Patent ID: 8955609
Filing Date: 2015-02-17
Classification: A62C

Abstract:
1. A storage tank fire suppression system comprising: a storage tank of a size between approximately 150 bbl. and 15,000 bbl. containing a flammable material with a substantially flat surface area, and said storage tank being fitted with a roof; a pressurized cylinder having a pressure gauge, and a filler intake valve for filling the pressurized cylinder, said pressurized cylinder containing fire suppressant foam and pressurized gas, wherein the gas is under sufficient pressure to force the fire suppressant foam through an opening in a dispensing pipe extending from the bottom of the pressurized cylinder and extending into the storage tank, said dispensing pipe passing through a sidewall of the storage tank and said pressurized cylinder being mounted to a exterior sidewall of the storage tank above the flammable material contained within the storage tank; the dispensing pipe extending from the bottom of the pressurized cylinder and into the interior of the storage tank and said dispending pipe being substantially parallel to the substantially flat surface area of the flammable material, said dispensing pipe having a quick connector to mount the pressurized cylinder, and at least one opening where the dispensing pipe is in the interior of the storage tank, said at least one opening having a heat sensor, a nozzle and a choke to slow the flow of the fire suppressant foam; wherein when the flammable material, or a subset of the flammable material, is at or near combustion, the heat sensor is activated releasing the fire suppressant foam under pressure behind the opening, the compressed gas expanding and expelling the fire suppressant foam through the choke so that the foam flows through the nozzle, the nozzle expanding the foam at an approximately 20 to 1 ratio, said fire suppressant foam covering the flammable material and extinguishing any flame.