoted because at a temperature of below 100°C in case of supplying water in the gas/air mixture, the formation of steam is prevented to a great extent thus reducing the risk of persons who are in or in the vicinity of the area treated, getting burned. For instance consider fighting a fire in a stairwell, where there is a risk that, unknown to the fire brigade, a person enters the stairwell and gets into the area of influence of the discharged jet of gas/air/water mixture. In case water is admixed the reduced temperature will also increase the cooling effects by the discharged jet of gas/air/water mixture on the area of treatment.

The flow rate of the ambient air dragged along and pulled in, can be increased when the outlet opening of the first passage has a surface that is larger than that of the outlet opening of the turbo-jet engine, preferably at least 10 times as large, preferably more than 15 times as large and preferably 25 times as large at most. Pulling in ambient air is enhanced if the outlet opening of the turbo-jet engine is situated upstream from the outlet opening of the first passage, in particular if the outlet opening of the turbo-jet engine is situated at the location of, or more preferably, upstream from the inlet opening of the first passage. The available flow-through surface for the ambient air will then be large. In one embodiment hereof the outlet opening of the turbo-jet engine is situated upstream from the outlet opening of the first passage, at a distance therefrom which is 0 to 10 times the diameter of the outlet opening of the turbo-jet engine. In one embodiment the outlet opening of the turbojet engine is situated upstream from the inlet opening of the first passage at a distance therefrom which is 0 to 1 times the diameter of the outlet opening of the first passage.

The turbo-jet engine has a housing having an outer circumferential wall, which -considered in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the centre line- preferably is circular, wherein in one embodiment the inlet opening of the conical passage has a surface that is at least 10 times as large as that of the circumferential wall of the turbo-jet engine housing, preferably at least approximately 15 times as large, preferably 25 times as large at most, considered in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the centre line. This enhances the supply of ambient air. In one embodiment the funnel lead-through may be limited to the conical passage. In a further development of the device according to the invention, however the funnel lead-through comprises a tube, in particular a straight circle cylindrical tube, defining a second passage, which with its inlet opening connects to the outlet opening of the first passage. The tube forms a guide and directing means for the flow of gas/air mixture, which is enhanced if the length of the second passage equals or exceeds the length of the first passage.

In a compact embodiment the turbo-jet engine is attached to the funnel lead-through by means of elongated attachment members, such as tubes or rods. Said attachment members may extend inclined in upstream direction from the funnel lead-through and form a type of outrigger structure via which the turbo-jet engine is as it were suspended from the funnel lead- through. On the one hand the elongated attachment members can be attached to the turbo-jet engine near its inlet opening, and/or on the other hand be attached to the funnel lead-through near its inlet opening. Advantageously the elongated attachment members may have an additional function when they form a passage for one or more operating lines and the fuel line for the turbo-jet engine. All lines can then be protected against damage. In one embodiment the first passage has a wall which, considered in longitudinal-section of the funnel lead-through, in flow direction has an increasingly reducing angle of inclination relative to the centre line, which wall in particular follows a smooth curve. The funnel lead-through may have an inlet edge area also called bell mouth, for enhancing the inflow of ambient air.

In a further development, the device according to the invention may be deployed in supplying/throwing water -that may or may not be provided with an additive- to the area to be treated situated at a distance from the device, in order to extinguish a fire at that location and/or cooling the surrounding area of the seat of fire and/or seat of smoke and/or keeping it wet. To that end, in a further development, the device according to the invention is furthermore provided with at least one supply line for extinguishing agent, such as water, and with a water delivery device connected to the supply line, which delivery device has at least one nozzle extending in the passage of the funnel lead-through, in particular at radial inward distance from the inner surface, in particular at a distance of at least 1/6 diameter of the tube from said inner surface, as well as with an operating device for the water delivery device, wherein, preferably, several nozzles are positioned at locations that are -in particular regularly- spaced apart from each other in circumferential direction. Water or extinguishing agent is effectively discharged into the gas/air flow by the one or several nozzles, as a result of which the spread therein is enhanced.

In the embodiment with funnel lead-through including tube, the tube having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the at least one nozzle of the water delivery device may extend in the second passage, at a location closer to the inlet opening of the tube than at its outlet opening, preferably near its inlet opening, in which way turbulence in the gas/air flow can be profited from. The tube may act therein as mixing chamber for mixing the extinguishing agent and the gas/air flow.

In one embodiment, pressure can be differentiated in the discharge of water. For that purpose the device is provided with first and second supply lines for water to the water delivery device, in particular to respective first and second nozzles thereof, wherein the first and the second supply lines are adapted for leading through water at low pressure (up to 10 bar) and water at high pressure (up to 35 bar), respectively. Such pressures are commonly used by fire brigades, the said water tender (TAS) has pumps capable of delivering water at those pressures. When injecting water at high pressure, low flow rate (such as 100-150 l/min), into the gas/air flow a jet of fine mist can be realised, when injecting water at low pressure, larger flow rate (such as 200-250 l/min), a jet of water drops can be realised.

For enhancing the mixing, the nozzles of the water delivery device may have a discharge direction having a directional component oriented towards the centre line and/or in axial downstream direction.

In a compact embodiment the turbo-jet engine is a turbo-jet engine without bypass, resulting in the surface over which ambient air may flow in can be large. The turbo-jet engine may be a gas turbine having a radial compressor and an axial (flow) turbine, in particular having a single stage radial compressor. Such an engine may provide high thrust in a compact embodiment. Such engines are therefore also called micro gas turbines. They have a thrust that is considerably lower than that of jet engines in civil aviation and military aviation, namely below 15 kN.

In an embodiment of increased capacity the device according to the invention comprises two turbo-jet engines positioned parallel and having associated funnel lead-throughs positioned parallel, wherein, preferably, the turbo-jet engines are positioned horizontally adjacent to each other, wherein, preferably, the inlet openings of the conical passages have inlet edges extending substantially according to respective circle curves, wherein said circle curves contact or partially overlap each other. In the latter case a compact arrangement in transverse direction can be achieved.

For enhancing the directing of the jet of gas/air mixture and optionally extinguishing agent exiting from the funnel lead-through on/to the area to be treated, the assembly of the at least one turbo-jet engine and associated funnel lead-through can be disposed on an arm, which arm is connected to the frame so as to be swung in a vertical plane, wherein the device is furthermore provided with an operating device for swinging the arm, wherein the length of the arm preferably is adjustable and the device is furthermore provided with an operating device for adjusting the arm length, preferably telescopically. In that way the assembly of turbo-jet engine and funnel lead-through can be taken to a high position, which for instance may be required in case of treating an elevated location (building) or treatment of a seat of fire and/or seat of smoke situated behind an obstacle, such as a stranded vehicle or wall.

Directing is enhanced if the at least one turbo-jet engine with funnel lead- through is movably attached to the arm, in particular in a manner so as to be rotatable in a vertical plane, preferably can be directed with the outflow direction downward and/or upward.

Directing is furthermore enhanced if the at least one turbo-jet engine with funnel lead-through is attached to the arm so as to be rotatable in a horizontal plane.

Alternatively or additionally to throwing water on the area to be treated the device according to the invention may be provided with at least a part of a compressed air foam system having a foam delivery device positioned near the funnel lead-through. Such a system is also known as CAFS (compressed air foam system).

In case the said tube is present on the funnel lead-through, the foam delivery device can be disposed on the tube, preferably outside of and near the outlet opening of the tube, resulting in a compact arrangement. In the above-mentioned case of two turbo-jet engines with funnel lead-throughs positioned parallel, the foam delivery device may be attached to a location in between the funnel lead-throughs, in particular in between the tubes if present. In case the assembly of turbo-jet engine with funnel lead-through is attached to the outer end of said arm, the foam delivery device may be disposed for joint movement with the turbo-jet engine and funnel lead- through so that the foam delivery device can also be optimally directed without many additional structures. The foam delivery device may comprise one or more nozzles which as regards discharge direction can be directed in the vertical plane and/or horizontal plane relative to the centre line of the turbo-jet engine with funnel lead-through.

For enhancing autonomous deployment and increasing the deployment time, the device according to the invention for the CAFS may be provided with a tank for foam premix, a mixing chamber and one or more compressed air bottles and/or compressor for the compressed air foam system. The deployment time is even more enhanced when the device is provided with a tank for foam concentrate, a mixing chamber and a compressor for compressed air for the compressed air foam system. In that case the device could be connected via a hose to a remote water source for supplying water for the foam formation.

In a further embodiment the device according to the invention is provided with a reel with one or more feed lines for the device, wherein the one or more feed lines have coupling ends for connection to remote sources. In that way the deployment time will not be limited by the supplies provided on the device itself. Winding or unwinding takes place on the device and may directly be adjusted to the required lengths of the feed lines. In that way the risk of damaging the feed lines, for instance by moving the device, is reduced. Moreover the device when being moved does not need to drag a feed line behind it, which increases the deployability. Winding and unwinding the reel may take place depending on the movement (location, speed) of the device.

The one or several feed lines may comprise a feed line forming a passage for water, in particular forming a high-pressure pipe line. It may connect to the above-mentioned supply line for water to the water delivery device. The one or several feed lines may comprise a feed line connecting to the compressed air foam system.

The one or several a feed lines may comprise a feed line forming a passage for foam concentrate, foam premix or foam.

The one or several feed lines may comprise a feed line forming a passage for fuel, in particular kerosene, whether or not with admixed oil. In a compact embodiment enhancing the overview of the worksite, the feed lines are incorporated in one hose. The device according to the invention may be provided with a tank for fuel, in particular kerosene, whether or not including admixed oil, for the turbo-jet engine.

The device according to the invention may be self-propelled, and for that purpose be provided with a set of caterpillar tracks or set of wheels for supporting and moving the frame on/over a basis, wherein the frame is furthermore provided with a drive, in particular a diesel hydraulic drive, for the set of caterpillar tracks or set of wheels. Said drive may also be used for other drives in the device, such as cylinders and hydro engines for having the various swinging and rotational motions of the various components, such as arm, turbo-jet engine, etc. carried out. For enhancing the autonomous deployment the frame may be provided with a tank for fuel for the drive. In a compact embodiment the tank has a common space for the fuel for both the turbo-jet engine and the drive, the lines to the turbo-jet engine and to the drive required for that purpose having been provided.

In a compact embodiment the frame comprises one chassis supported by the set of caterpillar tracks or set of wheels, wherein the turbo-jet engine and the funnel lead-through (via the arm), arm, the foam premix tank, and/or foam concentrate tank, the mixing chamber, the compressed air bottle, the compressor, the reel and/or the fuel tank are supported on the chassis.

In order to be able to remove obstacles in the work area of the device, the chassis may furthermore be provided with a first dozer, active in a first direction of the movement of the frame, which dozer can be moved up and down by a dozer operating device, and preferably, in order to limit the number of manoeuvres, with a second dozer, active in a second direction of movement that is opposite the first direction of movement of the frame, which dozer can be moved up and down by a dozer operating device. The two dozers may be disposed at opposite ends of the chassis. In view of the stability of the device during use of the turbo-jet engine, the device may be provided with propping devices for transferring to the basis reactive forces generated as a result of using the turbo-jet engine. In a compact embodiment the first and/or the second dozer are part of the propping devices.

The device according to the invention may be provided with one or more cameras for providing information about the location of the frame. A camera can be disposed on an auxiliary arm that is movable relative to the funnel lead-through, preferably can be swung in a vertical plane, preferably to a position above the funnel lead-through, in particular tube, wherein the device is furthermore provided with an operating device for the auxiliary arm and preferably with an operating device for rotating the camera relative to the auxiliary arm in the vertical plane. From a location above the funnel lead-through and the exiting jet, the camera can provide a proper view of the area to be treated and of the progress of the fire control. In the said case of two turbo-jet engines with funnel lead-throughs positioned parallel, the auxiliary arm may be attached to a location in between the funnel lead- throughs, in particular in between the tubes, if present. The device according to the invention may be provided with one or more distance sensors for determining the location of the frame relative to objects and walls in the surrounding area and/or with one or more sensors, such as an infrared camera, for determining the temperature at the location of the seat of fire and/or seat of smoke.

For enhancing the safety of fire brigade personnel the device may be provided with means for remote control of the turbo-jet engine, the operating device for the water delivery device, the operating device for swinging the arm, the operating device for adjusting the arm length, the compressed air foam system, the drive for the set of caterpillar tracks or set of wheels, the dozer operating device(s), the propping devices, the cameras and/or the operating device for the auxiliary arm and camera placed thereon. For moving the device according to the invention from a stand-by location to the worksite, the invention provides an assembly of a mobile transport unit and a device according to the invention which is temporarily supported thereon, including a frame with caterpillar tracks or wheels and including said reel, as well as -supported on the transport unit- one or more tanks for fuel, foam concentrate and/or foam premix and/or water as well pumps for them, wherein the feed line/lines are adapted for connection to the respective tanks. The transport unit which may for instance be transported using a trailer or truck (for instance with hook/tow? arm), may comprise a container, in particular a TEU container, in which the device is accommodated during transport. A command post may be added to the assembly, in particular a mobile command post, wherein the command post has a chamber for fire brigade personnel and a control unit to be operated by the personnel for remote- controlling said functions in said chamber. The command post may be provided with means for keeping the chamber at overpressure relative to the ambient air, so that personnel is kept free from noxious gases, fumes and substances.

According to a further aspect the invention provides a method for expelling smoke from a space, such as a tunnel or a building, wherein an exhaust gas flow is generated by means of a turbo-jet engine and said exhaust gas flow is directed in a converging passage of a funnel lead-through wherein ambient air is drawn along and mixes with the exhaust gas flow into a gas air mixture, wherein the gas air mixture exiting from the funnel lead-through is directed at the space which is to be treated and the smoke in the space is given the opportunity to be displaced from the space by the air/gas flow urged into the space.

In the process a seat of fire related to the smoke generation can be fought also using a compressed air foam system including foam delivery device positioned near the turbo-jet engine.

The seat of smoke may be in a traffic tunnel, wherein the turbine-jet engine, the funnel lead-through and compressed air foam system on a remote- controlled car are moved in the tunnel and are remote-controlled.

According to a further aspect the invention provides a method for treating a seat of fire, wherein an exhaust gas flow is generated by means of a turbine-jet engine and said exhaust gas flow is directed into a converging passage of a funnel lead-through wherein ambient air is drawn along and mixes with the exhaust gas flow into a gas air mixture, wherein the gas air mixture exiting the funnel lead-through is directed at the seat of fire in order to fan the seat of fire for promoting a more complete combustion. Due to the heat smoke will be able to rise, resulting in it spreading over a larger area and being diluted more. This has fewer adverse effects on the environment. According to a further aspect the invention provides a method for fighting a fire, wherein an exhaust gas flow is generated by means of a turbine-jet engine and said exhaust gas flow is directed in a converging passage of a funnel lead-through wherein ambient air is drawn along and mixes with the exhaust gas flow into a gas air mixture, wherein the gas air mixture exiting the funnel lead-through is directed at the seat of fire and water is discharged in the funnel lead-through to the gas/air mixture for forming a mist jet or jet of drops.

A device according to the invention as discussed above and described in the claims may be used in particular in the said methods.

In the methods according to the invention, the ambient air may be sucked in at a flow rate that exceeds the flow rate of the turbine exhaust gas flow, preferably several times as large. The gas/air flow in the funnel lead- through may be guided and directed through a tubular passage of the funnel lead-through situated downstream from the converging passage. The water may be discharged within the tubular passage, wherein mixing with the gas/air flow takes place in the tubular passage, particularly at nozzles situated distributed -particularly regularly distributed- in circumferential direction in particular at a distance of at least 1/6 diameter of the tube from the inner surface of the tube. This may occur at high pressure, for instance at 30 bar, at a relatively lower flow rate of for instance 100-150 l/min and a mist exits from the tubular passage. This may occur at a low pressure, of for instance 10 bar, having a relatively higher flow rate of for instance 200-250 l/min, and a gas/air jet of drops exits from the tubular passage. The exiting gas/air mixture may due to mixing with ambient air have a temperature of below 100°C, in case of admixing water even lower.

In one embodiment, during the methods according to the invention, the turbo-jet engine with funnel lead-through during use is adjusted in vertical and/or horizontal position and/or direction in the vertical plane and/or the horizontal plane, preferably in a reciprocal manner or going up and down and/or according to a circumferential path, such as a circle or ellipse. In that case use can be made of a turbine-jet engine including funnel lead-through at the end of an arm that can be adjusted as regards length and/or angle in the vertical plane, wherein preferably the angle relative to the arm in the vertical and/or horizontal plane of the turbo-jet engine is adjusted. In that way the turbo-jet engine, during use, can be directed with the exhaust gas flow exiting upwards or downwards towards the seat of fire/smoke. If present the said foam delivery device, during use, can be directed so as to discharge upwards or downwards towards the seat of fire/smoke.

In case the turbo-jet engine, the funnel lead-through and, if present, the compressed air foam system, the water delivery device and operating means for them have been disposed on a mobile frame including drive, the movement of the frame and the operating means can be remote controlled in a wireless manner. The remote control can be carried out at sight of the personnel and/or using information about the location of the frame, the condition of the seat of fire/smoke, the position of the turbo-jet engine and/or foam delivery device as obtained through cameras and sensors. The remote control can take place in a wireless manner from a command post.

By means of a hose with feed lines, the frame can be connected to a water tank positioned stationary relative to the frame, a fuel tank and/or a foam concentrate tank or foam premix tank, wherein the hose is unrolled from or wound onto a reel. The reel can be taken along on the frame and is unrolled during movement of the frame towards the seat of smoke or seat of fire, in particular in register with the movement of the frame. In an alternative embodiment the reel is positioned stationary relative to the moving frame. In one embodiment it is possible, for instance in case of tunnel fires, to connect a hose to a line in the device leading to the foam delivery device, wherein outside of the tunnel the hose is coupled to a foam forming CAFS unit positioned there, from where the foam is urged through the hose using compressed air. Said hose may a common fire hose that can be wound flat, of which, depending on the length to be realised, several lengths of hose can be coupled to each other in steps. In that way a length of several hundreds of meters can be realised. The tanks can be disposed on/in a transportable unit, such as a container. The frame can be moved on/in the transportable unit from storage towards the seat of smoke/fire and after controlling it back again to the storage.

Further embodiments and aspects of the device and method according to the invention are described in the claims attached hereto, the contents of which should be considered inserted herein.

It is noted that from German utility model 200 07 851 a mobile motor vehicle including two ram jets is known, each having a long thrust tube connecting to the combustion chamber, wherein in one embodiment within the thrust tube a supply tube for extinguishing agent is disposed, which tube is coaxial therewith, and debouches in the exit opening of the thrust tube. In another embodiment the supply tube is disposed at the outer side of the thrust tube.

In the same document it is stated that a mobile arrangement with two adjacently positioned turbine fans originating from military aircraft or civil aircraft is also known, each fan at the location of the exit opening of the gas flows being provided with two delivery devices for extinguishing agent, by means of which 300-700 l/min of extinguishing agent is added to the exiting gas flows for forming a mist. This resembles a three-axis vehicle by the firm Zikun, on which a rotatable and tiltable box is disposed in which two aircraft jet engines are housed. Above the jet engines two pairs of delivery devices for extinguishing agent, such as water are disposed, which water ends up in the sphere of influence of the exiting gas flows due to gravity and is then drawn along. WO 93/23116 shows a caterpillar tracked vehicle having a tank chassis atop which is a pivoting plate with a tiltable platform thereon on which a pair of aircraft jet engines is disposed. At the exit the engines have each been provided with a compression chamber having operable slides for it. Outside of and adjacent to the exit of each jet engine nozzles for fire water including additives are positioned. The vehicle is provided with a dozer and with a separate prop.

Furthermore a mobile fire extinguishing device is known having a single turbine enveloped by a conical casing, wherein air is supplied by means of a propeller at the entrance of the casing and wherein at the edge of the exit opening of the casing delivery devices for extinguishing agent are provided. The conical shape of the casing is intended to realise a laminary flow. GB 1.219.363 shows a device for producing a foam for fire control. The device comprises a gas turbine engine and a cooling pipe connected thereto extending over a curve of 180 degrees. The cooling pipe ends in a converging part of a line in which ambient air is pulled in. Via a neck the converging part merges into a diverging part of the line, in which baffles are present and an axially oriented nozzle is positioned for spraying a mixture of water and foam forming agent onto a mesh screen. The arrangement is such that the flow velocity at the location of the mesh screen does not exceed approximately 3 m/s, a low speed of approximately 2 Bft. The aspects and measures described in this description and the claims of the application and/or shown in the drawings of this application may where possible also be used individually. Said individual aspects may be the subject of divisional patent applications relating thereto. This particularly applies to the measures and aspects that are described per se in the sub claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings, in which: Figures 1A and 1 B show a side view and a top view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention;

Figures 2A-2E show a schematic cross-section of the assembly of turbo-jet engine and funnel lead-through in the device of figures 1A,B, a view according to arrow IIB and a view according to arrow IIC, details of movable attachments of some parts and a cross-section of a hose including feed lines of the device of figures 1A,B, respectively; Figure 3 is a side view of the device of figures 1A,B in an operational position; and

Figures 4A-4D show a few stages in fighting a tunnel fire while using the device of figures 1A,B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The fire/smoke control device 1 in figures 1A and 1B comprises a frame having a single chassis 2 supported on caterpillar tracks 3. The chassis 2 among others bears a diesel engine 13 having a hydro pump mounted thereon for driving the caterpillar tracks 3 in directions A, a kerosene tank 14, a pump 17 for kerosene from the tank 14, a number of components of a CAFS, in particular a tank 15 for a chemical extinguishing agent concentrate, a compressor 16 for compressed air and a mixing chamber 93 for forming a foam out of the extinguishing agent concentrate. With its lower end 4a a telescopically extendable arm 4 is attached to the chassis 2 by means of a hinge 6, which arm 4 can be swung upwards and downwards (directions B) by means of a cylinder (not shown) extending between chassis and arm. At the outer end 4b of arm 4 a platform 18 is attached that can be swung in the vertical plane, direction C, about a hinge 19 within an angular range a of approximately 90 degrees, for instance between -45 degrees and +45 degrees relative to the horizontal. Attached to the platform 18 is a multiple discharge assembly 10 having two adjacently positioned turbo-jet engines 11a,b and two funnels 12a,b situated in line (S) therewith. By means of a rotation device 20 the discharge assembly 10 can be rotated in directions D about centre line Y, within an angular range β of -45 degrees to +45 degrees. Furthermore an arm 21 that can be swung up and down and a fixed arm 22 are attached between the funnels, which arms bear a camera 23 and a dry foam agent delivery device 24 for a compressed air foam system (CAFS), respectively. The turbo-jet engines 11a,b are attached to the funnels 12a, b by means of tubes 37, therefore via the funnels to the platform 18.

By means of a cable caterpillar 27 extending along the arm 4, the feed lines such as for kerosene, water and foam and the operation lines for the various setting drives are led to the platform. It is also possible to make use of the extendable/retractable lines accommodated in the arm, in particular for low pressure water and for foam. At one end the device 1 is furthermore provided with supports 7, on which a reel 8 and a drive engine 26 for it (directions E) are attached. A hose 30 is wound onto the reel 8, the cross-section of which hose is shown in figure 2E. The reel 8 is suitable for carrying a large length of hose 30, for instance 90 m, and for instance has a diameter and width of 1.5 m, and a hose diameter of for instance 7.5 cm.

The device 1 is compact for instance having a length of approximately 5 m, a width of approximately 1.7 m, and, in transport position (figure 1A) a height of approximately 2.2 m. By tilting the arm 4 slightly downwards relative to figure 1A the height can be reduced, such as 1.9 m, with a slightly larger length, the device being particularly suitable for use in parking garages.

At its rear and front on both sides, the device 1 is furthermore provided with arms 31 , 32 that can be pulled up and pushed down by cylinders, at the outer ends of which arms dozers 33, 34 and towing hooks 35, 36 are attached. By pushing the arms 31 , 32 with dozers 33, 34 down, in case of deployment at a high level of the discharge assembly 10 and activation of the turbo-jet engines 11a,b, the moment generated as a result thereof can be transferred to the basis. In figure 2A the assembly of turbo-jet engine 11a and a funnel 12a placed in line S therewith is shown. (The assembly of turbo-jet engine 11 b and funnel 12b is designed correspondingly.) The funnel 12a comprises a smooth circle conical, that means converging, first part 12aa and a tubular, straight circle cylindrical second part 12ab. The funnel has an inlet edge area 41 that can be formed in accordance with a bell mouth, for enhancing the influx of ambient air. The convergence of the first part 12aa may be in the order of 20 degrees, according to an angle between the chord of the cone relative to the centre line S. The inlet opening 42 of the first part 12aa may have a diameter D2 of approximately 89 cm, the outlet opening 43 of the first part and outlet opening 44 of the second part a diameter D3 of approximately 41 cm. The length L1 of part 12aa and the length L2 of part 12ab may approximately be equal, L2 may however also be larger than L1 , in this example approximately 64 cm for L1 and approximately 70 cm for L2.

The turbo-jet engine 11 is a micro gas turbine (thrust <15 kN), without bypass and provided with a starter motor 38 held by one or more spokes and with an inlet 39, via which inlet air flows in to a single stage radial compressor (not shown) in the turbo-jet engine. Via a diffusor the compressor (compressor wheel) supplies combustion air to an annular combustion chamber, for which the kerosene comes from the tank 14, being delivered by the pump 17, via a line accommodated in the cable caterpillar 27 and passing along rotation device 20 and through the tubes 37. The turbo-jet engine is of the type with axial turbine flow. Despite its small size, such as 20-25 cm external diameter and 50-70 cm length, this type of engine is able to provide a relatively large thrust, in the order of 500- 7500N. The outlet 40 of the turbo-jet engine is circular having a diameter D1 , which is for instance 10-25 cm. A suitable engine for the example given in the last paragraph is the turbo-jet engine Nike (thrust of 784 N) by AMT Netherlands BV, which has an outlet 40 with a D1 of approximately 10 cm and an outer diameter D4 (figure 2A) of the straight circle cylindrical circumferential wall of the housing of approximately 20 cm. The engine 11 is attached to the edge area 41 by means of -for instance three- tubes 37, which tubes 37 extend inclined therefrom in upstream direction and form a kind of outrigger 25 (figure 1 A) with the engine 11 at its end. At the one end the tubes 37 are attached to the edge area 41 by plates 81 and at the other end attached to a mounting ring 84 in which the engine 11 is attached near its inlet 39. At some distance downstream therefrom the engine 11 is furthermore, at the location of the turbine wheel, attached in a second ring 85, which is kept in position by -in this case three- intermediate rods 47, that are attached to the tubes 37. The second ring 85 may also form a safety confinement for parts/blades of the turbine wheel that possibly come loose. The tubes 37 also serve to allow the several lines (for illustration purposes one line 91 is shown) to be passed through to the turbo-jet engine 1. They enter the tubes 37 via a passage in the plates 81 and leave the tubes 37 in an opening 37a formed by a part of the tube end extending upstream from the ring 84 and at that location enter an annular chamber 83 defining the inlet 39 of the engine 11. From the annular chamber 83 the lines have been laid further, such as to the starter motor 38 and the burners.

The outlet opening or outlet 40 of the engine 11 in axial direction is situated at a distance T1 of at most 10 x D1 , upstream from the tube inlet opening 43, and/or at a distance T2 of at most D3, upstream from the inlet opening 42. In the previous example T2 may be approximately 11 cm. Due to the gas flow exiting (directions F) at high speed at a few hundred m/s, such as amply 500 m/s, the ambient air is drawn along and pulled in (directions G), which is enhanced by the converging shape of first part 12aa, so that the ambient air can be pulled in at a relatively large flow rate (several times, for instance 10 times, the flow rate of the exhaust gas flow), along into the tube 12ab, direction I. In the tube 12ab an intense mixing takes place and -in case of ambient air at regular temperature- cooling down the gas flow (exiting at 700-800°C from outlet 40) to below 100°C in the oxygen-rich gas/air flow exiting the outlet opening 44, direction J. The mixture exiting the outlet opening still has a relatively high speed, such as for instance over 100 m/s, for instance 150-300 m/s.

At the start of the second part 12ab, just downstream from the outlet opening 43, a double annular chamber 44a, b is arranged around the tube 12ab, for water at low and high pressure, respectively. Water dischargers 45a, b have been arranged regularly spaced apart from each other in the tube circumferential direction and extend radially inwards into the passage of the tube 12a, b and have been provided with nozzles 46a, b that are oriented radially inwardly inclined and axially downward (direction H). The arrangement of the water delivery devices is further shown in figure 2B, in which can be seen that the nozzles 46a, b extend inwards over a radial distance U, at least up to approximately 1/6 of the diameter D3 of the tube, which enhances the distribution in the gas/air flow. The annular chambers 44a, b are fed by water, via lines that run past the rotation device 20 and past/through the cable caterpillar 27 and to the connection to the hose 30, respectively, for connection to a high pressure source (35 bar), such as a water tender, situated elsewhere or to a connection provided for it on the frame, and to a connection provided on the frame for a low pressure line (10 bar) of a water tender. For both lines (high pressure and low pressure) remote-controlled valves are provided in the device, in the area near the lower end 4a of the arm 4 or on the platform 18. The nozzles 46a have a larger cross-section than the nozzles 46b, so that a larger flow rate (200- 250 l/min) and a smaller flow rate (100-150 l/min), respectively, can be discharged through them in the gas/air flow in the tube 12ab, 12bb. The choice of which nozzles to use depends on whether a fine mist (high pressure, low flow rate) or a rainy jet (low pressure, high flow rate) is desired.

In figure 2B it can be seen that the funnels 12a,b have been slid into each other slightly sideward, because the notional circles of the edges 41 overlap each other, so that a straight joint edge area 41a has been created. As the edges 41 have also been chamfered at the outer sides by straight edge portions 41b, the width B can be kept limited, in this example < 2 m.

In figure 2C it can be seen that the tubes 12ab and 12bb are connected to each other by a transverse part 48, onto which by means of a hinge 49 the swinging arm 21 with camera 23 is attached so as to swing, directions K.

The camera 23 can furthermore be hinged about a horizontal axis at the end of the arm 21 , directions L, also see figure 2D. Drive 50 ensures the movements in the directions K, drive 51 ensures the movements in the directions L Alternatively use can be made of a parallelogram structure that is moved by a cylinder. In that case allowing the camera to have a fixed orientation can be opted for. The arm 22 is also attached to the transverse part 48, also see figure 2D. The foam delivery device 24 can be tilted, directions M and be rotated about the centre line of arm 22, directions N, so that the discharge direction P can be set. Drive 52 ensures the movements in the directions M, drive 53 ensures the movements in the directions N. The foam delivery device 24 is designed with a nozzle that can be adjusted remote as regards discharge pattern, in order to be able to discharge wet foam if the seat of fire needs to be fought, or to be able to discharge dry foam if the surrounding area, such as structures, needs to be protected with an insulating layer of foam.

The drives 50-53 may be electromotors, or cylinders or (rotating) (hydro)engines. Figure 2D furthermore shows the cylinder 54 for tilting the platform 18, as well as the wheel motor 55 for the rotation device 20. With the stationary engine part the wheel motor 55 is attached to a T-shaped plate 86 by means of a flange 55a, to which plate the piston rod of the cylinder 54 engages, and with the rotating engine part it is attached to a plate of the platform 18 by means of a flange 55b. In order to prevent the motor 55 from giving way under the forces created and the platform 18 from getting detached, a safety or confinement structure is provided, comprising an outer confinement 87, having an overhanging inner edge, which engages over an inner ring 88 attached at a distance below the platform 18, in order to confine it in radial and axial upward direction.

In figure 20 a buffer tank 75 for the fuel for the turbo-jet engines 11a,b is furthermore attached to platform 18. Said tank 75 is fed by pump 17 with fuel from tank 14 via the supply line 92 extending through cable caterpillar 27, such that the tank is full at all times. The pumps 73a, b force the fuel from the tank 75 via the lines 94a, b extending through the tubes 37 to the turbo-jet engines 11a,b. The fuel supply to the engines 11a,b is ensured to a high degree by the pressurised tank 75, the pumps 73a, b and the relatively short lines 94a, b.

In the cross-section of figure 2E it can be seen that within the hose 30 several different supply lines are accommodated, in this example two lines 60 for high pressure water, a line 61 for kerosene, a line 62 for foam premix, foam concentrate or foam for the CAFS and -optionally- a line 63 having optical and/or electric conductors. At the end the hose 30 is provided with a multi-coupling 65 for connection to a multiple coupling at the location of a multiple tank, to be further discussed, and/or a multiple source.

All functions in the device 1 can be remote controlled. A first control unit 72 is arranged on the platform 18 for controlling the functions of the parts that are present on or near the platform, such as the various drives for the swinging and rotary motions (drives 50-55), but also the turbo-jet engines. By placing the control unit 72 (figure 2D) in the vicinity of those parts, in particular the engines 11a,b a failure proof operation is enhanced. On the chassis 2 of the device 1 a second control unit 70 (figure 1A) is arranged for controlling the functions of the parts present on the substructure (the part of the device from which the arm extends) of the device 1 , such as the diesel engine 13, the pump 17, the cylinder 56 for extending and retracting the arm 4, the cylinder that is not shown for swinging the arm 4 up and down and the valves for the nozzles.

Both control units 70,72 are functionally connected to a receiver/transmitter 71 , that is also arranged on platform 18. Data from the camera 23 and from other cameras/sensors are transmitted by means of this transmitter to a remote transmitter/receiver in a central staffed command post, for instance housed in a car (see for instance figure 4B, pos. 103). From the command- transmitter/receiver or from a separate transmitter/receiver (hand held) control data intended for the first and second control units 72, 70 are sent to the receiver/transmitter 71 for controlling the various functions of the device 1.

The control unit 72 is placed on a cooling device 76, of which the cooling lines are fed via a branch or in series with fuel from line 92. After running through the cooling lines for cooling the control unit 72 the fuel flows onwards to the tank 75.

In figure 1A the device 1 is shown in a transport position, in which it takes up as little space as possible. In figure 3 an operational position is shown, wherein the arm 4 is fully extended using a cylinder 56 placed adjacent to or in the arm 4. The centre line S of the tubes 12ba,bb can thus for instance be taken to a height of 5-6 metres. The dozers 33, 34 have been urged downward and are pressed against a bottom or road surface, by means of cylinders (only 57 for arm 31 is shown), for propping the device 1 so that the forces generated by the turbo-jet engines can be transferred to the ground.

The device 1 is compact to such an extent that it can also be deployed in limited spaces, such as a tunnel. The device 1 can be accommodated in a transport container, with tanks for kerosene and foam premix or foam concentrate and water. At least a few of these tanks can be coupled to the hose 30 via the said multi-coupling 65. In figure 4A it is shown by way of example that a container 100, containing a device 1 and tanks for kerosene, water and foam premix or foam concentrate, as well as pumps, are transported by road 200 on a truck or trailer 101 to the location of a fire to be fought. The trailer 101 is accompanied by a command vehicle 102, in which fire brigade personnel are present, and a water tender 103. The seat of the fire 202 is in a tunnel 201 , for instance at 75 m from the entrance 203. On site, but at safe distance from the entrance 203, the container 100 is disposed and the command vehicle is placed on a strategic location. After the container has been opened, the diesel engine 13 which may operate on the kerosene in tank 14, is started from the overpressure cabin 104 of the vehicle 102, via transmitter/receiver 103 or via a hand held transmitter operated by a fire fighter near the container 100 and via receiver/transmitter 71 on the device 1 , so that the device 1 leaves the container 100, direction A. The container 100 has been connected beforehand to the water tender 103 by means of a high pressure line 90 in order to supply water at high pressure to the lines 60 in the hose 30. During moving the device 1 the motor 26 rotates the reel 8 to provide hose length in register with said movement. Optionally via a fire hose that can be unrolled/wound flat, the device 1 is connected to the pump for the water supply in the container 100. If so desired, it can furthermore be connected via a further hose to the water tender 103, so that supply of water at the low pressure can be continued for a longer period of time. Alternatively the hose can be directly connected to the water tender. After all lines have been coupled the device 1 is allowed to ride towards the tunnel entrance 203, see figure 4B.

When the device 1 has arrived at the tunnel entrance 203 and the tunnel 201 is filled with smoke the device 1 can be used to expel said smoke (figure 4C). For that purpose the platform 18 with the tubes 12a,b is introduced into the opening 203, and subsequently, optionally, the device 1 is propped by pushing dozer 33 to the ground or the road surface 200. From the cabin 104 the turbo-jet engines 11a,b have been started. A highly powerful and far reaching double jet of gas/air mixture will exit the tubes and ensures the expulsion of the smoke to the other opening of the tunnel 201. Once the smoke has been expelled to a sufficient extent and there is sufficient view (through the camera 23 and/or other cameras on the device 1) the device 1 is allowed to ride further into the tunnel to near the seat of fire 202, whereas the turbo-jet engines remain activated, so that smoke is constantly expelled. During riding the hose 30 is rolled down from the reel 8, the hose need not be dragged. The front dozer 34 may be of use herein for pushing obstacles in the tunnel out of the way. After arriving at the seat of fire 202, see figure 4D, the arm 4 and the platform 18 are oriented as desired, using the information from the camera 23 and other cameras on the device 1. Once properly directed, optionally after propping the device 1 , the turbo-jet engines 11a,b are activated at full power, in case they had been fully or partially deactivated during the ride (when there was no particular smoke nuisance). By means of the pump in the water tender, water at high pressure is supplied to the device 1 via the hose 30, where the water dischargers 45b are opened. The water exiting the nozzles 46b in the tube 12ab,12bb is at that location distributed in the jet of gas/air mixture so that a powerful mist jet exits the tubes 12a,b, direction J. The pulled in ambient air will initially have a relatively high temperature, but due to the high air movement cool outside air will flow in from the entrance 203 so that finally a relatively cool mist jet will be discharged, resulting in cooling capacity on the seat of fire/smoke. Due to the jet's large throw length (see below) the device 1 can remain at a safe distance from the seat of fire. During fire extinguishing, the platform can be moved up and down and reciprocally, optionally according to a circumferential path, by operating the cylinder 54 and the wheel motor 55, for optimal fire extinguishing. The jet of water mist requires relatively little water. Together with the ability to aim the jet, this results in a limited flow rate of water being required for fire extinguishing, thus limiting the water damage.

When it is desirable to inject the water at low pressure via water dischargers 45a and nozzles 46a use is made of a flat hose, for 10 bar, that can be wound up and rolled down, commonly used by the fire brigade between the device 1 and the container 100 and optionally between the container 100 and the water tender 103.

For both the diesel engine 13 and the turbo-jet engines 11a,b the supply of kerosene with admixed oil in the tank 14 is used, and after that the supply in the container 100, supplied via the line 60 in hose 30.

For offering an alternative control of the device, in particular in case a hardwired emergency stop is required, use can be made of signal transmission via the line 63 in hose 30. The operation can take place from the container 100 and/or from the command vehicle 102. The line 63 can also be used for wire communication with the device 1 , in order to be able to continue to control the device 1 including the functions thereon in case wireless communication is interrupted or undesirable for whatever reason.

Instead of fire extinguishing using water (mist), foam extinguishing is possible, for which purpose the compressed air foam system (CAFS) is activated. For that purpose the compressor 16 is activated, which feeds the nozzle 24 with the foam concentrate in tank 15, from which nozzle a powerful jet of extinguishing foam is discharged in direction P. Via a line 60 or via a separate low pressure line -discussed earlier- water is supplied for foam formation in the mixing chamber 93. Here as well the platform 18 can be moved as desired, whereas furthermore by moving the nozzle 24 in directions M and N the desired spray direction P is realised. When the tank 15 gets empty, foam concentrate can be supplied from the supply and the pump in the container 100 via the line 62 in hose 30. The throw length of the jet of extinguishing foam can be compared to that of the jet of water mist. The structure of the tunnel can be provided with an insulating and protective layer of foam, for which dryer foam will be used. In case of direct fire control a wetter foam will be used.

It is also possible to fan a seat of fire, should the condition of the fire require so. In that case the device can be activated in the same manner as in case of smoke expulsion. The exiting jet of oxygen-rich gas/air mixture is then aimed at the seat of fire to effect complete combustion, in particular in case of smouldering matter, such as synthetic material, cocoa beans or chemicals.

While the device 1 is in the tunnel, the caterpillar tracks 3 can be cooled using sprinklers that are not shown and fed via the lines 60, to prevent damage resulting from too high a temperature. Other parts on the device 1 , such as the kerosene tank, the diesel engine, the bottom side of the chassis, the turbo-jet engines can be cooled in a similar manner.

Controlling a tunnel fire was extensively gone into above. The multifunctional device according to the invention, however, can be deployed in controlling nearly any kind of seat of fire or seat of smoke. For instance consider deployment in fires in (company) buildings and warehouses, parking garages where the space to manoeuvre may be limited. The device can also be used in controlling chemical fires, such as in tank storage yards and chemical plants. By means of the cooling jet of water mist generated by the turbo-jet engines including funnel and supply of water, adjoining premises can be protected. The multiple discharge assembly with which a jet of air, mist or drops and a foam jet can be discharged and which can be moved and aimed in several directions relative to the chassis, makes it possible to control a seat of fire/smoke with one discharging device. The hose 30 makes it possible to allow the device 1 to be active from a safe location at hose length of for instance 90 m. The throw length of the jet of air/gas mixture and of the jet of extinguishing foam may be tens of metres, at least 50 m, as a result of which buildings can be given a deep interior treatment from the outside in. Due to the construction with telescopic, swinging arm and with tiltable and rotatable platform the direction of the discharged jet can reliably and rapidly be changed, so that in between times as well objects in the surrounding area are protected while treating the seat of fire/smoke, by making/keeping them wet or covering them in foam.

The device 1 can also be directly connected to the low pressure hose and/or high pressure hose of a water tender, in which case the length of those hoses defines the range of action. In case only a jet of air needs to be discharged the range of action is only limited by the supply of kerosene in tank 14. It is also possible to provide the device 1 with a large range of action by means of a separate hose, which during moving the device 1 can be lengthened in steps by connecting extensions, depending on the fluid to be passed through the hose, such as foam or water for the low pressure nozzles. Said hose may be a fire hose (low pressure) that can be rolled up flat. In that way a deployment distance of over 500 m, even 800 m, can be achieved using foam for the CAFS prepared remote elsewhere. A separate connection including valve and line to the nozzle 24 will then be present on the device 1. By means of the aforementioned cameras information about the seat of fire, its development and progress of the fire extinguishing process can be obtained at a safe distance. It is advantageous that a look can be taken over the discharged jet by means of camera 23. The device 1 can furthermore be provided with distance sensors for manoeuvring in limited spaces, such as the aforementioned tunnel or a parking garage. By using an infrared camera, information can be obtained about the temperatures near the seat of fire and its development.

The mobility and manoeuvrability of the device 1 is enhanced by its relatively small dimensions.

The above description is included to illustrate the operation of preferred embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Starting from the above explanation many variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention will be evident to an expert.