Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to fire-fighting lances and systems comprising a fire-fighting lance. Specifically, it relates to fire-fighting lances having an abrasive tank and abrasive conduit having a first inlet and a second inlet longitudinally displaced from each other.

Background of the invention

Fire-fighting lances are a type of fire-fighting equipment in which a high- pressure medium is used to form a hole in an object surface, after which the high-pressure fluid medium is injected into the hole and may reduce the temperature, or extinguish a fire, behind the object. For example, a firefighting lance may be used to provide a hole to a door behind which a fire is present, the fluid medium generally comprising a combination of water, an abrasive and/or an extinguishant is thereafter injected through the hole into the fire or space behind the door. Fire-fighting lances have the benefit that the lance operator can provide a medium behind the object without needing to first break down the object.

An example of a fire-fighting lance is shown in EP 2 168 636 Al (Cold Cut Systems Svenska AB) where a pressure source supplies pressurised fluid comprising an additive to a nozzle forming a jet of fluid. The vessel comprising the additive is provided to the back of the user.

Improved fire-fighting lances having improved usability, maintainability, increased object penetration properties, and capable of use in a variety of situations would be advantageous.

Summary of the invention

Accordingly, the present invention preferably seeks to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantages singly or in any combination and solves at least the above mentioned problems by providing a fire-fighting lance comprising: a first inlet for providing high-pressure fluid to a longitudinally extending first fluid conduit; an abrasive tank for receiving an abrasive medium, the abrasive tank having a longitudinal axis of extension substantially parallel with the first fluid conduit; an abrasive conduit having a portion longitudinally extending through the abrasive tank, the abrasive conduit having at least a first inlet and a second inlet, where the first inlet and the second inlet are longitudinally displaced from each other along the longitudinally extending portion of the abrasive conduit, the abrasive conduit having an abrasive outlet in fluid connection with the first fluid conduit; and, a control mechanism operatively associated with the abrasive conduit for selecting which of the first inlet or second inlet receives the abrasive medium during operation of the lance A system comprising a fire-fighting lance and a pump is also provided.

Further advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the appended and dependent patent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

These and other aspects, features and advantages of which the invention is capable will be apparent and elucidated from the following description of embodiments of the present invention, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of an abrasive tank for a fire-fighting lance according to an aspect.

Fig. 2 is an isometric view of a fire-fighting lance according to an aspect. The longitudinal axis is marked with an L.

Fig. 3 A is a view of an abrasive conduit according to an aspect.

Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of an abrasive conduit according to an aspect.

Fig. 3C is a view of an abrasive conduit, opposite the view shown in Fig. 3A, according to an aspect.

Fig. 4 is an exploded view of an abrasive tank and abrasive conduit according to an aspect.

Fig. 5 is a view of a portion of a fire-fighting lance, showing a portion of an abrasive tank, a fluid conduit provided with a bend, and an outlet. The general longitudinal axis is marked with an L. Detailed description

Figure 2 shows a fire-fighting lance 1 comprising a longitudinally extending first fluid conduit 110 having a first inlet 101 for receiving a high-pressure fluid. The firefighting lance 1 is provided with an abrasive tank 400 for receiving an abrasive medium. The fire-fighting lance 1 is provided with an abrasive conduit 200 having a portion 210 which extends longitudinally through the abrasive tank 400. The abrasive tank 400 is shown separately in figure 1. The abrasive conduit 200 has a first inlet 201, and a second inlet 202. The first inlet 201 and the second inlet 202 are longitudinally displaced from each other along the along the longitudinally extending portion 210. The fire-fighting lance 1 is provided with a control mechanism 300 operatively associated with the abrasive conduit 200 for selecting which of the first inlet 201, or the second inlet 202 receives the abrasive medium.

The fire-fighting lance, by the provision of the first inlet 201, and the second inlet 202 being longitudinally displaced from each other is capable of being operated in different orientations for example, upward or downward, whilst maintaining a flow of abrasive medium.

The first fluid conduit 110 receives a high-pressure fluid. The high-pressure fluid may be water, or a combination of water and an extinguishant additive. The first fluid conduit 110 receives the high-pressure fluid at a first inlet 101. The first fluid conduit 110 is generally a rigid pipe which extends along a single longitudinal axis. The first fluid conduit 110 has an outlet 102 at which the high-pressure fluid is ejected. The outlet 102 is provided at a tip portion 111 of the first fluid conduit 110.

The abrasive tank 400 is a vessel for receiving an abrasive medium. The abrasive medium may be an abrasive powder, an abrasive fluid, or a combination thereof. The abrasive tank 400 is formed by at least one wall 401 and a pair of end caps 402, which form the vessel. The abrasive tank 400 has a longitudinal axis of extension substantially parallel with the first fluid conduit 110. By providing the abrasive tank 400 with a longitudinal axis parallel to the first fluid conduit 110, the weight of the abrasive medium is distributed in a regular fashion along the lance 1, providing improved usability. The abrasive tank 400 is generally provided in connection to the first fluid conduit 110 such that they comprise a single unit. The abrasive tank 400 may be fixed to and surround a portion of the first fluid conduit 110. The abrasive tank 400 is provided between the inlet 101 and the outlet 102 of the first fluid conduit 110. As shown in figure 2, the first fluid conduit 110 may extend substantially through the abrasive tank 400. Such an arrangement enables the secure fixation of the abrasive tank 400 to the lance 1. The abrasive tank 400, and in particular the wall 401 may be formed such that the tank 400 is narrower at the relatively lower portion of the tank 400 in proximity to the abrasive conduit 200, such that abrasive medium tends to gather at the lower portion of the tank 400 during use. The lower portion is the portion when the lance 1 is held substantially horizontally in a normal operation orientation, as shown in figure 2.

The abrasive tank 400 and/or the abrasive conduit 200 is provided with an aperture for the inlet of ambient air. The aperture enables air from the ambient environment to enter the tank 400 and therefore the pressure within the abrasive tank 400 does not drop substantially below atmospheric pressure during operation. Such a design reduces the potential for the abrasive medium to clog or otherwise block the first inlet 201 or the second inlet 202.

The abrasive conduit 200 receives the abrasive medium within the abrasive tank 400. The abrasive conduit 200 has a portion 210 which extends longitudinally within the abrasive tank 400. The abrasive conduit 200 is provided with the first inlet 201, and a second inlet 202. The first inlet 201, and the second inlet 202 are for receiving the medium within the abrasive tank 400. The first inlet 201 is longitudinally displaced from the second inlet 202 along the longitudinally extending portion 210 of the abrasive conduit 200. As shown in figure 1, generally the first inlet 201 is arranged at the proximal portion of the abrasive tank 400, whilst the second inlet 202 is arranged at the distal portion of the abrasive tank 400.

The first inlet 201, and the second inlet 202 are selectably openable via the control mechanism 300.

The medium in the abrasive tank 400 is heavier than air, therefore when the lance 1 is oriented upward, to direct high-pressure fluid and abrasive upward, the medium in the tank 400 will gather at the proximal portion of the tank 400. The operator of the lance 1 may open the first inlet 201 via appropriately manoeuvring the control mechanism 300. When the first inlet 201 is open, the first inlet 201 receives abrasive medium from within the abrasive tank 400.

When the lance 1 is oriented downwards, to direct high-pressure fluid and abrasive upwards, the medium in the tank 400 gathers at the distal portion of the tank 400. The operator of the lance 1 may open the second inlet 202 via appropriately manoeuvring the control mechanism 300. When the second inlet 202 is open, the second inlet 202 receives abrasive medium from within the abrasive tank 400.

The first inlet 201 and the second inlet 202 are provided to the longitudinally extending portion 210 of the abrasive conduit 200. The first inlet 201 is provided radially displaced from the second inlet 202 around the portion 210 of the fluid conduit 200. The first inlet 201 is radially and longitudinally displaced from the second inlet 202 along the longitudinal portion 210 of the abrasive conduit 200. The term radially displaced as used herein refers to that the inlets 201, 202 are not aligned when a lateral cross-section of the first portion 210 is examined. Such an arrangement is shown in figure 3B. In figure 3B, the first inlet 201 is provided radially opposite and longitudinally displaced from the second inlet 202.

The longitudinal portion 210 of the abrasive conduit 200 is operatively associated with the control mechanism 300. The control mechanism 300 is rotatable such that it opens and closes the first inlet 201, and the second inlet 202. The control mechanism is provided in connection to the longitudinal portion 210 of the abrasive conduit 200. The control mechanism 300 may rotate the longitudinal portion 210, such that the first inlet 201, and/or the second inlet 202, are selectively opened and abrasive medium is capable of being received in the abrasive conduit 200. The control mechanism 300 is generally provided at the abrasive tank 400 such that it is in the vicinity of the user’s hand during operation of the lance 1. The control mechanism 300 may be provided at the proximal portion of the of the abrasive tank 400 such that it is easily accessible during operation of the lance 1. The control mechanism 300 may be provided with a collar and actuator 301 which is fixed to the longitudinal portion 210 of the abrasive conduit 200, such that rotation of the collar and actuator 301 rotates the longitudinal portion 210. The control mechanism 300, in particular the collar and actuator 301, may comprise a handle 302, extending radially from the control mechanism 300, or collar and actuator 301, for the user to grasp to actuate the control mechanism 300.

As shown in figure 4, the abrasive conduit 200, and in particular the longitudinal portion 210 of the abrasive conduit 200 may be provided with a surrounding element 240. The surrounding element 240 is generally a sleeve 240 surrounding a part of the longitudinal portion 210 having a pair of openings coinciding with longitudinal positions of the first inlet 201, and second inlet 202. The surrounding element 240 may comprise a first sleeve 241 and a second sleeve 242, each of the first and second sleeve for receiving the longitudinal portion 210 of the abrasive conduit 200. The first portion 241 has at least one opening 243, the opening 243 coinciding with the longitudinal position of the first inlet 201. The second portion 242 has at least one opening 244, the opening 244 coinciding with the longitudinal position of the second inlet 202. The surrounding element 240 may be substantially rotationally fixed with respect to the abrasive tank 400. The longitudinal portion 210 of the abrasive conduit 200 is rotatable with respect to the surrounding element 240. When the surrounding element 240 comprises sleeves 241, 242, the longitudinal portion 210 of the abrasive conduit 200 is rotatable with respect to the first sleeve 241 and the second sleeve 242. The rotation of the longitudinal portion 210 opens the first inlet 201 or second inlet 202 by rotating the longitudinal portion 210 such that either the first inlet 201 coincides radially with the opening 243, or the second inlet 202 coincides radially with the opening 244 in the surrounding element 240.

As described above, the control mechanism 300 is operatively associated with the longitudinal portion 210 of the fluid conduit 200 such that the first inlet 201, or the second inlet 202 may be opened via operation of the control mechanism 300. The control mechanism does generally control the amount of abrasive medium flow. That is, the amount of abrasive medium flow is controlled exclusively by the flow rate of the high- pressure fluid and not by the control mechanism. Such a design is simpler to operate in emergency situations as the operator doesn’t need to consider and adjust to an ideal abrasive flow rate.

The abrasive conduit 200 is in fluid connection to the first fluid conduit 110. The abrasive conduit 200 has an abrasive outlet 220 at which the abrasive conduit connects to the first fluid conduit 110. The abrasive medium flows from the abrasive tank 400, via the first inlet 201, and/or the second inlet 202, through the abrasive conduit 200, to the abrasive outlet 200 via venturi forces provided by the high-pressure medium in the first fluid conduit 110. Such an arrangement is known within the field of fire-fighting lances. The abrasive conduit 200 connects to the first fluid conduit 110 at a tip portion 111 of the first fluid conduit 110, such that the abrasive medium exits the abrasive conduit 200 at the distal portion of the lance 1. Such an arrangement results in reduced wear of the first fluid conduit 110 as a reduced distance of the first fluid conduit 110 receives the abrasive medium.

The portion of the abrasive conduit 200 downstream of the longitudinally extending portion 210 and which connects to the first fluid conduit 110 may be a steel pipe, or steel lined, hose.

The lance 1 may be provided with a protruding element 130 for determining the distance of the outlet 102 of the first fluid conduit 110 from the object at which the fluid should be directed. The protruding element 130 comprises a collar for receiving the first fluid conduit 110, and a longitudinally extending face forming which defines the closest distance from the object the outlet 102 may be positioned.

As shown in figure 5, the outlet 102 may be provided at an angle to the general longitudinal axis of the first fluid conduit 110. The general longitudinal axis is the dashed- dotted line marked L. To achieve this, the first fluid conduit 110 may be provided with a bend 112 at a location distal the abrasive tank 400 and proximal the outlet 102. The bend 112 angles the outlet 102 at an angle with respect to the general longitudinal axis of the first fluid conduit 110. The tip portion 111 of the first fluid conduit 110 is therefore provided at an angle with respect to the general longitudinal axis of the first fluid conduit 110. The bend 112 separates a proximal portion 110a of the fluid conduit 110, which defines the general longitudinal axis of the first fluid conduit 110, with a second distal portion 110b which is not aligned with the first portion 110a. As shown in figure 5, the first portion 110a is generally longer than the second portion 110b. That is the bend 112 is nearer the outlet 102 than the abrasive tank 400. The first portion 110a may be substantially longer than the second portion 110b, and in particular, longer than the relationship shown in figure 5. The angled outlet 102, and first fluid conduit 110 with portions 110a, 110b advantageously enables the lance 1 to reach fires from beneath. For example, it has been identified that electrical fires can occur in the batteries of electric vehicles. Often these batteries are placed close to the ground and only effectively accessible via the underside of the vehicle. By providing the first fluid conduit with an angled outlet 102 the lance 1 is able to spray fluid at the location of the fire under the vehicle. As would be understood by the skilled person, the lance 1 with an angled outlet 102 may be used in various orientations. For example, the lance 1 may be inserted into a vertical cavity and therefore used to spray fluid at an angle with respect to its vertical orientation. The combination of the longitudinally displaced inlets 201 and 202 of the abrasive conduit 200 and the outlet 102 angled with respect to the general longitudinal axis of the first fluid conduit 110 enables increased versatility in operation. The angle may be greater than about 30°, such as greater than about 45°. The angle is shown with the reference a in figure 5.

As shown in figure 5, the first fluid conduit 110 may be provided with a wheel 113 in the vicinity of the bend 112 such that the lance 1 may be rolled under a, for example, burning vehicle. The wheel 113 also supports the lance 1 during operation. The wheel 113 also enables the lance 1 to be pivoted about contact point between the wheel and any surface upon which the wheel 113 is resting, that is, pivoting around the axis L. The ability to pivot the lance 1 with the wheel 113 is improved as the operator does not need to both hold the lance 1 against the pressure of the exiting fluid and pivot simultaneously, but can simply pivot the lance 1 whilst the ejection force is opposed by the wheel 113.

The term proximal as used herein generally refers to locations closer the operator of the lance 1, therefore, such locations are closer the inlet 101. The term distal as used herein generally refers to locations further form the operator of the lance 1, such locations are further from the inlet 101, and closer the outlet 102. For clarification, high-pressure fluid enters the proximal portion of the lance 1 and exits the distal portion of the lance 1. Downstream refers to the relative location of elements corresponding to the flow of fluid and/or abrasive medium through the lance 1.

A system 10 comprising the fire-fighting lance 1 and a pump 2 will now be described. The pump 2 provides pressure for the high-pressure fluid. As described above, the high-pressure fluid is provided to the first fluid conduit 110 and mixes with the abrasive medium in the abrasive tank 400 prior to the outlet 102. The pump 2 may be an electric, diesel, petrol or other pump as is known within the field for providing high- pressure fluid, typically water. Ideally, the pump 2 is a high-pressure hydraulic pump having an output pressure of at least 450 bar, such as preferably about 500 bar. Such high- pressure hydraulic pumps 2 have not been used with fire-fighting lances previously. Generally, pumps for fire-fighting lances have been diesel or petrol pumps having an output pressure of 300-400 bar. The use of a high-pressure hydraulic pump 2 having an output pressure of at least 450 bar, such as about 500 bar enables the output pressure at the outlet 102 to be significantly greater and therefore the force of the mixture of abrasive medium and high-pressure fluid is increased. This reduces the time taken for forming a hole in an object when operating the lance 1. By providing the abrasive outlet 220 at the tip portion 111 of the fluid conduit 110, the wear of the abrasive medium on the fluid conduit 110 is reduced.

The hydraulic pump 2 may be controlled by a pressure controller which progressively increases the pressure of the high-pressure medium from a relatively low starting pressure up to at least 450 bar, such as about 500 bar. The term relatively low starting pressure refers to a starting pressure which does not cause substantial recoil of the lance when the flow of high-pressure fluid is started. The relatively low starting pressure may be less than about 100 bar, such as less than about 50 bar. The pressure controller may control the power supplied to the pump 2, and/or may adaptively control the output pressure of the pump via, for example, via a controllable valve. The progressive increase of pressure of the high-pressure medium reduces recoil at the lance 1 during the initial activation of the high-pressure fluid. This reduces the chance that the operator will not direct the high-pressure fluid at the correct location during operation.

The lance 1 comprises a single handle-lever (not shown) for actuation of the high-pressure fluid. As described above, the control mechanism 300 controls which of the first inlet 201, or second inlet 202 receive the abrasive medium. By having a single handle-lever for actuation of the high-pressure fluid the operator need not operate two separate handles e.g., one for high-pressure fluid, one for abrasive delivery, during operation of the lance 1. As described previously, the lance 1 is capable of being operated in different orientations. For example, if the object into which a hole should be formed is a wall or a door then the lance will be held in a substantially horizontal position. When held in a horizontal position either the first inlet 201 or the second inlet 202 may be opened to enable the flow of abrasive medium. However, if the lance 1 is to be used to form a hole in an object from above, into a space below the object, then the lance will be held such that it is directed downward. The abrasive medium in the abrasive tank 400 will flow towards the distal part of the abrasive tank 400 due to the force of gravity. The control mechanism 300 may therefore be operated to open the second inlet 202 such that the second inlet 202 receives abrasive medium, and abrasive medium flows from the lance 1. If the lance 1 is to be used to form a hole in an object from below, into a space above the object the lance 1 will be directed upwards. The abrasive medium in the abrasive tank 400 will flow towards the proximal end of the abrasive tank 400 due to gravity. The control mechanism 300 may therefore be operated to open the first inlet 201 such that the first inlet receives abrasive medium, and abrasive medium flows from the lance 1. As described in relation to figure 5, the outlet 102 of the lance 1 may be angled with respect to the general longitudinal axis L of the lance. In such an arrangement, the lance 1 may be positioned under an object and spray upwards. In such operation the lance 1 may be e.g., held horizontally or directed downwards and spray upwards. The control mechanism 300 may be operated to open the outlet which provides the optimal inlet 201, 202 for the abrasive medium depending on the orientation of the lance 1, and in particular the abrasive tank 400.

The abrasive medium, or abrasive, may be a solid granulate. The abrasive medium may be formed by various materials such as iron, steel, quartz, carbides etc or combinations thereof. Various abrasive mediums are known in the field of fluid cutting systems. In some instances, it may be possible that the abrasive medium is co-provided with an extinguishant. The extinguishant may be provided in the abrasive tank, or together with the high-pressure fluid, depending on its properties. Experimental Section

Duration required for system 10 comprising lance 1 and high-pressure hydraulic pump 2 to break through an object.

Tests have been performed to determine the time taken for the system 10 to break through various objects. The lance 1 was as described above, the pump 2 was a high- pressure hydraulic pump with an output pressure of approximately 500 bar.

As can be seen from the above results, the lance 1 and system 10 are especially effective at forming holes in various solid objects.

Although, the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the invention is limited only by the accompanying claims.

In the claims, the term “comprises/comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. The terms “a”, “an”, “first”, “second” etc do not preclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.