EP1475128B1 - Inert gas fire-fighting apparatus and relative method for extinguishing fires - Google Patents
Inert gas fire-fighting apparatus and relative method for extinguishing fires Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1475128B1 EP1475128B1 EP04001631A EP04001631A EP1475128B1 EP 1475128 B1 EP1475128 B1 EP 1475128B1 EP 04001631 A EP04001631 A EP 04001631A EP 04001631 A EP04001631 A EP 04001631A EP 1475128 B1 EP1475128 B1 EP 1475128B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- oxygen
- room
- fire
- extinguishing
- threshold value
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 239000011261 inert gas Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 20
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 19
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 97
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 97
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 97
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 42
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 239000000779 smoke Substances 0.000 claims description 19
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 claims 1
- XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Argon Chemical compound [Ar] XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 6
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000012790 confirmation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229910052786 argon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 3
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009429 electrical wiring Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003517 fume Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000029058 respiratory gaseous exchange Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000007480 spreading Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- A62C99/0009—Methods of extinguishing or preventing the spread of fire by cooling down or suffocating the flames
- A62C99/0018—Methods of extinguishing or preventing the spread of fire by cooling down or suffocating the flames using gases or vapours that do not support combustion, e.g. steam, carbon dioxide
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C3/00—Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places
- A62C3/02—Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places for area conflagrations, e.g. forest fires, subterranean fires
- A62C3/0271—Detection of area conflagration fires
Definitions
- Total flooding fire-fighting apparatuses are conventionally designed and sized taking into account the overall volume of the room, without considering the furnishings and/or the volume of the material to be protected.
- a plurality of smoke detectors 6 able to detect the presence of smoke inside the room 1 is applied to the inside facing surface of the roof of the room 1. Even if four smoke detectors 6 are shown in Figure 1 , the number of these detectors can vary according to the volume to be controlled.
- the smoke detectors 6 are preferably disposed on the roof in a high position, since the smoke developed by fire tends to rise upwards.
- a minimum threshold value S min pre-set by the operator is stored in the memory 39.
- the minimum threshold value S min is equal to a minimum percentage volume of oxygen.
- S min is pre-set to a percentage volume value of oxygen comprised in a range of 12-14%, preferably between 12 - 13%.
- the oxygen detection station 3 has in its memory 39 a conversion table able to convert the percentage of the air component detected into a percentage of oxygen.
- the fire-fighting apparatus according to the invention proves particularly suitable to be applied to rooms destined to hold particularly bulky objects, apparatuses and furniture that considerably affect the volume of air contained in the room with respect to an empty room.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Ecology (AREA)
- Forests & Forestry (AREA)
- Fire-Extinguishing By Fire Departments, And Fire-Extinguishing Equipment And Control Thereof (AREA)
- Fire-Extinguishing Compositions (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention refers to an inert gas fire-fighting apparatus and a relative method for extinguishing fires.
- Total flooding technology is based on the introduction of inert gas into the room involved in the fire. The inert gas saturates the environment of the room causing the percentage of oxygen to decrease in such a manner as to cause the self-extinguishing of the fire.
- To extinguish fires in closed environments wherein people are present, such technology presupposes that, after release of the inert gas, a certain percentage of oxygen necessary for people present in the room to breathe is maintained.
- Inert gas fire-fighting apparatuses of the prior art are currently made up of the following items:
- one or more banks of cylinders containing a certain amount of extinguishing gas,
- two or more smoke detectors disposed in the room in which the fire is to be detected, and
- a fire detecting and extinguishing station operatively connected to the smoke detectors and to the banks of cylinders.
- The amount of inert extinguishing gas contained in the cylinders is such as to ensure both that the fire is extinguished and that people can remain in the room. In fact, it is necessary to ensure that, after release of the extinguishing gas contained in the cylinders, a volume percentage of residual oxygen of about 12% is maintained in the room. This percentage of oxygen is sufficient to ensure both that the fire is extinguished and that people present in the room can breathe properly.
- Operation of said apparatuses according to the prior art takes place according to the following procedure:
- a first smoke detector sends a pre-alarm signal to the station,
- in the event of fire, a second smoke detector confirms this event,
- on receiving the confirmation signal, the station begins an extinguishing gas discharge sequence,
- when 20/30 seconds have passed from receipt of the confirmation signal, the station sets actuation means that control discharge by acting on the valve of a pilot cylinder.
- Said actuation means causes total discharge of the extinguishing agent contained in the cylinders until they are completely emptied, without any possibility of intercepting or interrupting release.
- As said previously, the amount of extinguishing agent to be stored in the cylinders must be such as to allow:
- extinguishing of the fire, and
- maintaining a percentage of residual oxygen of about 12% in volume in the room to be protected, to allow people to remain in the room and to ensure an extinguishing concentration for at least 10 minutes from when discharge of the extinguishing agent took place.
- Total flooding fire-fighting apparatuses are conventionally designed and sized taking into account the overall volume of the room, without considering the furnishings and/or the volume of the material to be protected.
- Sometimes the furnishings and the goods to be protected can occupy such a volume as to reduce substantially the gross volume of the room causing, in the event of fire, an excessive concentration of extinguishing agent and, consequently, a reduction in the residual oxygen, which proves insufficient for people present in the room to breathe.
- In some cases, also, the leakage of extinguishing gas due to wear on the seals of casings is such that the amount of extinguishing agent released into the room to be protected is insufficient to extinguish the fire.
- All these factors can have a decisive influence on the percentage of residual oxygen that, on the contrary, should always be constant for the reasons set forth above.
-
US 2002/0040940 discloses an inerting apparatus for reducing the risk of and for extinguishing fires in enclosed space which includes a first system for producing the oxygen-expulsion gas or for extracting oxygen from the enclosed space, a second system for rapidly feeding an oxygen-expulsion gas into the space being monitored, a fire detection device, a control unit which sends a base inerting signal to the first system in accordance with the oxygen content in the enclosed space, and which sends a complete inerting signal to the second system in accordance with a detection signal from the fire detection device. -
EP 1312392 discloses a method for extinguishing a fire in a tunnel by isolating the site of the fire by curtains (6,8) upon a fire detection signal to give a zone (14) for action, flooding the zone with an inert gas through flow openings from an external gas supply (31) to reduce the oxygen volume to an inert level, extracting smoke and fumes by suction (25) without affecting the inert level. A control unit (23) is linked to a smoke detector (5) and oxygen monitor (22) to assess the oxygen content in the zone and set the flow of fire extinguishing gas accordingly. - The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing an inert gas fire-fighting apparatus and a relative method for extinguishing fires able to maintain a substantially constant residual percentage of oxygen when the volume to be flooded or the planned concentrations of the extinguishing agent varies.
- This object is achieved in accordance with the invention with the apparatus and the method according to appended
independent claims 1 and 11, respectively. - Advantageous embodiments of the invention are apparent from the dependent claims.
- The inert gas fire-fighting apparatus according to the invention comprises:
- a plurality of cylinders containing an inert gas of the extinguishing type (such as, for example, nitrogen or argon), connected to a plurality of delivery nozzles suitable to deliver the inert gas into a room, and
- a fire detecting/extinguishing station able to receive control signals indicating a fire alarm and to send accordingly control signals to first actuator means able to actuate discharge of the extinguishing gas from the cylinders towards the deliver nozzles.
- The peculiar characteristic of the invention is represented by the fact that the fire-fighting apparatus further comprises:
- air sensor means able to detect the percentage volume of at least one component of the air inside the room, and
- a station for detection of the concentration of oxygen, of extinguishing gas or of another component of the air able to acquire data indicating the percentage volume of oxygen, of inert gas or of another component of the air detected by the air sensor means and to send accordingly control signals to second actuator means able to open/close the flow of extinguishing gas towards the delivery nozzles.
- In this way, during release of the extinguishing gas, the percentage of oxygen inside the room is maintained above a [first] threshold value ensuring that the air is breathable and below a [second] threshold value ensuring that the fire is extinguished.
- Further characteristics of the invention will be made clearer by the detailed disclosure which follows, referring to a purely exemplary and therefore non-limiting embodiment thereof, illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:
-
Figure 1 is a perspective view diagrammatically illustrating a fire-fighting apparatus according to the invention; -
Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating diagrammatically an oxygen control station connected to an oxygen sensor and to a solenoid actuator, forming part of the fire-fighting apparatus according to the invention; and -
Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the connection in cascade of a bank of cylinders of the fire-fighting apparatus according to the invention. - The fire-fighting device according to the invention is described with the aid of the figures.
-
Figure 1 diagrammatically illustrates a fire-fighting apparatus according to the invention, indicated as a whole withreference numeral 100. The fire-fighting apparatus 100 is applied to a room 1, illustrated by way of example as a closed, parallelepiped shaped room. The room 1 is provided with anaccess door 2 in the front wall and can be provided with windows (not shown) in the side walls. - Outside the room 1, near a side wall of the room 1, there is disposed a bank of
cylinders 10. Eachcylinder 10 contains an inert gas, such as argon, for example, able to saturate the air, so as to lower the content of oxygen in order to cause extinguishing of the fire. - As shown better in
Figure 3 , at the top of eachcylinder 10 there is mounted a fast-opening discharge valve 20, able to open/close the communication between the inside of thecylinder 10 and an exit ordischarge mouth 21 thereof. Such adischarge valve 20 is described in detail inEuropean patent application No. 02425312.2 - Returning to
Figure 1 , thedischarge mouths 21 of eachvalve 20 are connected to respectiveflexible hoses 11. Thehoses 11 are connected to amanifold 12 which branches off into a plurality of branch pipes orducts 13 disposed in the roof of the room 1. Connected to thebranch pipes 13 there is a plurality ofdischarge nozzles 14 disposed beneath the roof of the room and able to release the inert gas coming from thecylinders 10 inside the room 1. - In the
manifold 12, downstream of thedischarge hoses 11 coming from thecylinders 10, aline switch 15 is installed, which signals the flow of gas towards thedischarge nozzles 14 in the event of actuation of thevalves 20 of the cylinders. - A plurality of
smoke detectors 6 able to detect the presence of smoke inside the room 1 is applied to the inside facing surface of the roof of the room 1. Even if foursmoke detectors 6 are shown inFigure 1 , the number of these detectors can vary according to the volume to be controlled. - The
smoke detectors 6 are preferably disposed on the roof in a high position, since the smoke developed by fire tends to rise upwards. - The
smoke detectors 6 are operatively connected to a fire detecting/extinguishingstation 7 disposed in a wall of the room 1 and accessible to an operator. Thesmoke detectors 6 are connected to the detecting/extinguishingstation 7 by means of electrical cables 60 able to convey a control signal to thestation 7 in response to the detection of smoke by thedetectors 6. - An alarm push-
button 8 with an electric/manual switch and an acoustic/optical alarm 9 are connected to the detecting/extinguishingstation 7 by means of respectiveelectrical cables - The push-
button 8 is disposed in a wall of the room 1, in a position accessible to the user. In this manner, in the event of fire the user can operate the push-button 8 to send a control signal indicating a fire alarm to thestation 7 through theelectrical line 80. - The
alarm 9 is disposed in a wall of the room 1 in a position visible to the user. In this manner, when thestation 7 receives a control signal indicating a fire from thesmoke detectors 6 and/or from the alarm push-button 8, it sends a control signal by means of theelectrical line 90 to thealarm 9, which gives out an acoustic and/or an optical alarm signal. - The detecting/extinguishing
station 7 is connected, by means of theelectrical line 70, to the actuating apparatus of thedischarge valves 20 of thecylinders 10 to control discharge of the extinguishing gas. - In particular, the
electrical line 70 coming from thestation 7 is connected to asolenoid valve 22 installed in thedischarge valve 20 of apilot cylinder 10, that is to say, of the first cylinder of the bank ofcylinders 10. Thesolenoid valve 22 has anoutlet 23 communicating with the inside of thecylinder 10 and a gate pin which opens/closes theoutlet 23. This gate pin is moved by a solenoid actuator controlled by a control signal coming from thestation 7 through theelectrical line 70. - Inside the room 1 there are installed
oxygen sensors 4 able to detect accurately the percentage volume of oxygen contained in the room 1. Theoxygen sensors 4 can be three in number, for example, situated in various positions in the room 1. - The
oxygen sensors 4 are connected, by means of anelectrical line 40, to anoxygen detection station 3, which is situated in a wall of the room 1. Theoxygen detection station 3 is connected, by means of anelectrical line 30, to an apparatus for closing thedischarge valves 20 of the bank of cylinders. - In particular, the
electrical line 30 sends a control signal from theoxygen detection station 3 to asecond solenoid valve 5 installed on thepilot discharge valve 20 of thefirst cylinder 10 of the bank. - With reference to
Figure 2 , theoxygen sensor block 4 comprises: - a group of
LED 41 to signal operation of thesensor 4, - a
power supply 42 to supply the electronics of thesensor 4, - an
interface 43 to exchange signals and data with theoxygen detection station 3, - an oxygen sensor proper 44 to detect the oxygen concentration in the room 1, and
- a
temperature sensor 45 to detect the temperature in the room 1. - The block of the
oxygen detection station 3 comprises: - a group of
LED 31 to signal operation of thestation 3, - a
power supply 32 to supply the electronics of thestation 3, - a
first interface 33 to exchange signals and data with theoxygen sensors 4, - a
control panel 36 provided with alphanumerical display to display information, - a
second interface 37 to exchange signals with thesecond solenoid valve 5, - a
CPU 38 to process the data received from theoxygen sensors 4, and - a
memory 39 to store data entered by the operator. - A minimum threshold value Smin pre-set by the operator is stored in the
memory 39. The minimum threshold value Smin is equal to a minimum percentage volume of oxygen. Smin is pre-set to a percentage volume value of oxygen comprised in a range of 12-14%, preferably between 12 - 13%. - A maximum threshold value Smax pre-set by the operator is also optionally stored in the
memory 39. The maximum threshold value Smax is equal to a maximum percentage volume of oxygen above which saturation of the air suitable to extinguish the flames of a fire cannot be guaranteed. Smax is pre-set to a percentage volume value of oxygen comprised in a range of 13 - 15 %, preferably between 13 - 14%. - Clearly the Smax value must be greater than the Smin value.
- Furthermore, a time interval T is optionally pre-set in the
memory 39, sufficient to ensure that fire is extinguished completely when air saturated with an oxygen percentage of about 12% is maintained. This time interval can be selected in a range from 5 to 15 minutes and preferably it is not less than 10 minutes. - When discharge of the extinguishing gas is actuated, the
oxygen detection station 3 is put into operation and acquires from thesensors 4 in real time, through theline 40, the data indicating the percentage volume of oxygen. TheCPU 38 processes the data acquired and compares them in real time with the minimum threshold value Smin. If the value for the percentage volume of oxygen falls below Smin theCPU 38, through theinterface 37 and theline 30, sends a control signal to thesecond solenoid valve 5 to order closure thereof. - If in the time interval T starting from closure of the
solenoid valve 5 the value for percentage volume of oxygen exceeds the second threshold Smax, theCPU 38 sends another control signal to thesecond solenoid valve 5 through theinterface 37 and theline 30 to order reopening thereof. - Once the time T has passed, the
oxygen detection station 3 is reset. - Clearly, instead of the
oxygen sensors 4 air sensors able to measure another component of air, such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide or argon, for example, could be used. Accordingly, said air sensors send the oxygen detection station 3 a signal indicating the air component measured. Thus theoxygen detection station 3 indirectly works out the percentage of oxygen contained in the room 1. - In this case the
oxygen detection station 3 has in its memory 39 a conversion table able to convert the percentage of the air component detected into a percentage of oxygen. - The
second solenoid valve 5 comprises aninlet 51, anoutlet 52 and a gate pin which opens/closes the communication between theinlet 51 and theoutlet 52. The gate pin is driven by a solenoid actuator controlled by a control signal coming from theoxygen detection station 3 through theelectrical line 30. - The
solenoid valve 5 can be a three-way valve and can therefore provide a third exhaust outlet 53 (Figure 2 ) that serves for depressurization of the upper chamber of the piston of thedischarge valve 20. - With reference to
Figure 3 , thedischarge valves 20 of thecylinders 10 has acover 24, at the top of which there is mounted a T-connector 25 communicating with the upper chamber of the plunger/gate pin of therespective discharge valve 20. - The
outlet 52 of thesecond solenoid valve 5 is connected to the inlet of the T-connector 25 of the pilot valve. - The outlet of the T-
connector 25 of the pilot valve is connected, by means of ahose 27, to the inlet of the T-connector 25 of the second valve and so on, so as to connect all thevalves 20 of the bank ofcylinders 10 in cascade. The outlet of the T-connector 25 of thelast cylinder 10 of the bank is closed by anexhaust valve 26. - Returning to the
pilot discharge valve 20, the outlet of thefirst solenoid valve 22 is connected by means of ahose 28 to the inlet of apneumatic actuator 29 installed in thedischarge valve 20. Thepneumatic actuator 29 has a stem able to break a breakable disk inside thedischarge valve 20 to allow the passage of gas inside a duct of thedischarge valve 20. - The outlet of the
pneumatic actuator 29 is connected by means of aflexible hose 56 to theinlet 51 of thesecond solenoid valve 5. - With reference now in particular to
Figures 1 and3 , operation of the fire-fightingapparatus 100 is described. - Under normal conditions, the
first solenoid valve 22 of thepilot discharge valve 20 is normally closed, whilst thesecond solenoid valve 5 of thepilot discharge valve 20 is normally open. - When a fire or a fire beginning breaks out in room 1, the
smoke detectors 6 detect the presence of smoke and, accordingly, they send an alarm signal to the detecting/extinguishingstation 7 through the electrical lines 60. Generally, a first alarm signal is sent from afirst detector 6 and a second confirmation alarm signal from asecond detector 6. - As an alternative to or in combination with the alarm signal from the
smoke detectors 6, a further alarm signal coming from the alarm push-button 8, operated by a user, can reach the detecting/extinguishingstation 7 through theelectrical line 80. - Once the alarm signal and the alarm confirmation signal have been received the detecting/extinguishing
station 7, through theelectrical line 90, sends a control signal to the acoustic/optical alarm 9 which gives off an acoustic or an optical alarm signal to warn people inside the room 1 of the danger of fire. - At the same time, the detecting/extinguishing
station 7 sends thefirst solenoid valve 22 of the pilot discharge valve 20 a control signal through theelectrical line 70. As a result, the solenoid actuator operates the gate pin of thefirst solenoid valve 22. - Then the
first solenoid valve 22, which was normally closed, opens and the gas inside thefirst cylinder 10 passes through thefirst solenoid valve 22 and thehose 28 and reaches thepneumatic actuator 29. As a result, the gas operates the steam of thepneumatic actuator 29, which breaks the breakable disk inside thedischarge valve 20 allowing the passage of gas. - Consequently, the gas leaves the
pneumatic actuator 28 through thehose 56, passes through thesecond solenoid valve 5 which is normally open and then it passes through the T-connectors 25 and thehoses 27 for connection in cascade, so as to reach the upper chamber of the piston of eachvalve 20 of the bank of cylinders. As a result the gate pins of all thedischarge valves 20 are operated in cascade and discharge of the extinguishing gas from thedischarge mouths 21 of all the cylinders of the bank takes place. - Through the
hoses 11, the manifold 12 and thebranch ducts 13 the extinguishing gas reaches thedischarge nozzles 14 from which it exits, spreading in to the room 1. As a result, as the extinguishing gas spreads in the room 1, there is a gradual saturation of the oxygen contained in the room 1. Thus the percentage volume of oxygen in the room 1 begins to fall. - During the introduction of inert gas into the room 1, the
oxygen sensors 4 continuously detect the percentage volume of oxygen present in the room 1 and, through theelectrical line 40, send theoxygen detection station 3 data indicating the oxygen values detected. In theoxygen detection station 3, the data indicating the percentage volume of oxygen coming from theoxygen sensors 4 is compared with the pre-set minimum threshold value Smin. - When a percentage volume of oxygen below about 13-14% is reached in the room 1, the process of extinguishing the fire, which no longer has sufficient oxygen for the combustion process, begins.
- If there is any gas remaining in the
cylinders 10, this gas continues to be introduced into the room 1. Thus, as a result, the percentage volume of oxygen continues to fall until the pre-set minimum threshold Smin is reached. Accordingly, theoxygen detection station 3 sends a control signal through theelectrical line 30 to the solenoid actuator of thesecond solenoid valve 5. - Consequently, the
second solenoid valve 5, which was normally open, closes, cutting off the flow of gas which reaches the head of thevalves 20 of the bank of cylinders through the T-connectors 25 and thehoses 27. Accordingly, the upper chamber of [each] piston of thedischarge valves 20 is no longer pressurized and is depressurized by means of thesecond outlet 53 of thesolenoid valve 5. Thus thedischarge valves 20 close in cascade interrupting the discharge of gas. As a result, gas is no longer introduced into the room 1 and thus the percentage volume of oxygen does not fall beneath the minimum threshold value Smin avoiding risks for people remaining in the room 1. - Inside the room 1 there may be several doors or windows, which are not able to ensure a tight seal against the outside environment. Thus, inside the room 1 air can enter from the outside and gas can escape to the outside. Therefore, after delivery of gas has been interrupted, the percentage volume of oxygen in the room 1 can increase to reach a value higher than 14-15%, above which fire could flare up again.
- Thus, if within the preset time T starting from closure of the
solenoid valve 5 theoxygen sensors 4 detect a percentage of oxygen in the room 1 which reaches the second pre-set threshold value Smax, theoxygen detection station 3 sends a control signal to the solenoid actuator of thesolenoid valve 5 which closes thedepressurisation outlet 53 and opens again the connection between theinlet 51 and theoutlet 52, ordering discharge in cascade of all valves of the cylinders. Extinguishing gas is then introduced into the room 1 again, causing the volume percentage of oxygen to fall again. - With said apparatus, in the time interval T the volume percentage of oxygen in the room 1 remains at a substantially constant value in the range between Smin - Smax. In this manner, complete extinguishing of the fire and at the same time maximum safety of the operators breathing the air contained in the room 1 is ensured.
- Once time T has passed from closure of the
solenoid valve 5, theoxygen detection station 3 is re-set to be ready for a new operating cycle. - It should be noted that with the fire-fighting apparatus according to the invention, it is not necessary to carry out a precise calibration of the cylinders according to the volume of the room to be controlled. In fact the bank of
cylinders 10 can safely be oversized with the addition of reserve cylinders that will be actuated only in case of necessity, that is to say, for example, when there is leakage from the doors or the windows of the room to be controlled. - Furthermore, the fire-fighting apparatus according to the invention proves particularly suitable to be applied to rooms destined to hold particularly bulky objects, apparatuses and furniture that considerably affect the volume of air contained in the room with respect to an empty room.
- In the present detailed description, the fire detecting/extinguishing
station 7 and theoxygen detection station 3 are connected to the respective detector means (6, 4) and to the respective actuator means (22, 5) by means of electrical wiring. However, instead of an electrical wiring, a wireless type connection can be provided. - Furthermore, the particular embodiment has been illustrated in which the
first solenoid valve 22 is installed in thepilot discharge valve 20 and thesecond solenoid valve 5 is mounted on top of the pilot valve. However, thefirst solenoid valve 22 can be replaced with generic actuator means able to actuate discharge of the gas contained in thecylinders 10 and the second solenoid valve can be replaced with generic actuator means able to open/close the flow of gas from thecylinders 10 to thedischarge nozzles 14. - Numerous changes and modifications of detail within the reach of a person skilled in the art can be made to the present invention without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
Claims (18)
- An inert gas fire-fighting apparatus (100) comprising:- a plurality of cylinders (10) containing an inert gas of the extinguishing type, connected to a plurality of delivery nozzles (14) able to deliver the inert gas into a room (1), and- a fire detecting/extinguishing station (7) able to receive control signals indicating a fire alarm and accordingly to send control signals to first actuator means (22) able to actuate the discharge of extinguishing gas from the cylinders (10) towards the delivery nozzles (14),- air sensor means (4) able to detect the percentage volume of at least one component of the air in said room (1), and- an oxygen detection station (3) able to acquire data indicating the percentage volume of a component of air detected by the air sensor means (4) to calculate the percentage of oxygen contained in the room (1) and accordingly to send control signals to second actuator means (5) able to close/open the flow of extinguishing gas towards said delivery nozzles (14),characterised in that
said air sensor means (4) comprise oxygen sensors able to detect the volume percentage of oxygen in the room (1), said oxygen sensor means (4) comprising a power supply (42), an oxygen sensor (44), a temperature sensor (45) and an output interface (43) operationally connected to a respective acquisition interface (33) of said oxygen detection station (3). - An apparatus according to claim 1 characterised in that said oxygen detection station (3) comprises:- a memory (39) to store at least a threshold value (Smin , Smax) pre-set by the user, indicating a value for the percentage volume of oxygen and- a CPU (38) to compare the value of the percentage volume of oxygen detected directly or indirectly by the air sensor means (4) with said at least one pre-set threshold value.
- An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said oxygen detection station (3) comprises a power supply (32), a control panel (36) and an output interface (37) operatively connected to said second actuator means (5).
- An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that said oxygen sensor means (4) and/or said oxygen detection station (3) comprise optical signalling means (41, 31) to signal their operation.
- An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said second actuator means comprise a solenoid valve (5) provided with a solenoid actuator.
- An apparatus according to claim 5, characterised in that said solenoid valve (5) is mounted on top of a pilot discharge valve (20) of a bank of cylinders (10) connected in cascade.
- An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first actuator means comprise a solenoid valve (22) provided with a solenoid actuator mounted in a pilot discharge valve (20) of a bank of cylinders (10) connected in cascade.
- An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises smoke detection means (6) able to detect the presence of fire in said room (1) and operatively connected to said detecting/extinguishing station (7).
- A fire extinguishing method implemented by using the apparatus (100) as defined in any one of the preceding claims comprising the following steps:- sending a fire alarm signal to a fire detecting/extinguishing station (7), and- in compliance with receipt of the alarm signal, sending by the fire detecting/extinguishing station (7) of a control signal to first actuator means (22) to actuate discharge of the extinguishing gas inside a room (1),- detecting continuously the percentage volume of oxygen contained in the room (1) by means of oxygen sensor means (4) as defined in any one of the preceding claims,- comparing the detected percentage volume of oxygen with at least one pre-set threshold value (Smin, Smax), and- according to the result of the comparison, sending of a control signal to second actuator means (5) to open/close the discharge of extinguishing gas inside said room (1)
- A method according to claim 9, characterised in that said comparison step comprises comparison of the detected value for the percentage volume of oxygen with a pre-set minimum threshold value (Smin) so that, if the detected value for the percentage volume of oxygen is equal to or less than said pre-set minimum threshold value (Smin), a control signal is sent to said second actuator means (5) to shut off the discharge of extinguishing gas.
- A method according to claim 10, characterised in that said pre-set minimum threshold value (Smin) is comprised in the range between 12- 14.
- A method according to claim 11, characterised in that said pre-set minimum threshold value (Smin) is comprised in the range between 12- 13%.
- A method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterised in that said comparison step comprises comparison of the detected value for the percentage volume of oxygen with a pre-set maximum threshold value (Smax), so that if the detected value for the percentage volume of oxygen is equal to or greater than said pre-set maximum threshold value (Smax), a control signal is sent to said second actuator means (5) to open the discharge of extinguishing gas again.
- A method according to claim 13, characterised in that said pre-set maximum threshold value (Smax) is comprised in the range between 13-15
- A method according to claim 14, characterised in that said pre-set maximum threshold value (Smax) is comprised in the range between 13-14%.
- A method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, characterised in that said comparison step is performed for a pre-set time interval (T) apt to ensure that the fire is completely extinguished.
- A method according to claim 16, characterised in that said pre-set time interval (T) is comprised in the range between 5-15 minutes.
- A method according to claim 17, characterised in that said pre-set time interval (T) is greater than 10 minutes.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT000925A ITMI20030925A1 (en) | 2003-05-08 | 2003-05-08 | INERT GAS FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM AND RELATED METHOD FOR THE FIRE EXTINGUISHING |
ITMI20030925 | 2003-05-08 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1475128A1 EP1475128A1 (en) | 2004-11-10 |
EP1475128B1 true EP1475128B1 (en) | 2012-03-21 |
Family
ID=32983226
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP04001631A Expired - Lifetime EP1475128B1 (en) | 2003-05-08 | 2004-01-27 | Inert gas fire-fighting apparatus and relative method for extinguishing fires |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1475128B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE550079T1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2381041T3 (en) |
IT (1) | ITMI20030925A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ES2398958T3 (en) * | 2005-01-21 | 2013-03-22 | Amrona Ag | Inerting procedure for fire prevention |
DK1930048T3 (en) | 2006-12-08 | 2012-04-10 | Amrona Ag | Method and device for regulated supply of supply air |
GB2480862B (en) * | 2010-06-03 | 2013-02-13 | Kidde Tech Inc | Smoke detection system |
EP4324531A3 (en) | 2016-12-20 | 2024-05-22 | Carrier Corporation | Fire protection system for an enclosure and method of fire protection for an enclosure |
EP3568214B1 (en) * | 2017-01-12 | 2021-04-14 | Fire Eater A/S | Sensor-based fire inerting gas system |
CN110227221B (en) * | 2019-07-05 | 2023-12-29 | 安徽鑫思诚科技有限公司 | Intelligent fire extinguishing device for lithium battery box of electric vehicle |
JP7386532B2 (en) | 2020-07-29 | 2023-11-27 | 株式会社初田製作所 | Wire connection mechanism and wire connection method, fire extinguishing equipment and fire extinguishing method |
CN114191750B (en) * | 2021-12-02 | 2023-07-25 | 国网湖南省电力有限公司 | Passivation fire extinguishing and explosion suppression system and method for lithium battery energy storage system |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20020040940A1 (en) | 1998-03-18 | 2002-04-11 | Wagner Ernst Werner | Inerting method and apparatus for preventing and extinguishing fires in enclosed spaces |
US6257341B1 (en) * | 1998-09-22 | 2001-07-10 | Joseph Michael Bennett | Compact affordable inert gas fire extinguishing system |
FR2822713B1 (en) * | 2001-04-02 | 2003-05-16 | Air Liquide | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TREATING A FIRE IN AN AIRCRAFT COMPARTMENT |
DE10156042A1 (en) | 2001-11-15 | 2003-05-28 | Wagner Alarm Sicherung | Method and device for extinguishing fires in tunnels |
-
2003
- 2003-05-08 IT IT000925A patent/ITMI20030925A1/en unknown
-
2004
- 2004-01-27 AT AT04001631T patent/ATE550079T1/en active
- 2004-01-27 EP EP04001631A patent/EP1475128B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2004-01-27 ES ES04001631T patent/ES2381041T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1475128A1 (en) | 2004-11-10 |
ITMI20030925A1 (en) | 2004-11-09 |
ATE550079T1 (en) | 2012-04-15 |
ES2381041T3 (en) | 2012-05-22 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11865387B2 (en) | Fluid control assemblies for sprinkler systems | |
RU2465933C2 (en) | Method and device for preventing and extinguishing fire in closed space | |
US9079054B2 (en) | Inert gas fire extinguisher for reducing the risk and for extinguishing fires in a protected space | |
CA2925373C (en) | Oxygen reduction system and method for operating an oxygen reduction system | |
EP1475128B1 (en) | Inert gas fire-fighting apparatus and relative method for extinguishing fires | |
US10933262B2 (en) | Oxygen-reducing installation and method for operating an oxygen-reducing installation | |
JP2007516759A (en) | Deactivation method and apparatus for fire fighting | |
RU2605681C2 (en) | Method to extinguish fire in closed space and plant for fire extinguishing | |
KR20200098317A (en) | Fire extinguish system | |
CN109999394A (en) | A kind of nitrogen automatic fire prevention fire extinguishing system | |
KR101794327B1 (en) | Fire fighting door for blocking flame in the event of fire | |
AU2016378491B2 (en) | Oxygen reduction plant and method for operating an oxygen reduction plant | |
US11013942B2 (en) | Pressure maintenance device with automatic switchover for use in a fire protection sprinkler system, and a related method | |
JP2880447B2 (en) | Fire fighting system | |
KR101532953B1 (en) | Sprinkler monitoring apparatus | |
CZ743689A3 (en) | Filtering apparatus with a step-wise acting alarm and fire extinguishing device | |
JP3397382B2 (en) | Carbon dioxide fire extinguishing equipment | |
JP2000509293A (en) | Method and apparatus for controlling flame and smoke | |
KR102265760B1 (en) | Cable tunnels management system in apartment houses | |
KR101301344B1 (en) | Lock-out system of automatic fire extinguishing equipment | |
JP3948858B2 (en) | CO2 fire extinguishing equipment | |
RU2283674C2 (en) | Method and system for fire extinguishment in special-purpose closed objects | |
RU98334U1 (en) | ATMOSPHERE INERTIZATION SYSTEM IN A CLOSED PROTECTED SPACE | |
KR102645863B1 (en) | Firefighting disaster prevention equipment that can quickly check the occurrence of fire | |
CN219646580U (en) | Emergency device for elevator |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL LT LV MK |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20050315 |
|
AKX | Designation fees paid |
Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
AXX | Extension fees paid |
Extension state: LV Payment date: 20050315 Extension state: AL Payment date: 20050315 Extension state: LT Payment date: 20050315 Extension state: MK Payment date: 20050315 |
|
RAP1 | Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred) |
Owner name: GASTEC-VESTA S.R.L. |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20091222 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R079 Ref document number: 602004036962 Country of ref document: DE Free format text: PREVIOUS MAIN CLASS: A62C0039000000 Ipc: A62C0003020000 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: A62C 3/02 20060101AFI20120209BHEP |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL LT LV MK |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: NV Representative=s name: BOHEST AG |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 550079 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20120415 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602004036962 Country of ref document: DE Effective date: 20120516 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FG2A Ref document number: 2381041 Country of ref document: ES Kind code of ref document: T3 Effective date: 20120522 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: VDEP Effective date: 20120321 |
|
LTLA | Lt: lapse of european patent or patent extension | ||
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20120622 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20120321 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 550079 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20120321 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20120321 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20120321 Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20120321 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20120321 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20120321 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20120321 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20120321 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20120723 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20120321 |
|
PLBI | Opposition filed |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260 |
|
PLAX | Notice of opposition and request to file observation + time limit sent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS2 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20120321 Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20120321 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20120321 |
|
26 | Opposition filed |
Opponent name: WAGNER GROUP GMBH Effective date: 20121221 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R026 Ref document number: 602004036962 Country of ref document: DE Effective date: 20121221 |
|
PLBB | Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition received |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS3 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20120621 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20130131 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20130127 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PCAR Free format text: NEW ADDRESS: HOLBEINSTRASSE 36-38, 4051 BASEL (CH) |
|
PLBP | Opposition withdrawn |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009264 |
|
PLBD | Termination of opposition procedure: decision despatched |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOPC1 |
|
PLBM | Termination of opposition procedure: date of legal effect published |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009276 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: OPPOSITION PROCEDURE CLOSED |
|
27C | Opposition proceedings terminated |
Effective date: 20141219 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20040127 Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20130127 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 13 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 14 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Payment date: 20161222 Year of fee payment: 14 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20161228 Year of fee payment: 14 Ref country code: ES Payment date: 20161221 Year of fee payment: 14 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20170130 Year of fee payment: 14 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20170104 Year of fee payment: 14 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20140127 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R119 Ref document number: 602004036962 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20180127 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180801 Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180131 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST Effective date: 20180928 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180127 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180131 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180131 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: ES Ref legal event code: FD2A Effective date: 20190731 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180128 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20230124 Year of fee payment: 20 |