Advances in Explosion Protection: How Advanced Solutions Open New Doors

Related Vendors

DÜPERTHAL Sicherheitstechnik GmbH & Co. KG

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TRM Filter d.o.o.

Fike Europe B.v.b.A.

Fike Corporation

Flame Suppression – Quick, Reliable and Efficient Explosion Protection

Suppression is based on extinguishing the propagation flame front by physical (heat absorption) or chemical methods. The mechanism of suppression is related to the type of agent used; dry powder such as sodium bicarbonate, clean agents such as HFC 227, or the early agent of choice, Halon 1011. Regardless of the agent, the key to successful suppression is the rapid delivery of sufficient agent to terminate the combustion process. Key advances in suppression include:

• technologies geared to rapid delivery (e.g., discharge orifice size and pressure, replacement of explosive devices, use of gas generating devices),

• passive devices such as foams and expanded metals, and

• safety and reliability improvements such as lock-outs and pressure monitoring

The overall delivery of agent to the flame front is affected by how quickly the dispersion begins, how fast the delivery is, and the quantity of agent delivered. The initial event in dispersing the agent is the opening of a 'valve'. The speed of delivery once the valve has opened is controlled by the driving pressure and the flow restriction.

What to Do in Case of Fire?

Pre-charged containers use pressures between 34 and 65 barg with higher delivery velocities at the higher pressures. Flow restriction depends on the size of the valve opening (orifice) and the nozzle. Fig. 4 shows the expected increase in velocity as the orifice is increased. Containers charged at 65 barg and with larger openings clearly provide the fastest delivery rate. The valve commonly used is a form of a rupture (bursting) disc with a means of causing it to open rapidly.

Pressurised containers with flame extinguishing agents have a long sucess story - but also certain, sometimes decissive, drawbacks. Learn more on page 7!

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