FIRE SIMULATOR AND A METHOD FOR TRANSPORT THEREOF

Abstract: A fire simulator which can be transported on a transport vehicle such as a truck trailer. The fire simulator comprises a room fire simulator container (16, 18) which has a monitoring/operational chamber and a vestibule, and which can be divided perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis into at least two preferably equal sections, i.e. the first, non-movable section (16) and a second, movable or telescoping section (18). The movable section is in cross section so much smaller than the first, non-movable section (16) that it can be fitted inside the non-movable section.

Description: FIRE SIMULATOR AND A METHOD FOR TRANSPORT THEREOF The present invention relates to a fire simulator which can be transported on a transport vehicle, such as a truck trailer, and which comprises an oblong room fire simulator container preferably square or rectangular in the cross- section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. The invention also relates to a method for transporting said fire simulator. In the training of firefighters, fire simulators are used in which the conditions in closed training chambers are arranged so as to simulate at least to some extent a fire situation. Fire simulators are usually built as permanent structures at a fire station or a training center. The use of such a track is, of course, limited. Finnish Patent FI 89638 proposes the use of a transportable fire simulator which includes a room fire simulator container and a smoke- diving cage track which can be fitted inside the room fire simulator container for the duration of transport. In such a case, less transport equipment is required for its transportation than if the container and the cage track were transported separately. In the training of firefighters it is also necessary, depending on the conditions and the training, to transport to training sessions training units which it is impossible to fit, in the manner mentioned above, inside a room fire simulator. In this case it is necessary to use several transport units, which is expensive for the user. In prior-known fire simulators, different units are in general used for different training situations, and thus a large number of such training units are required. Another alternative has been to do some of the exercises on less suitable premises. The object of the present invention is to provide an improved fire simulator, from which the disadvantages mentioned above have been eliminated. An object is in particular to provide an adjustable multiple-function simulator in which the spaces can be used in a more versatile way than previously. It is an additional object to provide a fire simulator transportable in a compact form. It is a further object to provide a method by which the fire simulator, and possibly other training equipment, can be transported from one place to another by using a small amount of transport equipment. In order to achieve the above objects, the fire simulator according to the present invention and the method according to the invention are now characterized in what is stated in the claims presented hereinafter. Thus, in a fire simulator according to the invention - a part of the room fire simulator container, the part comprising, for example, a monitoring/operational chamber and a vestibule, can be divided perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis into at least two sections, preferably of equal size: - a first, non-movable section, one end of which has an opening substantially the size of the cross-section of the container, and - a second, movable section, which is, however, so much smaller in cross-section than the first, non-movable section that it can be fitted, through the above- mentioned opening, into the interior of the non-movable section. The sections of the room fire simulator are formed from a frame, e.g. beams, and of wall structures connected to the frame. The non-movable section and the telescoping section are preferably open at least at one end so that in their extended position these container sections form a con¬ tinuous open space. The movable, or telescoping, section is preferably divided by a partition wall into two parts, of which the outer part, facing away from the non-movable section, comprises, for example, a vestibule and a side passage. The chamber facing the non-movable section preferably adjoins the room space of the non-movable section and can thus be used as a monitoring or operational chamber. A door is fitted in the partition wall and also at least in the outer wall of the vestibule, and possibly also in the outer wall of the monitoring chamber. Furthermore, the chambers can be equipped with a necessary number of windows and ceiling hatches, combustion gas hatches and/or service hatches. In the adjustable room fire simulator container, the telescoping section, i.e. the vestibule and the side passage, is moved for the duration of transport into its indrawn position, in which case some further training unit, such as a smoke-diving cage track, will fit on the transport vehicle. The training unit to be added can be provided with supporting legs by means of which it can be supported separately when it is desired to draw the telescoping unit of the room fire simulator into the extended position for the duration of training. The movable section, i.e. the telescoping unit, is moved into the interior of the non-movable unit and out of it by using, for example, a chain pulley block or the like. In this case the movable section is coupled using a tensile joint to a chain or cable which mediates the transfer movement. To facilitate the transfer of the movable section, the section is equipped with bearing wheels. The wheels run on the floor of the non-movable section and on a base outside the container, such as the frame of the transport vehicle. The length of the movable section is preferably somewhat less than that of the non-movable section. If, for example, the length of the non-movable section is 3300 mm, the length of the movable section could be 3200 mm. When the movable or telescoping section is drawn into its extended position, the projections on its side and on the edge of its roof meet the frame of the non-movable section, thus providing a relatively good, normally sufficient tightness between the non-movable section and the movable section. When so desired, it is possible to install, on the so-called cold side of the joint, heat-resistant tubing of, for example, silicon rubber (seal), which will ensure tightness and will prevent the flow of smoke and air through the gap between the non-movable section and the movable section. The floor surface is sealed with, for example, a rubber sheet, which is attached to the lower part of the movable section by using, for example, a snap strip. The rubber sheet will seal the gap between the floor of the movable section and the floor or frame of the non-movable unit. Any gaps left between the walls and roofs of the extended movable section and the non-movable section may also be sealed using specific sealing means, such as sealing shoulders or flanges, for example a 4 x 40 mm flat steel bar, fitted in the opening between the sections. The sealing shoulder can be attached to the movable section and/or to the non-movable section. There is preferably a fire chamber with a separately adjustable height connected to the non-movable section of the room fire simulator container, at that end which faces away from the movable section. The cross-section of the fire chamber preferably has the shape and size of the cross-section of the non-movable section. The height of the fire chamber can be adjusted so that during some training stages, for example during the observation of the behavior of smoke gases, the roof of the fire chamber is at a level higher than the roof of the non-movable section. The necessary height difference between the units is determined according to the character and objectives of the training. The height difference may be, for example, 0-400 mm. For the duration of transport, the adjustable, i.e. raisable and lowerable, fire chamber is lowered to its lowest position, in which its height will not hamper transportation in, for example, low underpasses, and the transport can take place as so-called normal transport instead of special transport. During transport, the fire chamber is locked to the frame of the trailer by means of, for example, container locking devices. In previous, permanent structures the fire chamber has been constructed so that its roof and floor are at levels higher than those of the roof and floor of the monitoring/operational chamber. In such a case the use of the fire chamber is limited, for example, owing to the threshold formed on the floor. The threshold constitutes a hazard, especially in dark conditions simulating a fire. The adjustable height of the fire chamber according to the invention makes more versatile training possible by means of the fire simulator than do previous systems. For example, primarily the theory and monitoring of the development of a fire, as well as the so-called flash phenomenon and fire control, are taught with the fire chamber in its upper position. The threshold, which has previously caused problems, can be eliminated by moving the fire chamber into the lower position. Thus, for example, a larger operational chamber is obtained, which can be exploited in many stages of the training. For example, with the fire chamber in the lower position it is possible to teach so-called aggressive firefighting, to use the fire chamber as an attack container, and to practice firefighting in a versatile manner. The height difference between the different units, i.e. the adjustable fire chamber and the non-movable monitoring chamber, can be adjusted by using, for example, screw jacks which are synchronized so that the raising/lowering movement is smooth and unidirectional. The screw jack may be manually or, for example, motor operated. Instead of a screw jack it is possible to use, for example, a hydraulic jack or some other suitable jack. When so desired, a screw jack can be placed in each corner, or the fire chamber can be raised by means of, for example, only two screw jacks. To prevent the tipping over of the fire chamber, the raisable unit may, when necessary, be guided by using bearing rollers or bearings (e.g. 4 of them), which are attached to the non-movable unit, close to its upper and lower edges. After the raisable unit has been brought to the desired position, the joint between it and the non- movable unit can be supported, for example, against the frame of the non-movable unit, by using cotter joints or screw clamps. A cotter joint is tightened by striking the cotter downwards until sufficient tightness has been achieved. A cotter joint can be installed either on the outside or on the inside of the units. When the vertically adjustable unit is raised to its upper position, a step, i.e. a gap of the extent of the height difference, is formed between its floor and the floor of the non-movable unit. This gap can be closed by using, for example, closing covers. Respectively, a gap is formed be- tween the roof levels of the raised unit and the non- movable unit, and this gap can respectively be closed using a closing cover or plate. The closing covers or plates can be protected from excessive heat by using fire-retardant screens . In the outer wall of the fire chamber and/or in the partition wall between the monitoring section and the vestibule it is possible to fit a vertical, narrow observation nozzle or valve which has substantially the height of the wall/intermediate wall and can be opened, for the observation of overpressure and underpressure and the zero boundary in the fire chamber. In a normal fire situation, in the upper part of a room space there usually forms overpressure from which smoke is discharged, and in the lower part of the room space underpressure which sucks in air or oxygen. The boundary between the overpressure and the underpressure can easily be detected by observing the smoke flowing from a narrow vertical gap. The closable, narrow observation hatch or lock according to the invention enables the pressure situation in the fire chamber to be observed from the outside or from the vestibule. The invention is described below in greater detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 depicts diagrammatically a side elevation of a room fire simulator container according to one embodiment of the invention, in its extended position, fitted on top of a transport trailer; Figure 2 depicts the container according to Figure 1 in the indrawn position, fitted on top of a transport trailer, with a smoke diving cage track fitted additionally thereto; Figure 3 depicts an enlargement of the lower part of the container according to Figure 2, in its indrawn position, as a rear view as seen from the position of the back wheels; Figure 4 depicts the container according to Figure 3, as seen from the position of the front wheels; Figure 5 depicts a side-elevation enlargement of the transfer mechanism and of the back wheel of the movable section according to Figures 1 and 2; Figure 6 depicts diagrammatically, partly as a cutaway, one front wheel and a lower corner of the movable section according to another embodiment, in the extended position, as seen from the non-movable section; Figure 7 depicts a section through AA of Figure 6; Figure 8 depicts diagrammatically the partition wall between the monitoring chamber and the vestibule according to one alternative according to the invention, the partition wall having a pressure observation lock; Figure 9 depicts an enlargement of a horizontal section of the observation lock of Figure 8; Figure 10 depicts diagrammatically a fire chamber accord¬ ing to one embodiment of the invention, its raising means, and part of the non-movable unit connected to it, as seen lengthwise from the side; Figure 10a depicts an enlargement of a cross-section through AA of Figure 10; Figure 10b depicts an enlargement of a cross-section through BB of Figure 10; and Figure 11 depicts diagrammatically the fire chamber ac¬ cording to another embodiment of the invention, its raising means and part of the non-movable unit connected to it, as seen lengthwise from the side; Figure 11a depicts an enlargement of a cross-section through AA of Figure 11; Figure lib depicts an enlargement of a cross-section through BB of Figure 11, and Figure 12 depicts diagrammatically part of the boundary area between the fire chamber and the non- movable section in a longitudinal cross- section. Figure 1 shows a fire simulator 10 fitted on a trailer 12. The fire simulator 10 comprises a fire chamber 14, which can be adjusted in the vertical direction, i.e. be raised and lowered; a non-movable monitoring/operational chamber 16, one end 17 of which is at least partly open; and a horizontally movable telescoping section 18, one end 17' of which is at least partly open. The fire chamber 14 has been raised to its upper position by means of raising means 20, which comprise two screw jacks 22 mounted on an axle 19. In the floor 21 of the fire chamber there is a service hatch 23. The non-movable section 16 rests on the deck 25 of the trailer frame 24. In the non-movable section there is fitted a door 26, a window 28, and a smoke hatch 30. The telescoping section 18 is in the extended position, its back wheel 32 resting on the frame 24 of the trailer. The telescoping section is divided by a partition wall 34 into a monitoring/operational chamber 36 and a vestibule 36. The vestibule has a door 38. The room fire simulator is ready for operation in the situation depicted in Figure 1; it can be used, for example, for teaching and monitoring the theory of fire development and for training in fire control. Figure 2, in which, as in the subsequent figures, the same reference numerals have been used, where applicable, as in Figure 1, shows the room fire simulator in the transport mode, in which the telescoping section 18 has been fitted into the indrawn position inside the non-movable section 16. Thus there is room on the trailer also for a smoke diving cage track 40 fitted on it. To facilitate transport, the fire chamber 14 has been lowered to the lower position. The floor 42 of the telescoping section 18, its back wall 44 which is open or has an opening, and its end wall 45 and roof 46 are depicted using dashed lines in the figure. The floor 48 and the roof 50 of the surrounding, non-movable section, as also the open interface 52 between it and the fire chamber 14, are depicted using solid lines. Figure 3 shows, enlarged, a rear view, as seen from the position of the back wheels 32 of the movable section 18, i.e. from the open end 17 of the non-movable section, of the lower part of the container in the indrawn position ac¬ cording to Figure 2. It can be seen from the figure that the telescoping section 18, which is made up of a floor 42 and walls 54 and 56, is fitted inside the non-movable section 16, which is made up of a floor 48 and walls 58 and 60. The cross-section of the telescoping section 18 is somewhat smaller than the cross-section of the non-movable section. The back wheels 32 and 32' of the telescoping section 18 are fitted to run on the deck 25 of the trailer frame 24. The telescoping section is guided by guide rollers 62 and 63, which are fitted in conjunction with the back wheel 32. One of the rollers is connected to the tensile joint 64 of the transfer mechanism 72, the joint being moved by a block pulley 66 by mediation of a steel rope or a chain. Figure 4 shows a cross-section, at the position of front wheels 68 of the telescoping section, of the combination of the non-movable section 16 and the telescoping section 18. The front wheels run in grooves 70 in the floor 48 of the non-movable section. Figure 5 shows diagrammatically an enlargement of the transfer mechanism 72 of the telescoping section, the mechanism comprising a chain support structure 74, a chain pulley block 66, an idler wheel 76, and a chain 77. The chain is connected by a tensile joint 64 to a support 78 supporting the back wheel 32 in the back wall 45. A side guide roller 62 moving along the trailer frame deck 25 guides the telescoping section 18 during its movement. Figure 6 and Figure 7, the latter being a horizontal section of Figure 6 through AA, show an enlargement of the sealing of the gaps 79, 79' between the telescoping unit 18 and the non-movable unit 16, the telescoping unit being in the extended position. To the frame 81 (beams) of the sides 54 and roof 46 (not shown) of the telescoping unit 18 there are fastened sealing shoulders 80, which are fitted to extend over the edges in such a way that the shoulder 80, in the extended position of the container, presses tightly against the frame 82 surrounding the opening 17 of the non- movable section 16, sealing the gaps between the units. The sealing shoulder may be formed, for example, from 4 x 400 mm flat steel bar. To the edge of the floor 42 of the telescoping unit 18 there is attached using a snap strip 84 a rubber sheet 86, which forms a seal between the floors 42 and 48 of the telescoping unit and the non-movable unit. Furthermore, a silicon rubber tube sealing 88 has been fitted on the cold side in the joint between the telescoping unit and the non- movable unit. Figure 8 shows an overpressure and underpressure and zero boundary observation lock 90, fitted in the frame structure 89 in the partition wall 34 between the monitoring chamber and the vestibule; the lock can be opened for the duration of inspection and be easily closed after inspection. The opening and re-closing of a large door to a burning space is difficult. In a narrow vertical gap, corresponding pressures are not generated and the lock can be closed easily. Figure 9 depicts an enlargement of a cross-section of the observation lock in an almost closed position. The open position is shown by dotted lines. Handles 92 provide extra moment for the opening and closing of the lock. Figure 10 depicts the fire chamber 14, its raising means 22, and part of the non-movable unit 16 connected to it, as seen from the side. In the case shown in the figure, the fire chamber has been raised by height h in relation to the non-movable unit. To guide the raising and lowering of the fire chamber during the raising and lowering, bearing rollers 92, attached to fastening means 94 fitted in the frame 93 of the non-movable unit, have been fitted to the frame 91 to guide it in the joint between the fire chamber 14 and the non-movable unit 16. As is evident from Figure 10b, the joint between the units can be tightened by means of turnbuckle screws 96, which are in this case on the inside of the units, but they could be on the outside. The turnbuckle screws may be fixed or movable in, for example, the vertical direction. Figures 11, 11a and lib show a joint, corresponding to Figures 10, 10a and 10b, which can, however, be tightened by a cotter joint 96, in which the wedge 97 of a cotter 98 is struck downwards until sufficient tightness is achieved. Figure 12 shows an enlargement of the joint of the previous figures in such a way that it shows the sealing of the steps between the fire chamber 14 and the non-movable unit 16, i.e. the gap 100 between the floor levels and the gap 102 between the roof levels. The gap between the floor levels is sealed by means of a closing cover 104 of the floor level and the gap between the roof levels by means of a closing cover 106 of the floor level. In addition, a combustion gas screen 108 has been fitted in the fire chamber to protect the closing cover 106 of the roof level. The purpose is not to limit the invention to the embodiments described above by way of example; on the contrary, the purpose is to apply it within the protective scope defined by the patent claims presented below.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A fire simulator which is transportable on a transport vehicle, such as a truck trailer, and which fire simulator comprises an oblong room fire simulator container which, in its cross-section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, is preferably square or rectangular in shape, characterized in that - a part of the room fire simulator container (16, 18), which comprises, for example, a monitoring/operational chamber and a vestibule, can be divided, in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, into at least two sections of equal size: - a first, non-movable section (16), which has at one end (17) an opening substantially having size of the cross- section of the container, and - a second, movable section (18), which, however, has a cross-section so much smaller than that of the non-movable section (16) that it can, through the opening mentioned above, be fitted into the interior of the non-movable section. 2. A fire simulator according to Claim 1, characterized in that - to the movable section (18) there are fitted bearing wheels (32, 68), which run along the bottom (48) of the non-movable section and a base (25) outside the container, such as the frame of the transport vehicle, to move the movable section to the interior of the non-movable section (16) , and that - the movable section (18), having a length of, for example, 3200 mm, has a length so much smaller than that of the first, i.e. non-movable section (16) that it fits entirely inside the first section, which has a length of, for example, approx. 3300 mm, and that - the gap (79, 79') left between the movable section (18) and the non-movable section (16) of the room fire simulator container is, in the extended position of the movable part, sealed using sealing means (88) formed in the opening (17) of the non-movable section, and/or respectively using sealing means (80) formed in that end (44) of the movable section which remains at the opening (17), the sealing means being, for example, a sealing shoulder or flange. 3. A fire simulator according to Claim 1, characterized in that - the room fire simulator container has, connected to its non-movable section (16), a fire chamber (14), which has a cross-section substantially of the shape and size of the cross-section of the non-movable section, but the height of which can be adjusted so that the roof (21) of the fire chamber, when necessary during some training stage, is at a level higher than the roof (50) of the non-movable section, and during transport or some other training stage it is at substantially the same level as the roof of the non-movable section, and that - the height difference between the fire chamber (14) and the non-movable section (16) is adjustable by approx. 0 - 400 mm, and that - the fire chamber (14) can, by using raising means (20) fitted under its bottom, such as screw jacks (22) or hydraulic jacks, be raised or lowered to the desired level relative to the non-movable section (16). 4. A fire simulator according to Claim 3, characterized in that - between the fire chamber (14) and the non-movable section (16) there are fitted closing means (104, 106) by using which the gap (100, 102) left between the fire chamber and the non-movable section, between the roof edges or the floor levels, can be closed, and that - in front of the closing means (104, 106) in the fire chamber there is fitted a smoke gas screen (108) to protect the closing means from excessive heat, and that - the partition wall frame (91) facing the non-movable section (16) of the fire chamber (14) is connected to the frame (93) of the corresponding partition wall of the non- movable section by using guide or support means (92, 94) fitted in its upper or lower part, such as bearing rollers or bearings. 5. A fire simulator according to Claim 1, characterized in that in the outer wall of the fire chamber (14) or in the partition wall (34) between the monitoring chamber (36) and the vestibule (38) there is fitted a vertical, narrow, openable observation nozzle (90) or valve, substantially of the height of the partition wall, for the observing of over- and underpressure and the zero boundary in the fire chamber on the basis of the flow of smoke. 6. A method for transporting a fire simulator on a transport vehicle, such as a truck trailer, which fire simulator comprises an oblong room fire simulator container which preferably has the cross-sectional shape of a square or a rectangle and is fitted on the transport vehicle with its longitudinal axis parallel to the travel direction of the transport vehicle, characterized in that - a part of the room fire simulator container (16, 18), the part containing, for example, a monitoring/operational chamber and a vestibule, is divided perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis into at least two substantially equal sections, but so that the second section (18) is so much smaller in cross-section than the first section (16) that this second section can be fitted inside the first section, and that - for the duration of transport, the second section (18) is fitted at least in part inside the first section (16). 7. A method according to Claim 6 for transporting a fire simulator, characterized in that the second section (18), which is so much smaller in length than the first section (16) that it fits entirely inside the first section, is fitted entirely inside the first section for the duration of transport. 8. A method according to Claim 6 for transporting a fire simulator, characterized in that for transport the movable rear section (18) of the room fire simulator container is moved, by rolling it on bearing wheels (32, 68), entirely to the interior of the forewardmost, non-movable section (16), in such a manner that - the movable section (18) is moved on the front bearing wheels (68) along the bottom (48) of the non-movable section (16) and on the back bearing wheels (32) along a base (25) outside the container, such as the frame of the transport vehicle, to transfer the movable section into the non-movable section or out of it. 9. A method according to Claim 6 for transporting a fire simulator, characterized in that - to the first, non-movable section (16) of the room fire simulator container there is connected a fire chamber (14) the roof (21) of which is, during certain training stages, in a position higher than the roof (50) of the non-movable section (16) and is lowered to substantially the same level as the roof of the non-movable section for the duration of possible other training stages. 10. A method according to Claim 6 for transporting a fire simulator, characterized in that, in addition to the room fire simulator container sections (16, 18) which have been fitted one inside the other and the continuous length of which is in this case, for example, 3300 mm, and a possible fire chamber (14), the length of which is, for example, approx. 2500 mm, there is also placed on the transport vehicle some other training unit, such as a smoke diving cage track (40), the length of which may in this case be approx. 6600 mm on a transport vehicle 12500 mm long. AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 25 June 1996 (25.06.96); original claims 1-10 replaced by amended claims 1-9 (4 pages)] CLAIMS 1. A fire simulator which is transportable on a transport vehicle, such as a truck trailer, and which fire simulator comprises an oblong room fire simulator container which, in its cross-section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, is preferably square or rectangular in shape, wherein - a part of the room fire simulator container (16, 18), which comprises, for example, a monitoring/operational chamber and a vestibule, can be divided, in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, into at least two sections of equal size: - a first, non-movable section (16), which has at one end (17) an opening substantially having size of the cross- section of the container, and - a second, movable section (18), which, however, has a cross-section so much smaller than that of the non-movable section (16) that it can, through the opening mentioned above, be fitted into the interior of the non-movable section, characterized in that - the room fire simulator container has, connected to its non-movable section (16), a fire chamber (14), which has a cross-section substantially of the shape and size of the cross-section of the non-movable section, but the height of which can be adjusted so that the roof (21) of the fire chamber, when necessary during some training stage, is at a level higher than the roof (50) of the non-movable section, and during transport or some other training stage it is at substantially the same level as the roof of the non-movable section. 2. A fire simulator according to Claim 1, characterized in that - to the movable section (18) there are fitted bearing wheels (32, 68), which run along the bottom (48) of the non-movable section and a base (25) outside the container, such as the frame of the transport vehicle, to move the movable section to the interior of the non-movable section (16) , and that - the movable section (18), having a length of, for example, 3200 mm, has a length so much smaller than that of the first, i.e. non-movable section (16) that it fits entirely inside the first section, which has a length of, for example, approx. 3300 mm, and that - the gap (79, 79') left between the movable section (18) and the non-movable section (16) of the room fire simulator container is, in the extended position of the movable part, sealed using sealing means (88) formed in the opening (17) of the non-movable section, and/or respectively using sealing means (80) formed in that end (44) of the movable section which remains at the opening (17), the sealing means being, for example, a sealing shoulder or flange. 3. A fire simulator according to Claim 1, characterized in that - the height difference between the fire chamber (14) and the non-movable section (16) is adjustable by approx. 0 - 400 mm, and that - the fire chamber (14) can, by using raising means (20) fitted under its bottom, such as jacks (22), be raised or lowered to the desired level relative to the non-movable section (16) . 4. A fire simulator according to Claim 1, characterized in that - between the fire chamber (14) and the non-movable section (16) there are fitted closing means (104, 106) by using which the gap (100, 102) left between the fire chamber and the non-movable section, between the roof edges or the floor levels, can be closed, and that - in front of the closing means (104, 106) in the fire chamber there is fitted a smoke gas screen (108) to protect the closing means from excessive heat, and that - the partition wall frame (91) facing the non-movable section (16) of the fire chamber (14) is connected to the frame (93) of the corresponding partition wall of the non- movable section by using guide or support means (92, 94) fitted in its upper or lower part, such as bearing rollers or bearings. 5. A fire simulator according to Claim 1, characterized in that in the outer wall of the fire chamber (14) or in the partition wall (34) between the monitoring chamber (36) and the vestibule (38) there is fitted a vertical, narrow, openable observation nozzle (90) or valve, substantially of the height of the partition wall, for the observing of over- and underpressure and the zero boundary in the fire chamber on the basis of the flow of smoke. 6. A method for transporting a fire simulator on a transport vehicle, such as a truck trailer, which fire simulator comprises an oblong room fire simulator container which preferably has the cross-sectional shape of a square or a rectangle and is fitted on the transport vehicle with its longitudinal axis parallel to the travel direction of the transport vehicle, wherein - a part of the room fire simulator container (16, 18), the part containing, for example, a monitoring/operational chamber and a vestibule, is divided perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis into at least two substantially equal sections, but so that the second section (18) is so much smaller in cross-section than the first section (16) that this second section can be fitted inside the first section, and - for the duration of transport, the second section (18) is fitted at least in part inside the first section (16), characterized in that - to the first, non-movable section (16) of the room fire simulator container there is connected a fire chamber (14) the roof (21) of which is, during certain training stages, in a position higher than the roof (50) of the non-movable section (16) and is lowered to substantially the same level as the roof of the non-movable section for the duration of possible other training stages. 7. A method according to Claim 6 for transporting a fire simulator, characterized in that the second section (18), which is so much smaller in length than the first section (16) that it fits entirely inside the first section, is fitted entirely inside the first section for the duration of transport. 8. A method according to Claim 6 for transporting a fire simulator, characterized in that for transport the movable rear section (18) of the room fire simulator container is moved, by rolling it on bearing wheels (32, 68), entirely to the interior of the forewardmost, non-movable section (16), in such a manner that - the movable section (18) is moved on the front bearing wheels (68) along the bottom (48) of the non-movable section (16) and on the back bearing wheels (32) along a base (25) outside the container, such as the frame of the transport vehicle, to transfer the movable section into the non-movable section or out of it. 9. A method according to Claim 6 for transporting a fire simulator, characterized in that, in addition to the room fire simulator container sections (16, 18) which have been fitted one inside the other and the continuous length of which is in this case, for example, 3300 mm, and a possible fire chamber (14), the length of which is, for example, approx. 2500 mm, there is also placed on the transport vehicle some other training unit, such as a smoke diving cage track (40), the length of which may in this case be approx. 6600 mm on a transport vehicle 12500 mm long.

Inventors: KARVONEN ESA, KARVONEN, ESA
Applicants: KARVONEN ESA, SIMULTRON OY, KARVONEN, ESA
Application year: 1996
Main classification: G09B9
IPC codes: A62C39, G09B9, G09B19