Appts. for extinguishing oil well fires in sandy terrain - used to smother flame and uses integral cooling units to quickly reduce temp. of the immediate area

摘要

Appts. is claimed for extinguishing burning oil wells, partic. suitable in sandy terrain and where a clear area of 3-5 m radius is available around the fire. The novelty of the appts. is that oxygen is denied the flame, and the controlled cooling of the flame. Sudden removal of oxygen from the flame is achieved by positioning the dome shaped steel construction with a cylindrical under section, over the flame by means of a helicopter or other lifting means. The 1200 kg weight of the construction, forces a sealing ring into the ground. A conical, punctured tube, with a venturi extends down into the centre of the dome structure, and is positioned over the flame. Controlled release of coolant removes energy suddenly in the immediate vicinity of the flame, causing the fire to be extinguished. Eight coolant cylinders each contg. 6 kg of coolant, are positioned around the lower cylinder, and a further 12 positioned around the steel sheet dome structure. Once the flame is extinguished and the temp. within the dome has reduced sufficiently, a door gives access to the oil well head which can then be secured and shut off. The dome can then be lifted and used at another location. ADVANTAGE - Extinguishes fires very quickly and economically. Can be used several times.